Holiday Hints For Your Trendy Teen

Today’s teen wants versatility in her wardrobe, and the choices for this holiday season abound. From “bundled up fun” to “on the town chic,” there are many options for the teen in your life. Here are some of the top picks for this year.

Charming Scarves

When thinking about scarves, the first thing to know is that the scarf is no longer Grandma’s wooly neck warmer. Scarves have returned to their elegant status as a fashion accessory; anyone venturing out to the mall or dinner will note they’re being sported everywhere.

Today’s teen prefers something soft and comfortable since the fabric is often worn right against one’s neck. Neutrals and muted patterns are a safe bet for today’s youth, as these are mellow, yet feminine options. Narrow widths with long lengths permit knotting and draping which teens seem to like. These styles go with everything and provide an understated elegance.

Small patterns, texture, and prints are also a fashion plus. They add interest to an ensemble and make the once functional scarf both useful and pretty.

Give ‘Em the Boot

You’ll find boots thigh high, ankle low, and mid-calf this season. With cooler weather on its way, boots are a great way to combine function and fashion. A teen can dress boots up with a sassy skirt or tunic dress or keep boots more traditional with dark neutrals and jeans. Leather, while a little more expensive, is the material of choice for fashion footgear. It wears well and looks great, and your teen should be able to get multiple seasons from such a generous purchase.

Wooly boots remain a fun cold weather look. An on-the-go teen will find boots such as these fun to putter about in, and the look combines comfort and style. Tan seems to be the color of choice for this style, but they do come in pink and cream.

Rain boots provide a fun option for an outgoing youth. From your basic, shiny black slip-on to herringbone finishes or a novelty print, these styles make a girl look forward to the next downpour. Most teens use these shoes as go-between footwear, and what better way to transition from the elements than in style?

A Ring for Your Precious

Hands down, today’s rings are fun. Costume rings in beaded flowers and sparkly swirls make a teen’s lovely mani even more noticeable. While it’s best to know a teen’s ring size, many designs come with elasticized bands, making today’s fun rings the perfect fit for a discriminating teen.

Claddagh rings or other traditional Celtic styles remain popular for today’s teen, and don’t forget the trend toward vintage jewelry. Thrift stores, antique malls, and flea markets are ideal places to find marcasite, cameos, and semi-precious stone rings.

Cardigans Are In

Because the layered look continues to be a fashion staple, cardigans are another great investment for this year’s teen. Neutrals continue to be a safe bet, but aran designs are also popular, as are stripes. Hooded and un-hooded looks are flying off the shelves for today’s teen, and wools and cashmeres are a plus for teens that have an eye for quality.

Cardigan-length sweaters provide a more traditional look for young women, and tunic style sweaters make for a free-spirited ensemble. Crew neck , bateau, and V-neck styles are all good choices, and classic cuffed sleeves or rolled sleeves look great. Look for these styles at most retailers as well as on-line.

Love That Lounge Wear

Lounge pants and shorts make rest-time fun. Hunt for preppy plaids, brushed finishes, and comfy flannel to make your teen happy. Many girls prefer their sleep pants roomy so they can roll the waist, while others enjoy a hip-hugging yoga look that accentuates one’s curves. While lounge pants are easily found at women’s lingerie stores, department stores usually carry this item. Some girls, in fact, like to wear men’s sleep pants because of the bold plaids and novelty designs in which they appear. This wardrobe addition is perfect for wearing around the dorm or curling up in and hitting the books. When purchasing, err on the side of buying too big rather than too small.

For young ladies who live in warmer climates, sleep shorts are a sassy way to walk about. These come in soft cottons and shimmery silks.

Lounge wear is fairly affordable. Combine it with a hoodie or soft-sleep shirt, and you have a welcome holiday gift.


Pea Coats, Folks

Like leather boots, this holiday option can be a bit pricy; however, it’s an investment in style and function. Pea coats are a classic staple of most wardrobes, and they’re not simply for looks. They go well with jeans or a skirt, and lend an understated sense of style to any girl about town.

Today’s pea coats are no longer limited to neutrals such as navy and black. They come in plaids and vibrant hues, yet their signature lines are unmistakable. Pea coats traditionally have a double row of buttons down the front, a wide lapel, and slash-style pockets. The cut of a pea coat is usually below the hips; however, cropped pea coats have become a specialty item. Look for a pea coat with good lining and a tight wool weave. Less expensive pea coats come in flannel and fleece and give a young person the traditional pea coat look without the price.