New school

Summer’s end is a double-edged sword. Say farewell to breezeless, steamy days and sticky, mosquito-pricked skin and hello to school and all its painful glory: the return of deadlines, sleepless nights and punch-in schedules.

But it’s the chance to show off a new wardrobe (purchased perhaps on that family cruise to the Mediterranean, or so you tell your friends — only your closest can know you’ve culled your new wardrobe from thrift shops and local designer haunts) that brings light to most young students’ eyes. 

Here, a chance to show off a new figure or — as is usually the case — a few brand-new pieces to revitalize a wan wardrobe. YStyle welcomes the chance to show you a few looks to banish those back-to-school blues.

Up the ante with school park brights that take inspiration from young rappers like Little Mama or loudmouth songbirds like Lilly Allen. A mix-and-match sensibility, perfectly encapsulated by the Balenciaga’s fall/winter collection, is the perfect way to kick off the school year. We recommend combining more tailored, dressier elements with sportier stuff to create workable, easy-chic ensembles that can easily transition from school yard to after-hours dinner joint in a cinch.

Joey Samson’s jewel-toned mini-dresses, cast in a series of rich plum, deep cobalt and vibrant cherry red, make for great wardrobe fodder. Throw in a hoodie, this time in shocking pink, and you’ve got an outfit sure to get heads turning.

Samson’s colorful pieces aren’t for wallflowers. With more than a nod towards Prada’s much-talked-about high-waist mini from last fall’s collection, his dresses are hardly considered school attire. But toss in a little printed tee and a breathable cardi and the look is totally young and institute-appropriate.

Same goes for Don Protasio’s witty sporty sleeveless shirt, cut from the same cloth used for basketball jerseys.

For shorter hems, take your cue from Chanel’s past cruise collection. Lagerfeld cut hot pants so high they look more like granny panties — albeit embellished from top to bottom in black sequins.

For rising hems (without raising teachers’ eyebrows) opt for more tailored, structured pieces. Top with a billowing blouse for a more romantic look or, if like us, you crave color, then a graphic long-sleeved top should balance the amount of skin you’ll be showing off.

It’s easy to stand out this coming school year. Look out for the bright stuff. Add some unusual elements to your wardrobe staples. Mix in some dressier pieces for day. And if that doesn’t work, work in some puff paint onto your old white shirts. Nothing spells color in that razzle-dazzle ‘80s way like some old-school puff paint. Color away, kids.

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For more information, contact 915-2741 for Backstage Boutique and 0918-9592541 for Joey Samson