This Trend Just In: Back to School in Style

Going back to school always means wanting new on-trend items. But sometimes being trendy can also read costly with limited wear or use after the trend has died out. Luckily, this year's back to school trends are more mainstream than before, meaning that what you buy now, you can re-wear for seasons to come. Below are the biggest five trends, with examples of what you can wear and of course, at prices that won't wear out your wallet.

1. Tribal inspired - Take wardrobe cues from around the globe.

AEO Embroidered Bag, $49.50, American Eagle Outfitters

Candie's Vivien Platform Wedge Sandals, $25.99, kohls

Foil Tear Cocktail Ring, $28, topshop

Zad New Peacock on the Block Feather Earrings, $14, lulus

Tan Leather Fringed Cross Body Bag, $66, topshop

Obey Tribal Denim Backpack, $59, lulus

Pod Pave Black Ring, $85, Melinda Maria

Grey Stripe Rope Sole Women's Classics, $54, toms

2. Boyfriend Look - 'Boyfriend' blazers and jeans, boxy shouldered bomber jackets and even slouchy button-down shirts are on trend for this season.

AE Straw Fedora, $ 15.50, American Eagle

Beracasa Leopard Olive Handbag, $41, lulus

Red Textured Trim Snood, $32, topshop

Patent Leatherette Wingtip Shoes, $24.80, forever 21

3. Bright and Bold - wearing bright colors is definitely on trend this year. Whether its done through color blocking or using one primary color in a neon shade to make your outfit pop.

AEO Wraparound Watch, $29.50, American Eagle

Bongo Large Hobo, $29.99, kmart

Ridge Large Backpack, $98, kipling-usa

Jeffrey Campbell Be-Well Red Suede Peep Toe Woven Wedges, $154, lulus

4. Goth goes Glam - Black is a typical fall fall-back color, but this year add a little punk, a dash of emo or a sprinkling of goth to edge it up.

CARLOS BY CARLOS SANTANA Women's Foxy, $98.99, amazon

Horseshoe Stud Waist Belt, $48, Armani Exchange

Nude, Love As It Should Be Wedge, $99, Pretty Pennies

Candie's Zipper Ruffled Flip-Flops, $11.00, kohls

GemGirls Evil Eye Friendship Bracelets on Silk Cord, $35, Kara Ackerman

5. Think Preppy - another 80's trend to resurface is pure preppy. Embrace your Muffy, Biff and Blair by taking a page from The Preppy Handbook and go for a polished look sure to meet the standards of all popped-collared wearers of the world.

Eden Studded Ruffle Flat from Dream Out Loud by Selena Gomez, $19.99, kmart

Candie's Bow Cat's-Eye Sunglasses, $14.99, kohls

LC Lauren Conrad Solo Ballet Flats, $36.99, kohls

VALENTINE Coral Patent Toe Ballet Pumps, $36, topshop

Jack Purcell Helen Marimekko, $75, amazon

For more back-to-school savings tips, revisit this "Dear Shopping Savage".

All pictures provided by Seventeen

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Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I want to try out this trend of mixing punk rock with feminine looks. I keep seeing all these cool looking military boots I want to wear in magazines and in stores. But does this trend translate into the real world? How can I wear these boots without looking like I'm trying too hard to be trendy?

Signed,

Tough for Tulle

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Dear T.f.T.,

Today's "tough tulle" trend is very reminiscent of the early '90s look with Dr. Martens's boots. Back then girls wore them with long-waisted floral dresses, tights, lumberjack plaid shirts, unforgiving high-waisted jeans (now affectionately referred to as "mom jeans"), pork pie hats and long chains with inane charms.

Many of these 'grunge era' fashions have returned to the spotlight of fashion - with a much needed facelift - and could be paired with the well-grounded footwear you seek. For example, this style boot would look great with skinny jeans or leggings and an oversized shirt (think plaid button-up or v-neck pocket tee) with a thin belt to accentuate the waist and to give the outfit a modern silhouette. A vest is another great accessory for these boots. Throwing on a vest over a sundress or with a t-shirt and jeans will make them seem that much more cohesive with your look.

With proper styling and accessories you could even wear them at night with a LBD. My suggestion would be to try heavy eye liner with minimal makeup, lip gloss instead of lipstick and your hair simply parted down the center.

It may take some time, but before long you'll be able to incorporate these boots into your wardrobe without so much as a second thought. You'll surprise yourself at how easily they can be worn with a softer look to give it some edge or complete the tough look you're going for. Now all that's left to do is to find the pair that suits you best. And once purchased, you should wear them right out of the store. Boots are made for walking, as the saying goes, and there's no time like the present to take that first step.

Need sartorial advice? Email me: ShoppingSavage@gmail.com

Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I am an education grad student with one year left before graduation. I went through an "emo" phase in undergrad and have a few tattoos in obvious places - my forearms, expressly. I've already let go of my "snake bite" facial piercings and ear gauges. My fear is that my past personal expression may not land me the job that I want. I looked into tattoo removal but its painful, costly and I don't want to get rid of them if I don't have to, which is why I'm writing to you. What's your sartorial take on this? What are my options in this situation - body make-up? long sleeves?

Signed,

Ex-Emo Educator

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Dear E-E. E.,

I believe it was Robert Frost who was once quoted as saying, "I took the road less traveled by, and that has made all the difference."

You can't allow your actions or persona as an adolescent to define who you are today. However, your fears are valid. Some potential employers may see you and the profession you chose as an oxymoron. But like Frost, those who choose to take "the road less traveled" are better for it. As a future educator, your perspective will be refreshing and inspiring to a generation that is on the cusp of revolutionizing the way we as a society look at gender, sexuality and even tattoos and piercings.

You, yourself, are apart of an age group that represents change and growth in our country. Our children need to see that change reflected in places other than television. They need to see that tattoos and the like can be associated with a career other than rapping, acting, athletes and/or soccer moms who've turned over a new leaf.

Now let me be clear: this does not mean I'm advocating for young adults to go out and get "tatted up". The lesson for them to learn is that tattoos are permanent and will follow you through your personal and profession lives, so choose the design - and the location - wisely.

Another lesson learned from this should be that your outward appearance does not, or rather, should not define who you are as a person. You want to be an educator and that's more important than upholding some stuffy, antiquated "appearance" guideline.

It sounds like you're going to make a great teacher one day, one that kids can learn life lessons and lesson plans from. So for interviewing purposes I would cover the tattoos by wearing a suit with a long-sleeved button down shirt. But either in the follow-up interview or a conversation thereafter, you should mention that you have these tattoos and - provided that they're not deemed "provocative" - should be allowed the same luxury of short sleeves just like every other teacher.

And if you should happen to receive a few form letters that knock you down, look at it as a blessing in disguise. You wouldn't want to work for someone who doesn't realize the positive message it would send to add a little diversity to the teacher's lounge. Be prepared for a little rejection, and maybe even a little ridicule, but, I leave it to Frost to impart some words of wisdom: "In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It goes on."

Need sartorial advice? Email me: ShoppingSavage@gmail.com