Back-to-school shopping can be a stressful time for parents trying to get it all together before the beginning of a new school year.
Whether your child is into "geek chic," "boho chic" or a "sporty" look, sometimes finding the right items within your budget that will last throughout the year can be a challenge.
CP24.com spoke to range of retailers - Zellers, Walmart, Old Navy and The Gap -- as well as style experts at the Canadian Family magazine to find out what are the "must-haves" this fall.
Zellers is pushing denim and hoodies; Walmart's got an eye on the skater, athletic and preppy looks; Old Navy has everything from boho-chic to uniforms, and The Gap has basic pieces and bright colours.
Canadian Family Editorial assistant Shannon Phillips says the key to successful back-to-school shopping is to shop with your kids, and only take them into stores that are within your budget and personal taste.
"If you buy and they don't like it, they're not going to wear it. It would make your mornings easier if you can find something that is suitable for both of you," she says.
"If things at one store aren't to your liking, then just stay away from it, because it doesn't give them [kids] the chance to see it and want it."
Phillips says the big trends this year is taking styles that have been known in the past as "geeky" -- such as suspenders and glasses -- and updating them with some modern accents and accessories.
"We're seeing a continuation of kids wearing the same things as adults, but it's sort of funkier," she says.
"Trends like stripes; mixing florals with patterns is still big and just getting a little bit more trendy with your accessories - suspenders, hats, headbands, oversized scarves and shawls."
Walmart's "Mad for Plaid" range has everything from plaid shirts with ruffles and skinny jeans to kilts in fuchsia and turquoise with leggings and a vest.
Accessories are also big at Old Navy this season with headbands, patent bags, knee-high argyle socks and funky shoes.
In reflection of tweens wanting to dress like their older counterparts, The Gap has the boho-chic Abbey Road collection that features denim with patchwork, cute tops and argyle sweaters.
Phillips, who worked on Canadian Family's fashion special for the September issue, says there's a lot of trends out there and it won't be difficult for tweens to mix popular items to suit their style.
"There's better colours this year than last year. We're going to see a lot of jeweled tones, knit wear is still popular, and kids are still following the hipster trends - we're going to see tight jeans, boyfriend jeans," she says.
For girls, Zellers has long tunics, checkered woven tops and an array of jeans. General merchandise manager Kevin Meloche says layering is key for boys.
He says the big seller this year for tween boys will be graphic tees, woven shirts, hoodies and jeans.
A much cheaper way of updating a look is to buy some accessories, Phillips says.
"You can match it with several different outfits and it will last you much longer. Get a great scarf, some funky belt or suspenders and a new head piece," she says.
"A vest or knit sweater is something that everyone is going to want this year. People are still going with last year's trends - masculine meets feminine, we're going to see the dainty tops underneath the really structured vests."
Depending on your budget, all four stores say complete outfits with accessories are available for tweens from $50 to $100.
To find out about sales and upcoming promotions for back-to-school, visit their websites, and for pictures of the offerings, check out our photo gallery.
