Mine Your Kid's Closet
Get Sporty
It's time to get in gear. "Outdoor style is big this year. There's a huge movement to get kids to do more outdoor activities, and that's translating to their fashion," says Prabhakar. "Expect to see a lot of easy-to-wear sportswear for boys this spring: puffy jackets, windbreakers and athletic pants." Prabhakar says outerwear is a worthy investment, because as long as it still fits, your kid can keep wearing it.
To buy: 1.) Charcoal Uniform Knit Pants, $17. 2.) Boat Jacket, $50. 3.) Jacket, $35. 4.) Shaun White Jacket, $35. 5.) Slim Sweatpants, $20. 6.) Heather Gray Uniform Knit Pants, $17. 7.) Athletic Pants, $13.
Choose Bold Colors
Yeah, it might be a bit loud for your taste, but bright and bold colors are big this season. "A bold pair of colored jeans or pants can really update a wardrobe for boys," says Rothman. "Electric blue, royal purple—boys can rock that look pretty easily." If your son doesn't feel quite so haute, a pop of color in a layered T-shirt or sneakers can work well, too.
To buy: 1.) RSQ Tokyo Skinny Jeans, $30. 2.) Retro Rubber Watch, $11. 3.) Straight Jeans, $30. 4.) Relaxed Purl Knit Beanie, $4. 5.) Vans 106 Hi Shoes, $45. 6.) Levi's 510 Super Skinny Jeans, $30. 7.) Pop-Color Skinny Jeans, $20. 8.) Levi's 513 Slim Jeans, $30. 9.) Supra Weston Shoes, $45. 10.) High Tops, $15.
Customize!
Another way to make a statement: Customize those sneakers! "It's a way to follow a trend while letting your kid have their own take on it," says Rothman. "Customize those Vans, those Pumas, those Adidas. They all offer the option now, and it's relatively affordable." And, says Rothman, given their daily-wear capacity, shoes are a great place to splurge—as long as your kid won't outgrow them next week.
To buy: 1.) 106 Vulcanized, $75. 2.) First Round, $110.
Know Your Kid
When buying basics like jeans, it's best to stay in your kid's comfort zone. Whether it's Gap or James Jeans, figure out what works best for your kid. "You should always go with what a kid is comfortable in and what they look good in," says Rothman. "If your son is stick-thin, he can totally rock the skinny jeans, and go for that Maroon 5 look. If he's more the husky soccer player type, then maybe he needs something with a little more breathing room."
To buy: 1.) Mod Skinny Jeans, $15. 2.) Dark Wash Stretch Skinny Jeans, $30. 3.) Indigo Stretch Skinny Jeans, $20. 4.) dENiZEN from Levi's Slim Straight Jeans, $18. 5.) Loose Jeans, $25. 6.) Original Fit Jeans, $35.
Steal From Dad
Grunge is back, yes, but Rothman puts in a reminder that it's hard to rock the Doc Martens in the spring and summer as things heat up. But, she says, there are other ways to play with this trend. "Snag some of those classic rocker tees from dad's closet—or the knock-off versions from Target," she says. And see what else your kid might life from your old school wardrobe. "An old wallet or a throwback watch can be really fun, especially if it's a vintage-y piece, a relic."
To buy: 1.) Elvis Yellow Tee, $13. 2.) Nirvana Seattle Tee, $13. 3.) Red Balloon Watch, $30. 4.) Pink Floyd Tee, $13. 5.) Jim Morrison Doors Tee, $13. 6.) Jimi Hendrix Tee, $13. 7.) Ramones Tee, $13.
Splurgy Sunglasses
Sunglasses are another accessory worth the splurge. "For yourself, you get the good stuff, right?" says Rothman. "So get the good stuff for your kid, too. Something trendy, but that also has the appropriate protection for your kid. I'm a big fan of Ray-Bans and Zoobug. They have really cool sunglasses for kids."
To buy: 1.) Super, $62. 2.) Tortoiseshell D-Frame, $10. 3.) RB9035S Junior Wayfarer, $63. 4.) Neon, $10. 5.) ZB 4, $46. 6.) RB9532S, $69. 7.) F4919 Aviators, $6.
