Wondering about back to school essentials? Jamie Robinson, Marketing Director for The Outlet Shops of Grand River has the 411

Jamie Robinson, Southern fashion diva and marketing director of the Outlet Shops at Grand River and all around sweet person was kind enough to make time in her day to answer a few questions about back to school must-haves.



What are the hottest back to school trends for teens?
- Hi Low skirts and dresses are a must! You can find all the latest styles at The Outlet Shops of Grand River, including Charlotte Russe and maurices. - Colorful denim in an array of styles can be found at Gap Factory Store and Aeropostale. - Boho-Chic styles are great for any occasion. Check out maurices and rue21 for these looks.What are the hottest colors this year? Tangerine has definitely been the hot color this year. Other fruit-inspired colors are following suit, like sorbet yellows, greens and pinks.

What are you seeing as far as bottoms go – short skirts? Cargo pants? Long skirts? 

We’re seeing tons of skirts with the hi-low hem lines. Maxi dresses are still in and Palazzo pants have made a comeback.What are the shoe styles this year?
Platform booties, animal print flats and anything adorned with zippers buckles or fringe. Guess Factory Store and Nine West Outlet are your best bet for these latest trends!


What about accessories? What is the going trend? Are cross-body purses popular? 

Thick chain bracelets and necklaces in gold and silver are very popular. Chevron earrings and necklaces just might be the going trend. Cross-body purses are great when you’re running errands. Choose a style with a chain or fringe for an added touch. You can find all of these styles at Charming Charlie (PHOTO ATTACHED) and fabulous purses at Nine West Outlet and Coach Factory.

With kids’ backpacks, what is popular? What about teens – what will they be using for backpacks? Kids, especially teens like to express their individuality through backpacks and accessories. For younger kids, choose a backpack with their favorite sport or super-hero. The Children’s Place Outlet has a great selection at great prices. For teens, color and fun patterns are the most important characteristics. They can find an array of choices at Famous Footwear and Gap Factory Store.

Any special hints for teens that wear uniforms, how they can personalize without breaking the dress code? ACCESSORIZE! Teens can find great patterned knee socks at GoldToe, fun belts at Aeropostale or rue21 and of course a ton of earrings, bracelets and necklaces at Charming Charlie… in colors to suit every personality.

Tell me a little something about your own fall must haves. My own fall must haves includes a tailored jacket in a fun, fall color from Banana Republic Factory Store, black skinny jeans from Gap Factory Store (PHOTO ATTACHED), a neutral platform pump from Nine West Outlet, chunky gold bracelets from Charming Charlie and an oversized leather tote from Coach Factory.

Anything else you’d like to add? Don’t miss our Back to School Fashion Shows this Saturday and next at 12:00, 1:00 and 2:00 to see all the latest trends I’ve mentioned here from your favorite brands at The Outlet Shops of Grand River!