Transform Your Room and Your Wardrobe for Back-to-School with These Quick Updates

(ARA) – Labor Day is just around the corner, signaling the traditional start of back-to-school. This is the time to take advantage of the best selection and the best deals, so get ready to revive your room and your wardrobe for back-to-school with these quick tips.

Update Your Room

Start by thinking of your soon to be home-away-from-home as an empty canvas. Your room will likely have a basic bed, dresser and desk, but will need everything else to make it “yours." From bedding to appliances and even shower curtains, this is a great time to define your own style. The trick is to start by bringing your favorite color(s) into the equation.

If you’re a fan of this season’s hot berry colors, or you prefer cooler blues and greens, use them to decorate your windows, the bed and even the floor. If you like warm colors, start with a deep red comforter for the bed, and then pile on neck rolls, throw pillows and a fleece throw in varying shades of red. Complimentary sheet sets, mirror memo boards, storage baskets, hampers and waste baskets are also available.

“What’s great about apparel and home fashion this fall is the complementary colors and patterns that make mixing and matching simple and fresh,” says Patricia McCune, JCPenney trend specialist. “On our website and in our stores, you will find a spectrum of combinations to express your individual flair.”

Update Your Wardrobe

Like decorating, back-to-school dressing is all about self-expression. Pattern-mixing, pops of color, layering, and great accessories are key. The new looks are easy to wear and easy to find at JCPenney stores and at jcp.com.

The Girls

*Layering Trends: Whether it’s long over lean or short over long, this season’s trend toward new proportions will transform your look. Layer tunics and extended tees over narrow pants or skinny jeans for a streamlined look. Or, add a feminine, playful twist by layering lace-trimmed leggings under glen plaid shorts.

*Pattern Play: Colorful plaids, playful prints and graphic patterns are making a big comeback for back-to-school dressing. There are no rules when it comes to mix and match, self expression through experimentation is key.

*Berry Delicious: Décor and apparel colors coincide this season; cranberry and purple hues mixed with blue are ones to watch.

*Necessary Extras: Luxe-up your look with the latest in fashion, jewelry, belts and handbags in a variety of shapes, colors and fabrics. Find patent, velvet, silver, black, faux fur, studs, and even rocker inspired skull and crossbones. A few well-chosen accessories can quickly transform last year’s look from drab to fab.

The Boys

It’s equally important for guys to wear fashions that reflect their own unique attitude. A few trends the boys will want to incorporate include:

**Premium Denim: East/West and Arizona brand denim is the back-to-school essential. Your back-to-school shopping list should include denim in darker washes with light abrasion, nicking and sandblasting.

**Mix and Match: Field jackets and rocker tees layered over cargo pants and camouflage continues to be a popular look for young men. Change it up by throwing an Arizona vintage short sleeve western shirt over a layering tee.

**Preppy: The old favorite – the lived in polo – is stronger than ever for back-to-school. Guys will like the look of layered polos in unexpected colors to give this timeless favorite extra punch.

“Once your wardrobe and dorm room are complete then you can turn your focus to stocking your room with modern conveniences,” says McCune. You’ll need a refrigerator to store drinks and leftovers; a fan or two to keep cool; and for those rushed mornings, JCPenney’s Back-to-School collection features a 3-in-1 Breakfast-to-Go unit, which has a 4-cup coffee maker, toaster and nonstick griddle, perfect for any dorm room, whether you’ve overslept and can’t make it to the cafeteria for breakfast or just need an alternative to the usual menu.

This year, JCPenney makes it simple to add your own flair with the season’s most fashionable must-haves and you’ll be back-to-class with smart style! To find the JCPenney store near you, or to shop via their online catalog, log on to www.jcpenney.com and click on “Campus Shop.”

Courtesy of ARA Content