Smart 'back to school' looks come in bold patterns, plaids and stripes

What's cool for school this fall?

Look for patterns, including plaids and bold stripes on everything from shirts and dresses to backpacks and coats. For guys and girls, hoodies and graphic or solid T's are great for layering and look good with skinny jeans (yes, they're still "in"), as well as some of the '70s-influenced boot-cut and flares that are coming 'round again. Blazers are also a good look for 2011, as are high-top sneakers -- for girls this is a fun way to translate the high-fashion "menswear" trend that you'll see this season.

Texture is also important, with faux fur and hand-made crochet looks adding cozy warmth once the weather gets cooler. Look for both materials in vests that update dresses, jeans or leggings. Another layering possibility: the easy-to-wear shrug.

For feet, ballet flats, canvas flats and boots with wedge heels are casual and comfortable ways to show style.

Accessory details you'll want to hold onto from last year: scarves, feathers (woven into hair and in earrings), chunky watches and vintage touches like retro sunglasses or even lunchboxes.

Remember to wear it all with confidence, your truly coolest accessory.

Girls just wanna have fur

Faux-fur leopard vest, Pink Chicken, $89, Zoe + Jack. Dress, Pink Chicken, $79, Zoe + Jack. Black leggings, $5, Target. Bronze headband, $20, Ruby. Satin ballet flats, $29.95, Gap Kids. Vintage lunchbox, $89, Montgomery Street Antique Mall.

Go graphic

Long-sleeve T-shirt, $17.94, Old Navy. Black denim jean, $40, Macy's. Light-up shoes, Skechers, $54.99, Famous Footwear.

Show your stripes

Striped T-shirt, Copper Key, $20, Dillard's. Boy blazer, Daughters of the Liberation, $88, Anthropologie. Boot-cut denim jean, $69.50, Gap. Hinged skinny belt, $48, Anthropologie. Wedge boot, Chinese Laundry, $59.95, DSW Shoe Warehouse. Pendant leaf necklace, $35, Ruby. I-Phone rocker case set, Tech Candy, $32.99, Bon Sens, The Shoppes at Brownstone Village.

Sleek in a slim hoodie

Hooded cardigan, Buckle Black Label No. 048, $49.95, Buckle. T-shirt, $4, Target. Plaid long-sleeve shirt, BKE, $49.95, Buckle. Denim jean, $49.50, Hollister. Canvas shoes, $45, Vans. Headband headphones, Philips, $41.79, Target. Model's own woven bracelet.

Shrug it on

Long sleeve T-shirt, $15, Justice. Shrug sweater, $34.95, Gap Kids. Dirndl skirt, Candie's Girl, $40, Kohl's. Athletic shoes, $49.99, Converse All Star, Journeys. Plaid backpack, $29.99, Target. Knee-high socks, $4.99, Target.