Back-To-School Fashion

By Kate Betts

Whether it's the first day of college or kindergarten, there's a new look this fall for every back-to-school experience. One recurring theme: a return to grunge, from playground-worthy graphic Ts to dorm-destined thermal loungewear. College Counseling

For the ultimate comfort in dorm living, American Eagle introduces aerie, a new line of loungewear for girls, including robes, camisoles and chemises. Sleepy shirt ($29.50), right, leggings ($22.50) and beanie ($17.50) at ae.com

Swedish Kicks

When Swedish designers Patrick Osterman and Thomas Elbaum couldn't find fun shoes for Elbaum's nephew back in 1998, they decided to launch their own kids' shoe company. Now Vincent, named after the nephew, is available in the U.S. vincentshoestore.com Styles like the sneaker, above, are inspired by fashion runways.

The Right Kit For Recess

Classic kids' clothing purveyor Best & Co. will be offering a little bit of British style--or "kit," as the company calls it--on its website bestnco.com when it introduces popular British brand Hackett. The line includes graphic rugby shirts ($62), right, toggle coats, button-down shirts, and corduroy jackets.

Kindergarten Must-Haves

Grunge meets glamour at snack time with two new looks from kids' clothing companies: Britain's Mini Boden bodenusa.com and crewcuts jcrew.com from the designers of J. Crew. Mini Boden's Big Print T shirts, left, come in three different styles for boys ($22). And crewcuts' ballet flats ($68), right, come in metallic gold or pink tweed.