Before you embark on the annual melodrama of back to school shopping with your teen, take a moment to acquaint yourself with her style icons. These fashion newcomers are a refreshing blend of modern youth and savvy sophistication. Each has a distinct style voice and a flair for putting together flawless ensembles that would make any mami proud.
Selena Gomez is the envy of girls everywhere. She and Justin Bieber are the reigning cutest couple in the teen celeb universe now that Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron have called it quits. In the past few years Selena has graduated from Disney cutie to full-fledged movie star. She likes a little frou frou and sparkle on the red carpet but she always keeps the glam in check. Her style is feminine and pretty and thoroughly attainable.
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Blake Lively famously goes it alone when it comes to dressing; she’s one of a small minority of celebs who don’t rely on a stylist. Her willingness to make the occasional misstep makes her fashion choices all the more interesting and dynamic. While Serena on Gossip Girl is all about over the top Upper East Side couture extravaganzas, Blake’s personal style is closer to breezy California girl posh. She looks phenomenal striding down the red carpet in a floor-length gown and all-American sexy in short, shorts and a boyfriend blazer. She loves to mix it up, play with accessories, and she’s not afraid to show a lot of leg or a little décolleté (but never at the same time, of course).
Vanessa Hudgens is a modern hippie-chick. Oversize sunglasses, an oversize bag, flowing locks, and fringed accessories are her uniform. She embodies effortless cool. Her new short haircut elevates her look from flower child to co-ed activist.
Demi Lovato takes a low-key, down to earth approach to dressing by pairing oversize men’s shirts, the classic denim jacket, and shorts with patterned tights. We’re all happy to see her delving back into music and embracing her position as a role model by speaking out about her struggles with an eating disorder.
Emma Watson has graduated from Hogwarts and blossomed into a bona fide fashion maven. Her adorable pixie cut is youthful, chic, and ladylike. At the premier for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows-Part 2, her Edie Sedgwick-esque hair and makeup paired with a gorgeously deconstructed gown perfectly reflect this fall’s future-meets-retro vibe.
Kristen Stewart is the ultimate rock and roll tomboy. Every girl who has ever felt awkward and gangly can relate to her. Although she’s willing to glam it up on the red carpet with edgy frocks and sky-high heels, Kristen looks her best in jeans and a t-shirt, proving that you don’t have to be a girly-girl to get the guy.
Taylor Swift is America’s sweetheart. Despite her incredible fame, she’s maintained her girl next-door appeal in an adorable, summery dress and oversize cardigan. This is a perfect first day of school look.
