Prepare for both in-person, virtual lessons when back-to-school shopping

This year it’s not just about back-to-school shopping.

It’s also a time for most students to go back to the classroom, back to classmates and back to teachers — hopefully.

The pandemic shortened the end of the 2019-20 school year and created both distance learning and in-person studies during 2020-21.

For most students, a return to the classroom is planned for 2021-22, unless the covid-19 variant causes another class disruption.

Students might be extra excited about actually learning in-person. If so, they will want to look their best.

That first-day outfit may be more important than ever this year. Sitting in a classroom with others and not just seeing them on the computer screen in a virtual class deserves a new look.

First-day style

For the first day back, the return to the brick-and-mortar school building should start with a fresh, first-day outfit that instills confidence.

The look can be built around a fun T-shirt with designs such as sunsets, tie-dyed patterns or animal prints. Some students might want to choose a top with an inspirational message or saying.

“You can’t go wrong with graphic tees,” according to Macy’s.

Anything retro becomes current this school year from wearing tops emblazoned with beloved bands or current or past movies, as well as sports stars and popular sayings.

”Everyone needs a new outfit to get back in the classroom,” said Catherine Morisano, Warrendale-based rue21’s chief merchandising officer. “And, who doesn’t love a new outfit? It’s been a while since we have all been together in person.

“A new outfit makes the kids feel good.”

Preparing for school and home

After wearing sweatpants and leisure wear for more than a year, students are getting dressed up again.

The best option is to purchase items that can work for both scenarios. With so much virtual learning the past two school years, Morisano said, rue21 has items that are stylish enough for in-person classes, yet comfortable for learning from your bedroom or kitchen table.

“Rue21 is known for its casual apparel offerings; our athleisure assortment in guys, girls and plus is perfect for in-person learning or at-home studies,” Morisano said.

She said when students look good, they feel good.

“Wearing stylish, comfortable clothing can have a positive impact on your learning environment, creating your personal look and allowing you to be you,” she said. “Students can be distracted by clothing that isn’t comfortable.

“When you’re comfortable, you’re more focused, motivated and engaged in learning.”

Do denim

Denim continues to be a staple for students of all ages.

This year, jeans with embellishments are on trend. They’re embroidered, patched or printed and not just in a light or dark blue hue. Even mom jeans are making a comeback, according to seventeen.com.

Denim jackets are the perfect topper, seventeen.com said, as they can be worn into fall as the weather cools.

Accessorize

Once you’ve selected an outfit, add some fun footwear — colorful sneakers to funky, casual boots.

Make sure the shopping list includes such items as crayons, pens and pencils and cases to hold them, as well as lunch boxes and backpacks.

And don’t forget the mask

Bringing a mask to school is as essential as notebooks and writing implements these days.

Nicole Avena, assistant professor of neuroscience at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, and visiting professor of health psychology at Princeton University, said staying healthy, both mentally and physically, is important.

“Be sure to let your children know that it is completely normal to be a bit more apprehensive and nervous at the beginning of this school year, since they have had their routines completely changed over the past 18 months,” Avena said.

She said to keep the lines of communication open.

“I think it is important to encourage kids to talk with their friends, and have play dates when appropriate,” she said. “There is a lot you can do outside, especially in the warmer months.”

“For children who live in states with mask mandates, talk with your children about this, and explain why it is necessary in order for them to attend school,” Avena said. “We also need to be mindful about the mental health of children and how that has been taxed by the pandemic.”

By the numbers

Deloitte, an audit, consulting, tax and advisory services company has estimated that back-to-school spending for kids in grades K-12 would reach $32.5 billion this year, up 16% from 2020 and 17% from 2019.

That averages out to about $612 per student based on a poll of 1,200 parents from May 27 to June 5.

Some things have changed since then, according to Bed Bath & Beyond CEO Mark Tritton. He told CNBC that some customers are delaying purchases, which could mean a spending shift into September because of the variant.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reversed its policy on masking, calling for vaccinated individuals to once again wear masks indoors.

The continuation of the pandemic has some people now thinking of spending less, according to Warrendale-based First Insight, an analytics company. It said 56% of consumers say they’re proactively cutting back their spending at retail establishments and that 64% are generally anxious about the pandemic.

According to Deloitte’s back-to-school survey, 50% of people were concerned about items that were out of stock, especially for technology merchandise. So check websites to see if the item you want is available before you make a trip to the store.

“Retailers didn’t buy a broad assortment, planning instead to have a lot of inventory of fewer choices — a risk mitigation strategy they had to put in place when they bought back-to-school six to nine months ago,” said Nikki Baird, vice president of retail innovation at Aptos, a technology solutions provider that works with footwear brands and other retailers.