Teenagers chime in on the latest fashions

School is officially in session, and while the focus should be on academics, the fashion is too fun a factor to ignore.
High school hallways have long been the unofficial runways for student self-expression.
Fourteen-year-old Ashley Brumbaugh, a San Lorenzo Valley High School freshman, said that short shorts are in fashion for girls, while boys are wearing a lot of plaid shirts.
“I’ve also noticed the guys aren’t sagging as much as they did last year,” Ashley said. “They’re wearing more fitted jeans.”
Freshman Marlee Amos, 13, said strapless shirts are also popular.
“There’s no dress code in high school,” she said.
Both girls said they do most of their shopping in Santa Cruz.
“I probably go to Capitola Mall the most,” Marlee said. “Also Abercrombie, Old Navy and American Eagle.”
Ashley said the thrift shops on Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz, along with Urban Outfitters, are some of her regular stopping points when it comes to back-to-school fashion.
“Pretty much, I’ll shop anywhere with clothes,” she said.
Nick Flores, a 15-year-old sophomore at San Lorenzo Valley High, said skinny jeans are common among his peers.
“I’m not really that into them, though,” Flores said. “They’re too hard to get in and out of.”
Sophomore Brent Meakin, 15, said he sticks to wearing jeans and sweatshirts.
“I usually shop at Kohls or Sears,” he said. “For shoes, I go to the Vans store.”
Sophomore twins Stephan and Erik Bracken, both 15, prefer a vintage-inspired look
“I like hats and heavier coats, like blazers and trench coats,” Erik said.
Stephan said he and his twin are big fans of thrift-store diving.
“That’s where you can find really good deals,” he said.
Kelly Tice is owner of Scotts Valley’s Cali Zen, a clothing store that specializes in skate apparel.
“What’s popular for back to school that I’ve noticed is backpacks that hold skateboards,” Tice said. “Also, a lot of the girls bought totes to carry their books instead of backpacks.”
Tice said the Nike 6.0 skate shoes were particularly popular during her back-to-school sale.
“DC skate shoes also did really well,” she added.
Summer clothing is especially popular, as well, because of the warm weather.
“A lot of inventory is coming this month,” Tice said. “We’ll be getting warmer stuff with our holiday inventory.”