Back to School Shopping & Fashion Trends for 2012

It's that time of year again when the sweet smell of sharpened pencils and fresh notebooks fill the air. Here is your ultimate back to school shopping guide including the hottest Seattle fall fashion trends of 2012.

Westfield Southcenter is the go to for all of your new fall outfits to make sure you are the shining student this year. With shops for the younger generation: Justice and Gap Kids, the in between generation: Abercrombie, American Eagle, and dELiA*s, to everyone else: H&M, Nordstrom, Macy's and so many more this is your one stop fashion shop.

Across the street, Target has everything on your list from school supplies to lunch snacks to dorm furniture to affordable, trendy clothes and accessories. Ross Dress for Less also has stylish clothes and will be easy on the budget.

For that super specific calculator or a new laptop head to Office Depot where there are incredible deals for back to school. Bed Bath & Beyond and IKEA are great places for dorm shopping. You're going to need a shower caddy and something to haul your laundry with! DSW is shoe mania. Find the greatest boots, flats and tennis shoes to keep your kicks cool.

Kent Station has Claire's, PacSun, Zumiez, for the hip skater/surfer chic look. When you need a break to fuel up in between graphic tees stop by The Ram, Mama Stortini's or Duke's Chowder House for an A+ meal.

So what is on trend for this fall in Seattle? The experts from Fashion Network Seattle have everything you need to look hot in the cool weather. Don't worry, those North Face jackets and Hunter's rain boots (or similar attire) will always be in style here due to necessity! Excerpted from Tishayla Williams' "Back to School in Seattle: The Style Guide." Photos from Forever21.com

During Fall and Winter, especially in Seattle, it is a necessity to keep warm. This is where one of the season’s hottest looks, layering, comes in. It’s all about mixing different prints and cozy textures. One of the best ways to rock this trend is buy mixing plaid and knits. Pairing tanks, sweaters, and winter accessories in a variety of ways will keep warm you warm throughout the school day.

Whether male or female, your back to school shopping is not complete without a pair of black skinny jeans. These ultra-slimming pants are coming back in a chic way. Rock a casual look with a trendy cropped jacket and booties, or dress it up with a pair of simple black heels and a lace top. For guys this trend is great with a hoodie and a sleek pair of lace-ups.

Along with the black skinny jeans trends, jean tops and jackets can be found in stores everywhere. A denim jacket is great to just throw on in the morning when you’re running late for class. Best matched with a nice pair of cargos or a skirt, this versatile trend be dressed up or down.

Dressing for school is all about being cute and comfortable at the same time. The one of the best parts of school is being able to express yourself through style. With these trends you’ll definitely be on everyone’s best dressed list all year round.

Other Trends to Shop For:
1. Lace
2. Lots and lots of stripes
3. Blazers
4. Plaid
5. Animal Print
6. Colored Pants

For the guys the trends for this season are pretty similar: skinny jeans, plaid, stripes, and denim. Again, layering is key for the Northwest fall weather. Stay warm and always stay stylish. Check out Nordstrom Rack, XXI Forever, and Old Navy for more great deals and fun finds.