Ask Fashion Girl

Dear Zack,

The hottest trends for teen guys are the skate and sports-inspired clothes with zippers, extra pockets, and interesting closures. You know, stuff that looks like it's meant for action sports and adventure! I hear that the super-baggy look is getting toned down. For colors, look for these bright/neutral combinations: orange with navy, yellow with black, and green with dark gray. Take your pick of new synthetic fabrics or go natural with cotton and denim. The key for you might be to know what other guys are wearing in your town. If the super-baggy look of huge pants or jeans and tee shirts is in, then you may want to go with that. Some people prefer to fit in and some want to be different—it's totally up to you! T-shirts with logos and images are always a solid fashion bet right now, whether advertising an event or a band.The best way to get an idea of what's new and what appeals to you personally is to go to a big mall or shopping center near you and peruse the "young men's" departments. You don't have to buy anything, just do some "research." If you're on a budget and what you see is out of your price range, decide what colors and styles you like and then go to a cheaper store to find similar items. Pay attention to colors and cuts and other details, because these are what change from season to season and what you'll want to look for when shopping at the discount stores.

Good luck,