Family First

Family First: Clothes Shopping For Teenage Girls

NEW YORK (CBS) ― If you have a teenage girl, back to school shopping for clothes can be fun or a nightmare depending on how well you've honed your negotiating skills.

Rachel DiCarlo is American Eagle Outfitters' Senior Director of Public Relations, and has tips on how to make it through this annual tradition with a smile and without breaking the bank.

What are the top five ways to negotiate with your teen when it comes to budget?

1. Discuss a budget with your teen before the shopping games begin, so clear guidelines are set beforehand. This will also encourage your teen to hunt for a bargain.

2. Encourage your teen to have fun with their wardrobe by buying items that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of looks with the same key pieces.

3. Go through magazines with your teen and discuss the trends and styles you both like. Then modify your search for those items by finding stores that offer on-trend looks at a price you and your teen can both live with.

4. Have your teen make a wish list of items they'd like to have for Fall and agree upon it before the back to school shopping spree. This will avoid too many impulse buys that aren't really needed.

5. Allow your teen one splurge item if they agree to stay within budget with the rest of their spending.

Fashion tips to save money?

1. Mix, Match & Layer. Buy versatile items that can be worn together, on their own, or layered to create different looks without blowing your budget.

2. Accessorize! Adding different accessories can completely change your look. Even your basic tee shirt and jeans look can be transformed when new accessories are added.

3. DIY (Do-It -Yourself) Fashion is one of the most fun ways we can express ourselves. So use that creativity and experiment with fun ways to spice up your basics. You can easily add embellishments or trims to a simple tee to add a splash to your look without breaking the bank.

4. The Look for Less. Shop around when you're purchasing your wardrobe. Whether it be keeping your eye out for a great sale or promotion at your favorite store, or just looking for a more reasonably priced version of a designer look you love, you're sure to save pennies if you're informed of the many options that are out there.

5. Reward Yourself. Lots of stores offer special rewards programs if you're a frequent shopper or if you buy a certain item or quantity of items. Even free shipping on online shopping can be a welcome discount when you're shopping for your back to school wardrobe. So take special notice of these programs when they're offered. They can save you a bundle!

What are some tips if your teen chooses clothes that are too provocative?

1. Point out looks similar to those styles in the latest magazines and worn by your teen's favorite celebrities that aren't quite as provocative and reference where you saw these looks while you're shopping with your teen.

2. Suggest an extra layer that will complement your teen's more skin-baring pick, so they are still able to get their desired item while covering it up a bit to keep you happy. For example, they can add a cozy cardigan to a skimpier tank or they can pair opaque tights with a too-short mini.

3. Gently remind your teen of their school's dress code.

4. Encourage your teen to express their personal style whenever possible while carefully noting that their particular item might not be the most flattering option.

5. Strike a deal with your teen on items you feel most strongly about. Let them wear that shorter skirt they love if it's paired with a lower heel or those tighter jeans if they wear a more flowing top. It's all about compromise.

What's hot this school season?

* Denim is always a great back to school staple but this season; in particular, there are a variety of styles to suit every teen's style or figure. The latest news in denim is about the wide leg jean, which is great on every figure. There's also the trouser fit for a dressier look and the skinny jean continues as a trend as well.

* Another hot style this season is a playful mix of ivy-league prepster and British rock & roll. Pieces like 60's mod-inspired jumper dresses are a great item for fall and can easily take your teen from the warmer first weeks of school well into Fall when worn over leggings and a long sleeve shirt.

* Prepster Prints: The prepster look translates to prints this season too. From tops to accessories, Fall fashion is Mad for Plaid, and for a feminine but sportier look, rugby stripes spice up cardigans & sweaters.

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