Summer is so exciting that the idea of school starting, lurking subliminally in the minds of students, can be frightening.

As the first day of school draws near, the task of getting up early to go to math class seems impossible. But entering those halls on the first day can be made a little easier by adding a little fashion to your step. Feeling confident and in charge is what matters, and paying attention to who you are, expressed in what you wear, will help make great first impressions.

What magazines are showing for back-to-school and the reality of Kansas in August are miles apart. As great as they look in the fashion mags, mini-jackets are too hot for late summer. But they’ll be just right when the weather changes this fall. A jacket dresses up a pair of jeans or looks great with a mini skirt. Until it’s cool enough, try satin, a cool fabric you’ll find in colorful camis.

Sparkles are everywhere, from beaded flats to hobo bags. Find a tank with sparkle and unleash your inner goddess. Make sure, though, the tanks are a flattering cut and not too revealing. Chinese-style beaded flats are cute with jeans and a T-shirt. Sparkly belts also bring in some shine, as do sparkle boleros worn over a plain white tank. Make sure the entire outfit is balanced and the sparkles don’t give out that “fairy princess” vibe.

“I am hoping back-to-school fashion will be more practical and fun and hopefully not too wacky,” says Lawrence High School senior Becca Beaulieu.

Sweaters are always great – and always changing. The sweater shrug is a mini sweater that doesn’t go past the elbow and is fitted around the waist. It comes in a chunky knit or a lighter knit and looks cute over a retro T-shirt.

“I am really excited to be wearing jeans and little sweater cardigans,” Beaulieu says. “They are really cute for fall.”

Layers are a must for the fall and a great choice for uncertain temperatures.

“It’s all about layers, and that is why I love autumn,” LHS senior Scott Simmons says. “Everything is about layers.”

For guys, a fitted blazer over a button-down shirt over a plain T-shirt is a good choice. Track jackets are in, and guys look great wearing them over T-shirts and jeans.

Jeans are always in style, and how great is it that jeans now come in a wide variety of sizes for all body types?

Darker denim is good for a night out, and lighter denim works well for school. Guys’ jeans should look clean and not too fitted. Sandblasting adds shape and dimension, and jeans come in distressed and torn looks. Denim jackets are a fashion staple, too, but avoid the denim-with-denim look. Instead, opt for a pair of khakis with a jacket.

Fashion comes down to what the wearer likes and enjoys wearing. Comfort is essential: Pulling off a look is only possible if the wearer is comfortable and confident. A smile on the first day of school is the greatest fashion accessory of all.