As the 2013-2014 school year commences, Lafayette fashionistas are strutting their stuff in the latest styles.

Though crop-tops and shirts with cut-out backs were all the rage in June and July, these summer-chic fashions have come and gone.

School dress code prohibits students from baring their midriffs or exposing their backs and shoulders, so girls are sporting less revealing apparel, like V-necks, tank tops and tunics.

To complete their ensemble, many ladies are tucking their shirts into high-waisted shorts, or simply pairing their tops with classic denim tops or white lace shorts.

In the footwear department, Chuck Taylor Converse have made a major comeback.  Neutral colors of the shoe, like white, navy and gray are selling fast.

As for accessories, the infinity sign, which rose to fame on the popular photo-sharing website Pinterest, is being displayed on everything from rings to bracelets.  Diamond studs are a staple in any woman’s jewelry box, and their timeless beauty is as popular today as it was years ago.

In-demand brands include preppy labels like Polo Ralph Lauren and Vineyard Vines, trendy online boutiques like Tobi and Naked Wardrobe, effortlessly cool retailer PacSun and the ever popular Victoria’s Secret PINK line.

Those more inclined to dress on the casual side are clad in assorted Nike shorts, LuLu Lemon yoga pants and Victoria’s Secret yoga leggings and crops.

Expect to see statement jeans like Miss Me and Rock Revivals, Ugg boots and Sperry Topsiders.  These were all favorites of teen girls last year, and the trends appear to be here to stay.

Sure, it’s great to be trendy, but who wants to be a carbon copy?

Implementing personal touches is the perfect way to stand out without being far out.  Having a signature hairstyle or a unique-to-you accessory is an easy method of expressing your personal style.

So, as you gear-up and glam out for this new school year, keep these rad fads in mind as you raid your closet.  And if your quest to dress to impress consumes a little too much time in the morning, the occasional tardy is okay…but only if you’re fashionably late.