History looks to be a major subject for the coming school year as decades past influence fashion at almost every grade level.

Back-to-school trends for boys and girls mirror what's hot on the runways: pattern-mixing, layering tops and jackets, athletic inspiration, chunky knits, metallic shine, and updated retro looks.

	Long plaid shorts are an "it" item for guys this fall. This pair by American Eagle Outfitters ($44) looks academ-ically appropriate with a pinstripe blazer ($99.50) and a teal eagle T-shirt ($19.50) layered over a heather-gray thermal shirt ($29.50) with clogs ($29.50). Click photo for larger image. Related stories Making the grade in style Accessories 101

But it's the two most popular staples -- denim and the T-shirt -- that dominate the scene in fresh incarnations.

"Jeans and tees are definitely a wardrobe basic for kids and teens," said Heather Hannan, a public relations manager for Macy's. "However, this season's jeans and tees are anything but basic. Color gives both of these wardrobe staples an updated look."

From vintage-inspired to funky abstracts, the tee is a key piece over a long-sleeve knit, under a jacket or all by itself. Jeans return in darker washes, colors such as olive and brown, and looser (but not baggy) fits with embroidery, contrast stitching and other detailing on pockets reminiscent of the early days of designer denim.

"Denim, as always, is a key fashion statement for back to school," said Sonya Cosentini, a T.J. Maxx fashion spokeswoman. "But this year, especially in little girls, we are seeing much cleaner looks and darker washes. Jeans have less embellishments and prints, with the focus being on a clean, simple, beautiful denim."

When it comes to pure loveliness, nothing can mess with the print babydoll dress. These sheer styles by Bee Darlin are $58 each at Macy's. Click photo for larger image.

For older girls, a clear trend is "the womenswear influence of crocheted and layered sophisticated textures," said Erin Burton, a Cotton Inc. product trend analyst for the children and teen markets. "Layering is more of a styling technique than a new trend. Overall, we are seeing soft and full layers in classic yet casual presentations."

Another key look is the bold-print dress for girls of all ages. The hemline this season can rise well above the knee -- something girls need to remember, regardless of whether their schools require hems to hit at or below a certain point.

What's different about dresses this fall "is the breadth and depth of styles, patterns and colors, including pretty plaid, modern geometric patterns, traditional houndstooth and shiny metallics," said Ms. Burton. "The options reflect a true combination of multiple eras of fashion."

This time around, the varied trends will give teen guys in particular many more opportunities to create their own signature looks.

"For the teenaged boy, there is a trend toward mixed prints, patterns and fabric that allow a more personalized look," said Ms. Burton. "In a way, it is a return to the grunge look of the early 1990s but with more vibrant, surfer-influenced patterns and colors."

	Several trends for guys are incorporated in this look featuring a crested hoodie over a graphic T-shirt wtih relaxed-fit jeans from T.J. Maxx. Click photo for larger image.

Students of traditional college ages -- late teens through early 20s -- will find a lot of apparel and accessories that combine hip, soulful and rebellious elements of the '60s and '70s with polished designer and preppy influences from the '80s.

It's a common theme among stores that cater to that demographic, from Diesel and Abercrombie & Fitch to Banana Republic and American Eagle Outfitters.

"This season, we are re-energizing our preppy roots with new, darker washes in denim in addition to new silhouettes and proportions throughout the line," said LeAnn Nealz, executive vice president and chief design officer at American Eagle. "Traditional menswear tailoring and plaids added to the mix create a collection that's easy to throw on before class."

Cardigans and sweater vests abound in prints and other key colors of the season: gray, green, black, brown, blue, purple, red and orange.

The sweater vest is a cool layering piece this fall. This one, by American Eagle, is $39.50. Click photo for larger image.

Even though the economy is shaky, indications are that shoppers will be snapping up back-to-school clothing and accessories faster than you can say "Rubik's Cube."

Last year, Americans spent $7.6 billion on the category, with people ages 18 through 24 spending the most at an average of more than $650 each, according to a consumer survey conducted by BIGresearch, an Ohio-based market intelligence firm.

At Charles Spiegel/the Garage, a men's store in Squirrel Hill, male students are buying jeans and T-shirts for back-to-school, especially tees and creatively embroidered baseball caps by Ed Hardy.

The hottest-selling jean brands are Levi's and 1921, said employee Rod Armstrong.

"It's the fit and the feel," he said.