Stores are starting to display miles of denim and rows of colorful sweaters. And students are pumping adrenaline at the thought of a new school year and, for many, either something new in their closets or new ways of wearing last year's favorites.

For real-life guidance, we turned to some members of the Kansas City Star's TeenStar panel, who gave us their wish lists.

For starters, students want looks that show their independence. The times have changed radically since back to school meant uniform dressing and obligatory look-alike items no matter what the school dress code. The idea is to set yourself apart with your own subtle style touches. For girls, that may be a pricey handbag, leggings under a short dress, a great vintage skirt, long shorts worn with tights or high boots. For boys it's a cool graphic tee or hoodies with shorts.

Students want "comfortable clothes that really reflect their personalities," says Amy Cafazzo, style expert for Marshalls, the discount retail chain. "The look is more cleaned up. It's not as frayed."

Fashion trend trackers are touting a burst of colorful plaids: For girls that means plaid jumpers, short skirts, Bermuda shorts, sneakers, suspenders and even headbands. For guys, the idea translates into plaid flannel shirts and shorts worn with stylized T-shirts. The most interesting way to wear the plaids is to mix and match colors and patterns such as flowers, stripes and polka dots.

Overall, it's a blend of old-fashioned preppy and cleaned-up, modernized grunge. Kohl's department store characterizes the look as "neo grunge."

Layering pieces unpredictably is a sure way to make a look your own. The mix may include vests, sweats or a cropped denim jacket.

Alexandra Esposito, a senior, says she and fellow students at Blue Valley North like to pair graphic T-shirts "and other fun tops with jeans or cute sweats like the ones by Pink from Victoria's Secret." She says she is also "obsessed with all the '60s- and '70s-inspired prints I've seen everywhere."

Maupin likes to top her Sex Pistols T-shirt with a black button-up shirt, a colorful belt and jeans. Sometimes she adds high heels.

The jumper is a high priority for layering. In plaid or print, it may be worn as a sundress on the early hot days of the school session. Add a T-shirt and later, a turtleneck, as the temperatures cool. Long shorts are also good starters in the heat and become staples with tights and boots later in the season, in time for the first night football game.

Shiny fabrics such as satin are on J.C. Penney's trend list. Jeans are still staples and come in a wide range of washes for both sexes. The dark midnight blue finish may be the newest. Wide leg and lean skinny silhouettes are getting attention from fashion-minded young women.

As for accessories, Bernhardt already has her leather messenger bag she carries everywhere. And she predicts a "rush on the jean jackets," which she is happy to see in the stores. Young women will want boots and cool sneakers, but the ballerina slipper is a should-have item.

Where do you shop? The vintage tone makes vintage stores a natural source without breaking your budget. Department and discount stores are touting school promotions. And finally, your own closet could be your best source as you experiment with new ways of putting things together.