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Laid Back in Layers

By Michelle Kouzmine, About.com

One of the hottest looks for boys this year is The Vintage Casual Look. The key to achieving this easy-going look is to choose items that have a vintage feel to them and layer them. When creating his layers, it's ok to pair patterns like plaids and stripes with graphic images; just pick up a dominating color in the graphic print and echo it in the pattern. Wear it with confidence and it will look cool, hip and casual.

What He'll Need for the Look

Cool Graphic Tees

boys' fashionNordstrom.com
Vintage inspired graphic tees are everywhere right now so you should have no trouble finding ones your boy likes. Tees featuring tattoo inspired graphics or vintage rock concert reproductions are the most in-demand boys' tees this year. Other popular vintage inspired tees sport graphic images advertising real or imagined products, rock inspired images or brand logos. Some tees have a pre-worn look to them, while other employ 70s and 80s retro colors and designs.

The Because We Were Bored Vintage Screenprint T-Shirt featured here is available at Nordstrom.com.

Casual Button-Up Shirts

boys' fashionNordstrom.com
As an additional layering piece to a hoody or on its own, a button-up shirt looks great over a tee. Leave the shirt open and untucked for a super-casual look. For added interest, pair a patterned button-up shirt with a graphic tee.

The Toxic Hazard 'Dynasty' Woven Shirt featured here is available at Nordstrom.com.

Track Jackets and Hoodies

Boys' Hoodies for Back to SchoolOldNavy.com
Vintage inspired track jackets, hoodies and zippies are popping up in stores across America. The most popular jackets have brand logos or sports' emblems from colleges, universities, countries and US states. Layer one over a tee and under blazers and or outerwear. Hoodies are great for this look, because the hood looks great peeking out from under a jacket.

The Boys Sueded Fleece Hoody featured here is available at OldNavy.com.

Jeans or Cool Pants

Choose jeans that have a roomy fit, but are not overly baggy or sloppy. This year, dark rinses are hugely popular, look for a pair that has some wiskering or other subtle details. Premium denim is an excellent choice for The Vintage Casual Look, shop for brands like Diesel, Rock and Republic or True Religion.
For a bit more style and spunk, choose a cool pair of vintage inspired pants; they are a great alternatives to jeans and add some interest to his wardrobe.

The Plaid Boot Fit Chinos featured here are available at Gap.com.

Casual Footwear

boys' fashionZappos.com
Choose casual footwear for The Vintage Casual Look. Look for skater-inspired athletic shoes, Chuck Taylor All Star Converses, Slip-on athletic shoes or Vans Classic Slip-ons. For an edgy look, choose a pair of shoes with a crazy print. Or get dapper and choose a nice pair of leather boots.

The Ugg Kids Birch Boot are available at Zappos.com.

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