For the hottest back-to-school looks, say “buh-bye” to Britney and “hello” to the new, um, “classy” trend (spiced with a touch of retro appeal).

Tweens and teens have rediscovered cleaned-up fashion — please don’t call it preppy — and are hot on the trail for plaids, argyle and tweed.

Throw in a salute to the ’70s and ever-popular denim, and the words “But mom, everybody’s wearing it!” should make back-to-school shopping a breeze.

As always, the best looks are all right here in the latest edition of our weekly fashion and beauty report. (Coming next week: Hot looks on campus.)

Delias.com Poncho panache.

That ’70s show
The ’70s rule, whether the key styles are worn head-to-toe as a retro look or mixed with more classic pieces. First up on the list for tweens and teens is the must-have poncho — crocheted, knit or woven — which, worn over layers of tees and sweaters, will take the place of a fall coat as long as humanly possible. For casual bottoms, there are two hot ’70s-era choices — dark, classic denim with a natural waist (no more bare bellies — they are out, out, out!) or corduroys. While UGGs and other shearling boots and clogs are still going strong, young fashionistas will beg for the newest — a pair of suede, fringed, Western-style boots.

Trend Tip:
First stop on your shopping trip? The attic — for anything with a ’70s feel. But no need to remain true to the decade — add vintage accessories like sparkling brooches, snap top coin purses or a tweedy newsboy cap to the mix. You’ll find a full ’70s-inspired selection at most major retailers: Delias.com, the Gap and Old Navy are hot on the trends.

Urbanoutfitters.com Tight jackets are hot.

Mom, I shrunk the jacket
Take off the poncho, and what’s underneath? On top, the shrunken, fitted jacket rules… worn over a “talking tee” (printed with a message). The shrunken jacket is most often styled in denim, corduroy, twill or tweed. It can be either waist-or hip-length with shorter length sleeves giving the most updated look. As an alternative, teens and tweens have recently discovered the very classy option of a navy schoolboy blazer, which they’ll throw over everything they own. The most die-hard fashion followers will want a designer-label polo shirt, but printed tees for every day of the week are also de rigueur. And put those collars up — it’s the only way to wear blazers, woven shirts and polos.

Trend Tip:
The stylish shrunken jacket and snazzy message tees can also be found at most major retailers in addition to fun fashion brands like Urban Outfitters, J.Lo by Jennifer Lopez and Juicy Couture. For the ultimate in schoolboy chic, you also have the option of Polo, Tommy Hilfiger, Nautica and J.Crew. And for polos, Lacoste or Abercrombie and Fitch is the way to go.

Polo.com Good girl goes plaid.

Mad for plaid
Every best-in-class teen and tween girl will want to add a dash of plaid to her wardrobe. First stop? The short, flirty, pleated plaid skirt. Younger girls will wear them with tights and clogs, while older teens will relish a pair of simple suede heels. And both will also love to wear the look with their favorite boots, whether shearling, Western-inspired or chic leather lace-ups. Other plaid options include jackets, denim, accessories (shoes and bags are particularly trendy) and the return of the argyle vest or sweater. These patterned pieces call out for the season’s winning colors — teal, purple, pink, orange and green — most often mixed with olive or brown, although the classic red and black buffalo plaid runs a close second.

Trend Tip:
Should your teen or tween be lucky enough to wear a plaid, pleated skirt as part of her school uniform, you’re all set! Those with a less strict dress code will find their must-have skirts just about everywhere from trendy junior brands to Polo, Lands’ End, Target and JC Penney. Tiered knit minis are also hot. When attached to an under layer of shorts, they’re called “scooters” and you’ll find them from XOXO, Necessary Objects and American Eagle Outfitters.

Oldnavy.com Not your mother's slippers.

Like, lady
For the ultimate compliment, call your daughter a “young lady” and hand over one of your most feminine accessories as a back-to-school good luck charm! Most of the current ladylike trends have filtered down to the teen and tween level, and they’ve embraced the style with a passion. Like all of this season’s trends, they won’t stay true to any one era or look, but will mix things up with the fresh eyes of trendistas-in-training. Hot looks include pretty, colored tweeds in coats, jackets, skirts, pants and accessories, jeweled brooches (the bigger the better!), ladylike bows and flowers on everything from sweaters to shoes, and the glamorous touch of faux fur on collars, cuffs, handbags and boots.

Trend Tip:
You’ll find fab faux-gemstone jewelry organized by color family at Claire’s, and we love the sparkling, vintage-inspired styles from Carol Dauplaise, Kenneth Cole and 1928 as well. For great tweed handbags and shoes, head straight to Old Navy (before they sell out!), then make a side stop at your favorite department store to check out the flirty pink tweed Mary Janes from Chinese Laundry.

FredaLA.com Leapin' leopards, it's a backpack!

Furocious
Every glamour girl worth her UGGs will want to take a little walk on the wild side this fall in fun and fabulous leopard prints. Mix with abandon — leopard accents are A-OK with tweeds, plaids, argyles, denim and corduroy. In other words, with every fall trend! Whether you go for the plush look of leopard-patterned faux fur, or you opt for a leopard print on a wool sweater or a pair of tights, leopard is the number one way to glam it up right now. Hot on our shopping lists — hey, we’re allowed to buy the trends too! — are plush cell phone covers, slippers and moccasins as well as leopard-patterned opaque tights.

Trend Tip:
You’ll find wonderful slippers and moccasins from Steve Madden, and the must-have tights are from Hue. PS — Leopard is hot even for the littlest ones. Plush leopard-printed faux fur coats and jeans with leopard patches in the shape of butterflies (too adorable)! can be yours at The Children’s Place.

Only on TODAY.MSNBc.com! Style editor Judy Gordon brings you the latest news and advice about apparel and beauty. LAST WEEK: Love is in the air — and in your closet GO TO ALL FASHION FRIDAY COLUMNS

Judy Gordon is a New York-based style consultant and the “Today” show’s style editor. She has been covering the fashion and beauty beat for the past decade. To learn more, you can visit her Web site, TheTrendReport.com, which highlights style trends in America.

firstVIEW is the primary supplier of photos to Fashion Friday. Go to www.firstVIEW.com for the latest pictures from top fashion shows around the world, including New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Milan, Brazil, New Zealand, South Korea and more.

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