Spirited classics for back-to-school wardrobes

Modern classics will be the favorite fashion subject on campus this fall, according to the August issue of Seventeen magazine, with the top new looks in junior fashion being updated, spirited translations of traditional varsity styles.

Students will be carried away by school spirit this year, the magazine's fashion editors predict. Designs that focus on both the classic clothes of the campus sports field and the traditional Ivy League looks will be winners during the back-to-school season.

The 1982 looks are bolder and more spirited than the preppy styles that have dominated fall fashions for the past few years. Color will be one key difference. Bright school colors like red, kelly, yellow, blue, and crimson will be popular on campus. And the new style emphasis will be on athletically inspired pieces that show a definite flair for an active and spirited life style.

Varsity-influenced skirts will appear in a variety of new options. Leading the team of skirts will be the classic cheerleader skirt, in styles that range from flared to pleated to culottes.

But there's more to the varsity look than just pure sport. Skirts for fall will also feature classy, traditional classroom styles. Tartan plaid kilts and pleated, knee-length wool skirts will be popular, particularly when topped with the bright new looks in sweaters and jackets.

Some of the best new fashion items for the young woman may be inspired by her boyfriend's sporty favorites, now tailored to suit her. The authentic two-toned varsity jacket in bright-colored melton with color-contrasting leather sleeves will turn up worn over a brightly striped wool crew-neck sweater and jeans, rolled up to reveal colorful layers of athletic socks and baseball shoes or saddle oxfords.

The classic tennis sweater -- a cream cable pattern trimmed in borders of maroon and navy -- gets updated by being worn over a striped oxford shirt and a man's necktie, with a navy pleated mini. Long, lean cardigans, complete with varsity letter, will make a strong show. So will a variety of sweater vests, including solid-color cable styles, bright argyle patterns, and long, vertically striped designs.

Skirts go shorter for fall and so do many of the new designs in pants. Reminiscent of the popular zoot suit of campuses in the '40s, trouser-cut pants are cropped a few inches above the ankle to spotlight the stronger emphasis on color-coordinated and layered legs.

Brightly colored tights topped with bulky socks will turn up under minis, walking shorts, and cropped trousers. Classic athletic socks in either striped school colors or traditional white will also be popular.