No longer can children pout “I have nothing to wear to school.” Back to school clothes are colonizing Toledo-area apparel stores, guaranteeing every student makes a fashion statement in the classroom without breaking the bank.

In mid-July Lyons resident Emalee Ahrens, 9, already had the answer to the first day of school conundrum.

“I am wearing dresses on the first day of school,” she said.

A swirl of colorful clothes were part of a shopping spree with grandma Mary Lou Pickering of Toledo, including black, white, and pink colored and rainbow dyed dresses, both top options for the first day back to school.

“My grandchildren are all starting a new school. Last year they went to TPS (Toledo Public Schools). This year it is Evergreen near Lyons, which does not have a standard dress code like TPS, so they are excited,” Mrs. Pickering said.

The two were happily checking out after combing through J.C. Penney’s well stocked racks. The department store was ready to receive the BTS (Back to School) shopper, as the apparel industry coins it.

“We put our back to school displays up after the 4th of July, which is pretty similar to last year,” said Richard Lies, manager of the Franklin Park Mall location. “It’s our second busiest time of the year next to the holiday and Christmas season.”

This year the National Retail Federation estimates that average families with children K-12 will spend “$630.36 on electronics, apparel, and other school needs, down from $669.28 last year.” It expects total spending to peak at $24.9 billion. Of the 6,500 consumers polled for its annual Back-to-School survey more families, about 30 percent, are holding off on the school shopping until one or two weeks before school.

Along with the latest junior, men’s, and children’s styles and accessories, J.C. Penney is outfitting store floors in preparation for the peak of back-to-school shopping season, typically in August, and Ohio’s first ever tax holiday weekend Aug. 7, 8, and 9.

“The tax breaks extend to certain categories of merchandise, including apparel,” Mr. Lies said.

Besides free-from-tax days, J.C. Penney fashioned its mannequins to encourage the freedom to express yourself through clothes.

“We are showing our customers how to mix and match trends so they can express their own personality,” he said.

Athleisure, the trend that blends active wear with everyday outfits, and its yoga-inspired bottoms such as leggings, is gaining traction among students, and denim is big, specifically the Arizona line, he said.

One table was overflowing with a comprehensive representation of leggings from solid, graphic prints and polka dots, to large-flower patterned designs.

“Our statement this year has tripled in size,” Mr. Lies said.

Like many retailers catering to stringent school dress codes, the store has a “strong uniform shop.”

“White and blue are the most popular in polos or long sleeved woven. Polo [shirts] are the most popular for boys and girls tops” he said.

Belted and pleated skirts, blouses fitted with princess seams, and polo shirts embellished with side ruching are just some of the details that make the all-American style stand out for girls.

Michael Londrigan, Dean of Academic Affairs at Manhattan-based LIM College, said students see the standard uniforms as a blank canvas to have fun with, accessorizing them with charms, beading, or belts for a unique look.

A fashion industry veteran at the college that prepares students for the business side of the field, he said that switching out jeans for the altheisure pant has not resonated strongly with the younger student yet.

“Denim is out there. Chambray, lightweight denim tops are starting to see more traction. Sleeveless denim jackets and denim head-to-toe in that age category is not unheard of,” he said.

When it comes to shoes, parents are looking for that pair that won’t have them re-opening their wallet months down the road.

Skechers, Vans, Converse, and Steve Madden labels are popular for boys and girls, as is canvas.

“Skechers just has a unique look and can be worn with anything, with denim, shorts, with socks, without socks. It’s a casual shoe that is versatile and fashionable. And that is what parents are looking for: something that has versatility so you don’t have to buy shoes for every outfit,” he said.

His fashion forecast is that the Brooklyn hipster hat will touchdown in the Midwest. An old-school throwback, it is typically pulled off with a brimmed hat that comes in all shapes and sizes.

This year shops are trying to attract parents with little differentiation, he said. “For example, Walmart it is price, Macy’s is more on the fashion side.”

For junior girls, Macy’s is taking a cue from the hippie and bohemian styles for its Boho Chic collections.

“[Boho Chic is] Taking inspiration from the ’60s and ’70s and translating it for today. In this trend you will see earth tone colors enhanced with floral and lace patterns. Make it chic by layering tunic tops with leggings or skinny jeans and accessorizing with gladiator sandals, embroidered scarves, or tons of stacked bangles. Free People, RL Denim, and Supply have all your needs for Boho Chic,” Shelly Denomme, Macy’s Franklin Park store manager, wrote in an email interview.

The fashion pendulum is also swinging back to the flare leg and peasant tops with a feminine touch to a hippie influenced style, she said. “The flared leg of today takes on a few personalities from more tailored flare jean, to a mega-flare palazzo pant, and even as a trouser flaring down from the knee. Proportion is everything with flare pants, so make sure you aren't too top heavy by pairing with a fitted tunic or a structured fitted tee.”

For young men “Graphic Tees” are stylish yet effortless. “Layer the tee over a long sleeve shirt for a skater vibe or wear underneath a button down T-shirt for more of a classic approach,” Ms. Denomme advised. “Macy's Franklin park customers will also see Polo, Ralph Lauren for boys, which is perfect for the strict dress code of some of the Toledo schools.”

For the first time, the Franklin Park store will be getting an assortment of North Face merchandise across a few departments, including men’s, women’s, boys, girls, and bags.

For a seamless shopping experience Walmart created Classrooms by Walmart.com at walmart.com/​classrooms. Shoppers can check out what you need and can purchase it there or come into the store and check it out, Walmart spokesman Molly Blakeman said about the online supply list.

The retail juggernaut will also have in great supply graphic T-shirts and lunchboxes boasting children’s favorite movie characters.

“We know students like to express their personalities through backpack and lunchboxes, so we have great licenses, Frozen, Minions, Jurassic World,” she said.

Franklin Park Mall will also host several back-to-school events beginning with a Stomp Out Bullying campaign and contests, and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 29, a Block Party that includes the high energy Rocks Style fashion show at noon. Hosted by KISS FM’s Meaghan Mick, the lineup includes local band Distant Cousinz, Mrs. Ohio Katie Maskey, dancers, and skateboarders.

“You don’t have to remind the shopper that it’s back to school. Everyone already knows that. But we like to let them know which retailers have the best specials,” said Julie Sanderson, the mall’s senior marketing director.

Contact Natalie Trusso Cafarello at 419-206-0356, or ntrusso@theblade.com, or on Twitter @natalietrusso.

First Published July 26, 2015, 4:00 a.m.