Tween Boys’ Spring Fashion

"One thing about boys' fashion is that it's more long-term and less trendy," says trend expert and StyleAuteur.com founder Lauren A. Rothman. "So there's a lot more of a classic feel in boys' clothing. A trend can last a lot longer." That means that, yes, those skinny jeans your kid still fits into are keepers. "Boys can do skinny jeans for four years, while girls have moved on already."

To buy: 1.) Stretch Skinny Jeans, $30. 2.) Slim Jeans, $10. 3.) Levi's Super Skinny Jeans, $30.

For boys, classics are always keepers, and, this spring, that's no exception. A few sweaters with jeans and Chucks are a can't-miss classic look for boys. Keep in mind, though, that the basics don't change from year to year—especially in boys' lines. Adds Prabhakar: "One way to update a teen boys' wardrobe is by adding in slacks, Converse sneakers or inexpensive basics in grays, golds, blues, burnt reds and bronzes."

To buy: 1.) Striped Shawl-Collar Pullover, $30. 2.) Striped Pocket T, $17. 3.) Volcom Hooded Henley, $35. 4.) Cable-Knit Sweater, $20. 5.) Converse Chuck Taylor Sneaker, $45. 6.) French Terry Striped Pullover, $30. 7.) Goodnow Mountain Sweater, $80.

It's time to get in gear. "Outdoor style is big this year. There's a huge movement to get kids to do more outdoor activities, and that's translating to their fashion," says Prabhakar. "Expect to see a lot of easy-to-wear sportswear for boys this spring: puffy jackets, windbreakers and athletic pants." Prabhakar says outerwear is a worthy investment, because as long as it still fits, your kid can keep wearing it.

To buy: 1.) Charcoal Uniform Knit Pants, $17. 2.) Boat Jacket, $50. 3.) Jacket, $35. 4.) Shaun White Jacket, $35. 5.) Slim Sweatpants, $20. 6.) Heather Gray Uniform Knit Pants, $17. 7.) Athletic Pants, $13.

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Yeah, it might be a bit loud for your taste, but bright and bold colors are big this season. "A bold pair of colored jeans or pants can really update a wardrobe for boys," says Rothman. "Electric blue, royal purple—boys can rock that look pretty easily." If your son doesn't feel quite so haute, a pop of color in a layered T-shirt or sneakers can work well, too.

To buy: 1.) RSQ Tokyo Skinny Jeans, $30. 2.) Retro Rubber Watch, $11. 3.) Straight Jeans, $30. 4.) Relaxed Purl Knit Beanie, $4. 5.) Vans 106 Hi Shoes, $45. 6.) Levi's 510 Super Skinny Jeans, $30. 7.) Pop-Color Skinny Jeans, $20. 8.) Levi's 513 Slim Jeans, $30. 9.) Supra Weston Shoes, $45. 10.) High Tops, $15.

Another way to make a statement: Customize those sneakers! "It's a way to follow a trend while letting your kid have their own take on it," says Rothman. "Customize those Vans, those Pumas, those Adidas. They all offer the option now, and it's relatively affordable." And, says Rothman, given their daily-wear capacity, shoes are a great place to splurge—as long as your kid won't outgrow them next week.

To buy: 1.) 106 Vulcanized, $75. 2.) First Round, $110.

When buying basics like jeans, it's best to stay in your kid's comfort zone. Whether it's Gap or James Jeans, figure out what works best for your kid. "You should always go with what a kid is comfortable in and what they look good in," says Rothman. "If your son is stick-thin, he can totally rock the skinny jeans, and go for that Maroon 5 look. If he's more the husky soccer player type, then maybe he needs something with a little more breathing room."

To buy: 1.) Mod Skinny Jeans, $15. 2.) Dark Wash Stretch Skinny Jeans, $30. 3.) Indigo Stretch Skinny Jeans, $20. 4.) dENiZEN from Levi's Slim Straight Jeans, $18. 5.) Loose Jeans, $25. 6.) Original Fit Jeans, $35.

Grunge is back, yes, but Rothman puts in a reminder that it's hard to rock the Doc Martens in the spring and summer as things heat up. But, she says, there are other ways to play with this trend. "Snag some of those classic rocker tees from dad's closet—or the knock-off versions from Target," she says. And see what else your kid might life from your old school wardrobe. "An old wallet or a throwback watch can be really fun, especially if it's a vintage-y piece, a relic."

To buy: 1.) Elvis Yellow Tee, $13. 2.) Nirvana Seattle Tee, $13. 3.) Red Balloon Watch, $30. 4.) Pink Floyd Tee, $13. 5.) Jim Morrison Doors Tee, $13. 6.) Jimi Hendrix Tee, $13. 7.) Ramones Tee, $13.

Sunglasses are another accessory worth the splurge. "For yourself, you get the good stuff, right?" says Rothman. "So get the good stuff for your kid, too. Something trendy, but that also has the appropriate protection for your kid. I'm a big fan of Ray-Bans and Zoobug. They have really cool sunglasses for kids."

To buy: 1.) Super, $62. 2.) Tortoiseshell D-Frame, $10. 3.) RB9035S Junior Wayfarer, $63. 4.) Neon, $10. 5.) ZB 4, $46. 6.) RB9532S, $69. 7.) F4919 Aviators, $6.

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The hautest runway look for stepping into spring? "Bermuda shorts were all over the runway," says Melissa C. Walker, founder of teen trends site IHeartDaily.com. "That's originally a kid thing, so obviously it works for teens. Of course, the old-school styles are making a comeback this season—'80s throwbacks like Jams and Z. Cavariccis are cool again." Another easy way to freshen up this look is by incorporating some of the other trends—with a bright pop of color, for example."

To buy: 1.) Canvas Flat-Front Shorts, $27. 2.) Volcom Limestone Shorts, $36. 3.) Subculture Heather Chinos, $23.

A smart investment for spring that could translate to year-round wear is a well-fitting suit, especially one that could work as two separate pieces. "Men and boys suiting is getting slimmer," says Prabhakar. "If you think your boy is finished growing, invest in a slim suit that they can wear separately with either a T-shirt or a jacket and jeans." While sticking with the classic colors (black, navy, gray) is smart for the long run, remember that a kid is still a kid, so go sleek with kids' suiting.

To buy: 1.) Joseph Abboud Suit Blazer, $165. 2.) Joseph Abboud Flat Front Suit Pants, $55. 3.) Cherokee Suiting Jacket, $30.

Think accessories are just for girls? Not anymore. "Bold prints are in this season, and they're everywhere, from backbacks to tech accessories." says Prabhakar. "Those are all great for a quick update. And the latest thing is backpacks with technological functionality, something to plug a phone or laptop right into." Another trend? "Kids love those customized cases for their phones or iPads, with photos or phrases or whatever they want," she says.

To buy: 1.) Cherokee Sherpa Hat, $4. 2.) Scarf, $7. 3.) Houndstooth Trimmed Hat, $14. 4.) Backpack, $15. 5.) Tube Scarf, $7. 6.) Wool-Blend Southwestern Backpack, $25. 7.) Metal Analog Watch, $15. 8.) Striped Web Belt, $13. 9.) 7-Pack Socks, $13. 10.) Shoes, $30. 11.) Braided Leather Belt, $15.