Back To Boho

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Parents may not understand why their kids want to disappear into over-size clothing or buy a new T shirt that's "distressed" to look old or wear a secondhand hat that would look at home on a 19th century train engineer, but they should be grateful for two things: the style is inherently modest--"the girl is not as much of a sex object," notes Azria-Palombo--and it's much less costly than last year's brand-driven, preppy look.

Besides being available at the Salvation Army and vintage shops, the boho style is easily found in such low-cost stores as H&M, the Swedish chain that has 78 U.S. outlets. Its fall collection looks as though it were pulled from a closet in Big Sur, circa 1972. "We've imported a lot of items with accents of leather and suede, rustic wool and tweed from Eastern Europe and northern Canada," says Jennifer Uglialoro, H&M's U.S. spokeswoman. Also among the fall offerings are romantic blouses, heavy knits and feathered earrings for girls and vintage-inspired T shirts for boys.

Urban Outfitters' fall collection, a favorite among high schoolers, includes ankle-length '70s-print dresses, oversize knit vests and tuxedo vests like those from the disco era. Old Navy is also in on the act with beaded jean jackets and sheer floral blouses to be worn over camisoles.

The boho style is even being adapted for younger children. The London-based Boden catalog has a new line that's a hit with urban moms (and their kids). For girls, there are shaggy fringe cardigans, plus T shirts and knitwear with lots of handwork, including sequins and woven patches. For boys, who are less likely to layer, shirts and pants are "washed" to look lived in. "A very classic polo shirt can give quite a different impression if it's highly distressed or ripped," says Emma Stevens, Boden's children's-wear designer.

Jumping on this trend for fall may be as simple as tossing some strings of wooden beads over a T shirt or a '70s knit cardigan with a belt over a school uniform, given that floppy hats and supersize sunglasses may not pass any classroom dress code. "When school starts, I'll carry my big backpack again," says Gross, who toted a droopy canvas bag all summer. "It ruins the outfit, but what are you going to do?"