Many shoppers eagerly buying corduroy and cardigans are not necessarily the same people filling classrooms. In fact, many of them haven't fit into their “school clothes” in several years.

        “No matter how old you are, when it's fall you think at the very least 'I need new school shoes — or boots this year,' ” says Shari Hershon, senior vice president of design for Ann Taylor Loft.

Turtleneck ($49), kilt plaid skirt ($59), “Stratford” boots ($119). ( Ann Taylor Loft) | ZOOM |

        Caren Bell, spokeswoman for Tommy Jeans, a division of Tommy Hilfiger, says back-to-school clothes offer both a physical and emotional comfort thanks to the easiness of the pieces. “You feel good because it brings you back to a happy memory and you can be fashion-forward in clothes that really are comfortable.”

Classic yet casual

        The back-to-school look that most people gravitate toward is classic yet casual, and, of course, seasonal. But the pieces are dictated more by a mood than fashion trends, which makes it easy for the styles to be adapted for adults who have a teen spirit but not the lifestyle to go along with it.

        Depending on how they're worn, rugby shirts, kilt skirts, and plaid or houndstooth patterns can look like either school uniforms or country-club chic.

        Back-to-school styles often are an edgier take on traditional preppy looks, observes Ms. Bell. “Preppy styles work for any age — that's why they're so classic.”

        She points to the rugby shirt. For a young hipster, the rugby might be a bias cut with pocket or patch details and paired with tint-wash jeans; when a grown-up puts on a rugby shirt, it might be worn under a sweater, or with chinos or a denim jacket.

        But Ms. Bell says an adult can remain fashion-forward by incorporating new details into otherwise classic garments, such as boot-cut legs on khaki twill pants.

Navy is a great color

        Navy, according to Ms. Bell, is the best color to transcend the ages. Ms. Hershon notes that the rich crimsons, camels and browns that are popular for fall also evoke a back-to-school feel.

        Classic men's dress shirts with a ruffle or pleat can give a sophisticated and crisp touch to an otherwise collegiate outfit for a woman in her 20s and up, Ms. Hershon says.

        A pleated or kilt skirt can look more age-appropriate if the skirt is a little longer, made in a textured fabric and paired with boots instead of flats, she adds.

        Once the weather does turn chillier, try a “contemporary-but-not-too-young” duster twin set instead of a traditional cardigan for a longer, leaner silhouette — a shape most women past their teenage years want, says Laura McDowell, fashion spokeswoman for TJ Maxx.

        Also, she says to choose jeans that are narrow through the hip and leg.

        The more adult versions of this season's popular jean jacket are a denim wrap or a three-quarter length jacket in twill.

        “Take the trend and find it in the more adult look,” Ms. McDowell advises.

They've got their motors runnin'
Bany fund offers seminar aid to working musicians
Allison Moorer proves better than her songs
Adult clothes go back to school
All children need to be raised equally
Get to it