1. Back-to-school bargain basics. Find the best deals downtown by waiting until after the first week of class. Make a small list of 2-3 items that will take you from summer to fall:

•Three-quarter length sleeves•Closed toe shoes•Durable jeans

2. Promotions that fit. In large urban areas finding a good deal in the middle of September is usually a breeze!. The post "back-to-school" promotions generally have additional markdowns to fit any budget.

3. Wardrobe survival. You never know when you have to walk to another building, or enter a room with a different temperature, so be prepared:

•Layer•Stock up on multi-use garments•Buy comfortable shoes

Save time for assignments, not laundry:

•Buy extra socks and underwear•Portable stain removers•No-iron clothes

4. Top colours for Fall 2010:

•Ink tones, dark and shady•Bright pops of colour to electrify the palette (neon and strong gem stone hues)•Brilliant white with warm taupe•Amethyst•Tinted quartz•Mocha •Metallic embellishment

5. You'd better shop around. A consumer tip: don't forget to comparison shop via the Internet and to ask a retailer if an item might go on sale within the next month. Most back-to-school promotions are planned in advance and stores should know what is going to be featured.

6. Back-to-school fashion. When it comes to back-to-school fashion, as always, the new looks in denim are important for any wardrobe. Overall, gemstones, deserts and dusty landscapes are the main themes this year. Here’s a quick look at fall fashion:

Pieces:

•Loose and flowing tops with peasant dresses, multi-layered comfort•Tight mini skirts •Carpenter crop pants with over-sized pockets •Cigarette-legged pants•High-waisted slacks•Pleated gloves •Cut out toe and ankle boots, platform height•Decorated pumps, wedges •Straight drawstring boots

Fabrics:

•Lace in small and over-sized print•Faux fur•Stretch leather•Lambskin•Silk and satin accents

7. It’s even easier to go green this fall. The number of ecofriendly products is expanding every season. Both retailers and consumers are becoming more knowledgeable about what makes a product ‘green.’ Standards are being set to ensure that the use of terms like recycling, made from recycled material, etc. are consistent so that consumers can make better decisions. Look for clothing stores to expand hemp- and bamboo-based fabrics and for school supply companies to expand their eco-paper products.

8. Don’t forget your dorm room must-haves:

•Storage bins for the closet•Basic cooking set•Extension cords•Clothing hangers•Loonies for laundry

For more expert advice on back to school, visit http://www.ryerson.ca/news/media/spotlight/bts2010/

If you require this in another format, please contact Ryerson University Public Affairs at 416-979-5000 ext. 7134.