Parent to Parent: Too sexy for school

WSVN -- Britney and kid sister Jaime Lynn, Paris and even Justin and Usher's style takes center stage in Hollywood, but when it comes to the classroom fans better not follow suit.

Gail Schechter: "They dress very provocatively, and girls in the 10 to 14 ranges seem to want to too."

Susan Sahle: "You see short skirts. You see boys with their underwear hanging out of the back of their pants."

Experts say before your kids button up their back-to-school outfits, parents should lay down their version of back-to-school dress rules.

Expert: "Just like I dress a certain way when I go to work, you need to dress in a certain way and make good clothes choices when you go to school because school is your job."

Before the back to school shopping begins, parents should:

• Talk to their child about what they see in magazines or on TV.
• Start clothing conversations as early as elementary school.
• Know the school dress code policies.

For girls, the biggest problem is showing too much skin. Instead of short skirts and spaghetti straps, compromise. Go with longer, fuller skirts and cute, comfy Ts. Add boots instead of high heels. Tight stretchy pants are often a no-no for the classroom, so, instead, try skinny jeans, a cool and trendy look that will make both the student and mom happy.

Short shorts and plunging necklines get a failing grade. Instead, drop the hemline and go for more coverage. A jean skirt or a long short works well and cover the cleavage with a cute hoodie sweater. Things change a little bit when it comes to outfitting the guys.

Expert: "For boys, the issues tend to be the new gangster look or inappropriate sayings on T-shirts."

Experts say to trade in over-sized pants for ones that fit. Boys can still sport the baggy look, but do it in a more appropriate way, and as far as T-shirts, a rule of thumb: if it's offensive, it's off. Go for sporty Ts or button-down shirts. You can even layer the look.

Sarah Haiminis: "You can really put together a really nice look that's appropriate and that is going to look good for school."

Lynn Martinez: "So, with a lot of conversation and a little compromise, both parents and students can make the grade with a look that gets an A plus."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Additional Advice from Dr. David Elkind:
http://users.stargate.net/~cokids/hurried_child.htm