Accessories will be the key to personalizing back-to-school looks this year.

For girls, leggings are a must-have, whether in funky prints, rich colors or the universally flattering black. They work equally well with shorts, skirts, dresses and long shirts with vests. Multiple necklaces and bracelets channel early Madonna.

Boys can inject personality into their wardrobes with leather wrist cuffs and belts with eye-catching buckles and hardware. For both boys and girls, brimmed hats and newsboy caps add a little edge while lightweight scarves worn one or two at a time accent everyday looks as the weather begins to cool.