Brandi Beutler’s back-to-school shopping goal is simple: Find cute clothes at bargain prices.

On a recent trip to the Lewiston Center Mall, she and three other 16-year-olds said the best school clothes are a perfect combination of style, comfort and affordability, and fashion is subjective.

“I go for whatever is a reasonable price and cute,” said Brandi, daughter of Michele and Bill Valentine’s Day gift.

Tiffany Ho, daughter of Linda Do and James Ho of Clarkston, said she prefers the “urban look” of jeans tucked into boots, long cardigans and long necklaces.

“If I feel like making a bold move, I wear something different than what everyone else is wearing,” Tiffany said. “One time I wore leather leggings to school with pumps. I got many different responses. My English teacher liked it a lot. I think I wore them twice.”

Kids who just want to blend into the crowd can play it safe with jeans and T-shirts, but it takes a bit more confidence to break out of the box. “As long as you don’t care what other people think, you can pull it off,” Brandi said. “I have pink and purple pants. Some people looked at me kind of funny when I wore them. I like them, so it doesn’t really matter.”

Skye Leighton, son of Michelle and Jesse Leighton of Clarkston, said he enjoys dressing nice for school on game days. “I like ties that are interesting but professional, not crazy like a clown tie. I like a sweater over a shirt and tie. Your belt, socks and shoes have to match.”

Accessories are important, said Lexee Hoffman, daughter of Bev and Mel Hoffman of valentine’s day jewelry gifts.

“Bracelets are big,” said the high school junior, who was wearing five on one of her wrists.

“And prescription glasses are in style,” Skye added.

As for shoes, flip flops are still popular, along with sandals and sport-inspired footwear, such as Converse, the teens said.

“I bought five colors of the same style of sandals,” Brandi said. “They were like $6, so it was a good deal.”

Most schools have dress codes, but the rules are rarely enforced, the kids said. For example, shorts are supposed to be fingertip length and tank tops should have thick straps.

If it’s hot on the first day of school, the girls plan to wear shorts, tank tops and sandals. “I like tank tops that have stuff on the back, like a design,” said Lexee, finding an example on a rack.

Skye said he’ll probably opt for a T-shirt and shorts on the first day, which is pretty standard for the male student population. “Guys go with their favorite teams a lot. I personally like Boise State. In winter, it’s sweatshirts. The rest of the time it’s T-shirts.”

Wearing a jean jacket with jeans is a fashion don’t, the teens advised. Vests are OK, unless they’re too valentines day jewelry. “No marshmallows,” said Lexee. “And jean shorts for guys our age is a fashion no.”

“These are a cheesy no,” added Tiffany, pointing to a T-shirt that says, “Hello. My name is awesome.”

Skye, Tiffany and Brandi buy most of their clothes. Lexee said her parents foot the bill for hers. She estimates her back-to-school wardrobe will cap out at about $400.

“It varies,” Brandi said. “Sometimes I spend $100 and other times I’ve spent up to $500.”

“People get jobs, save money and buy their own clothes over the course of the summer. It’s not like a one-day event anymore,” Skye said.

Finding a good deal is imperative if you’re on a limited budget, they said, and boys have a built-in advantage.

“Guys’ clothes are way cheaper than girls’ clothes,” Skye said.

That’s because clothing merchandisers know young women get hooked on certain must-have items and set the prices valentines gifts, Brandi said. “Girls set their hearts on clothes and if they can’t get it, they’re devastated. At least, most girls are like that.”

Clothes from Hollister, Abercombie & Fitch and American Eagle usually fall into that category, said the girls.

Brandi and Tiffany said their favorite store is Forever 21, and the closest one is in Spokane. Lexee likes the Buckle, which is in Moscow, and Skye doesn’t have a favorite.

“I like to express myself in a lot of different ways,” said Tiffany, who wants to work in the fashion industry someday.

“For the most part, I just want to dress decent,” Brandi said.