When Janet Pollach was visiting relatives in Oklahoma City, she saw a store that carried a variety of teen and preteen clothes, for girls who need to mix between the two size ranges. She knew that was just what she and her growing daughter Alex, now 15, needed.

So she opened Zelaz (Alex’s name backwards with a “Z” instead of an “X”), originally at Ridgedale and soon to reopen in Wayzata, at the Wayzata Bay Shopping Center. They also have an ecommerce website.

Here are some of Pollach’s tween/teen back-to-school musts.

 Layering continues to be hot (and appropriate for teens/tweens to avoid showing too much in front).

 Plaid is back. Its shows up every few years. They are being shown in button-down shirts, but look for more interesting details such as plaid on a button placket or the hem-band of a sleeve.

 Beautiful deep colors. Bold, intense colors are bit everywhere. Rust, mustard, teal, fuchsia, and purple. Mix and match them for a fun, eclectic look.

 Jean leggings. Leggings continue to be great for teens/tweens, particularly in warmer climes. New this year is leggings that look like denim jeans. Some even had gold five pocket stitching and most are made of a slightly heavier spandex. Find one with zippers at the ankles for a totally fashion-forward look.

 Sweater dresses. Lovely heathers are being shown, particularly brown! Look for long sleeves, A-line skirts, and ruffles at the cuff and neck. Wear with a bright camisole and a pair of leggings for dressing up or dressing down.

Zelaz, opening soon at Wayzata Bay Center and currently online.