Sure, you’ve got your school supplies covered -- notebooks, three-ring binders, No. 2 pencils. Those are easy. But what about the rest of the stuff you need? Don’t worry: We’re on the case!

What to Wear
Even if your school requires uniforms, you’ll want to look put-together after dismissal and on weekends. Here are the 10 mix-and-match items you must have in your closet this fall:

1. Military-style lace-up boots that are clunky and chunky

2. Zip-up hoodie in a muted gray or khaki

3. Lots of solid-color, long- and short-sleeve scoop-neck tees for layering

4. Dark-wash jeans that fit but are still a little baggy (roll ’em up!)

5. Brown or black leather belt to wear with jeans or to cinch dresses

6. Cardigan sweater in a bright color or a pastel (bonus: get one with ruffles or appliqued details)

7. Button-down tunic that can be worn as a shirt or dress

8. Solid-color leggings and striped socks (try wearing them together!)

9. Brown or camel-color peacoat, either solid or plaid

10. Knit cap and scarf set in colors that complement your wardrobe

Stuff Your Backpack
Smart girls have necessities that go beyond the school supplies stashed in their backpacks and lockers. Here’s our list of never-leave-home-withouts: (They’ll come in handy, we swear!)

1. Tampons and feminine pads (just in case)

2. Fresh, clean underpants (ditto)

3. Spare, neutral-colored sweatshirt for days it’s colder than you expected

4. Safety pins to quick-fix clothing tears, popped buttons and broken zippers

5. Granola bars for when your tummy goes “grrr” way before lunch period

6. Deodorant and breath mints so you don’t repel the boy you’re trying to attract

7. Headbands, barrettes and ponytail elastics (plus a brush or comb) for bad hair days

8. Compact mirror so you can fix hair and check for stray food in your teeth

9. Toothbrush and toothpaste in case something is stuck in your teeth (er, braces?)

10. Lip gloss (duh)

Get Back in the School Mindset
Yeah, the lazy days of summer are coming to an end. Sorry! Time to shake that do-nothing ’tude and get back into full swing. Hey, it’s not so bad -- just do these five things, and you’ll be ready to go:

1. Rise and shine! Set your alarm a little earlier each day so you’re not draaaaaaagging yourself out of bed that first day of school.

2. Read something. Check out a book from the library (even a romance novel will work!) to get your brain back in action.

3. Go for a new do. Get a fresh haircut (bangs are in!) or just play around with pulling your hair into a loose bun or cute braids.

4. Smell good. Try a soft-scented body wash or spritz. Something light -- maybe floral or fruity -- is great for daytime. Steer clear of strong, heavy perfumes.

5. Smile! Even if you’re dreading going back to school, force yourself to crack a grin. It’s the best way to make new friends this school year.

If you’re trying to get your tan on like the guidettes from MTV’s “Jersey Shore,” you may want to think twice. Having that summer glow might look and feel healthy … but it’s not! According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 90 percent of all skin cancer is caused by sun exposure. Ouch!

“Do I really need to worry about that stuff now? I’m just a kid.”
Harsh but true: Just one severe childhood sunburn doubles the chance of developing skin cancer later in life. Kids with fair skin are at highest risk, but even dark-skinned children need sun protection. “Fewer than one-third of children between ages 8 and 11 wear sunscreen,” says the Skin Cancer Foundation’s president. “Parents need to teach children from an early age how to be sun-safe and reduce their risk of skin cancer.”

“Aren’t tanning beds better for your skin than direct sunlight?”
No way! It’s a total myth that tanning beds aren’t bad for your skin. They produce the same skin-damaging ultraviolet rays as the sun. Says the Skin Cancer Foundation: “Study after study has shown that sun bed tanning increases the risk of skin cancer.”

“I really hate my pale complexion! Isn’t there a safe way to tan?”
Why not embrace your natural skin tone? Look at yourself as creamy porcelain (like Scarlett Johansson!), not pale. But if you’re bent on getting a sun-kissed look, use self-tanning lotion or bronzer. They’re way safer than sitting outside, but it’ll give you the same results (and faster). Some tanning salons also offer spray-tan booths if you want to get total-body coverage. (These can be pricey but are a safe alternative to UV rays.)

“Do I need sunscreen even if I’m wearing a hat and sunglasses?”
Brimmed hats and UV-blocking glasses do provide some protection … and are summer-stylin’ accessories! Dark or bright-colored clothes are good too. Still, don’t skip the sunscreen. Go for a water-resistant product with an SPF 15 or higher. Put on a thick layer a half-hour before going outside; reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating. And don’t forget easy-to-miss spots such as ears, neck and feet!

“Can’t I just sit under a tree or umbrella? I like the shade.”
Like wearing hats and glasses, sitting in the shade is great for getting extra protection from the sun’s harmful rays. But you can’t rely on that alone since the sun reflects off surfaces -- so slather on that sunscreen.

“I hate sunscreen because it gets in my eyes and burns. Help!”
Try a sunscreen that’s made specifically for babies (really!). These products are tear-free and not as harsh as other products, but they’re just as effective as regular lotions. Bonus: They’re perfect if your regular sunscreen causes breakouts or “backne.”

You want to have smooth legs, silky underarms and a clean bikini line -- but you’re completely clueless? Not anymore. Read on:

Girls’ Shaving Tip No. 1: How to Ask Mom
What’s a girl to do about this hairy situation? There’s no “right” age to begin shaving. Some girls start younger because their hair is dark, while others wait a little longer. The best way to bring it up to your mom is to ask when she first started shaving. Then say, “Some of my friends shave. Do you think I’m ready?”

Girls’ Shaving Tip No. 2: Realize It’s a Choice
Getting rid of body hair is not required. A lot of girls choose not to shave because they think it’s a hassle. Some girls shave only in the summer, and others shave just their pits to prevent underarm odor. Don’t shave because your friends do. If you decide to shave, do it because it’s what you want. When your friends ask about it, just tell them you don’t want to be a slave to the shave!

Girls’ Shaving Tip No. 3: Know Your Stuff
First, buy a good razor. It doesn’t need to be super-expensive -- go for an affordable one that lets you replace the blade heads. We like those with triple blades and a pivoting head.

Many girls shave in the shower. But when you’re first starting out, shaving your legs by sitting on the edge of the tub might be easier. Here’s how:

1.  Dampen legs with a wet washcloth. Never shave legs when they’re dry.

2.  Slather on shaving gel, plain soap or bodywash.

3.  Begin directly above your ankle, and gently pull the razor upward in a straight line. Don't press the razor too hard -- it should glide along your skin’s surface. Rinse the razor after each stroke.

4.  Slow down when shaving around bony parts, such as knees, shins and ankles. Many girls that are first learning to shave stop just below the knee.

5.  Pat legs dry with a clean towel. Moisturize with unscented body lotion to keep razor burn at bay.

Girls’ Shaving Tip No. 4: Never Shave Your Arms
Shaving will only make the hair on your arms grow back darker and coarser. This goes for facial hair, too, girls. If this is a big concern, ask your parents about the option to bleach your arm hair.

Don’t know the first thing about zit zapping? Whether you get the occasional pesky pimple or all-out acne breakouts, here are the best ways to banish blemishes and rid yourself of pimples for good.

Step 1: Wash your face.
You must use a gentle cleanser (not harsh soap!) on your face in the morning and at night. Keeping skin clean is imperative to zapping zits and preventing more outbreaks. Just lather the cleanser into your hands or a soft cloth -- nothing coarse, which could irritate -- and gently apply to your face (keep away from eyes!). Rinse well and dry with a clean towel. Toss the cloth and towel into the laundry, as reusing them can spread pimple-producing bacteria.

Step 2: Try a home remedy.
If you only have a few zits to zap, some people swear by tea tree oil (available in health food stores) or toothpaste. Just dab a little on the affected spot and leave on overnight. (Do not try these remedies if you have sensitive skin.)

Step 3: Hit the drugstore.
Are your pimples persistent? Head to the pharmacy for an over-the-counter treatment. Choose a product that contains hydrogen peroxide or salicylic acid -- both antibacterial agents -- then carefully follow the directions on the product packaging.

Step 4: Go easy on the makeup.
You might be tempted to cover up your zits with makeup, but cosmetics tend to worsen the problem. If you insist on wearing any makeup, go with oil-free water-based products -- and be sure to wash it off before you go to bed. Also, keep your hands and hair, which carry oils, away from your face. Updo, anyone?

Step 5: See a dermatologist.
If you’ve tried everything but you’re still losing the battle to chronic acne, talk to your parents about making an appointment for you to see a dermatologist. This is a doctor who specializes in skin care, and he or she will prescribe effective medication or another appropriate treatment regimen faster than you can say “Buh-bye, blemishes!”

Wanna pamper yourself without spending one precious penny of your allowance? Turn common household ingredients into fabulous beauty products.

Striped Candy Bath Salts

1 1/2 cups Epsom, kosher or sea salt

1/2 cup baking soda

1 teaspoon mint extract or essential oil

2 drops red food coloring

Combine salt and baking soda, then add mint extract (or any other extract or essential oil) and mix well. Scoop half the mixture into a separate bowl, adding food coloring and mixing until salts are evenly tinted. Spoon equal layers of white and colored salts in a clear glass jar, alternating to form stripes. Add a few heaping tablespoons to tub water for a soothing, scented bath.

Vanilla Sugar Shower Scrub

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup canola, safflower or sunflower oil

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

In a medium bowl, use a spoon to mix all three ingredients until blended, then transfer to a clean plastic or glass container with a lid. To naturally exfoliate and moisturize skin, gently massage onto your body in a circular motion while showering. (Be sure shower stall is slip-free, as oil can make the floor slippery.) Leave on for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water.

Pink Lemonade Lip Gloss

1 tablespoon petroleum jelly

1/4 teaspoon honey

1 teaspoon lemonade mix (or lemon extract)

1 drop red food coloring

Melt petroleum jelly and honey on high in a small microwave-safe bowl, for about a minute. (Careful, it will be hot!) Stir in lemonade mix (or lemon extract) and food coloring until well blended. Pour into an empty lip balm pot and refrigerate about 30 minutes until it gels. Experiment with different colors and flavors of extract and drink mix -- try powdered cocoa or Kool-Aid.

Brown Sugar Oatmeal Mask

1/4 cup oatmeal

1/4 teaspoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon honey

1/8 cup water

In a blender, grind oatmeal to a fine consistency. Pour into a bowl, then add brown sugar, honey and water. Mix well to form a paste. Dampen your face with warm water before applying the mask, avoiding eye area. (It looks gross but will make your skin silky-smooth.) Leave on for 15 to 20 minutes for a refreshing facial before rinsing with cool water. Refrigerate leftover mask mixture in a plastic or glass container with a lid.