Back-to-school outfit shopping was always one of my favorite traditions as a kid, and now that I’m a mom it still is. Even though my eldest is still in preschool, we make a big ritual of picking out her back-to-school outfits together, shopping the racks at big retailers and small dot-coms alike. And even though I have a super girly-girl, trust me that this year’s fall trends don’t leave the tomboys or the boy-boys out. There are plenty of cool looks to enjoy at every price point and at either end of the gender expression fashion spectrum.
Make back-to-school outfit shopping extra fun with surprising details like sequins, artful layering pieces, grownup-inspired style statements, and cool graphic tees. Today’s generation of kids are not trying to sit back and let their parents (or big sibs) have all the fashion fun. Even back-to-school outfits for toddlers are mega stylish this season, so gather up your coupons, your coffee, and your kids and hit the ground running. Here are some of my favorite outfit ideas for stylish kids to inspire you:
Back-to-School Outfits for Stylish Kids
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Camo Joggers - Gap Kids
Oh, that special place where comfy meets stylish -- that's where kids should be. And Gap Kids hits it on the head with this entire ensemble, especially those camo joggers.
Buy It: Gap Kids
Price: $26.95 -
Future Tee - Retro Kids
There’s nothing like a good graphic tee. This one says it all for your rising scholar.
Buy It: Bloomingdales
Price: $28 -
Multicolor Sequin Skirt - H&M
If your daughter is anything like mine, she likes to sparkle. How fun is this twirl skirt that you can easily hand wash and hang to dry? And as always with H&M, you can’t beat that price.
Buy It: H&M
Price: $19.99 -
Double Knit Joggers - Polo Ralph Lauren
He’ll look extra cool while chilling out in these high-fashion cut sweats from Bloomingdales.
Buy It: Bloomingdales
Price: $65 -
French Terry Dress With Faux Quilted Purse - Kate Spade
The perfect balance of fancy and easy, this dress is made of what my family calls “sweatshirt material” but the sleeve detail and purse graphic make it girly.
Buy It: Bloomingdales
Price: $58 -
Rugby Shirt - Mini Boden
These fresh, fun rugby tops are built to hold up to his rough, tough lifestyle. They're an easy, stylish piece he'll love, made to last all year and beyond.
Buy It: Boden USA
Price: now on sale for $43 -
Faux Leather Pants - Blank NYC
Your fashion forward kid will definitely get a kick out of these tough girl pleather pants. I wish I could own a pair myself!
Buy It: Saks Fifth Avenue
Price: $68 -
Tiered Chambray Skirt - Hanna Andersson
A multi-season, elastic-waist skirt brings her from the t-shirt days of early back-to-school through fall and winter with the addition of tights and boots later.
Buy It: Hanna Andersson
Price: $40 -
Mickey Mouse Bomber - Junk Food
Cooler weather is coming, but before we break out the puffers, let's enjoy this fall's must-have: the creative bomber jacket. This one, by Junk Food for Target, is easy on the eyes and the wallet.
Buy It: Target
Price: $28 -
Double-Knee Slim Jeans - Hanna Andersson
Kids are hard on their clothes, but these reinforced-knee jeans can take it. They're in the boys' department, but your girls could probably use a pair, too!
Buy It: Hanna Andersson
Price: $50 -
Sienna Jumper - EGG by Susan Lazaar
This suspender skirt is adorable AND practical. The suspenders are removable so your tot can wear the skirt alone for a different look.
Buy It: Maisonette
Price: $59 -
Stripes Padded Vest - Bobo Choses
A thick, padded puffer vest in vintage-inspired stripes gives off the coolest vibe while keeping him (or her!) super-warm.
Buy It: Maisonette
Price: $112 -
Ruffle-Trimmed Jumpsuit - J. Crew
This comfy, cotton jumpsuit for girls comes in sizes 2 - 16, making it ideal for sister matching! The ruffles add a pop of pretty to a practical piece she can throw on for an instant outfit. Add a cardigan in cooler months and she's good to go.
Buy It: J. Crew
Price: $59.50 -
Tie-Dye Twirl Dress - The Painted Crane
The first day back requires an outfit that's both special and easy to move around in. I am obsessed with twirl dresses (and everything else) from this shop run by a mom of two. She tie-dyes each item to order and will create something uniquely for your child at an amazing price.
Buy It: The Painted Crane
Price: $42
