Shopping for back-to-school clothing for your kids can easily veer into unexpected nightmare territory. Too many items, too many styles, too many options — and trying to stay on budget? Forget it. If you, like so many parents this time of year, find yourself cowering in a Target changing room underneath an ever-growing pile of tiny rejected clothing items — we hear you.
Every parent wants their child to feel confident and happy with how they look on the first day of school; first impressions count, you know? But not every kid is the same shape or size, and not every child fits into those cookie-cutter molds of back-to-school clothing commercials. It’s tough to find affordable outfits that are comfortable, stylish and that let your kids express themselves.
So where to begin? Right here: We’ve rounded up a back-to-school outfit for every type of kid, from the hippie to the prepster to the rocker and everywhere in between.
For the Hippie Kid: ‘Pick Flowers Not Fights’ T-shirt
This is the perfect soft cotton statement tee — with a sentiment close to every hippie child's heart.
"Pick Flowers Not Fights" T-shirt, $20 at The Bee and the Fox
For the Dancer Kid: Super Twirl Dress
This colorful dress is a surefire staple for your little twirler.
Super Twirl dress, $46 at Hanna Andersson
For the Classical Kid: Carter’s Gladiator Sandals
Is your child a Greek god/dess in disguise? These super-lightweight gladiator sandals will conquer the arena, the streets, Mount Olympus… you name it.
Gladiator sandals, $20.99 at Carter's
For the Grunge Kid: Kurt Cobain T-shirt
Let your little rocker pay homage to the late, great grunge god himself with this too-cute (but still totally hardcore) tee.
Kurt Cobain T-shirt, $16.99 at PantaloonRebellion/Etsy
For the Country-Chic Kid: Distressed Denim Overalls
These adorable distressed overalls are going to rule recess with their flexibility and stretch.
Distressed overalls, $35 at Gap
For the Space Cadet Kid: Star Leggings
These star-patterned leggings are out of this world — and so comfortable your kid will feel like they're wearing pajamas to school.
Star leggings, $42 at Nununuworld
For the Zoologist Kid: Boden Snake Sweater
The bright colors and bold pattern of this snake sweater make it the ultimate in layering and edgy style.
Snake sweater, $49.50 at Boden
For the Pint-Size Mr. Rogers: Sweatshirt Cardigan
Anyone would want to be this chic kid's neighbor.
Sweatshirt cardigan, $19.99 at H&M
For the Preppy Kid: Argyle Kids Socks
Nothing says preppy like argyle, so add a little flair to your kid's feet with these socks from Ralph Lauren. Who said socks had to be boring?
Argyle socks, $7.88 for a pack of 3 at Papws
For the City Kid: Brooklyn T-shirt
Your city kid will adore this wear-any-day-with-anything shirt declaring their love for their favorite borough.
"Brooklyn" T-shirt, $19.50 at J.Crew
For the Philanthropist Kid: Toms Cypress Coated Linen Shoes
These sneakers from Toms pull together your kid's effortlessly cool outfit, whether they're running down the halls of school or running to catch a subway. And as with all Toms products, for each pair of shoes bought, the company will donate a pair to someone in need.
Cypress coated linen shoes, $38.95 at Toms
For the Rocket Scientist Kid: ‘Don’t Trust Atoms’ T-shirt
This graphic T-shirt from the Gap is not only comfortable, breathable and clever, it's also guaranteed to make your child's science teacher smirk.
"Don't Trust Atoms" T-shirt, $16.95 at Gap
For the Mathematician Kid: Twist Turban Soft Headband
Need an accessory to round out your kid's look? These headbands give an understated nod to their favorite subject with equation and addition patterns. Plus, the monochromatic colors make these work with basically every outfit.
Twist turban soft headband, $7.12 at playful peanut/Etsy
For the Literary Kid: ‘Le Petit Prince’ T-shirt
If your kid's favorite place to be is buried under a pile of books, let them flaunt their favorite titles with a shirt from Out of Print; each one is decorated with a beloved book cover.
"Le Petit Prince" T-shirt, $20 at Out of Print
For the Outdoorsy Kid: Patagonia Girls Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Pullover
If the outdoors calls to your child, they can stay cozy and still look sporty with this pullover from Patagonia.
Patagonia girls lightweight Synchilla snap-T pullover, $39 at Patagonia
For the Sporty Kid: Plae Space Static Black Max Sneaker
The ultimate in chic-kid sneakers, this offering from Plae is no exception. With its Velcro straps and "space static black" design, it's sure to be a winner on and off the track.
Plae space static black max sneaker, $64.95 at Plae
For the Athleisure Kid: Jogging Pants
The equivalent of kids yoga pants (aka so comfortable you never want to take them off), these joggers will quickly become that one pair of pants your kid wants to wear every day — so stock up on laundry detergent. Or, you know, just buy multiple pairs.
Jogging pants, $9.99 at H&M
For the (Tiny) Star Quarterback: Bomber Track Jacket
This bomber track jacket from Gap is perfect for completing your child's athletic-chic look without the oversize team jersey.
Bomber track jacket, $32 at Gap
Kidbox Subscription Box
And if you just can't decide, let Kidbox take care of the outfit choosing for you. Kidbox is the only personalized style box that combines premier brands for sizes newborn to 14, amazing prices, and a mission to clothe one million children in need. What more could you ask for?
Kidbox subscription box, $98 for a box of 6-7 items at Kidbox
Leave a Comment