30 Fabulous Back-to-School Outfits for Kids

A cotton dress thrown over leggings is one of the simplest ways to make fashion feel more functional for the playground. Also, who doesn’t love a French kitty motif?

Weather-wise, the season can run a bit in-between. This short-sleeve shirt and heavier weight pant combo will leave your kiddo comfy and stylish for this transitional time.

Denim is a fall classic, but when you layer denim on denim together, it’s a throw-on-and-go ensemble that’s relaxed and cool.

An outfit with a late-September feel: This look is another one that’s all about basics that are layered (denim, a lightweight jacket—you can’t go wrong). Still, when it comes to the sweater, it helps to choose one that showcases a bit of personal style. For example, your kid’s love of dinosaurs. (#TRex4Eva)

It’s the kind of sweater you might want to avoid wearing on art day—beware those paint splatters while wearing a lighter hue—but as a back-to-school outfit, it’s comfy and cute.

In corduroy, this dress has a fall feel, but it stays lightweight and practical for any September heat waves. Add a cardigan—kids always seem to run hot, then cold—and the art of layering = perfected.

The French always get fashion right, which is why a Breton stripe—a Parisian signature—is right on trend. Pair it with a relaxed fit pant in cotton and your kid will be comfy and stylish as the school year kicks off.

It’s a dress that comes with seasonal practicality: A built-in long sleeve. Even better, are the nod to unicorns, which we’re willing to bet your kiddo will appreciate.

This sweats-on-sweats combo requires zero planning and is easy to pull on. A puffer vest is optional of course, but it adds a touch of swagger for a cooler afternoon.

‘Tis the season for picking apples, which is why any attire that’s on theme with that fall ideal is pitch perfect for back-to-school. Case in point: This sweet printed dress. Pair it with a rainboot and you’ll be dressed to impress.

The bright purple stripe adds a nice pop next to navy, but this is also the kind of throw-on-and-go pairing that is perfect for mornings when everyone is running behind.

We love the relaxed comfort of this loose-fitting sweatshirt; also, the star print on the pant. (Insert obvious comparison that your kid is also a star.)

A baseball sweatshirt (or shirt) always delivers on that nostalgic back-to-school. But, in colorblock, it feels modern and fresh. Pair it with shorts (and a bright comfortable sneaker) for a look that’s unique yet relaxed.

About that colorblock sweatshirt… Truly, any sweatshirt will do, but we love the laid-back femininity of pairing an athleisure top with a skirt.

Back to school pics? This is a stylish and grown-up look. Keep the collared shirt lightweight, then add the cardigan as a layer. Just don’t be surprised when your child wants to strip off the cardi and button-down and run around in a tee once the photos are over.

You know your child always has treasures to carry around. This sustainable sweatshirt dress—in a beautiful and earthy tone—gives her just the spot to put them. Add a patterned legging and you’re good to go.

For the kid that wants to step things up come fall: This bomber jacket is cozy, but also dressy. Keep it relaxed with a legging and you’ll transition straight from school to snuggle time.

It’s the ultimate one-and-done ensemble, and the rainbow skirt gives it extra panache for back-to-school. You can almost picture your kid twirling around in it at the playground, then—thanks to the sneaks—sprinting to keep up with her friends.

There’s nothing more quintessentially fall than a flannel, but this one has an update: It comes with a hood! Wear it untucked with a skirt (any neutral tone will do).

Chinos don’t have to be boring, which is why we love this style in a blue and black check. Add a patterned shirt with a collar and it’s a mix-and-match look that shows effort, but also individuality.

A skirt-and-shirt combo in the same hue is another one-and-done ensemble that will delight your kid as much as the parent. Add a bit of edge with a lace up boot. (Or slip on…because you have to get out the door some time.)

Colorblocking adds interest to anything, even something simple in its design like sweats. So does a zippered pocket. (See above note about how our kids love to carry things home.)

J’aime les chats—in other words, we love a cat motif. This gender-neutral sweater is playful and stylish, but also delivers an ode to French culture. (#TBT to your family’s summer vacation—oh la la.)

The reality is that your kid’s favorite part of the day is the breaks for food. So, why not let them wear it on their sleeve? This graphic tee spells it out—and pairs with nearly any pant (denim, a chino, corduroys, etc.).

It’s a pattern explosion, but one that feels tasteful and bright. And all kids love sweats, especially when they come with a super stretchy waistband and in the softest-ever cotton.

Is it a fanny pack? A bonus pocket? That’s up to your kid to decide. Bottom line: It’s playful and something special that her friends will absolutely remark about. (Mission accomplished.)

Vive le fall staples. Another outfit that’s great for school picture day, but comes with layers that can be added or discarded as needed, depending on wherever their back-to-school adventures take them.

We love the polish of this denim design, but also the flexibility when it comes to dressing it up: For example, an oversized bow feels elegant and studious all at once. Pair with a patent shoe or Mary Jane and she’ll love it.

You can’t go wrong with a polo, but in a unique hue—like this berry purple—it feels fresh and fun for fall.

Hey, it’s been trending all summer. This particular design also comes with a collegiate feel.