The back-to-school supply lists are one thing, but the need for a new wardrobe come September is real. After all, it’s pretty much set that your child needs pencil cases and highlighters and notebooks, but they also grow like weeds, so the chances that last year’s jacket or jeans will still fit is slim. The good news: It’s 2023 and the range of retailers catering creatively to kids is vast. (There’s Primary! Mon Coeur! Tea Collection!) That’s why we did the work for you and pulled together 30 stylish back-to-school outfits. Ready, set, shop!
30 Fabulous Back-to-School Outfits for Kids
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You canlearn more about the affiliate process here.
What Are the Best Kids Clothing Stores to Shop for Back to School?
For staples, we’re huge fans ofPrimary—especially their rainbow color palette—but alsoZara,Nikeand Target’sCat & Jackline. Want something that’s feels more unique? You’ll want to browse brands likeTea Collection,Barefoot DreamsandHanna Andersson—all are making efforts with sustainability, but feature patterns, designs and, in the case of Hanna, beloved characters that will make getting dressed before school feel extra fun.
1. Graphic Print Dress + Colorful Leggings + Sneakers
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?
Get the Look
2. A Polo Shirt + Patterned Sweats + Beanie
Weather-wise, the season can run a bit in-between. This short-sleeve shirt and heavier weight pant combo will leave your kiddo comfyandstylish for this transitional time.
Get the Look
3. A Chambray Shirt + Denim Pants
牛仔装是经典,但是当你层牛仔布on denim together, it’s a throw-on-and-go ensemble that’s relaxed and cool.
4. Sweater + Jeans + Utility Jacket
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)
Get the Look
5. Textured Top + Denim Skirt + Patent Loafer
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.
6. Corduroy Dress + Cardigan + High Tops
在灯芯绒,这件衣服有一种秋天的感觉,但它ays 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.
7. Breton Stripe + Lightweight Pants + Slip-Ons
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.
Get the Look
8. Unicorn Dress + Long Sleeves + Lace-Up Boot
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.
Get the Look
9. Sweats + Sweats + Puffer Vest
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.
Get the Look
10. Anything Apple-Themed + Hunter Boots
‘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.
11. A Stripey Tee + A Drawstring Pant
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.
Get the Look
12. An Oversized Neutral Sweatshirt + A Printed Pant
We love the relaxed comfort of this loose-fitting sweatshirt; also, the star print on the pant. (Insert obvious comparison that your kid isalsoa star.)
Get the Look
13. A Baseball Sweatshirt + Shorts
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 sneaker) for a look that’s unique yet relaxed.
Get the Look
14. A Sweatshirt + Skirt
About that colorblock sweatshirt… Truly, any sweatshirt will do, but we love the laid-back femininity of pairing an athleisure top with a skirt.
Get the Look
15. Cardigan + Collared Shirt + Shorts
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.
Get the Look
16. Pocket Dress + Leggings
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.
Get the Look
17. A Faux Fur Bomber Jacket + Leggings
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.
Get the Look
18. Rainbow Dress + Sneakers
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.
Get the Look
19. A Flannel Hoodie + Skirt
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).
Get the Look
20. A Rugby Shirt + Chino Pant
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.
Get the Look
21. A Matching Shirt + Skirt + A Boot
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.)
22. A Zipper Pocket Hoodie + Fleece Pant
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.)
23. A Playful Sweater + Cargo Pant
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.)
Get the Look
24. A Shirt with a Message + Jeans
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.).
Get the Look
25. Matching Sweats + Rainbow Sneaks
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.
Get the Look
26. An Embellished Shirt + Leggings
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.)
Get the Look
27. A Neutral Flannel + Chinos
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.
Get the Look
28. A Denim Dress + Oversized Bow
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.
Get the Look
29. A Polo Shirt + Khakis
You can’t go wrong with a polo, but in a unique hue—like this berry purple—it feels fresh and fun for fall.
Get the Look
30. A Barbie Pullover + Denim
Hey, it’s been trending all summer. This particular design also comes with a collegiate feel.