How to pick your first-day-of-school outfit

Written by Anna Lane, Jada Kennzie, and Nusrat Sultana

Updated July 21, 2023

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After learning to crawl and enjoying their first solid foods, your kids' first day of school is one of those milestones you will remember forever. Choosing a memorable outfit for a memorable day is essential if you're looking to make this memory as perfect as possible. The goes double if your kid is savvy enough to have a sense of style, especially if your child hasn't seen their friends and classmates all summer, or is gearing up for new faces. Everyone wants to dress to impress but you also want to make sure their school items will hold up all year, from quality backpacks to durable lunchboxes.

The same goes for clothing. It's best to invest in year-round wardrobe staples they can always wear, like comfortable sweaters, cotton tees, and thick jackets. Material, sizing, and fun prints are all factors to consider as well. Whether your child is sporty, artsy, or prioritizes comfort above all, here are the 13 best places to shop for the perfect back-to-school look.

1. Boden

For clothes that last

On the left: Two young girls standing in a field holding a kite. On the right: A young boy sits on top of a dresser and talk to another boy standing next to him. — Credit: Boden

Boden is a British company that's become popular stateside in the last few years. Its line of children's clothing—dubbed "Mini Boden"—features cheerful prints and stellar seasonal collaborations. Mini Boden's sizing is generous, so my kids often get two years of wear out the pieces we purchase, and since most items are 100% cotton, they both wash well and can take a good beating.

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2. French Toast

For kids who wear uniforms

Three boys and a girl walking and talking, and one boy is pushing a bicycle — Credit: French Toast

If your child is headed to a school that requires uniforms, you'll definitely want to peruse the selection at French Toast. Search the specific school to see pants, skirts, and shirts, then stock up on the styles your child prefers.

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3. Primary

For gender-neutral basics

On the left: A young girl laughs with her hand over her mouth. On the left: A young boy dances on a front porch. — Credit: Primary

Primary was founded by two moms who were frustrated at the lack of affordable, basic clothing for kids. The company specializes in gender-neutral, colorful clothing made of 100% cotton jersey. Streamline your child's morning routine by stocking their closet with clothes that can be easily mixed and matched. Primary's leggings are a favorite of all 900 women in my local mom's group, and there's a good reason—the durable, high-quality fabric, and unisex designs mean they can be passed down from sibling to sibling.

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4. Target

For everything your kid needs

On the left: A young girl wears a dress and smiles to the camera. On the right: A young boy, wearing shorts, a t-shirt, and flip-flops smiles to the camera. — Credit: Target

If one-stop shopping is your jam, it's hard to beat Target for the selection of both school supplies and back-to-school fashion. One of the things we like best about Target is that they carry a great selection of branded merchandise—like superheroes and princesses—as well as character-free lines such as Cat & Jack.

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5. Pair Eyewear

For the kids who wear glasses

Pair Eyewear offers fun and unique eyewear at low costs with interchangeable frames that can be switched out at any time. The brand has tons of frames to choose from to match any style you may be on the hunt for this school season. Kids will love the colorful styles and they're sure to have fun swapping out the frames throughout the school year. Pair Eyewear has options for children 5 and up, so it's great for all ages.

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6. Splendid

For the softest clothes

On the left: A girl sitting in a chair reading a book. On the right: A young boy sitting on the grass with his legs out in front of him — Credit: Splendid

My kids are obsessed with wearing only soft clothes, so I've done a lot of research to find clothing brands they won't deem "ouchie" or "itchy." Splendid is a Los Angeles-based brand that makes buttery-soft cotton-rayon pieces with which my kids have yet to find fault. Price-wise, the brand's clothes are on the high end, but I'm willing to pay a little more if it means less complaining from my children. Sign up for Splendid's emails to be notified about sales—the brand usually offers 30% to 50% off at the end of the season.

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7. Kohl's

For fashion on a budget

On the left: A grey sweashirt with the face of a llama wearing glasses. On the right: A yellow sweatshirt printed with trees and bears. — Credit: Kohl's

If you're on a budget or your child is prone to coming home with paint and dirt on their clothes, you need stylish wardrobe staples that don't put a dent in your wallet. Kohl's "Jumping Beans" line offers a huge selection of dresses, pants, and shirts all priced under $20.

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8. Hanna Andersson

For sleepwear and school wear

On the left: Two young girls stand next to a tree outside. On the right: A boy and a girl sit on a porch railing — Credit: Hanna Andersson

Hanna Andersson may be famous for its organic cotton pajama sets, but its regular clothing garners rave reviews from parents, too. The durable—and cute—clothes stand up well to rough-and-tumble kids, making them hand-me-down worthy. Browse through pretty and colorful patterns that'll add a bright splash to your child's neutrals.

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9. Tea Collection

For clothes with a cause

On the left: A girls stands with her hands on her hips and smiles to the camera. On the right: A boy has a jumprope on his head. — Credit: Tea Collection

For fashion with globally-inspired prints, there's nothing better than Tea Collection. The San Francisco-based company finds inspiration for its designs all over the world—and donate 10% of profits to The Global Fund for Children. We especially like that the brand's clothes are crafted from thick cotton that doesn't fade or tear easily, and feature prints that aren't gendered.

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10. Maisonette

For the fashionista

On the left: A young girl wearing a bright pink dress singing into an old fashioned microphone. On the right: A tween boy wearing a grey sweatshirt and a sweatband standing with his hands on his hips — Credit: Maisonette

If your little one has a taste for dapper designer pieces or you need something special for the first school dance, look no further than Maisonette. The beautifully curated site features high-end fashion for children, as well as home décor and toys. Esoteric European brands are well-represented on Maisonette, but there are plenty of options from well-known designers as well. If there's a fancy party or holiday event in your child's future (or you just want them to look absolutely fabulous on their first day), Maisonette won't disappoint.

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11. Mabo

For ultra-comfortable basics

A girls' cotton dress and a pair of red t-strap shoes on a cream colored background — Credit: Mabo

If you're a parent, you may have seen ads on Instagram for Mabo's organic cotton clothing. The Salt Lake City-based company designs and manufactures all of its pieces in the United States; its cotton, linen, and wool basics are outstandingly soft and cozy. Mabo's organic cotton leggings are a favorite in my house both because they're comfortable and because they're durable enough to hold up to wear from multiple kids.

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12. Nordstrom

For the right pair of kicks

Four pairs of children's feet and legs wearing different shoes — Credit: Getty Images / PeopleImages

The right pair of shoes can finish off an outfit perfectly and take it from good to great; luckily, Nordstrom began as a shoe store, which may explain why they always have a great selection of kids' shoes. Whether your child prefers running shoes or penny loafers, there are plenty of options to choose from both online and in physical stores. Plus, the customer service at Nordstrom can't be beat: They offer price adjustments if an item you purchased goes on sale, and the kids' shoe departments usually send little customers home with a balloon. We all know everything is better with balloons!

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13. Zulily

For colorful graphic tees and bold accessories

A colorful blue and orange dress next to a bright green graphic tee — Credit: Zulily

If your child is a maximalist, they'll love what Zulily has to offer: From brightly-patterned graphic tees and dresses you'll be able to see even in a crowd to bold, vibrant backpacks like the Bubble Gum Gwen Unicorn Butterfly Crown Large Backpack, Zulily is your one-stop shop to ensure your child can express themselves with all the color they desire.

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14. Polarn O. Pyret

For kids in cold climates

Two young kids in the snow wearing ski parkas and carrying skis — Credit: Polarn O. Pyret

Though temperatures may still be creeping into triple digits, it's only a matter of weeks before the first cold snap of the season. If your kids will be braving snow, sleet, and sub-zero temps to get to school, Polarn O. Pyret is there for the rescue. The Swedish company has been making adorable (and practical) kids clothing since 1976, and their sweaters and thermal underwear cannot be matched.

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