25 outfits every kid will want to rock on the first day of school
Getting back to school after the past year and a half might seem a little overwhelming. But shopping for that first day of school outfit shouldn't be! Of course, you don't want to spend a zillion dollars on clothes they'll outgrow in the blink of an eye (or more likely stain and/or lose on the playground again) but you also want them to look good. (I mean, you've got first day of school photo tradition to uphold!)
Lucky for you, we've hunted down some of our favorite looks to create a first day of school outfit that's totally photo-ready and affordable. With selections from budget-friendly favorites like Target and Old Navy to long-lasting splurgier pieces that always make the hand-me-down piles from places like J. Crew and Tea Collection, there's something for every style and price point.
All they need is a fresh backpack a cool lunch box and they're ready to go!
Shop our first day of school outfit picks below!
Tops + Tees
Back to Basics
You can literally never go wrong with a tee shirt and jeans. A go-to source for all things basic (in the good way), Primary stocks a rainbow of colors in quality fabrics that really hold up.
A Denim Jacket
Is there anything more timeless than a denim jacket? Gap has been perfecting theirs for decades.
Basics, But Make Them Stain-Resistant
​Mamas of messy kiddos rejoice! The brilliant tees from Good Day Lab look just like regular shirts but are armed with superpowers: The cotton fabric repels liquids to to prevent stains from ever setting in! From lunchtime disasters to art class antics, stained clothes are a thing of the past.🙌
A Picture Perfect Polo
Back to business this year. Better look the part, kiddos! The three-button classic comes in a ton of fun colors to keep on rotation.
Space Unicorns
Doughts? Check. Unicorns? Check. Outer Space? Yup. Looks like this one checks all the boxes of awesomeness.
A Chambray Top
An adorable chambray top is the perfect way to elevate the leggings lifestyle.
Striped Henleys
Three little buttons give this henley a more sophisticated look than your everyday graphic tee without being too stuffy. (Price is for a two-pack.)
A Zip Up Hoodie
The perfect piece to have on hand for chilly classrooms and a turn of seasons.
Colorful Pocket Tees
Stock up on these affordable basics and outfit building will be a breeze! They come in six soft colors they can wear all year long.
A Fall-Ready Hoodie
No wardrobe is complete without a favorite hoodie. (But maybe buy a couple because you know one is going to end up in the lost and found.)
A Cozy Cardigan
A practical fall staple that never goes out of style!
Dresses + Skirts + Rompers
A Casual Utility Dress
Jungle vibes for the jungle gym! We love this crisp adventure-ready frock which packs plenty of pockets to stash their playground finds.
A Ruffled Romper
You know those childhood outfits you remember for the rest of your life? This super cute number is likely to be one of those for her.
A Versatile Twirly Dress
Never underestimate the versatility of a cotton dress! It's perfect solo for the hot days and when the temps dip, pair it with leggings and cardigan. Voila! A four season staple.
Sweet Ruffles
Special without being fussy, this organic cotton frock is a great contender for school picture day. (Or you know, just the barrage of photos you're going to take on day one. 😉)
Pattern PlayÂ
Play dresses in fun and funky prints are always a winner. This budget-friendly number from H & M is a perennial favorite and comes in a variety of kid-approved patterns.
A Color Pop Skirt
Perfect on its own or over leggings all year long!
A Denim SkirtallÂ
Overalls, but make it fancy. This coral skirtall transitions into fall wear with a pair of tights or leggings underneath.
Bottoms
Twill Joggers
If jeans or pants with buttons aren't their thing but you've grown weary of sweatpants, these lightweight joggers will make everyone happy. They're sold as a two-pack and come in a great selection of easy-to-pair colors.
Playful Pants
Stretchy, breathable and as fun as she is, these tie-dye cargo joggers cover all the trends.
Biker Joggers
Ok, ok. Sweatpants aren't canceled. These so-hip-it-hurts biker joggers from H & M are a must-have in every shade.
Jeans That Move
You can't beat Old Navy's Karate Denim. Designed with an extra bit of stretch in their patented Built-In Tough fabric, they're comfortable and indestructible.
Striped Leggings
An everyday favorite, but make it fun. We love Primary's long-lasting leggings in every form, but there's something about stripes that's extra irresistible.
Comfy Cargos
Sturdier than leggings with the convenience of 400% more pockets, these stretchy cargos feature reinforced knees for gaga ball games that get a little extra.
Sporty Leggings (With Pockets!)
From math class to soccer practice, these sporty leggings will keep up with a busy day (and pair perfectly with long tunic-style hoodies!)
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