29 Back to School Outfits for a Stylish 2024
While there may be mixed feelings about the end of summer, shopping for back to school outfits and supplies adds a feeling of excitement. The younger your kids are, the more they seem to grow every year. This makes back to school outfit shopping even more of a necessity.
Shopping for school supplies is often a day full of excitement and maybe a hint of sadness for summer’s end. But when you’re out looking at comfortable new shoes and stylish outfits, it’s hard not to look forward to showing them off on the first day of classes.
If you have multiple kiddos, between coordinating back to school outfits, sports equipment and school supplies, it’s a lot to keep track of. If you're on the lookout for a back to school checklist, Good Housekeeping has wonderful options to make sure nothing is forgotten. Although there’s no guarantee your child won’t tell you at 9 p.m. that they have an assignment due in the morning and need special supplies or spirit week ideas. That’s the fun of it all!
It’s also time to start thinking about kids lunch ideas Stock up on plenty of zip-top bags, Tupperware and reusable ice packs to make meal prepping a breeze.
Let's take a look at the best back to school outfits to bring some style to the new semester.
Jump to Section:
- Back to School Outfits for a Girl
- Back to School Outfits for a Boy
- Back to School Outfits for Kindergarten Kids
- Back to School Outfits for High School
Back to School Outfits for a Girl
1. Simple Cotton Dresses
Finding a few simple cotton dresses that your daughter loves is a smart back to school outfit investment because it can easily be worn alone or paired with stockings and jackets when temps drop. This fashion choice is the most practical for toddlers who are still being potty trained, too. Any pink dress is going to channel her Barbie outfit ideas in real life.
2. Mommy & Me Cardigan
Are you wondering what should parents wear for the big back to school day? Take the opportunity to match with your daughter with this adorable matching cardigan set. It’s a fun piece for back to school outfits as a teacher or student. The ultra-soft fabric isn’t itchy and it’s available for kiddos from a 3T to 14 Years.
3. Her Favorite Skirt
Depending on your daughter’s age, she might be looking for different things in a skirt. From kindergarten and into her early tween years, a fluffy tutu might be her favorite back to school outfit. Once she gets a bit older, a classic denim skirt or tiered cotton maxi skirt adds a feminine touch to her wardrobe.
4. Little Kids Romper
This adorable design from Cheeky Plum is the perfect back to school outfit for girls. Since it’s one piece, it saves time and decisions in the morning. Adorned with cute cartoon apples and blossoms, it pairs perfectly with sneakers or sandals. This style works for girls up to 12.
4. Bodysuit & Cargo Pants
For the older girls, cargo pants are coming back in style believe it or not. Basic bodysuits are great because she never has to worry about her shirt coming untucked, plus they come in a variety of colors and cuts. Pair basics like black, white or grey bodysuits with some loose-fitting cargo pants and sneakers. This back to school outfit for older girls is very much on-trend.
5. Always Be Kind Green Pant Set
This adorable pant and sweatshirt set from Cheeky Plum is the perfect back to school outfit for young girls. Dark green pants with a big bow at the waist are comfy while still being fashionable. Pair it with her favorite sneakers and some flower sunnies for a put-together look that feels like loungewear.
7. Trousers
Trousers are no longer a frumpy piece of clothing reserved for boring office jobs. Thanks to retailers like Abercombie & Fitch, they’re coming back in a stylish and chic way. Paired with a simple tee, they make the best back to school outfit for girls. The wide-leg style is particularly on-trend right now and many brands are making affordable trousers for everyday wear.
Back to School Outfits for a Boy
8. School Supply Star Button Down
Celebrate all things back to school with a cute and colorful button-down shirt for boys. Planets, rulers, crayons and globes are eye-catching and fun. If you get some shirts in a navy color then this will go great with just about any color pants or jeans, making it a practical back to school outfit for a boy. Plus, if you get one with a little collar, they can wear it out to dinners, too. This particular shirt is geared towards elementary school kiddos.
9. Dinosaur Striped Long Sleeve
You can’t go wrong with this precious back to school outfit for young boys. A navy and white striped long-sleeve tee shirt gets a colorful dino addition to make it even cuter. Perfect with khakis, jeans or any sort of colored shorts or pants. Even though it has a dinosaur on it, this piece functions like a staple item and goes with almost everything.
10. Graphic Tees
The easiest and laziest way to get dressed in the morning is by throwing on jeans and a tee shirt and when your son gets to high school that’s about all they have time for. A fresh selection of graphic short and long-sleeved tee shirts are the perfect basic that can be worn with any jeans, pants or shorts. Old Navy and H&M have a great selection of this staple for back to school outfits for a boy.
11. Athleisure Shirts
As your son gets older and puberty starts to hit, sweating and odor become more of a concern. In addition to good hygiene and lots of deodorant, athletic material shirts, especially the ones from Lululemon that are made with silver, can help.
Special fabric wicks and lets sweat dry, while anti-microbial silver helps to prevent bacteria and odors. This material is available in crew neck, long-sleeve and even collared shirts, making it a smart investment for back to school outfits for high school boys.
14. Collared Sweater Shirt
Another old-fashioned look that’s making a comeback is the polo or collared shirt made out of sweater material. This back to school outfit for boys will have him looking sharp and sophisticated paired with jeans, chinos or joggers.
13. Joggers
If sweatpants and regular pants had a baby it would be joggers. These comfortable yet stylish bottoms are perfect for back to school outfits for boys of all ages. Choose between a huge variety of materials and pair them with collared shirts, sweatshirts, and everything in between.
14. Printed Shorts
As your little boy gets older, his style will evolve, but some version of colorful, printed shorts will always be in style. Whether gingham or some wacky splatter paint pattern, this back to school outfit for boys lets him express himself. Since so many patterns also contain many colors, the bold bottoms become versatile to pair with many different colored tops.
Back to School Outfits for Kindergarten Kids
15. Wild About Kindergarten Outfit
This fierce and adorable back to school outfit for kindergarten kids is sure to be a favorite. A tiny tee shirt that says “Wild about Kindergarten” paired with some cheetah print pants, shorts or a skirt makes a statement. Plus, it’s a nice outfit for you to capture back to school photos in and remember exactly what grade they were starting.
16. Little Flannel Shirt
Fall is the season of flannel, but this classic plaid shirt or jacket actually makes a practical extra layer for back to school outfits for kindergarten kids. Boys and girls can wear a colorful plaid outer layer over their favorite jeans and tee shirt or dress.
17. Pumpkin Outfits
The start of the school year signals that Fall is on its way and Halloween is soon to follow. Adorable and festive pumpkin shirts or sweatshirts can be part of a great back to school outfit for kindergarten kids that they can wear from the end of September maybe even through to Thanksgiving.
18. Pencil Sneakers
Refresh your child’s back to school outfit with some adorable pencil sneakers from Cheeky Plum. They’re available for young kids and up to adult sizes if you want to match! They’re similar to Keds or Vans but with distinctive colors from toe to heel that make it look like a giant pencil.
19. Mini Tracksuit
When you’re searching for back to school outfits for kindergarten kids, you want something that can take them from classroom to recess to after school activities and home with the least amount of fussing possible. A classic matching tracksuit or sweatsuit will always get the job done. Available in so many colors, cuts and styles, you can find something that works for your child.
20. A Custom Shirt
Nothing feels more special to a little kid than seeing their name on something. Plus, a customized shirt with their name or initials makes an adorable back to school outfit for kindergarten kids.
21. School Bus Vibes
Anything with classic school symbols is a “yes” for back to school outfits for kindergarten kids. Graphic tees with apples, pencils or cute little school buses are versatile and easy. Consider adding some pastel colors to their wardrobe too, for a more muted look that’s still colorful without being too much. A soft blue shirt with a bright yellow school bus is much more pleasing to the eye than a royal blue version of the same thing.
22. The Coolest Backpack
For your young kids, their backpack is one of the most important aspects of their back to school outfit. They choose a character, color or theme that will represent them for the entire school year and possibly the one after that. Young boys love things like sharks, dinosaurs or Minecraft while young girls typically go for purple glitter, unicorns or something floral.
Back to School Outfits for High School
23. Cotton Basics
Their style could change before the first semester is over, but a few staple cotton tee shirts or tank tops will always come in handy. Whether they want to wear them under sweaters, fashion-forward jackets or as-is, this back to school outfit essential belongs in everyone’s shopping cart. Not to mention as puberty hits, shirts start to get sweaty and stained in no time. Replace and refresh with affordable basics from Target or Old Navy.
24. Activewear
Activewear is the new sweatpants, but much more polished. The ease of throwing on something comfortable to move around in makes this style of back to school outfits for high school a top seller. Popular brands like Lululemon or Vuori are all the rage and make high-quality pieces that will last them several years.
25. New Jeans
A good pair of denim is more than worth the upfront investment because it lasts forever and is extremely versatile. You never know what the trend is going to be – ripped, baggy or low-waisted – but a pair of practical denim that they can wear to school and out and about is a must-have for back to school outfits for high school. American Eagle or Levi’s make great quality jeans for boys and girls.
26. Branded Sweatshirts
The truth is that sweatshirts will never go out of style and all sorts of retro or oversized hoodies and crew necks are becoming hugely popular amongst high school and college kids. This might mean that you find your favorite sweatshirt missing though.
Re-stock on this back to school outfit from popular stores like H&M or Old Navy, or just get them a sweatshirt as a souvenir on your next family vacation. Other popular choices include potential college choices, but having your school on your sweatshirt is always acceptable as a back to school outfit for university.
27. Bomber Jackets
Layers are important as some classrooms are freezing while others run a little toasty. Bomber jackets are a fashionable back to school outfit for high school for girls or boys. Perfect with a pair of jeans or a mini skirt, they come in so many fabrics and weights to choose from.
28. A Pair of Everyday Sneakers
Finding the right shoes that are comfortable to wear all day long and that go with your wardrobe can be a daunting task. The perfect pair of sneakers that can go with sweatpants, jeans and even a cute dress might seem impossible, but there are a lot of great choices right now.
Lean towards neutral colors with this back to school outfit idea so you can pair them with more. New Balance has become hugely popular, while Nike Air Force 1's have never gone out of style.
29. Layering
As previously mentioned, layering is essential for back to school outfit comfort. Stock up on a few classic pieces that your high schooler can mix and match. Classic knit cardigans or quarter zips never go out of style. The same goes for a jean jacket in white or blue denim.
All this might sound like a massive expense and you could be wondering, how much money should be spent on back to school clothes? The answer is going to be 100% personal to you and your situation. If you’re working with a tight budget, especially for items your kids will outgrow within a year or less, pay close attention to where you shop for back to school outfits.
There are so many affordable places for basics that won’t break the bank so it hurts just a little less when you’re throwing away or donating pieces that don’t fit anymore. Just make sure to keep school dress codes in mind when shopping.
For even more fun outfit ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
