When I was younger, I loved back-to-school shopping! I couldn’t wait to get that list from school, so we could head to Staples and get all new supplies! Even now as an adult, I love purchasing new pens, markers, and planners for myself. Likewise, my kids love getting new classroom supplies. Although we homeschool, I always start in September with all new essentials. The only thing my kids miss out on is the back-to-school fashion. That was my second favorite thing about heading back to school in the fall…a whole new wardrobe! Since we do live in Canada, and fall happens to coincide with back to school, my kids need warmer clothing regardless. With 4 kids, we try not spend an exorbitant amount of money on their clothing since they grow so fast. There are a few stores I always shop at and love.
Zara
Contrary to popular belief, Zara isn’t that expensive! Sure they have some items that have a hefty price tag, but most of their clothing is affordable, especially their basics. You’ll pay the same price for those as you would at Carter’s or Old Navy. I started shopping there as a teen…soooo long ago! And my last 2 babies, have been mostly dressed in Zara. I love their basic tees, long-sleeved, and their leggings, for both girls and boys are adorable! They will have a few big sales a year when will always stock up on larger sizes for the following year.
Keep in mind that all the options I’ve chosen are budget-friendly. They have lots of other cute options, but not everyone can spend more on their kid’s back-to-school fashion than their own. I believe that kids should be comfy if they’re going to spend all day learning and sitting at a desk. So I’ve rounded up mostly casual items. When my 10 year old was younger, she was all about wearing dresses. Now, she’ll opt for leggings or stretchy jeans, a tee, and sweatshirt.
Fitted joggers are a great look on boys small and big. I’m totally obsessed with Henley tops for the whole family, don’t ask me why lol. Zara’s basic shirts are so soft. My son will always reach for those in his drawer.
H&M
H&M is another of my favorite stores for back-to-school fashion. They have some great prices and such cute clothes. They often have some pieces that are buy 2, get the 3rd free. As well as multi-packs of their basics in different colors. Kids can be so rough when they play, so knowing you’ve paid a great price on something is a wonderful feeling.
My firstborn’s wardrobe consisted mostly of H&M dresses. They are adorable and so cheap! You can’t go wrong with a comfy cotton dress. Paired with tights, they make a cute but casual school look. I was so sad when she outgrew the 2-8 and moved on to the pre-teen sizes. For that reason, I was thrilled that baby #4 was a girl lol.
They also have a large selection of affordable leggings with lots of different prints. Their basics packs of t-shirts or long sleeves are a great deal too. Their sizing can be a little funny, so I suggested going in store to try on before placing a large online order.
I’m honestly having a hard time adjusting to girl fashion right now lol. My daughter, like myself, has long legs. The baggy ankle pants you find everywhere now come to the middle of her shins. It really isn’t a cute look lol. The flared legs are also coming back! Here are some comfy looks for your preteen that are still trendy.
H&M’s twill joggers are my favorite! They are super comfortable and you can dress them up or down. I get them in every color. All of these stylish options are at a great price point.
Unlike the drastic difference in their girl’s 2-8 and 9-14 clothing, the boys keep the same looks. I think we can all agree that men’s fashion, for the most part, is more simple. I’ve included more jeans for the older boys since they probably don’t want to go to school in joggers, but they have them!
For shoes, we’ll usually shop at Foot Locker or Winners. Another few stores we’ll shop at are Old Navy, Carter’s, Kohl’s, and JCPenney. I hope you’ve found some inspiration to help you with your back-to-school fashion shopping. Thank you for stopping by today!
Elisa
