The Best In Back To School Fashion For Kids This Year

It’s almost time to put away the beach bags and take out the lunch boxes, because the new school year is just around the corner.  By now you’ve likely received your back to school shopping lists for supplies – the long list filled with pencils, notebooks and calculators galore.  However, we’re not here to talk about that boring albeit necessary shopping list.  We’re here to talk with you about something a little more fun – the cutest back to school fashions for your little ones.

And while this is a fun topic, it’s not always easy.  Where does one start?  What are kids even wearing to school these days? 

Don’t stress – we’ve done a little research to get you going in the right direction so there’s no need to be anxious.  In fact, this year’s trip should be a lot of fun because childrenswear has gotten some street cred over the past couple years.  Thanks to new launches in the space by some of our favorite luxury labels like Givenchy, Balenciaga and Balmain to name a few, kids clothing isn’t child’s play any more.   Instead, brands are creating cool streetwear-inspired pieces and mini me versions of their adult selections that are scaled down to size for school aged children.

Even if it’s just to dream a little dream – since perhaps designer price points for your offspring are not what you have in mind – here are some great places to gather inspiration and see the new trends in pint-size ready-to-wear.

Where can you find these designer duds?  Online shops like French-based Melijoe, British-based Farfetch or US-based Maisonette offer lots of choices for kids from both major luxury brands and indie ones.  And in case you missed it, even Net-a-porter has gotten in on the kids space, hosting a Gucci kids pop-up for the fall.

If you’re looking for an in-store experience, then we suggest checking out Barneys and Harrods for a wide selection of brands. Many luxury brands, like Gucci, Dior and Dolce & Gabbana, sell their children’s lines in their flagship locations or even in stand-alone dedicated kids’ stores.

So what should you and your little one be looking for as your shop?  We’ve rounded up 6 of the latest trends from some of our favorite brands to help your littles – whether they are heading into Pre-K or 5th grade – get ready for an A in first day school style and beyond.

1. Street style worthy sneakers:  Start the school year off on the right foot with some stylish sneakers with embellishment and exaggerated style that would make any sneakerhead jealous.  Just like adults, kiddos can pair them with just about anything – from dresses to tracksuits and still be ready to hit the books and the playground too.

Our picks:  We love these too cute Minna Parikka Tail Sneaks ($240) with bunny ears and a matching fluffy tail.  Stand out with Karl Lagerfeld on these super sleek K/Ikonik Leather Sneakers ($145). Classic Gucci Leather Low Tops ($310) will complete any outfit.  We love the bold red MSGM Leather Trainers ($206) with equally bold and on trend logo laces. Or go with the totally on-trend black and blue with these dapper Giuseppe Zanotti Jody Jr ($550) sneakers.

2. Pattern play:  This trend is sure to guarantee an easy time getting dressed in the morning – but only if you’re able to relinquish some control and let your child’s creativity shine by mixing patterns like stripes with florals or plaids with prints. We know it might be hard at first, but pattern clashing is completely on-trend.

Our picks:  We wish they made these bold Dolce & Gabbana Printed Silk Pajama Pants ($425) in our size.  We think they would love great with a striped sweater.  Paired with a button down or worn alone, this Bonpoint Jacquard Check Sweater ($195) is a classic piece that will work this trend and beyond.  The Little Marc Jacobs Heart Denim Dress ($185) is perfect for transitioning from late summer into fall when paired with contrasting leggings to complete this mix and match trend.  Mix this Mini Rodini Liberty Tee ($59) with any other item from the brand and you definitely will make a statement.  School may have just started, but with this Paul Smith Junior Watch Print Shirt ($145) you can kickoff the countdown until the next summer vacation.

3. Sporty loungewear:  Whether your kid actually plays sports or just loves living life in cool sport joggers, this is a trend we can totally get behind.  Athleisure is comfortable, easy to move in and makes kids look oh-so-cool.  The only problem might be getting your little ones out of these sleek duds so that you can wash them for the next wear.

Our picks:  The Molo Hailey Jacket ($102) is easy to wear and is even reversible for extra outfit options.  Marni’s Triacetate patchwork full-zip sweatshirt ($180) and pants ($140) are playground and gym ready for school days and relax ready for lazy family weekends too.

Transition into cooler mornings easily with the Adidas Originals by Mini Rodini Padded Vest ($85).  The Acne Studios Crewneck Sweatshirt ($120) and Track Pants ($170) come in lots of colors for mixing and matching.  There’s almost one for every day of the week.  Our kids can never have enough sweatshirts and we love this fun Kenzo Cosmic Tiger Sweatshirt ($150).

4. Logo mania:  Just like the adults, kids’ fashion is also having a love affair with logos.  It’s bold and just a little bit brash, but that’s what makes this trend fun for kids and adults alike.

Our picks:  We like this Burberry Heritage Stripe Detail Embroidered Cotton Sweatshirt ($180), this Balenciaga Sweater ($295), this Givenchy Logo Dress ($320), this Chloe Sweater ($150) and this Versace Young Logo Dress ($240) because they are simple and make a statement but also easy to dress up or down with the right accessories.

5. Prepster:  Most trends come and go, but the preppy look has stood the test of time.  With details like crisp collars, pinstripe, varsity letters and cardigans, looking clean and fresh is (thankfully) always in style.

Our picks:  We love the preppy crew neck on this Dolce & Gabbana Printed Cotton Dress ($395).  This Stella McCartney Bow Sweater ($142) makes looking preppy easy with no extra layering needed.  Though if you are looking to layer, we suggest the Gucci Guccy Wishify Wool Jacket ($645) that is just asking to be draped over something like this cute Chloe Collar Dress ($270).  We also can’t get enough of this Balmain Cotton Sweater with Badge ($725) that’s a fun play on varsity lettering.

6. It Bags:  A backpack is essential for holding supplies, books and lunch (and maybe even a few hopes and dreams too) and it’s the one item that your child will bring with them every day to school.  So why not give them something that shows off a little bit of their personality and sense of style?

Our picks:  If you’re looking for something unconventional, consider the Jeune Premier Midi Love Bird Bag ($172) or the Gucci GG Fawn Tote ($560) for your little one.  If you’re looking for a more traditional shape that still has bold style, then we suggest the Fendi Neoprene Backpack ($700), the Mini Rodini Panther Backpack ($119) or the Burberry Monster Detail Vintage Check and Leather Satchel ($620).

There you have it! Style inspiration for you and your crew. Have fun out there!

Jillian Tangen is the Head of Research at Dandelion Chandelier and a former Senior Research Analyst at McKinsey & Co and Analyst at Shearman & Sterling. She is an avid fan of Nordic design, having owned an independent lifestyle store and sales agency focused on emerging Scandinavian design. Jillian lives in NYC and is married with three young children and loves cross country skiing, the New York Rangers, reading, travel and discovering new brands.