Fresh notebooks and countless colored pencils aren’t the only back-to-school season buys on my radar this year. As my oldest child heads back to preschool, I’m already building his wardrobe with cool-kid Polo must-haves and the cutest sustainable denim from Mon Coeur. While most fashion-passionate moms are behind the best looks donned by littles in the hallways at school, I love watching my kids discover their own personal style, too. So, I’m embracing countless dinosaurs and stocking up on t-shirts in every “favorite” color.
This fall, I’m also dressing for school myself. From morning drop-off to weekend playground playdates, I’m channeling the classroom and stocking up on styles that would be a fit for study hall. Right now, my shopping cart is filled with classic button-downs, chunky loafers, and neutral layers. Inspired by my prep-school days, I’m also planning to accessorize my uniform look with bold earrings and oversize hair clips. The only question left: Where do I enroll? Shop our favorite back-to-school pieces for children and moms, below.
For the Moms
Relaxed Fit Striped Cotton Shirt
As a mom, my uniform look will always start with a button-down. Luckily, this Ralph Lauren striped cotton shirt fits the dress code.
Oversized Wool Blazer
School-boy blazers are reimagined in the modern world as androgynous—ageless wardrobe warriors that can dress up any look. So, this would be my go-to on a day when I didn’t have time to get dressed before “first period.”
Logo Detail Leather Loafers
These loafers promise poise and purpose with ankle socks and skirts, but they’re also edgy enough to pull off around the class bully. I’m in love.
Link Earrings
These earrings would look great in detention. While I might not actually be breaking the rules, I can always dress like I am.
Mason Pant
These pants exude the type of confidence only felt by the teacher’s pet. They’re perfectly flowy and unapologetically chic.
Leather Bag with Shoulder Strap
Chewing gum might not be allowed in the school hallways, but it always has a place hidden in a mom’s pickup bag. This Prada shoulder strap will disguise just that—and, of course, a phone or wallet.
Hook and Loop Leather Sneakers
While we didn’t forget how to tie our shoes, sometimes as moms we just don’t have the time. On those days, I’m thankful for sneakers that have hook and loop closures.
Jumbo Box Clip
There’s something about a hair accessory that adds the perfect polish to an outfit. I'll clip this on before catching up with the school principal.
Wide-Leg Mom Fit Jogger Jean
I might have to abandon my typical mom jeans this fall for this cropped jogger fit from Tommy Hilfiger. They’ll fit the looks I pull together in time to hit any carpool schedule.
Laurence Graff Signature Spinning Diamond Band
This is the chicest fidget spinner I’ve ever seen—and all of the other multifaceted moms that love playing with their jewelry will agree.
For the Kids
Logo Fleece Sweatshirt
This sweatshirt offers a varsity vibe for kids that are still years away from high school.
Mini Me Emerald Bezel Heart Studs
I would definitely crack open a book again if I could wear emeralds for endless hours of study—and these little hearts are everything. The little ones we’re dressing for class need them.
May Low Top Sneakers
It would be nearly impossible to wear these without simultaneously being the coolest kid at recess.
Patterned Backpack
This is arguably the cutest take on camouflage in a material that will be easy to wash. At $29, this is worth buying now and studying later.
Kids Star Belt
Because kids' sizes are always changing, belts are a good idea. I would give this one five stars.
Sweet Alhambra Pendant
For the older kids celebrating their first day at a new school, I love the idea of gifting a necklace that symbolizes good luck.
Denim Skinny Jeans
These jeans were designed in New York and crafted in upcycled cotton in Portugal, making them a style staple and sustainability lesson in one.
Children's Star Belt Bag
While this won’t necessarily take the place of a backpack, a Gucci belt bag is a school-kid statement I can get behind. If nothing else, it’ll fit a T3 calculator.
Dunk Low SE
For the kids that are a little more active in their kicks, I’m all about these Nike dunks. They’ll always score 100 percent in the toughest classes by matching everything.