Back-to-school fashion for kids

It's back-to-school time, again. The season when we load up on pencils and pens and head to the shops to get our kids outfitted in the latest fashions. Parents on the hunt for clothes to keep their kids warm, cozy and cute this fall will find lots of inspiration in our back-to-school look book!  

A version of this article appeared in our September 2012 issue with the headline “Free Thinkers,” pp. 95-103.

Dress your little one in layers to make sure he stays comfortable in the fall when the weather isn't always predictable. Your child can mix and match (with a little help from mom or dad) to get a handful of looks from just a few cute staples like this button-up denim shirt. For extra fun, add colourful laces like these fire engine red ones to his school shoes.
Where to Buy? On Benjamin: shirt, $17, oldnavy.ca; denim shirt, $25, jeans, $30, and shoes, $27, thechildrensplace.ca; scarf, $16, zara.ca

When it comes to jeans, there's a rainbow of shades for your child to choose from, with everything from hot pink to electric green on offer. This is one fashion trend that's perfect for back-to-school, too. Keep the rainy-day blahs away by helping your child light up the playground in a bold colour!
Where to Buy? On sean: fred perry top, $35, thebay.com; cardigan, $25, and jeans, $23, oldnavy.ca; socks, $4, and shoes, $27, thechildrensplace.ca

What kid doesn't like splashing in puddles? You might have to do some convincing to get them to pull on a pair but once your child is sporting rain boots, they'll be all smiles — and splashes. Whether your child goes for playful patterns or prefers to keep it simple with a solid shade, boots (and warm wool socks) are a must when the weather turns.
Where to Buy? On Lexia: top, $59, scotch-soda.com; shorts, stylist’s own; toque, $7, hm.com/ca; hunter boots, getoutsideshoes.com

Take fashion cues from dad and pick out some pint-sized plaid for your child. Look for various colours and styles to pair with jeans for a first-day photo or class picture. And the best part... plaid patterns help to hide smears and stains so markers and other messes won't be as easy to spot.  
Where to Buy? On Sean: fred perry shirt, $35, thebay.com; jacket, $47, oldnavy.ca; jeans, $30, thechildrensplace.ca