25+ outfits every kid will want to rock on the first day of school

Sweenshots & Shaymone/Stocksy
Affordable must-haves from the places you (and they!) love
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Getting back to school is always a little overwhelming. But shopping for those back to school outfits shouldn’t be! Of course, you don’t want to spend a zillion dollars on clothes they’ll outgrow in the blink of an eye (or more likely stain and/or lose on the playground again) but you also want them to look good. (I mean, you’ve got first day of school photo tradition to uphold!)
Lucky for you, we’ve hunted down some of our favorite looks to create a first day of school outfit that’s totally photo-ready and affordable. With selections from budget-friendly favorites like Target and Old Navy to long-lasting splurgier pieces that always make the hand-me-down piles from places like J. Crew and Tea Collection, there’s something for every style and price point.
All they need is a fresh backpack a cool lunch box and they’re ready to go!
See our top picks below!
Tops & Tees
Dresses, Skirts & Rompers
Bottoms
Or leave it to the pros with a kids clothing box!
A version of this story was published June 21, 2021. It has been updated.