The countdown to back-to-school season is officially on, and if your house looks anything like mine right now, we’re talking about school supplies, backpacks, fresh sneakers, and figuring out those first-day outfits. My girls are getting ready to head back to school, and shopping together has become one of my favorite traditions. It’s always fun seeing what styles they’re drawn to each year, especially because trends are constantly changing.
Whether your tween is just starting middle school or your teen is heading into high school, this year’s back-to-school fashion is all about expressing personality while staying comfortable for long school days. From matching sets and oversized sweatshirts to fun sneakers and colorful accessories, here are all of the trends we’re loving this school season.
Comfortable Basics That Don’t Feel Basic
The best back-to-school wardrobes start with pieces that can be mixed and matched. This year, relaxed basics are having a major moment, but with updated silhouettes and fun details that make them feel current. Oversized graphic tees, baby tees, ribbed tanks, wide-leg jeans, loose cargo pants, athletic skirts, and comfy shorts are all staples that can be worn dozens of different ways. Instead of buying complete outfits, focus on versatile pieces your daughter can pair together throughout the school year.
Matching Sets Continue to Be a Favorite
If there’s one trend that makes getting dressed easier, it’s matching sets. They’re effortless, comfortable, and instantly make an outfit look styled. We’re seeing everything from athletic-inspired sets to knit shorts with matching tops, lightweight sweater sets, linen coordinates, and casual sweatshirt-and-short combinations. The best part? Every piece can be worn separately later with jeans, skirts, or leggings, giving you even more outfit options.
Easy Outfits They’ll Actually Want to Wear
One thing I’ve noticed this year is that comfort is still leading the way. Relaxed pieces that feel effortless are everywhere, but they’re styled in a way that still looks put together. Wide-leg jeans, loose-fitting denim, athletic skirts, baby tees, oversized graphic tees, and matching sets are some of the biggest staples we’re shopping for. These are the kinds of pieces that can be worn over and over with different shoes or accessories, which makes building a school wardrobe much easier.
Denim That Feels Fresh
Denim trends continue to move toward relaxed silhouettes, and honestly, my girls couldn’t be happier. Wide-leg jeans, straight-leg styles, barrel-leg denim, and utility-inspired jeans are everywhere this season. They’re easy to dress up with a cute top or keep casual with a graphic tee and sneakers. Denim skirts are also making a big comeback and pair perfectly with oversized sweatshirts or fitted tops as we head into fall.
Sporty Style Isn’t Going Anywhere
Athleisure continues to be one of the biggest influences in tween and teen fashion. Tennis skirts, quarter-zip pullovers, track pants, varsity sweatshirts, athletic dresses, and comfortable running shorts are showing up everywhere. These pieces work perfectly for busy school days because they’re comfortable enough to wear from first period all the way through after-school activities without sacrificing style.
Accessories That Show Their Personality
Accessories are always one of the most fun parts of back-to-school shopping because they’re where personalities really shine. My girls love adding layered necklaces, charm bracelets, colorful beaded jewelry, simple hoops, hair bows, claw clips, and baseball hats to their outfits. Even something as simple as a fun phone charm or a cute keychain can make everyday essentials feel a little more personal.
Backpacks Are More Stylish Than Ever
Backpacks have become just as important as the outfit itself. We’re seeing everything from clean, minimalist designs to quilted styles and sporty backpacks that are both functional and fashionable. Neutral shades like black, cream, beige, and olive remain classics because they go with everything, but soft pastel colors are still incredibly popular too. Adding a few fun charms or keychains is an easy way to personalize a backpack without having to replace it every year.
The Must-Have Shoes
When it comes to shoes, sneakers, slides, clogs are all still at the top of every wish list. Retro-inspired classic white sneakers like Adidas are some of the most popular choices this season. They’re easy to wear with everything from jeans and shorts to dresses and athletic skirts. As temperatures begin to cool, loafers, ballet flats, clogs are also making a comeback and offer another great option for school days.
Layers They’ll Wear All Fall
One of the trickiest parts of back-to-school season is dressing for warm mornings and freezing classrooms. Lightweight layers make all the difference. Oversized hoodies, denim jackets, zip-up sweatshirts, lightweight cardigans, and flannel shirts are all easy pieces to throw on throughout the day. They also help transition summer outfits into fall without needing an entirely new wardrobe.
Back-to-school shopping is one of my favorite traditions because it’s about so much more than buying clothes. It’s a fresh start, a new season, and an opportunity for kids to express themselves as they head into another school year. Whether they’re reaching for matching sets, wide-leg jeans, colorful accessories, or their favorite pair of sneakers, I hope they walk through those school doors feeling excited, comfortable, and confident.
xoxo,
Jena
