Once you've got the back-to-school supply list nailed down, next comes what might be the most difficult part about the start of a new school year in the eyes of your kids — the first-day-of-school outfit.
Lifestyle expert Amy E. Goodman stopped by TODAY with Hoda & Jenna to show off the latest trends for kids' fall fashion. From shoes that are easy to throw on during morning rushes to clothing designed for kids of all needs, your child will be dressed for success.
Related
Keep reading to see all the A+ expert-picked outfits including slip-on shoes, comfortable joggers and more.
Back-to-school fashion trends for kids as seen on TODAY
'Nature's Calling' trend
Kidpik Wild Floral Shirt Dress
Goodman says this dress is the perfect transition from summer to fall and loves the neutral hues. Featuring a Peter Pan color and puffy sleeves, Goodman suggests pairing this floral dress with tights or a jean jacket for when the weather gets cooler.
Kidpik Double Buckle Boot
Goodman loves this trendy "Chelsea boot", which comes in brown or black. Featuring double buckle embellishments, she says you can add any ruffle sock to peep out at the top.
Old Navy Braided Fabric Headband
To pull the look together, Goodman chose this one-and-a-half inch burgundy braided headband for a little extra flair.
Zara Fleece Trim Denim Jacket
"Forest-hued neutrals feature rich tones of browns, greens and blues and make for a versatile palette that you can mix and match," said Goodman.
She chose this denim fleece jacket, which she says is a forever-trend, that is both warm and cozy. Featuring a faux shearling lining, the brand says the jacket is made of 100 percent cotton.
Gap Kids 100% Organic Cotton Graphic T-Shirt
Goodman says environmental graphic tees are on-trend this season and chose this rainforest option — with earthy green shades — that is made of 100 percent organic cotton. In addition to this print, you can choose up to seven other graphic options.
Gap Kids Everyday Joggers with Washwell
"I love the pants, as they are soft and so many boys, like my own, don’t love the feeling of jeans," says Goodman.
Made of 98 percent cotton, she chose these soft knit joggers in husky green, which also come in seven other colors to choose from.
Kizik Big Kids' Prague Sneaker
If your kids (or you) are busy in the morning and frantically running out the door, Goodman says these Kizik shoes are hands free and adaptive sneakers, which make them simple to slip on.
"You don’t need your hands, you just press your heel into them and the back of the shoe snaps into place. Actually every kid would love these, and from a mom’s point of view, the heels aren’t ruined!" said Goodman. They also come in adult sizes!
Sharp 'class act' trend
Tea Collection Hello Kitty Wave Graphic Tee
For the Hello Kitty fan of your household, Goodman says this is the latest in a collaboration with Tea Collection. Made of 100 percent cotton, the famous kitty is sitting in a traditional Japanese position that represents good luck, according to the brand.
Tea Collection Shibori Dots Printed Leggings
Goodman paired the pink graphic tee with these polka-dotted leggings, which she says brighten up any basic skirt or tee.
H&M Hooded Puffer Vest
For the brisk fall days, Goodman says you can throw on this trendy faux-fur lined and quilted vest from H&M Kids. According to the brand, it's made of 100 percent polyester.
Gap Kids Quilted Slip-On Shoes
Goodman says she is "really digging the slip-on shoes this season for an easier way to get kids out the door!" These quilted slip-ons feature a rubber grip sole, which is perfect for playtime and the brand says they are easy to wipe clean.
Varsity leather jacket trend
H&M Appliqued Baseball Jacket
This varsity letterman jacket is a breakout fall staple, says Goodman, and she mentions your child can wear it with anything. This sporty, baseball themed jacket is made of 100 percent polyester.
H&M Henley Shirts (Pack of 3)
For a bold accent, Goodman chose a striped 100 percent cotton tee. And as a bonus, these come as a pack of three in three different options to choose from.
H&M Comfort Slim Fit Jeans
As Goodman said before, jeans are a forever-trend and this destroyed pair has a stretch slim fit and is made of 99 percent cotton.
H&M High Tops
To pull the varsity style together, Goodman picked an "elevated" high-top sneaker. Coming in all white or a black and white combination, these sneakers feature elastic lacing with a velcro strap enclosure.
Adaptive style trend
"Adaptive Styles make fashion more accessible for kids with all kinds of needs to get dressed more easily. So it’s function but it’s also fashion," said Goodman.
Kohl's Tek Gear Adaptive Graphic Tee
Your child may be feeling extra sporty in this pink graphic tee. The brand says it features moisture wicking fabric, a longer body for comfort and a wider neck that makes it easier to take on and off.
Kohl's Adaptive Seated Comfort Jeans
These jeans are perfect for kids who have a fit issue, mentions Goodman. This adaptive pair comes with an elastic back-waistband, side zippers and a high-rise fit for comfortable seating.
Billy Footwear Kids Hearing High Sneakers
Another one of Goodman's favorite type of shoes, your child can easily slip into these hot pink zip-up sneakers and won't have to fuss with laces, or worry about their shoe becoming untied throughout the day.
French Toast Adaptive Polo
This classic polo makes buttoning so much easier. Instead of functional buttons, this polo includes hook-and-loop fastener for simple opening and closing. Coming in four solid colors, the brand says this is an itch-free shirt featuring a flat tag.
French Toast Adaptive Flat Front Shorts
Goodman loves these adaptable high-rise shorts that also include a hook and loop enclosure, giving kids of all needs an easy to put on fit. According to the brand, these cotton twill shorts are also label and itch-free.
French Toast Adaptive Fleece Hoodie
Goodman says this hoodie is perfect for kids with clothing sensitives, which is a made of a cozy cotton-blend, as well as being label free with a Velcro “zip-up”.
Billy Footwear Kids Sports Hoop Sneakers
Featuring no-fuss shoe laces, Goodman chose this Zappos sneaker that zips-up and allows children to easily slip in and out of. Choose from red and black, solid black or white.
Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive Colorblock Track Jacket
Goodman says this "classic Tommy style" track jacket is designed for ease. Instead of a traditional zipper enclosure, this color-block jacket features magnets which the brand says are safely tested.
Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive Colorblock
Complete the track suit look with the patching pants, which also feature magnetic button enclosures. According to the brand, this adaptive pant is designed for long seated wear, those using wheelchairs, as well as being especially designed for prosthetics with expanded openings.
Kizik Men's Vegas Sneakers
Pull the sporty look together with a classic white sneaker from Kizik. Goodman says Kizik sneakers are all adaptive, allowing the child to press their heel into the shoe to easily snap into place.
More back-to-school fashion for kids
Good Housekeeping Style Director Lori Bergamotto previously stopped by the 3rd hour of TODAY to share all of the back-to-school fashion trends every parent should know about, from athleisure to color-block trend from your old school days.
Early elementary back-to-school fashion trends
Metallic rainbow trend
Lola + The Boys Sequin Rainbow Tracksuit Set, Grey
This school year, it's all about metallic rainbows, Bergamotto says. The pattern adds a pop of color to help elevate everyday wardrobe basics, including sweats and sneakers.
Kidpik Multi-Rhinestone Sneaker
This fun sneaker is on-trend and only $25, which makes it a great buy for any parent looking to maximize staples in their little one's closet. Plus, the slip-on style takes out the complications of lacing up a shoe.
Related
Elementary back-to-school fashion trends
Tie-dye
Gap Kids Pocket T-Shirt
Tie-dye isn't going anywhere, Bergamotto says. What once was a way to keep busy while spending time at home continues to trend in fashion, and this tee is a simple, gender-neutral basic that gets in on the trend.
Carter’s Pull-On Reinforced Knee Pants
Pull-on pants are an easy way for little ones to get dressed all on their own, but this pair is an elevated basic thanks to the reinforced knees. The durable poplin fabric is pre-washed for a soft feel but also won't tear easily on the playground.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star
What is a retro-inspired look without the hallmark shoe of the '70s? Bergamotto says these sneakers keep it cool and classic.
Middle school back-to-school fashion trends
The '90s!
Miss Selfridge Smock Dress in Sage
The latest teenage obsession? The '90s. This babydoll dress is giving us some serious nostalgia, but also some serious classroom style inspiration. Bergamotto also loves that it features the 2021 puff-sleeve trend.
Hawkwell Combat Boots
Add some edge to any look with these combat boots. They're suitable for any season but are also a great look for fall.
Varsity and colorblock
Janie and Jack Reversible Puffer Vest
Bergamotto says preppy and practical is in right now — and a big aesthetic for middle schoolers. This reversible vest gets right in on the trend and will prove to be a reliable piece of outerwear as the season rolls on.
Navins Boys' Graphic T-Shirt (Pack of 2)
Graphic tees are a staple in any closet. This two-for-one deal is a great way to stock up on a fun wardrobe basic.
Old Navy Built-In Flex Straight Jeans
Made from a durable denim with a little bit of stretch, these jeans are an easy way to mix up their wardrobe without breaking the bank.
