All about school uniforms: A checklist for fall

The school countdown is on

Can you hear that back-to-school clock ticking yet? If you have kids who wear uniforms to school each day, you’re probably starting to hear it in the faint distance, as you know that it takes some prep, long before your kids actually hit the halls. We’ve pulled together some school uniform necessities for fresh basics, uniform-approved accessories and shoes that will hit the mark.

School uniform basics for girls and boys

Shopping around a bit can easily lead you to finding the school uniform basics that are best for your kids. Just like with play clothes, sometimes a shirt doesn’t fit right in the shoulders or the zipper of a dress hits in the wrong spot on the back of her neck. Kids can be particular about what they wear and school uniforms are not an exception.

For boys, make sure you add these items to your school uniform checklist:

An active fleece or sweatshirt that he can play in with ease
A dressier sweater for picture days and in-school events
Shorts for days that are just too hot for pants
Undershirts to wear beneath his button-down shirts

Pictured above:
Boys Pique Uniform Polo 4-Packs, Old Navy, $20
Shawl Neck Sweatshirt, GAP, $23
Chino Uniform Shorts, The Children’s Place, $18
School Uniform Boys’ T-100 Half-Zip Sweatshirt, Lands’ End, $25

For girls, don’t forget to add these items to your school uniform checklist:

Something to play in outdoors that you won’t worry about getting dirty
A cardigan or two for adding to sleeveless uniform dresses
An alternative to dresses and skirts
Appropriate bloomers or leggings to keep covered when she plays

Pictured above:
Cable Knit Cardigan, GAP, $30
School Uniform Girls’ Down Vest, Lands’ End, $39
Pleated Jumper, GAP, $33
Girls’ Pleated Uniform Skort, 2-Pack, Old Navy, $30

Accessories to make them shine

Oftentimes, accessories are the only way kids can truly jazz up their school uniforms and show a bit of personality in their clothing… especially as they get older. First and foremost, follow your school’s guidelines about how they can add accessories to make their uniform their own.

Pictured above:
Seattle Strapped Fit Socks, Strideline, $14 (other cities available)
Girls Skinny Fashion Belt in Silver Glitter, Old Navy, $8
Personalized Preppy Headband in Navy, Gisella’s Designs via Etsy, $18
Luxe Star Knee-High Socks, GAP, $10 for a 2-pack
Boys’ Whale Tie Clip, J.Crew, $30

Black, brown and not-so-boring shoes

Does your kids’ school require that they wear brown or black shoes? And, are your kids bored of the same old shoes that make them feel like they’re wearing, well, a uniform everyday? Mix it up a little with these styles that will pass their school’s dress code, but that will put a little kick in their step, too.

Top row: (left to right)
Flex Naomi, Pediped, $49
Sperry Top-Sider Kids Bahama Sequins, Zappos.com, $50
Clarks Genius Love, OnlineShoes.com, $60

Bottom row: (left to right)
Adidas Kids Daroga Leather, Zappos.com, $50
Woven Slip-On Sneakers, GAP, $30
Keen Sorrento, OnlineShoes.com, $45

Do your kids wear uniforms to school?

Meet the Author | Katie Kavulla

Having just made the move from big city life to settle down in the town where she and her husband both grew up, Katie Kavulla is a mom of three who strives to slow life down a bit… as impossible as that is with three kids under the age of 10. A blogger turned writer, Katie has spent the past few years combining the things that she loves into a career, with a focus on helping other moms tell their story, because Katie truly believes that every mom has one to tell.