8 Basic Tips for Back to School Microfashion

We are essentially the last group in the entire universe to start preschool this late into September. But are we worried? Most certainly not. We are as happy as can be. Why? Because, it affords us a little extra time in the sun, and a lot more time to fine tune our fashionably late entrance.

As far as personal style – even for the wee ones, it’s not just about pretty binders and snack kits when returning back to school. It’s also about finding your own groove and getting back to cool.

It’s a fresh start… for all of us. I’ve had quite a turbulent summer in a good, and bad way – and I simply cannot wait to get back into the swing of things. More specifically, I am craving a little, dare I say it… structure. Gone are the days of nothing to do, because we never had that one thing to plan our day around. We just flailed about, wondering if our activity of the day was the best possible way to make use of the sunny weather. Meanwhile, we spent many-a-morning snuggling in bed as the sunshine passed us by. Okay okay, so you don’t pity us because we were lucky enough to get an additional 2 weeks to enjoy the lake, amusement parks, and sipping on blended pineapple mango smoothies, while the rest of the world has been crossing off lists and buying out stores. But I’m sure we can agree that all of us mommies (and daddies) have been patiently awaiting the fresh start of parental freedom, err… I mean, back-to-school madness.

While most of us, if not all of us, are getting our kitchens, book bags, and common rooms back-to-school ready, there are a good amount of us that are still scratching our heads as to what clothes we should fill our little one’s closets with.

Here are some tips for dressing “smart” for back to school:

LAYERS

September is a strange but wonderful time of year where you expect a wide range of weather-related surprises. Today, we left the house freezing our back-to-school buns off, and within 10 minutes, felt the beating sun scorching our exposed fingertips.

This is why layering is key. In preschool, it’s all about convenience, and you can’t get anymore convenient than easy-to-peel-off articles of clothing and accessories. Plus, no kid wants to go to their first day of school weighed down by a heavy parka or otherwise covered in goose pimples from wearing just a t-shirt. Keep the layers light, and it will be as easy for them to keep it on, as it is to take off.

OPT FOR BOLD AND BRIGHT COLORS

I’m not saying that your Little Dudes have to sport their hottest pinks (although, we are a fan of a boy in pink), but spike up the saturation in your choice of colors to brighten up an otherwise dull school day. It will make it so much easier for you to spot them in a cluster of kids as they eagerly bust through the school doors to see you at the end of the day.

We definitely integrated little Mama‘s love for blue by sporting her beloved Livie & Luca Marchita Clock Button Boot paired with a mishmash of colors from rainbow accent leggings from Babylegs, a plaid blazer from Harajuku Mini, a flirty embroidered denim mini skirt (because, what is back to school without denim?), a hot pink tee promoting love and peace, and of course a bright yellow backpack to match. All items tagged with her name, of course 🙂

BE FLEXIBLE

Preschool is essentially play school, where it’s all about movement, fun, and of course, play. So make sure all items promote flexibility – even (and especially) for school aged kids. As much as we love a good pair of jeans, sometimes they can be too restrictive if they’re on the slim side. Opt for chambrays, or flare denim skirts which will give little mamas the ability to jump, bend, and stretch, (or in our case, sneak through tiny spaces to get to the best seat on the school bus).

KEEP THE PEACE

My four year old is all about being independent. Moreover, she insists on being involved in the decision-making process. Power to her! So when selecting outfits for the little one, it is important to allow them to exercise their wardrobe rights. You can even show them 3 different options that you are fine with them wearing and let them make that final decision. Big deal for them, barely a biggie for us. For me – I have definitely passed on some of my fashion-stubborn traits to my little mama. When she has her heart set on an outfit, there is really no way out of it – for me, that is. Remember – all they care about is how they feel in it, and in some cases – how it looks (because as long as, in THEIR eyes, it looks good, well… it looks good. At the end of the day, it’s all about choosing our battles, isn’t it?). They don’t care if their socks clash with their chevron flare pants next to their neon green fairy wings. So give them options from your repertoire of acceptable outfits, and let them just be themselves!

DON’T MESS AROUND

…well – as far as choosing clothes wisely, that is. But when it comes to preschool, by all means – make a mess! Splash paints! Eat goopy snacks! Do what you need to do! Since this is the case – be okay with the mess that will find its way on to your preschooler’s tops and bottoms. Most inks and paints are waterproof anyway, but I would stay clear of white or pastel tops that can’t handle the wrath of the mini artiste – just in case, a big drop of bright orange finds its way on to little Johnny’s beloved silk top. Once again, deep, bold colors that do not hold a remarkably sentimental place in your heart is your best option.

GIVE THEM SOME DIMENSION

We have been bombarded with fashion faux pas and what-not-to-wear lists, season after season. I believe all bets are off when it comes to the kidlets. A mishmash of prints, textures, and materials give dimension to any ensemble. We love plaids, embroidery, knits, and frills – as un-preschool-y as that sounds. Why? Because it’s different and unique to our sensibilities. Sure, trends are there for a reason, but we like to add our little touches, and if mixing prints that are typically a no-no in the big people world of fashion, then that is the risk we’re willing to take.

Once again… choose your battles wisely. 🙂

EASY ACCESS

Many of us parents have graduated with flying colors from Potty Training 101. Whether we have succeeded or are still in the crux of transition, we all deserve an award far more elaborate than one purple smartie. In any event, these freshly potty trained graduates have one requirement that warrants attention above all else.

Convenience.

Even the potty connoisseurs among us have provisions. For the sake of our little ones, their educators, and ourselves – easy off, easy on is top priority. Bottoms with convenient snaps or elastic waists, skirts that require little to no effort to lift, velcro belts and non-dangly accessories (which is a safety issue anyway, so no-no to dangly anything!) – whatever is in close proximity to the central region needs quick and easy access.

Trust me, when this little face appears… you will want nothing more than to be ready.

MOST IMPORTANTLY… HAVE FUN

Deciding on what to wear, especially when it comes to strong-willed little fashionistas, is as important as deciding what snacks to throw into their bento boxes. Happy students = Happy teachers = Happy mama. It’s not worth making them miserable by forcing a fedora on their already sweltering noggins. They should be putting their energies into learning, not devising plans of revenge against mommy for making them wear an itchy turtleneck and flood pants that should have made its way into the good will bag 2 years ago. Let them enjoy the process, by integrating all the tips above and remember – this really isn’t serious business. That’s what school is for…

Happy First Day of Pre-K, my growing little machine. I’m hanging on to this year as your last before big-girl school starts, and I’m bracing myself for a new set of must-do’s. For now – enjoy! I have no doubt that you will be kicking some serious preschool butt!

_{Accessories:: Tortoise round sunnies (similar Sons + Daughters Black Jackie O Sunglasses here) |  H&M Kids studded bracelet (similar Little Miss Zoe Tag! You’re It Bracelet here) | Top: Harajuku Mini Plaid Blazer (similar Off 5th Toddler’s & Little Kid’s Plaid Cotton Sportcoat here) |  Pink Graphic Tee (similar DKNY Girls’ Star Graphic T-Shirt here)  |  Skirt:: Multi tiered flare chambray skirt (similar Splendid Indigo Knit Mini Skirt here) |  Bottom Accessories:: Babylegs Rainbow footless tights (similar Children’s Place Heart Knee Tights here) |  Footwear:: Livie & Luca Marchita Clock Button Boot)} 

The LOOK:: Want it? GET it!

What are some of your must-wear basics for your little students?

Want ’em smart? Why not dress the part?

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