Back to School Looks for Less

You don't have to empty your pockets for your kid to be cool for class. These fashions are on trend and in your budget.

Text by Maria-Nicole Marino, Styling by Alexis Zipp from Parents Magazine

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Ana Schechter
Funky Fashionista

Your little trendsetter will pass with flying colors in these vibrant shades and patterns.
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Ana Schechter
Varsity Player

Sport this outfit and your daughter will look like an all-star on and off the field.
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Ana Schechter
Gnome Sweet Gnome

This casual ensemble looks effortlessly endearing. Perfect for back to school season!
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Ana Schechter
Soccer Star

Your kid can showcase his athleticism in an outfit that's as sporty as he is.
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Ana Schechter
Preppy Punkster

This creative combo is a little bit hipster, a little bit smart, and a lot adorable!
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Ana Schechter
Edgy Aviator

Navigate through the school year with pilot-inspired gear.
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Purple Floral Shirt

Flowy florals are the way to go this school year.
- Buy the flower-power top for $17 at gap.com
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Sequined Heart Tee

Steal teachers' hearts with sparkling accents, like this sequined heart tee.
- Buy the sequined heart tee for $15 at childrensplace.com
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Tiered Tulle Skirt

This colorful tiered skirt will be the talk of the playground.
- Buy the tulle tiered skirt for $39 at garnethill.com
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Pink Tie-Dyed Tee

This ultra soft tee is a perfect transition piece from summer to fall. Have your child wear it alone on warmer days or layered over a long-sleeve shirt for cooler autumn weather.
- Buy the tie-dyed tee for $22 at hankplayer.com
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Leopard Leggings

These sassy leopard pants are a relaxed alternative to denim.
- Buy the leopard leggings for $20 at childrensplace.com
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Punky Pants

We give these plaid pants an A+ for their heart detailing.
- Buy the plaid pants with heart detail for $10 at hm.com
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Cute Cardigan

Cardigans are a fall essential! The adorable rosette makes this one stand out from the crowd.
- Buy the striped rosette cardigan for $25 at oldnavy.com
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Chevron Dress

This chevron-striped dress is perfect to throw on with a pair of tights and boots for a trendy autumn look.
- Buy the long-sleeve knit woven drop-waist dress for $35 at landsend.com
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Horse Appliqu? Shirt

Have your child brighten up her classroom in this vibrant pony tee.
- But the pony long-sleeve tee for $35 at garnethill.com
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Peacock Print Skirt

Achieve the boho-chic look with this peacock-inspired skirt.
- Buy the flounce skirt in peacock for $28 at zutano.com
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Striped Dress

Nautical doesn't have to end with summer! Keep the sailor color scheme going with blue and white horizontal stripes.
- Buy the striped tie-waist dress for $44 at hatleystore.com
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Pink Denim

These bright jeans will make any outfit pop.
- Buy the LEI color jeans for $13 at walmart.com
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Beaded Moccasins

The colorful beaded fringe on these moccasin booties makes them a must-have.
- Buy the fringe zip-back booties for $25 at A?ropostale stores
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Blue Jeans

Try these comfortable chinos for a great skinny jean fit.
- Buy the Arizona blue chinos for $15 at jcpenney.com
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Chunky Cardigan

This sweater graduates first in class for its great seasonal color and cozy fit.
- Buy the long-sleeve chunky cardigan for $45 at landsend.com
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Floral Corduroy Skirt

Nothing says fall like corduroy and pleats.
- Buy the blue flowered corduroy skirt for $30 at gymboree.com
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Pink Striped Shirt

Classic long-sleeve tees never go out of style.
- Buy the long-sleeve striped tee for $26 at carters.com
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Striped Leggings

These striped leggings are perfect layering pieces for an easy burst of color.
- Buy the Jumping Bean pink-and-orange striped leggings for $16 at kohls.com
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Hot Pink Hoodie

Windbreakers are always a worthwhile purchase for back-to-school season. Pick up this neon pink one to stand out from generic styles.
- Buy the windbreaker for $25 at aeropostale.com
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Purple Polka Dot Pants

We're loving these precious polka dots.
- Buy the design dot skinny leggings for $25 at teacollection.com
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Moto Jeans

These black jeans are super cool with their wax-like finish and angled zippers.
- Buy the black wax jeans for $20 at H&M stores
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Wide Striped Tee

Go for bold stripes in even bolder colors!
- Buy the Cherokee blue wide-striped tee for $6 at target.com
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Corduroy Blazer

This layered corduroy jacket is the perfect combination: stylish out the outside and warm on the inside.
- Buy the corduroy jacket with detachable hood for $40 at crazy8.com
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Sleek Sweats

Kids can easily stay a comfortable temperature in these convertible boardwalk pants.
- Buy the French terry boardwalk pants in navy for $36 at zutano.com
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Reflective Hoodie

This awesome hoodie will be a class favorite.
- Buy the kids' cycling quarter-zip hoodie for $30 at aeropostale.com
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Jeffrey Westbrook
MVP Jacket

Move up from JV with this classic varsity jacket.
- Buy the Arizona varsity jacket for $35 at jcpenney.com
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Striped Polo

This striped polo, paired with a crisp pair of jeans or khakis, is a timeless first day outfit.
- Buy the Wrangler striped polo for $7 at Wal-Mart stores
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Classic Cargos

Go for these cuffed cargos to keep up with the army-inspired trend.
- Buy the cuffed cargo for $30 at gap.com
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Red Rugby Shirt

Rugby shirts are great for cooler September days.
- Buy the striped long-sleeve shirt for $40 at hatleystore.com
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Monster Appliqu? Shirt

Scare away first day jitters with this lovable monster tee.
- Buy the carlclops tee for $30 at teacollection.com
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Red Vest

Looking for a versatile layering piece? Vests quickly warm up any outfit.
- Buy the red vest for $23 at carters.com
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Plaid Button-Down

Short-sleeve button-downs, like this one, look clean and neat, while still staying casual.
- Buy the short-sleeve button-down shirt for $23 at chaps.com
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Denim Sneakers

Your kid will get serious mileage out of these blue and red shoes.
- Buy the jett blue flex with red laces for $49 at pediped.com
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Skull Sweater

The skull detailing gives this timeless argyle sweater an edgy twist!
- Buy the gray argyle skull sweater for $10 at hm.com
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Classic Jeans

There's no going wrong with these dark-washed jeans.
- Buy the 514 slim straight jeans for $40 at levi.com
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Shark Sweatshirt

Keep summer thrills fresh in his mind by dressing your kid in this shark hoodie.
- Buy the shark hoodie for $20 at oldnavy.com
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Bright Blue Jeans

Colorful denim adds excitement to any outfit.
- Buy the Shaun White denim pants for $20 at target.com
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Layered Shirt

This twofer takes the guesswork out of layering with a pre-paired tee and long-sleeve shirt.
- Buy the Henley twofer in orange peel for $34 at intaktclothing.com
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Striped Hoodie

Hooded rugby shirts are just as practical as they are fashionable.
- Buy the long-sleeve rugby hoodie for $35 at landsend.com
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Jeffrey Westbrook
Collared Shirt

This plaid button-down will keep your little one looking like the stylish scholar that he is.

Originally published in the September 2012 issue of Parents magazine.
- Buy the red plaid shirt for $20 at childrensplace.com
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