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  5. Back to School Looks for Less

Back to School Looks for Less

By Text by Maria-Nicole Marino, Styling by Alexis Zipp
October 08, 2013
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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.
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Funky Fashionista

Credit: Ana Schechter

Your little trendsetter will pass with flying colors in these vibrant shades and patterns.

  • Buy the Toobydoo military shirt for $42 at zappos.com
  • Buy the long-sleeve tie-neck cardigan sweater for $35 at landsend.com
  • Buy the teal corduroy skirt for $47 at appaman.com
  • Buy the beige buckle boots for $40 at launchfootwear.com

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Varsity Player

Credit: Ana Schechter

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

  • Buy the striped scarf for $25 at peppercornkids.com
  • Buy the delightful dots T-shirt dress for $35 at teacollection.com
  • Buy the knit varsity jacket for $30 at childrensplace.com
  • Buy the jeans for $15 at H&M stores
  • Buy the saddle oxfords for $15 at payless.com

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Gnome Sweet Gnome

Credit: Ana Schechter

This casual ensemble looks effortlessly endearing. Perfect for back to school season!

  • Buy the Sweven Mariann Manteau pink hooded caplet for $46 at babybubblenyc.com
  • Buy the gray-and-pink hearts dress for $40 at garnethill.com
  • Buy the button leggings for $13 at gap.com
  • Buy the Chuck Taylor All Star Hollis Hi sneakers in quartz/egret for $47 at converse.com

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Soccer Star

Credit: Ana Schechter

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

  • Buy the mod striped shirt for $30 at teacollection.com
  • Buy the striped sporty tee for $10.50 at childrensplace.com
  • Buy the plaid cargo pants for $45 at landsend.com
  • Buy the Trouser Braces Blu Stripe suspenders for $26 at bluponyvintage.com
  • Buy the round laces in sky blue for $2 at welovecolors.com
  • Buy the brown sneakers for $35 at launchfootwear.com

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Preppy Punkster

Credit: Ana Schechter

This creative combo is a little bit hipster, a little bit smart, and a lot adorable!

  • Buy the embroidered skull pants for $25 at childrensplace.com
  • Buy the poplin button-down shirt for $18 at carters.com
  • Buy the Sweven bow tie for $18 at babybubblenyc.com
  • Buy the striped cardigan sweater for $39 at landsend.com
  • Buy the Vans Kids Chukka boots for $40 at zappos.com

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Edgy Aviator

Credit: Ana Schechter

Navigate through the school year with pilot-inspired gear.

Royal corduroy jeans,$36. No longer available as of August 2013.

  • Buy the long-sleeve rugby shirt for $18 at carters.com
  • Buy the plaid shirt for $40 at hatleystore.com
  • Buy the Jalen Shoes for $40 at striderite.com

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Purple Floral Shirt

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

Flowy florals are the way to go this school year.

  • Buy the flower-power top for $17 at gap.com

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Sequined Heart Tee

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

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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Tiered Tulle Skirt

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

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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Pink Tie-Dyed Tee

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

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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Leopard Leggings

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

These sassy leopard pants are a relaxed alternative to denim.

  • Buy the leopard leggings for $20 at childrensplace.com

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Punky Pants

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

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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Cute Cardigan

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

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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Chevron Dress

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

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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Horse Applique Shirt

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

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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Peacock Print Skirt

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

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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Striped Dress

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

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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Pink Denim

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

These bright jeans will make any outfit pop.

  • Buy the LEI color jeans for $13 at walmart.com

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Beaded Moccasins

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

The colorful beaded fringe on these moccasin booties makes them a must-have.

  • Buy the fringe zip-back booties for $25 at Aeropostale stores

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Blue Jeans

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

Try these comfortable chinos for a great skinny jean fit.

  • Buy the Arizona blue chinos for $15 at jcpenney.com

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Chunky Cardigan

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

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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Floral Corduroy Skirt

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

Nothing says fall like corduroy and pleats.

  • Buy the blue flowered corduroy skirt for $30 at gymboree.com

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Pink Striped Shirt

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

Classic long-sleeve tees never go out of style.

  • Buy the long-sleeve striped tee for $26 at carters.com

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Striped Leggings

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

These striped leggings are perfect layering pieces for an easy burst of color.

Jumping Bean pink-and-orange striped leggings, $16. No longer available as of August 2013.

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Hot Pink Hoodie

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

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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Purple Polka Dot Pants

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

We're loving these precious polka dots.

  • Buy the design dot skinny leggings for $25 at teacollection.com

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Moto Jeans

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

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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Wide Striped Tee

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

Go for bold stripes in even bolder colors!

  • Buy the Cherokee blue wide-striped tee for $6 at target.com

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Corduroy Blazer

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

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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