10 Comfy and Stylish School Uniform Pieces for 2023
Send your kids back to school looking stylish and feeling comfortable. We’ve put together ten school uniform basics that you can mix and match to create a wide range of outfits. Consider it a school-uniform capsule wardrobe, which is an ultra-versatile collection of apparel you can mix and match.
Chino Pants
Chinos are one of the most versatile types of boys’ and girls’ uniform pants. They come in pleated and flat-front styles and are available in versatile colors such as khaki, charcoal, navy, and black. Many of these versatile bottoms are crafted from a cotton/polyester blend for softness and durability. Some have IronKnees technology to make them even tougher, and most kids’ uniform pants are machine-washable for convenient cleaning.
Skirts and Skorts
If your child’s school uniform calls for a skirt or skort, you’ll find plenty of styles and colors. There are traditional pleated plaid skirts in different lengths as well as flat-front khaki, navy, and black school skirts. Skorts provide the look of a uniform skirt, except they offer the comfort and modesty of shorts. When it comes to skirt and skort fabrics, there are easy-care cotton/poly blends and polyester enhanced with rayon for wrinkle-resistance and lasting quality.
Dresses
School uniform dresses are another option. There are dresses for girls of all ages and sizes and women’s dresses suitable for teachers and administrative staff. They include short-sleeve and long-sleeve styles, and there are sleeveless jumpers to wear over turtlenecks or dress shirts. School uniform dress lengths range from above-the-knee to below, so you can find a length that you’re comfortable with and that meets the school dress code requirements.
Polo Shirts
We think the polo shirt is one of the most versatile pieces of clothing. There are school uniform polo shirts for girls and boys, along with men’s and women’s polos in a rainbow of colors. This shirt style is semi-dressy and has a polished look, plus it’s easy to layer with other pieces such as vests and sweaters. You can have polo shirts embroidered with a name and school logo to show your school spirit.
Dress Shirts
Some school uniforms require dress shirts. If your child needs a dress shirt for school, you can’t go wrong with a simple long-sleeve button-down such as an Oxford shirt. There are girls’ and boys’ dress shirts in classic white and other colors, along with button-downs in prints such as plaid. Supima cotton is an excellent fabric to look for when dress-shirt shopping. Thanks to its long-staple fiber, this cotton species has twice the strength of regular cotton. Plus, it’s soft, sturdy, and colorfast even after plenty of wear and trips through the washing machine.
Sweaters
One of the most useful fall and winter school uniform pieces is the sweater. Boys’ and girls’ sweaters come in cardigan and pullover styles, and they’re customizable with a school logo. As with dress shirts and other apparel, Supima cotton is always a good choice when choosing a school sweater. There are also cotton-modal sweaters with a fine-gauge knit and smooth feel that layer well over polos and dress shirts.
Jackets
Fleece jackets can also be embroidered with a school logo and name as well as with your child’s name. There are different fleece thickness levels for fall and winter and many colors from which to choose. Blazers are a must for any dressy outfit, and your child can layer one over a dress shirt and vest with slacks or a skirt.
School Uniform Accessories
There are items that can set your child’s uniform apart from the rest. Apart from a monogram — which is available at an extra cost — accessories can personalize a school outfit. There are bow ties and traditional neckties in many colors and prints, as well as a wide range of fashion scarves. In addition, girls’ socks and tights can serve as practical accessories.
Backpacks and Bags
A backpack may not necessarily be a part of your child’s school uniform, but it’s still a back-to-school must-have. There are backpacks in sizes for every age and grade, along with rolling styles for older kids with heavy books. You can find coordinating lunch bags that match your child’s backpack. And some of them are insulated to keep foods at the proper temperature for longer.
School Uniform Shoes
Your child’s school may have specific guidelines when it comes to footwear. Boys’ dress shoes with a slip-resistant outsole are a good option, although athletic shoes are a must for gym class. Girls can wear Mary Janes or another type of school shoe. These classic buckled shoes come in styles with cushioned footbeds for all-day comfort. There are loafers and other slip-on styles that combine a dressy look with wearable comfort.
Shop the selection of kids’ clothes and shoes to find the right uniform separates for your child. There’s also an excellent selection of weekend clothes and summer essentials for when your child is out of school.