This is a partnered post. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
It’s like I blinked and all of a sudden my children are so big. My “baby” isn’t quite a baby anymore. And he doesn’t hesitate in the slightest to let me know that he isn’t a baby anymore.
He doesn’t need my help getting dressed. He doesn’t need my help in the shower. He doesn’t need my help falling asleep. He doesn’t need me to read him books. He’s reading his own books now. And he’s so proud of himself.
Every day I look at my children and wonder how we’ve come to this point so quickly. And how is it possible that some days I feel like I just brought their tiny bodies home from the hospital, but here they are now, so grown up.
I remember when I was in the throws of long, sleepless nights when I would wish for just a blink of sleep. Or when I was so sick and tired of changing diapers that I would wish for those days to be behind me. And when the terrible threes hit, well, I think you know.
When everyone would tell me that they grow up so fast, I would look at them like they had three sets of eyeballs. And I would say, “I can’t wait!” But the truth is, if I could take back those words, I would. Because they do grow up fast. And I don’t like it one bit.
As my children are getting older, gone are the days that I have full control over their wardrobe. They have very specific likes and wants when it comes to the clothes they wear. It’s no longer about what I like, but all about what they like!
This year as we’ve been gearing up for back to school, style is important for my children. It’s always been a big deal to my daughter, but this is the first year I’ve experienced my boys stepping up and having an active role in their back to school style. I guess that’s just another thing that happens as they grow up.
{Oh, my heart. I’m guessing it only gets worse from here.}
My boys have really been into character and themed apparel lately. They both picked up a couple of shirts on a recent shopping trip to Target that feature some of their favorite characters, movies and games. They were each able to find shirts that featured their likes and I was able to find something to help dress it up a little. I’m all for having pieces that can be mixed and matched, so a fashionable button-up paired with a basic tee shirt is perfect. They can wear each piece individually or together for two different looks.
It’s important for children to be able to express themselves through the clothing they wear. And I absolutely have no problem with allowing them to do that. But I do have a few parameters in place to ensure I’m getting the most for my money and that the clothes last for more than a single use.
Back to School Style Tips
Purchase mix and match pieces. A button down shirt is a perfect example of that. It can be worn with a tee shirt or alone for two separate looks.
Purchase dark colors. Let’s face it. Kids will be kids. Allow them to get dirty and have fun without ruining their clothes.
Purchase on sale or out of season. When I can, I try to purchase a year in advance. It allows me to get what they need for the next year at more affordable prices.
Stick with brands that last. When I find a brand that stands up to my active children, I’ll continue to purchase those items because I know they can last. Quality is important. Check out Cherokee, Circo, and more at Target.
With back to school right around the corner, children are beginning to anticipate that first day of school. These back to school style tips should help you and your children ensure that he or she is looking their best at an affordable price.
Pieces featured in photos:
- Captain America Graphic Tee
- Shaun White Skinny Jean
- Cherokee Button Down Shirt
- Shaun White Fremont Leather High Top Sneakers
- Pokemon Graphic Tee
- Jurassic World Graphic Tee
- Cherokee Jeans
- Shaun White Gower Sneakers
Do you have any other back to school style tips you would like to share?
Robin Masshole mommy says
I am all about mix and match pieces. It makes life so much easier when the kids want to pick out their own clothes!
Jess Benoit says
Your boys are so handsome! I love the look of the button-down shirt over a tee.
Michelle F. says
What handsome boys! Those are some great tips. Love the outfits.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
My biggest style tip is to let the kids be themselves within reason. It’s a big confidence booster to feel in control of something like that.
LydiaF says
We liked Target for school clothes, too. They’re stylish without being too expensive.
Debbie Denny says
I think mix and match is good. They do grow up fast.
Allison says
They look great! I’m all about the mix and match pieces for this season!
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly says
I don’t have kids so I don’t have any BTS style tips to share! But I used to be a Special Education Teacher, so I always enjoyed seeing everyone’s first day of school outfits! 🙂
Theresa says
Definitely on the dark colors. I learned my lesson letting my girls pick out lights and ruining them shortly after getting them. Clothing money goes a lot further when you buy darker fabrics!
Sara P. (@SensiblySara) says
My boys love to pick out their own clothes. I LOVE buying mix and match pieces so they can pick and choose what to wear based on their mood.
Debra says
I agree with buying brands that last! It makes all the difference!
Laura says
I’ve noticed that my boys like character apparel, especially with super heroes or vintage things (e.g. Coca Cola.) Letting them choose pieces that work together is how we approach it too.
Michele says
Mix and match is certainly the way to go when buying children’s clothing and clothing for yourself! It does save money and when those kids suddenly outgrow everything—it is nice to know that Target has great prices!
Sabrina says
That’s really our goal as parents – to give our kids the tools they need to become their own little humans. You’re doing a great job!
Jaclyn Anne says
Target is the best for stylish yet affordable clothing – love target!
Robin Gagnon says
My daughter is such a messy little character, I’m usually looking for patterned tips to help camo the future stains…lol. She has strong opinions on what she likes these days though.
Toni | BoulderLocavore says
Some daper young men you have there! Your advice about brands that last is a great one. We’ve found we’ll stock up on tshirts and polo type shirts only to wash them and have them become flimsy. My son too loves all the fun character stuff at Target! Hope your boys have a great school year!
Nicole Escat says
Thanks for the smart tips, your boys looking very handsome.
Val says
These are great tips. Buying dark colors is for sure one of the best ideas when it comes to boys!
Angie | Big Bear's Wife says
Their outfits are too awesome! Love them! Totally love the Captain America Graphic Tee!!
Isabella Grey says
No good B2S tips for younger kids…but can I say I would wear the everyloving crap out of that Pokemon shirt? 26 or not, that things is awesome.
Tonya says
Cute outfits. I homeschooled my kids, but we always got them at least one back to school outfit. It was something they always looked forward to.
Debbie L. says
Cute outfits – hard to believe it is already school time. Where did the summer go?
Chrystal | YUM eating says
We live in a fairly small town and our school has a dress code. No uniforms and they don’t have to stick to basics, but they do have quite a few things they are not allowed to wear.
Tammileetips says
Those are cute outfits! I love to shop at Target, they have such cute clothes for kids and for adults!
Jasmine says
They look adorable!! I love Target for back to school everything!!
Ann Bacciaglia says
I love the plaid shirts. Kids have such a great selection of styles to choose from now. These are great back to school style tips.
susan says
I love the matching flannel look! I am sure my little nephew would love to have a flannel to match dad, a great back to school look!
Jeanine says
They grow so quickly, it’s really crazy! They look just adorable. Plaid is one of my faves on little guys. I wish my kiddos weren’t in need of uniforms for school so I could get them a bunch of adorable new clothes!
Kelly Hutchinson says
Your boys have such great style! My son is 14 but has autism, and we have to help him with choosing clothes. He is into character clothing as well.
Dawn says
These tips are great! I love their plaid shirts.
Beeb Ashcroft says
I heard a phrase about child rearing that goes, “The days are long, but the years are short”. It really is crazy how time goes by, isn’t it?! Kids definitely develop their own sense of style as they get older. It’s great that you give them a say in what they pick out so they can wear things they really like!
Jason Nail says
Thanks for the tips. My two rules are that they clothes need to be something they can grow into and they need to be laid out the night prior.
Melanie says
Great tips! I like buying darker clothes because yep, they are gonna get dirty. And I’m right there with ya on the “how did they grow so fast?”
Claudia Krusch says
They look sooo cute! My son wears uniform, so we don’t have the fun back to school shopping option!
Kiwi says
I love that Pokemon shirt!! YOur kids have awesome style!
Valerie Remy-Milora says
They do grow up much too fast! My girls have always had a very clear sense of who they are and how to express that in their fashion choices. They’ve never conformed to one fad or another but have always made strong and flattering choices that I can be proud of.
Cinny says
You’ve got some stylish kids! LOL, I need to buy more dark colors for myself. I love bright colors but make a mess when I eat!