Cardigan Empire

Salt Lake City Fashion Stylist

5 Fresh Back-to-School Outfit Formulas (That Kids & Teens Will Actually Wear)

GIRLS: Blouse || Overalls || Bandana || Boots    …….  BOYS: T-Shirt || Overshirt || Sweatpants || Ball Cap || Clogs

Durable Fabrics + Comfortable Fits = Utility Core

If your elementary schooler wants a trend that is as durable as it is fun, fit them in Utility Core. Utility Core clothing was born from working fashion.  Canvas barn jackets, reinforced construction-ready knees, trucker cuts, combat boots, and gardening overalls.  It combines the clean lines of military styling, the strong fabrics of workwear, and adds on lots of pockets. Critical elements include boxy fits, thick soles, carpenter/cargo details, and did we already mention pockets?

Attire your utilitarian princess with canvas overalls (complete with storage for all her playground treasures), rugged boots, and a soft, relaxed-cut blouse. The floral adds just a touch of femininity while a military green bandana finishes the look.

The gear most sought out on the playground this year is extra-baggy bottoms. This olive drab pair is contrasted with a boxy tee and finished with a canvas overshirt, standard-issue ball cap, and slip-on clogs.

GIRLS: Blouse || Track Pants || Necklace || Mary-Janes    …….  BOYS: Polo|| Buttondown || Jeans || Sneakers

Collegiate uniforms + 90s streetwear = Neo Prep

Key pieces include striped polos, baby tees, retro sneakers, and a profusion of plaid. This look is perfect for your nostalgic teenager who didn’t get to experience the 90s and 00s firsthand.

Your varsity trendsetter can juxtapose a preppy, gingham cap-sleeve fitted button-down with street inspired track pants and sporty mary-janes. Don’t forget a tiny choker and lots of bobby pins to secure her mini buns.

For the prep-school wannabe, start with a striped rugby polo. The honors version includes an extra shirt layered underneath for two pops of collar. Traditional chinos can be swapped for khaki jeans paired with retro court sneakers.


GIRLS: Blouse || Track Pants || Necklace || Mary-Janes    ………………………..   BOYS: Polo|| Buttondown || Jeans || Sneakers

GIRLS: Tee || Skirt || Bracelet || Sandals  …….   BOYS: Jersey|| Shorts || Necklace || Bracelet || Sandals

Skirt Sets and Two-Piece Outfits for Summer

Not quite ready to shelf your sweatsuit? A matching skirted set might just be the perfect fresh transition to summer, no comfy compromise required.

If you’re looking for a way to experiment with this trend on a budget, this pocket hoodie and side slit skirt set from SHEIN fits the bill.  The fabric is quite lightweight and given the skirt’s higher rise, you won’t end up exposing your midriff when you raise your arms.  This is a particularly flattering option for someone who runs fuller on the top and slimmer on the bottom.  Consider ordering one size up from your traditional American size as the skirt is quite fitted. They offer sizing all the way up to 4XL in this option.

If you think cut-off jeans at the beach sounds like wet chaffing denim with sand on top, try this breezy matching hoodie and fleece skirt from Aerie (American Eagle).  It comes in a rainbow of colors to flatter your tan, and it’s perfect for throwing on top of a swimsuit to offer basic coverage and a little warmth once the sun sets.

If you feel like dressing it up a bit without sacrificing your elastic waistband, Anthropologie’s Textured Knit Skirt Set matches up in a terrycloth-style acrylic blend. The skirt drapes beautifully given the spandex lining, and those few buttons present just the right amount of formality.  No one will know you’re planning to nap in it this afternoon. 😉

If you’re looking for a way to break away from your workout leggings, try a tennis set.  Pleated tennis skirts and active skorts are a major trend this summer.  If you’re shy about the boxy crop,  you can always pair it with a classic tee and tie that matching sweatshirt on top.

Matching sets don’t always have to come as a set or be worn as a set.  You can match that top up with a pair of jeans and pair that skirt up with a knotted button-down.  One of the best things about a matching set is the simple elegance of wearing it like a dress or the versatility of separating it into two pieces.  And did I mention Illuminating Yellow is the Pantone color of the year?

Which look is your favorite?  I’m currently obsessed with the sport skorts, but I’m also in love with the under done elegance of the long skirts.

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