I’ve had many a requests for a BTS outfit post, at first I thought “I just did a big one last year”. Then I looked back through my archives and realized it was 2 whole years ago, obviously I have a great concept of time. I got my butt in gear and put something together, this year is a bit different as both kids are actually going to school. I shopped during the summer time (following the sales) for a few things the kids needed, but otherwise everything in this post has been in their closet for some time. I put together 3 outfits for each kiddo, outfits both kids will definitely be wearing (already do wear) and have felt really comfortable wearing them before.

HARLOW | tee : jeans : sneakers : sweater : backpack    –    KING | tee : jeans : sneakers : backpack

Jeans and tee shirts, all the time. Both kids have a closet pretty much composed of those two items and then everything else gets sprinkled on top.If we are talking key items for back to school, these two outfits are pretty much composed of the 5 items I would consider to be KEY BACK TO SCHOOL ITEMS:

1. A good pair of sneakers (that go with everything and will hopefully last all year-long), which will probably become indoor sneakers come winter. Something with velcro or that can be slipped on – unless they can tie their own shoes.
2. Comfortable tee shirts, that won’t easily get stained during lunch or craft time – usually go for the darker colors.
3. Jeans, tights or awesome sweatpants or just whatever pants your kids love most – but something they will be comfy wearing during any activity. And that will be easy for them to do up after a potty break.
4. Throw on sweater or hoodie, that extra layer that can be worn with everything – because you never know with the weather (especially in Canada).
5. A good backpack, which actually turned into this very particular subject around here. The kids have these small packs and have used them for 2 years, they are great and still get used very often. But I have to say, once King stared going to school and bringing a lunch box,  swimming stuff once a week, and books/art projects/homework home everyday – the small size just wasn’t cutting it. After searching (and searching) I found that most bags for kids were either the same smaller size (too small for our school needs) or they were all way too big. Then I stumbled upon The Gap and their Junior sized backpacks. Not in the toddler section, but in the kid section. They have the option between Senior and Junior, the junior is juuuust right. A tiny bit big for wee Harlow, but probably perfect by years end (they grow too fast) – and big enough to fit a lunch box plus all the extra trimmings. Backpack aficionado, putting that one on my resume.

denim vest (similar) : tank top : sweat pants : moccasins

Comfort is key, tights and a great pair of sweat pants like these (they are our fave, so much that they were dirty when I took these photos) are fantastic go to bottoms. Layers are also pretty important, the morning might be warm but the afternoon could turn out really hot. Shoes, well I tend to lean towards sneakers for school – but as long as it’s not a gym day, the shoes are comfy and they can take them on and off themselves it’s a go.

hoodie : tee shirt : shorts : shoes

We like to keep our shorts in rotation for as long as possible, as long as the weather is having it. An every-single-day hoodie is #4 on my key items list and this one is our favorite and in daily rotation – they make them in a lighter french terry for summer and heavier cotton fleece for fall/winter.

heart sweater dress : knee highs : boots (similar)

I’m biased (it’s from the Heart & Habit for Toto Knits collab) but this dress is the best. It’s a cotton sweater knit, so warm but breathable and really comfy, we always pair a small pair of short underneath dresses (something from summer) until the weather forces us to wear tights.

sweater : tee (similar) : jeans (similar) : shoes (similar) : backpack

Again, layers. And jeans and t-shirts, forever.

Lunch boxes, not pictured here. I have found (after wasting a lot of money on not so great ones) that this classic style lunch box (tons of different patterns) from pottery barn and this bento insert are amazing. A little pricey (but also pretty budget friendly compared to some) but really great quality – I don’t plan on buying the kids a new lunch bag for a few years.

So Back To School? Are you ready, my kids are – I’m still all types of sentimental about the whole thing.