Back to School Shopping Part 1: Let’s Hear it for the Girls!

It feels like the back-to-school ads start earlier and earlier. Maybe that’s just because they start the countdown to the end of summer, and who is ever really ready for summer to be over? To help you get in the back-to-school mindset and begin planning for more scheduled school days, consider the benefits of a capsule wardrobe for the kiddos. As an Indianapolis Capsule Wardrobe Stylist, I always suggest trying a capsule wardrobe as a fresh start. A great way to start a new school year, or maybe a return to the office. This post is the first in a two-part series and will cover styles for a girl. The second post will include ideas for the boys but take notes Mom & Dad, you might be inspired to try a capsule wardrobe yourself.

Back-To-School Capsule Wardrobe For Girls

Indianapolis Capsule Wardrobe Stylist recommends layering with puffer jackets for this school year

Capsules work best, especially in the fall and winter, when they are built to layer. So let’s start with the outer layers. These are 3 great options for all kinds of weather.

  • For the extreme cold, we have a reliable Northface Winter Coat. The North Face Reversible Insulated Parka gives that extra warmth heading into winter. Currently, on sale and available in a variety of colors, this popular brand will make both parents and children happy.
  • For those cool fall mornings, puffer jackets are great!  This colorful puffer vest is a #1 bestseller on Amazon with over 1,900 reviews and 4.5 stars. It comes in a variety of colors and prints with the ombré pink being a favorite. It is a great option for chilly fall mornings that turn into warm afternoons.
  • Jean Jackets are timeless staple. The jean jacket can be dressed up or down and is a great layering piece. Choose from a variety of colors or denim shades. A darker shade is great for recess and hiding wear from play, but a lighter wash is the trend this year.

Tops

  • Long-sleeve tees are great for the fall and winter.  A great basic to pair with the puffer vest or to wear alone, this long-sleeve shirt from Carters has a sweet feminine touch near the collar.
  • Tie-dye long-sleeve t-shirt. Tye-dye is a back and kids love to show off bright colors. This J.Crew tye-dyed shirt is a fun take on the basic tee that brings the colors of summer into fall. Pair with the jean jacket.
  • Ruffle Sweatshirt adds a little fun to a capsule wardrobe staple.  This cream-colored sweatshirt from Hanna Anderson is a great basic and the ruffle details along the front give it something special.
  • Chenille Blouson-Sleeve Sweater. Fall is perfect sweater weather and this sweater from Land’s End is a beautiful fabric that comes in a beautiful jewel-tone color.  This sweater can be dressed casually with jeans or dressed up with dark bottoms.

Bottoms

Sweatshirts and jeans are in - don't forget to include a dress or two in your capsule wardrobe as wellWhile jeans may have taken a backseat to the soft sweatpants of 2020, due to the many days spent at home, this year jeans are making their comeback. Think light washes and boot-cut style. The frayed hems are moving away and being replaced by ripped jeans. This pair from Old Navy checks all the right boxes.

Tie-waist Pants are what’s trending lately. These pants from Target may look dressy but are equally as comfortable with their tie-waist. Great for special events but can also go casual when paired with tennis shoes and a simple top.

Black Jeans -These jeans round out the capsule wardrobe with versatility and pair well with any of the tops in this grouping. The style is trending with the high-rise cut and pencil ankles. Check out these ones from the Gap.

Indianapolis Capsule Wardrobe Stylist’s Final Thoughts

This capsule wardrobe should leave you inspired and ready to tackle the school shopping list! The best tip I can give you as an Indianapolis Capsule Wardrobe Stylist is to pick core pieces that can be worn with a variety of items and then pick one to two unique pieces that add style and fun to the capsule wardrobe. Great options include basic styles that have a fun detail, such as a ruffle or stripe. Start with some basics like black pants and solid shirts and then expand from there.  Stay tuned for part 2 when we superpower the boy’s style for back the school! Don’t forget, if you want to learn more about capsule wardrobes, feel free to contact me! I have some additional resources that might help you get started.

Keep it sassy, Indy.

Beth Divine, MA, AICI-CIC

Image Consultant, Personal Stylist & Indianapolis Capsule Wardrobe Stylist