The Back-to-School Shopping List for Moms
The phrase “back-to-school shopping” can cause moms to both cringe and celebrate at the same time. The idea of hunting down every item on the school-issued lists, or finding the perfect first-week outfits, knowing that they’ll be worn, stained or too small by October is certainly not the happiest of thoughts. At the same time, the kids are back in school!
But here’s the other thing about back-to-school shopping: it isn’t only for kids. “Back-to-school” includes back-to-parent-teacher-conferences, back-to-PTA-meetings-and-fundraisers, back-to-class-parties, back-to-sports-banquets, back-to-music-recitals and, eventually, back-to-graduation. And that means, as a parent, you need to make sure you have all the essential pieces in your wardrobe.
As a mom of three school-aged kids, I always try to dress for the occasion. I really believe that, when we look our best, we’re sending a message to teachers, administrators and fellow parents that we treat our kids’ educations seriously—as seriously as we would treat dressing for important work events. After all, parenting is a full-time job.
Your Back To School Essentials
In order to strike that balance between serious/responsible and casual/approachable (you certainly don’t need to get all dressed up to drop off the lunchbox your son forgot), here a few key pieces you’ll want in your closet for the coming school year—think of it as your own personal “back-to-school” essentials list:
White silk blouse
Tees/Tanks in neutral colors
Cardigan sweater
V-neck sweater
Pencil skirt
Leggings in colors and prints
LBD
Wrap dress in solid or print
Black skinny jeans
Denim jeans
Black leather jacket
Puffer jacket/outerwear
Black pumps
Tall/short boots
Stylish sneakers
Tote in neutral color
Now, that’s some back-to-school shopping you can actually enjoy!
So, check your closet and see what you already have and where you need to replace or fill in.