Contributed by Aurora LaJambre, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru

Helping kids put together cute outfits for school is a fun way to teach them how to express themselves, and develop a basic fashion sense.

School clothes should be appropriate, but comfortable so children can focus. Beyond that, adding some style to the mix boosts confidence, and gives them the freedom to choose clothes that help them fit in with their friends. When kids aren’t distracted or worried about sticking out, their guard goes down and they naturally perform better.

Remember your favorite outfit as a kid? You wore it on good days or when you needed a little luck on your side. Like your past closet treasures, these cute outfits will add a little extra pep to their step from that giddy first day, in rain or shine, all the way through to the end of year celebration.

Casual Dresses

Fun, kid-friendy and pretty

So many of the little girls’ dresses in stores are too revealing or adult for most parents. Adorable everyday dresses let little girls look like kids, without making them feel like babies. Choose from sundresses, jumpers and more at prices that will make your back-to-school budget as happy as your daughter will be when she sees herself in the mirror.

Chilly Mornings

End the morning battle!

When there’s a nip in the air, it can be hard to get kids to wear a jacket. But that won’t be a problem with this super-soft North Face jacket. Kids will love the feeling of the soft, cozy material, and you’ll love the durability and warmth. And when the day warms up, the jacket will do just fine being stuffed into a backpack or locker. Problem solved!

Playful

Hello, Cutie

Never mind diamonds, Hello Kitty is a girl’s best friend. She’s fun and friendly and wiggles her way onto the cutest outfits for school. Lucky for girls, tutus have finally made it out of the costume shop and onto kids’ clothing racks. This tutu dress ensemble is perfect for a cool day. Match it with sparkly tights for picture day and she’ll feel like a star.

Cozy

Colorful and fun

Preschoolers and kindergarteners will love the bright colors and fun look of these Zuni Moptop hats. Pair them with some of the shop’s colorful mittens, and winter school days will be even more fun than a snow day.

Cute to their toes

Colorful socks for the finishing touch

The whole cute look doesn’t have to stop with dresses or pants. Not when you have a whole catalog full of colorful, adorable socks to choose from. They have great looks for girls (like these pink Tommy Hilfiger socks) and great choices for boys, too. Choose their favorite colors, patterns and even cartoon characters in low and crew styles.

Fun

Graphic tees

Popular with adults and kids alike, graphic tees are a year-round go-to item. They add a vibrant pop under a sweater or button down, and look great with trousers, jeans or skirts. The ever-changing variety of graphic tops available at trendy shops gives older girls endless options. Be sure to pay attention to size charts when shopping at stores for young adults.

Traditional

School Boy

A traditional school boy or girl outfit fits well and looks good, but most importantly it makes a child feel focused and ready to learn. This head-to-toe look at Neiman Marcus combines simple straight leg jeans with a colorful, vintage-inspired cardigan. The long tee underneath adds fun and personality. This cute outfit for school will make any kid look neat and ready to go.