How should you dress your child for back to school?
The BONTON guide to combining style, comfort and practicality
A gentle transition from bright summer to early autumn, the start of the school year brings back early mornings, snacks tucked into school bags, walks to school, big discoveries… and sometimes little goodbyes. At BONTON, we know this moment is both a milestone and a promise — a time full of emotions, first experiences and curiosity.
Layer up to handle changing temperatures
At the start of the school year, days often begin with a cool morning and continue under a sun that is still shining brightly. Children move between outdoor play and classroom activities, so they need clothes that adapt to these changes without getting in their way.
The ideal way to put together a successful back-to-school outfit is to layer up. Start with a lightweight base: an organic cotton T-shirt or a fine, soft blouse against the skin. Then add a light piece of knitwear, such as a button-up cardigan or a soft fleece sweatshirt, which your child can easily take off as the day goes on. Finish with a transitional jacket: a velvet overshirt, a quilted jacket or a lightweight waterproof, depending on the weather.
Choose natural, durable fabrics
When choosing a girl’s or boy’s back-to-school outfit, fabric quality is essential, both for your child’s comfort and for the durability of the clothes.
Organic cotton is a must-have: it’s lightweight, hypoallergenic and easy to care for. Whether it’s a T-shirt, a blouse or a pair of trousers, organic cotton provides all-day comfort, even when children are constantly on the move.
Corduroy is another fabric we particularly love for autumn. Soft and warm without being heavy, it lends elegance to trousers, jackets and dungarees while standing up well to everyday adventures. It makes an excellent starting point for a back-to-school outfit full of style and character.
Soft denim, with a little stretch, is another great choice. Suitable for every season, it offers plenty of freedom of movement while standing up to the most energetic play. Quality denim fabric holds its shape and keeps its colour for longer, even after many washes.
Choose quality basics and clever accessories for a complete back-to-school wardrobe
To put together a back-to-school outfit that’s both practical and stylish, start with sturdy basics that are easy to wear and mix and match.
But to bring a little personality and joy to everyday dressing, don’t hesitate to add a few statement pieces to the wardrobe. A delicate floral print for a girl’s back-to-school outfit, or a subtle graphic pattern or colourful jacket for a boy’s, can turn a simple outfit into a firm favourite. The trick? These characterful pieces pair easily with basics, creating more looks with fewer clothes.
Alongside clothes, accessories play a key role in keeping your child comfortable throughout the day and ready for unpredictable weather. A beanie or light scarf protects them on chilly mornings, while a bag or tote bag lets them carry a cardigan, a snack or their comforter themselves.
How to choose the right shoes for school
Choosing the right shoes is crucial for children throughout the school day. They need the right balance of comfort and practicality so they can run, jump, play and walk without anything getting in their way or causing discomfort.
To complete a back-to-school outfit, choose comfortable trainers made from flexible, breathable materials. The sole should be flexible yet sturdy enough to absorb shocks and provide good support. Good grip is also important to prevent slips, especially in the playground.
Ease of putting shoes on is another essential consideration. For younger children, shoes with hook-and-loop fastenings or elastic laces are ideal: they give children some independence and help avoid morning frustrations while keeping their feet well supported. For slightly older children who can tie their own laces, classic lace-up shoes are also an option, provided the laces are comfortable to tie and stay secure all day.
Remember that the weather can be unpredictable. A pair of waterproof wellies is essential for keeping feet dry on wet or muddy days. Choose a pair that is flexible enough to be comfortable but sturdy enough to withstand puddles and mud without getting damaged.
And above all… involve your child!
Involving your child in choosing their back-to-school outfit is an important step that goes far beyond clothes. By letting them choose between two or three outfits, you give them a chance to express their tastes and personality. It also helps them feel involved in this important moment, building their independence and confidence.
Involving your child in choosing their wardrobe from the outset encourages them to look after their belongings, learn to dress themselves and develop their own style, step by step. It’s a gentle, positive way to help them appreciate clothes that look good, feel comfortable and work well.
