Back to School: How to Select a First Day of School Outfit

Selecting a special outfit to wear on the first day of school can be a long process for many young students. There are a number of things to consider when picking a first day of school outfit, including its comfort, familiarity, modesty, fit with the child's personality, temperature, and cleanliness. By paying attention to these factors, the back to school experience will be much better.

First Day of School Outfit: Comfort

Probably the most important element of the back to school outfit that should be considered is its comfort. It will be worn all day, in classrooms, walking around campus, in the lunchroom, and for some children, on the playground. It should be something that is comfortable to wear all day, so not too tight or too itchy.

First Day of School Outfit: Familiarity

Although many students like to pick out a special new outfit to wear on the first day of school, it is often a good idea to give the outfit a "test run" a week or two beforehand. That way, they get used to the feel of it and make sure it passes the "comfort test" and the other ones to follow. If it for some reason isn't working, that leaves plenty of time to pick out another outfit, or even go shopping if needed.

First Day of School Outfit: Modesty

Especially important for girls in the middle school or older range (although increasingly for younger ones as well) is the modesty factor. The first day of school outfit should definitely not be too revealing, so consider coverage at the top of the shirt, coverage of the belly, and length of the skirt or shorts. If a skirt or dress is being worn, consider wearing a small pair of shorts under it just in case.

First Day of School Outfit: Personality Fit

Another factor to consider in the back to school outfit is how well it fits with the student's personality. When looking at the outfit, ask the question of "does this outfit reflect the person inside?" because it will be giving a first impression to teachers and other students. An outfit that is completely unlike the student can start things off on the wrong foot.

First Day of School Outfit: Temperature

Although August and September days are likely to be warm, many schools are air conditioned, leaving students freezing when they are inside for the large part of the day. Consider an outfit that has a layer that can be added, or that might be a tad warm outside but will probably be just about right inside.

First Day of School Outfit: Cleanliness

Lastly, make sure the outfit is clean at the beginning of the day, and won't be too messy by the end. A white outfit on a 1st grader probably means disaster, so think about that before heading to school. If the outfit is something that is worn often, make sure to pick it out at least a few days in advance and set it aside so no last-minute laundry needs to be done.