For schoolchildren, it is important to choose clothes that are age-appropriate, fashionable and comfortable at the same time. Children of different school levels have different fashion tastes and needs. If your children attend schools that have uniforms, it is easier to choose clothes for them to wear since the schools dictate the types and styles to wear. It is a different story for those without uniforms, where children wear different attire each day. Refer to the school’s regulations on dress codes as your guide to make shopping easier.
Elementary School
Children attending elementary school need apparel that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Elementary school students perform activities that can soil their clothes. Choose clothes that are comfortable yet durable, avoid shopping for clothes more suitable for attending Sunday school. Choose active wear so that they can go out and play during physical education and recess periods. Some examples of clothes for children from K to grade 5 are sweatpants, long- and short-sleeves cotton shirts, sneakers, socks, sweaters and jackets for those colder months. Shop for shorts and capri pants (for girls) in bright colors and let them wear sleeveless shirts. When shopping for shoes, sneakers with Velcro as opposed to strings are better when it comes to ease of getting in and out of the shoes. Active children are more prone to accidents while wearing shoes with loosened shoelaces.
Middle School
As children grow older, they have a little more to say about what they would want to wear. TV commercials and printed advertisements start to influence them. As they reach the age of what we consider as tweens (9 to 12 years old), they become more self-conscious because they try to follow the fashion styles of their favorite TV or movie teen idols. When shopping for children this age, it is best to take them with you so that they can try the clothes before buying. At this age, they try to dress a little older, just like teenagers do.
Jeans made of denims for boys and girls are great. Khakis and corduroy pants for boys are also acceptable. If the school allows it, knee-length denim pants are also acceptable. Some boys would prefer to wear cargo pants–make sure that they are not too loose so that they do not fall off. Girls can wear denim skirts on top of leggings or tights. They can also wear skorts and shorts during warmer months, however, avoid buying shorts that are too short and too tight. Capri pants are great choices for this age; for physical education periods, have them wear sweat pants with comfortable running shoes. Buy girls cotton shirts and blouses of different colors. Boys can wear polo shirts or cotton shirts with short or long sleeves. Light blue shirts paired with khakis are great choices for boys this age. Avoid buying shirts that have vulgar prints, even if they are in fashion. A baseball cap is a great accessory for boys, while girls can wear headbands and beret hats. Girls can wear some fancy jewelry, as long as they do not overload on accessories. Flats, sandals, boots and rubber shoes are acceptable footwear for girls.
High School
When children turn into teenagers and start attending high school, they have the ability to make decisions on what clothes to wear. The parents can provide input to ensure that the clothes they wear are appropriate or decent for school. This is the stage in a child’s life where they start to become independent and mature. Some are at a crossroad in their lives, trying to find their purpose and accepting that they are about to become adults. However, some also become rebellious in their choices. Watch out for clothes that are gang-like in nature. Help your teenage boy to choose hip or urban clothes without looking as if they are a part of a gang. Do not allow them to wear prison pants. This may be the trend; however, it never looks trendy when one’s underwear is showing. Girls should also avoid wearing pants with very low-waists that are too revealing. Ripped or torn denims close to their private areas are also unacceptable in a school setting.
At this stage, one of the main reasons for their choices in clothing would be to try to appeal to another teen to whom they are attracted. Girls become more meticulous and some even try to look sexy. Make sure that their choices are not too revealing–in other words, they should be attractive and trendy but still respectable. Buy blouses that are not see-through and avoid V-necks that are too low-cut.
Boys may wear pants made of denim materials, corduroys and polyester. Sweat pants for days when they have to participate in sports activities are acceptable as well. Have them wear cotton shirts with collars or polo shirts with short or long sleeves. Running shoes and loafers are acceptable footwear. For girls, denim jeans, skirts over leggings, skorts, polyester pants, capris and skirts are acceptable. During warmer months, they can wear sundresses with flats or sandals. Wearing knee-length shorts are also acceptable. Running shoes, flats, medium heels, boots and sandals are acceptable footwear.
