Hit the Ground Running: 13 Essentials to Embrace the New School Year in Style

Trend Forecast: Mixed Prints

A reliable, go-to pair of athletic tights is crucial considering the range of function they carry. Reuniting with the crew for a game of kickball? This pair is moisture wicking and have a fully adjustable NeverEnd drawstring for a secure fit that’ll grow with her. Studying on the couch? They’re soft with a bit of stretch for optimal cross-legged sitting. Add to that the fact that Athleta is a sustainable Fair Trade Certified company—meaning they not only empower the women and girls who wear their clothes, but also the women who make them—and you’ll realize that these “Stellar” tights are named for more than just their stunning celestial print.

Tip: Encourage her to mix and match prints up top for a trendy take on athletic fall dressing.

Trend Forecast: eLearning

Part of embracing distanced learning means providing your kiddo with all kinds of technological support, like this adorable Echo Dot. If you’re not sure how something like this would come in handy, think educational podcasts, kid-friendly skills, stories and music for breaktime, timers, alarms and answering all of the random questions your kids have (here’s hoping they’ll ask Alexa instead of you from now on). It’s also got multiple layers of privacy protection and parental controls for your peace of mind.

Trend Forecast: Neon Accents

So what if they won’t board a bus until spring semester? It’s important in helping kids feel emotionally stable to keep up their familiar routines. And while that’s not possible for everything, it definitely is when it comes to organization and accessories. Encourage them to store their books and supplies in a new backpack to maintain some structure—not to mention excitement for a fresh bag. This one has organizational pockets inside, a water bottle slot outside and the perfect pop of neon green for a trendy look they won’t get sick of too soon. It’s worth mentioning that for every State bag purchased, the company will support American children in need through backpack donations and charity partnerships.

Trend Forecast: Sustainability

Being extra conscious about what you’re purchasing is a trend we believe has staying power. Not only is this hoodie the the perfect cover-up to help her weather the changing seasons, it’s also made of environmentally-friendly Tencel Modal fibers harvested from European beechwood trees in sustainable forests, where 99 percent of the raw materials come from certified or controlled sources. This makes for a super-soft pullover in a performance-type fabric that she can wear during school, practice or play. And the light neutral camo print? Hello, chic.

Trend Forecast: Matching Sets

Matching sets are the equivalent of monochromatic dressing for adults: It lends an easy yet sophisticated edge to any outfit, but when it’s in a print like this, it’s even more fun. While you’re grabbing the above hoodie, throw in a pair of coordinating joggers. They’re also sustainable—made from recycled polyester—and are breathable, resistant to snags, tears and wrinkles as well as quick-drying so she can break a sweat then go right back to schoolwork.

Trend Forecast: Girl Power

A trend now and always, these chic headphones feature contrasting illustrations your little feminist will love. The padded over-ear design and volume limiting feature (it’s capped at 93db) make this pair a safe and comfortable option, and the SharePort means they can connect with a friend’s pair to stream the same audio. From your home office to the computer lab, these headphones will serve your kid all year and beyond.

Trend Forecast: Animal Print

Like they say, leopard is really a neutral, so this chic pair is perfect for transitioning between seasons no matter how her taste changes. It also has a SmartFOAM insole for extra comfy cushioning, and we won’t even blame you for snagging a matching pair.

Trend Forecast: Self-Care

Typically, we think of self-care as adult at-home spa days, but the thing is, kids get stressed too. Especially when their worlds look so different than what they’re used to. Grab your budding beauty-lover this colorful bath bomb set that’ll help her wash off the day while wearing a big smile. It’s cruelty-free, vegan and dermatologist tested, and it never hurts to grab a second one that she can give to her BFF.

Trend Forecast: Tie Dye

It’s a little easier to get kids to wear masks when they’re stylish and fun. Enter: This set, complete with a pink tie-dye printed choice. We do love that it comes with two other solid options on opposite ends of the color wheel, because, options.

Trend Forecast: Ombre

If she’s going to be Zoom-schooled, she might as well make her workspace more enjoyable. This fun rainbow gradient will give her keyboard just the kind of bright and funky flair to keep her focused and on task. Is that a wishful thinking? Maybe, but at least the computer keys will stay free of crumbs, dust and spills.

Trend Forecast: Animal Obsession

Since kids will most likely be using their tech a lot more often, use these critters to help them remember to stay charged. There are eight animals total—let your kid choose their favorite so they proudly show it off. Psst, these will also help prevent breakage so that cords and cables take less of a beating. Cute for them, crucial for you.

Trend Forecast: Logomania

A completely personalized tech case she designs herself is bound to be a hit—and yet another stylish way to spice up her study situation. From phone cases to laptop sleeves, she’ll be able to choose the initials and colors she wants to adorn her accessories for a truly unique piece no one else in class will have.

Trend Forecast: Plant Lady

Green is a comforting color that symbolizes the quiet beauty of nature—perfect for striking a chilled-out study mood. This mousepad channels that calming feeling, and the visual power of plants, into a mini piece of functional desktop art she’ll love.