The back-to-school rush is real. But come September, my kids aren’t the only ones who deserve a bit of extra attention when it comes to what they’ll wear. As a busy mom of two, I’ve found that I actually like considering what I’ll wear to school drop-off.
This isn’t about vanity or perfection; nor does it have to do with competitive parenting. (I’m not trying to one-up Liam’s mom by wearing a specific label or carrying the trendiest purse.) It’s more that my third grader’s Brooklyn elementary school feels like my own version of a “runway” and one where putting effort in absolutely sets my day off on a better note.
Add to that the fact that the start of the school year is full of new beginnings. Maybe I’ll strike up a chat with the school principal or have a meet-cute with a potential new mom friend. Confidence is a lot easier to come by if I feel good about the clothes I have on.
That’s why I turned to Stitch Fix, which has ample selections—not to mention access to a personal stylist that knows your taste and your size—when it comes to the latest sartorial trends. I especially love their mix of brands that deliver on both fashion and function. (A critical combo when navigating mom life.)
Even more helpful, it’s time-saving, thanks to stylist-curated selections that, with a single click, make it easy to visualize a cohesive look. (In other words, when you can’t figure out the right shoe to pair with that super-cute dress, Stitch Fix has your back.) Add to that the flexibility of trying everything on at home, then sending back anything I didn’t love. It’s easy (and there’s no subscription required). Here’s a peek at what I wore during the first week of school drop-offs.
Dressing for the Drop-Off: From a Tomato Red Cardigan to Denim on Denim
What I wore for the back-to-school rush
1. For the First Day of School
I had to confirm with PureWow’s fashion director, Deena Campbell, but prep is still very in for fall. It’s a natural overlap with back-to-school and I love the collegiate vibes. This V-neck sweater from 41 Hawthorne in particular is a stand-out and the burgundy hue feels like the ultimate way to signify the seasonal switch. Paired with these comfy (and petite-friendly) Kut from the Cloth “Gwen” jeans, I felt comfortable and pulled together and ready to face the emotions of the day. With the addition of an oversize tote from Market & Spruce to carry all the essentials—keys, phone, wallet, but also any back-to-school signage for first day pics—I felt good to go.
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2. For Coffee with a Friend Immediately After
Denim on denim is something I’ve always shied away from, but the crop of this Alex Mill jacket and the fit of these Kut from the Kloth jeans (this time, I leaned on the “Kelsey” silhouette) made me feel like they were destined to be worn together. It’s the contrasting washes—dark on top, light on the bottom, curated by my Stitch Fix stylist—that make this outfit sing. Paired with a loafer from Frye (similar here), this look felt polished, but also practical and low-key enough to wear to drop off...and to grab a cup of joe with a mom friend after.
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3. For Dropping By the PTA Meeting
Cue the most on-brand top for drop-off ever: This Favorite Daughter T-shirt, with its “Drop Off Club” slogan, caught my eye and made me want to build an entire ensemble around it. Polka dots are still in vogue, so I paired it with a midi skirt from Z Supply featuring the trending print. With the same Alex Mill denim jacket (the one I wore to coffee), this look is comfy and cute, not to mention a little bit tongue-in-cheek. (It was also the perfect conversation starter when mixing and mingling with other parents.)
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4. For Running Errands All Around Town
A little bit of prep, plus a cargo style coat? This outfit felt perfect for a morning that was a bit more rush-rush, but still set me up for success for the inevitable errands—grocery shopping, popping by the bank—I needed to run immediately after dropping my kids off. For one thing, the Seaside Mini Dress from Z Supply x Stitch Fix dress was perfect for transitional weather; the coat from Market & Spruce also is the perfect weight and features plenty of pockets for holding all the things. With a pair of Veja leather sneakers, I was able to keep up with my to-do list and tick off everything I needed to get done before pickup.
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5. For Chaperoning the First Fall Field Trip
Fall in Brooklyn requires an expertise in layering, which is why I loved the versatility of the pieces assembled by my Stitch Fix stylist here. Tailored denim is a must (this pair from Just USA offers a 27-inch inseam, which is just right for my 5’2” height). But it was the Market & Spruce ribbed T-shirt, the light blue Oxford button-up from 41 Hawthorn and, finally, this eye-catching tomato red cardigan from Alex Mill that totally powered my morning routine. With a delicate necklace—and those ultra-comfy Frye loafers—I felt pulled together and ready to wrangle a crew of 9-year-olds, no matter what the day threw at me.
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