My eldest, Vivi, is eight and a half and has never been a super “girly girl” when it comes to fashion. She ripped bows out of her hair as a baby. She hates anything tight or sequined (too itchy). She’s the reserved one, as opposed to her often pants-less, free-loving younger sister.

It’s becoming increasingly hard to find clothing that fits my rising 3rd grader’s sense of style (or that fits in general — she is quite tall for her age). She might be as tall as some 11-year-olds, but she isn’t ready for that kind of clothing. She’s not a little girl, but not yet a tween (where’s that Britney Spears remake?).

For The Tweens: A Fun Back-To-School Capsule Wardrobe

What are we calling that gray area between little kid and full-on hormonal tween danger zone? Pre-tweens? Let’s go with pre-tweens, because these 7-10ish-year-olds exist, and they need to be clothed. I don’t know about you, but my eldest is past the age of wanting all things unicorn. So, what do you buy for the inevitable back-to-school wardrobe that isn’t superheroes and sparkles, but also isn’t…whatever actual teens are wearing.

Here are some fun outfit pieces that we’re working with this school year…

1|2|3|4|5|6|7|8|9|10|11

1| Art Class Girls’ Slip Sleeveless Dress with T-Shirt

It sort of hurts my soul that the ’90s is considered “vintage,” but here we are. I am obsessed with this plaid slip dress with a t-shirt from Target. It is so fun and could easily be recreated with other dresses/t-shirt combos like this Abercrombie midi dress paired with a Britney Spears tee underneath.

---

2| PiccoliNY Pickle Bagel T-Shirt

Going back to school in August is strange. There’s a certain chill at night that lets you know that summer is winding down, but it’s also still pretty freaking hot during the day. Vivi is a bit of a furnace so lightweight, short-sleeve tops like this Pickle Bagel T-Shirt from PiccoliNY are perfect for my little foodie. It works on its own or under a cardigan or sweatshirt.

---

3| Abercrombie Tie-Dye Crew Neck Sweatshirt

Early morning walks to the bus stop definitely necessitate a sweatshirt around here. I like that this Abercrombie Tie-Dye Crew Neck Sweatshirt isn’t in your face tie-dye, but definitely has that groovy “I either came from a Grateful Dead Concert or Music Class” vibe. My kid isn’t a huge fan of sweatshirts with hoods, so this is perfect.

---

4| Nordstrom Kids’ Pleated Plaid Skirt

As if! This pleated plaid skirt is definitely Cher Horowitz approved. Vivi owns a similar skort that is sadly sold out, but to make this skirt work for school, just add some bike shorts underneath. Fashionable, but also playground-worthy.

---

5| DL1961 Premium Denim “Chloe” Denim Jeans with Raw-Edge Star Patches

Somehow my child pulverizes the “super tough we swear these won’t tear” leggings, so we need something a little more substantial. And now that those fine motor skills are working well enough for buttons and snaps, we’re ready for some real pants. I’m living out some childhood fantasy with these DL1961 Star Patch Jeans. I desperately wanted cool patch jeans growing up with things like “groovy” and “yin and yang signs” on them, but there was no internet shopping to order patches or YouTube to teach me how to iron them on my jeans, and I certainly wasn’t asking my overworked mother for help. This was before dial-up Internet, friends. Practically The Stone Age! If you are feeling adventurous, check out this pack of patches and upgrade your kids’ existing jeans for the school year.

---

6| The North Face Tote Pack

I’m always looking for backpacks that will last a few grades for each of my kids. This North Face Tote Pack comes in a few understated, but lovely solid colors, has room for #allthethings, includes a laptop slip and has a bike-light loop. It works for school or a weekend of camping (I’m assuming there are people that camp — I am not one of them). Or for a vacation. Let’s go with that.

---

7| Gap Kids Heart Tie-Dye Denim Jacket

It’s never too soon for baby’s first jean jacket. This Gap Kids Denim Jacket takes the basic formula and elevates it with a sweet tie-dye heart on the back. Unexpected and very cool.

---

8| Kurt Geiger Girls’ Mini Lane Stripe Low-Top Sneakers

Kids’ footwear is the bane of my existence. It’s either light-up, sequined purgatory or far too plain. Vivi loved these Mini Lane Stripe Sneakers because they have some fun pops of color while being versatile enough to go with everything. OK, Vivi didn’t use the word versatile, but she did remark on their practicality like the good, first-born, Type-A Capricorn that she is. These are lace-ups, so if velcro is more comfortable for your child, here’s a fun sneaker I found by Vans.

---

9| Steve Madden Kids’ Jamulet Embellished Boot

Sneakers and boots tend to be my go-to for back-to-school shopping. Vivi isn’t quite ready for anything heeled, which makes these Steve Madden Embellished Boot an ideal flatish boot option for a kid nearing tweendom. It’s a neutral boot with fun embellishments. They remind me of the Karl Lagerfield Paris booties for adults.

---

10| Athleta Adjustable Everyday Masks

Masks have become the new socks in my household; they’re everywhere and nowhere. A 5-pack of solid color kids’ face masks is perfect for my kids; 2 for the backpack, 1 for the car, you get the picture. Plus, they’re adjustable!

---

11| Art Class Moto Skinny Leggings

These Moto Leggings are tried and true in our household. They’re a bit thicker than your typical leggings, and I love the motto accents on the thighs. The olive green is also super on-trend for fall.

---

Jacket | Shirt | Skort (similar shorts) | Boots | Backpack

The pre-tween years are strange ones. They’re not quite in middle school, but also not the obvious bebes of elementary school. They’re not ready for the “juniors” section, but also wouldn’t be caught dead in a Frozen or Toy Story-themed shirt. Finding solid basics that are still fun and speak to their unique personalities is key. Now if I could only get her to regularly brush her hair…

x, Meredith