Shopping: Best Back-To-School Clothes 2015

Cape Cool

For young fashionistas looking to switch up their style, a trendy cape is a perfect pick. The wool blend Sandy Florence Cape by Stella McCartney Kids—complete with eye-catching mitten pockets and colorful trim—offers a look that’s both unique and versatile. $250, stellamccartney.com

Stylish the Hedgehog

Few woodland creatures are as cute as the hedgehog—and few back-to-school dresses are as cute as Mini Boden’s Animal Applique dress in raspberry! Made of soft cotton cord and bedecked with diminutive polka-dots and a sweet hedgehog applique, this frock is perfect for the first day of class, picture day, and everything in between. $56, bodenusa.com

Power Puff

Can’t decide between peacoat or down jacket for your little lady’s cold-weather wear of choice? J.Crew’s crewcuts line for kids solves that problem by offering the best of both worlds in their Girls’ Puffer Peacoat. We’re all about the fresh violet hue, but the coat is also available in pink and navy. $110, jcrew.com

Plaid, Plaid World

The local kids’ clothing staple Lester’s is ready for fall with the coolest looks from in-demand brands like Blank NYC (shown here). Help your style-savvy student master the laidback plaid trend with the Bang Bang Jacket ($72), the Best Picture Mixed Plaid Shirt ($52), and the Cyber Rip & Repair Boyfriend Jean ($58). Add a cool hat and boots for some Western flare. lesters.com

Need for Tweed

A fresh tweed look for autumn never seems to go out of style. This season, update a classic with MILLY Minis’ Couture Tweed Mini Skirt—from local mom and fashion designer Michelle Smith’s (of MILLY) line for little ones. The bright hues on this French tweed skirt are sure to make a statement—whether you pair it with a crisp blazer or a relaxed tee. $150, milly.com

Bohemian Rhapsody

Free spirited girls’ clothing line Jak and Peppar is your one-stop shop for the budding bohemian in your family. Let her boho-chic flag fly in a school-appropriate ensemble including the Lace on My Mind Top ($48), Dixie Mabel Top ($64), and Jak Super Destroyed Skinnies ($68), complete with the Snowball Cap ($34) to top it off. jakandpeppar.com

Put it in Reverse

The Girls Reversible Zip-Front Sherpa Vest from Lands’ End is double the fashion and double the fun. One side offers soft jersey with a polka-dot print, while the other features soft and cozy “Sherpa” fleece. Plus, a handy hood makes it a must for when the weather turns damp and blustery. $45, landsend.com

Paw-Print Panache

If you swooned when Kate Spade New York launched their long-anticipated kids’ line last spring, prepare to be delighted even further by their girls’ looks for fall. We’re loving the Broome Street Printed Denim with an edgy paw-print design—it’s a cool twist on tried-and-true black skinny jeans. $78, katespade.com

Tie Game

Want to help your dapper gentleman step up his style game this school year? This Boys’ Shirt and Tie set from Old Navy should do the trick. Complete with a plaid cotton button-down and a snazzy patterned tie to match, this combo is a must-have for fall. $24, oldnavy.gap.com

Be Prep-ared

Preppy staples like sweaters and blazers have never looked hipper! Appaman brings modern cool to an old-school aesthetic with their Mini Professor Blazer ($113), Fair Isle Sweater ($62), Standard Shirt ($53), and Wool Pant ($73) while natty kicks from Florsheim Kids (the Quinlan Jr style, $65) complete the ensemble. appaman.com

Sweater Weather

As the city air turns crisp, bundle your little boy up in Catimini’s Navy Fairisle Hooded Jacket. The exterior is crafted from a warm, cotton-wool blend while the inner lining is soft pure cotton, so your kiddo will be just as comfy as he is warm. $126.25, shopcatimini.com

Top Dog

No one does crisp, all-American style for the smaller set quite like Ralph Lauren Kids. This season, make your little man’s style a pet project with RL’s Cotton Corduroy Dog Shirt. The all-over canine design is sure to strike a chord with young animal-lovers, while the fit and quality ensure a sharp look that’s made to last. $75, ralphlauren.com

Star Quarterback

Don’t be afraid to go a little bit matchy-matchy this fall. Local kids’ clothing store Hartstrings has some great preppy picks for boys in their Kitestrings line—including this Long Sleeved Waffle Knit Quarterback Top ($34-36) and coordinating Corduroy Football Helmet Embroidered Woven Pants ($46-48). Green and navy offer up a timeless color combo while the football motif is sure to please any young athlete on your roster. hartstrings.com

Bat Race

Have no fear! Batman is here! That’s what your little dude’s fellow students will say as he walks down the halls in his Mini Rodini Puffy AOP Jacket. The mixture of European style sensibility, undeniable functionality, and protection from the elements makes this puffer a must-have for your sartorial superhero. $174, minirodini.com

Fleece on Earth

A snuggly fleece is always in fashion for fall—especially when it comes in a cool pattern like this Patagonia Boys’ Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Pullover does. Not only is this snap-pocket jacket warm, durable, and made from 85 percent recycled polyester fleece, but it also turns up the style factor with a woodsy Arctic Kin print featuring whales, seals, birds of prey, and more. $79, patagonia.com