What to Wear on the First Day of School

It's time to start thinking about your first day at private school. What do you wear? We've got some essential tips and tricks to help your first day go smoothly. 

First, Check on the Dress Code

It doesn't matter what grade your child is in, kindergarten or high school, many private schools have dress codes. The first thing you want to do is check to make sure the clothes you buy fit these requirements. Specific slacks or shirts with collars are common, and even colors can be dictated at times, so be sure you're in accordance with the guidelines. Not sure what they are? Check out the school's website, which will often have information for families. If you can't find it there, ask the student life office or check with admission, and someone can point you in the right direction. 

Dress in Layers

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Private School Uniforms and Dress Codes

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You may want to dress in layers, even if you don't have a dress code that requires it (many private schools require blazers). Bring a light jacket, cardigan, or even a vest to wear, as some rooms can get chilly with the air conditioning on, while others may not have air conditioning all. If you've just lugged a backpack across campus in 80-degree heat, well, you're going to want to be wearing something lightweight and cool once you get settled. 

Make Sure Everything Fits Well

This may seem obvious but is often overlooked. The first day of school is stressful enough, trying to find the right classrooms and where to eat lunch, so having to constantly pull at a shirt that is too tight or pants that are too loose can be a huge distraction. Avoid showing too much skin or wearing overly baggy clothing, too. Looking neat and clean is the way to go. 

Try your clothes on before the first day of school and make sure it fits well, feels good, and isn't going to distract you. Especially when kids are growing, parents may tend to buy clothes that the children can grow into, but for the first day of school, being comfortable and having clothes fit well is crucial. The last thing you want to do is get embarrassed in front of students at a new school after tripping on your pants that are too long, so parents, be sure to help out on this one!

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Again, make sure to check on the dress code at your school first to make sure your shoes are within the given guidelines, as some schools ban sneakers, flip-flops, open-toed shoes, and even certain kinds of hiking boots. But, the most important thing, after adhering to guidelines, is to make sure your shoes are comfortable. This is especially important if you're going to a boarding school or private school with a large campus. You may find that you have to walk a distance in between classes, and shoes that hurt your feet can be a real pain (literally!) and can affect your ability to get where you need to go on time, and in a good mood. If you get new shoes for school, be sure to wear them throughout the summer and break them in. 

Don't Go Crazy With Jewelry or Accessories

Some students want to make sure they stand out and "look the part" but leave your Harry Potter cape at home, and stick with the basics. Don't go overboard with accessories and jewelry either. Constantly clinking bracelets on your arm or jingling bells for earrings can be a distraction to you and those around you. Younger students may be even more at risk for distractions by playing with things like scarves or bejeweled items. Simple and classic is ideal for the first day, no matter what age.

Avoid Heavy Colognes or Perfumes​

This one may be more for high school students, but skip the extra dose of perfume, cologne or after-shave. Too many scents mixed together in one room can be a distraction and can give you a headache. It's best to keep the scented stuff to a minimum.