TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL

BY MICHELLE DALTON TYREE

Start their school year in style with groovy kicks, cute first-day outfits, bright backpacks and more!

 

It’s the final stretch of summer and you’re still beaching, boogie boarding and barbecuing with the kids. But the back-to-school clock is ticking loudly with the start of a new school year just around the corner. Whether you’re feeling a bit misty-eyed that carefree summer days are coming to a close or are looking forward to getting back to a more quiet, ahem, we mean “predictable” routine, one thing is certain: The fall back-to-school shopping season is officially in full swing. And truth be told, we may get even more excited than the kids do when it comes to ticking items off the school supplies list and outfitting them for the new school year. 

Our favorite part? Designers and brands — from J.Crew to Golden Goose and home stores such as Crate & Barrel and Pottery Barn — have been upping the ante on super stylish kids collections that even adults covet. No one wants a tardy slip, so to help you get ready in time for the start of the school year, we’ve put together a list to inspire your own South Coast Plaza shopping excursion — from picture-worthy first-day outfits to cool kicks, awesome lunch boxes and more! Teacher’s apple not included. 

Golden Goose

SOUTH COAST PLAZA

BACK-TO-SCHOOL EDIT

FABULOUS FIRST-DAY FASHION

Help them make a super stylish first impression for the teacher.

Thomas Bear Argyle Wool Cashmere Dress

Burberry

Embroidered with the house’s Thomas Bear motif, this dress is definitely picture ready!

Level 1, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.556.8110

Kids Classic Pique Short Sleeve Polo

Thom Browne

We love a classic with a twist and this crisp polo with Thom Browne’s signature stripe detail fits the bill perfectly.

Level 2, Saks Fifth Avenue Wing
714.410.8485

Medium Grey Ripstop 4-Bar Miniskirt

Thom Browne

The partially pleated, athletic-inspired style of this miniskirt is stylish, comfy and cool with its signature Thom Browne stripes.

Level 2, Saks Fifth Avenue Wing
714.410.8485

Vintage Check Stretch Cotton Shirt

Burberry

The house classic check in long-sleeve cotton twill looks great with everything from khakis to denim.

Level 1, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.556.8110

SCHOOLYARD STYLE

On the playground or out and about, these classics are anything but basic.

Youth Vanier Vest

Canada Goose

This go-with-everything vest takes the chill off but lets them run and play with ease.

Level 1, Carousel Court
949.503.9022

Bomber Jacket

Golden Goose

An easy, fun unisex jacket in dark blue wool.

Level 1, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
657.212.5453

Motif Detail Baseball Jacket

H&M

Cool as a cucumber. This vintage-inspired baseball jacket will easily be a daily favorite when the days get shorter and chillier.

Level 3, Macy’s Home Store Wing
855.466.7467

IN THE BAG

Super cute bags to help them express their personal style.

Colorblock Backpack

J.Crew

This backpack has it all — from great style to compartments for water bottles, laptops and more!

Level 2, Carousel Court
714.979.2739

Kids Logo Heart Backpack

Michael Kors Collection

Homework might not be fun but carrying it in something cute sure is!

Level 1, Carousel Court
714.557.5600

Kids Backpack

Burberry

This stylish, collegiate-inspired backpack will last for years to come.

Level 1, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.556.8110

Buckner Backpack

Fossil

Simple, not fussy and perfect for teens who like to keep it sleek.

Level 1, Crate and Barrel Wing
714.966.5395

OH LA LUNCH!

Make food fun for them.

Mackenzie PAC-MAN™ Glow-in-the-Dark Lunch Boxes

Pottery Barn Kids

So retro and so fun that we wouldn’t judge if you bought one for them AND one for you!

Level 3, Crate and Barrel Wing
714.641.8835

Bentgo Kids Chill Lunch Box

Williams Sonoma

These convenient lunch boxes keep food perfectly chilled with a built in ice compartment — and look adorable, to boot!

Level 1, Crate and Barrel Wing
714.540.1397

Soft Insulated Kids Lunch Boxes

Crate & Barrel

With so many adorable options to choose from — from robots to rainbows — good luck getting them to pick just one!

Level 1 & 2, Crate and Barrel Wing
714.825.0060

BEST FOOT FORWARD

Coolest kicks for cool kids.

Chunky Loafers

H&M

Patent leather and full of personality, these loafers will look great with everything from pants to skirts.

Level 3, Macy’s Home Store Wing
855.466.7467

New Balance 327 Sneakers

Anthropologie

Heritage style with modern details is both on-trend and comfy.

Level 1, Crate and Barrel Wing
714.540.9001

Ball Star Young Sneaker

Golden Goose

We love this ‘80s-inspired sneak with a cool collegiate vibe and smiley face detail.

Level 1, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
657.212.5453

Color Block Sneakers

H&M

These color block sneakers with elasticized lacing and patterned soles will add fun to any school outfit.

Level 3, Macy’s Home Store Wing
855.466.7467

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