2024 Back-to-School Outfits for Teens Look Familiar, Starting at $8

What’s the best part about going back to school? Back to school shopping, of course. While I once longed to slip a Lisa Frank binder into my brand new backpack, these days my kids dream more about fashion than school supplies.

I’m no expert on teen fashion trends – although from what I can tell they seem suspiciously similar to what was popular in my era – my own kids have been more than happy to share some looks they’d like to see in the background – School season. A classic babydoll cropped T-shirt, knitted cardigan or cargo pants, these pieces may feel nostalgic, here are from Amazon, Nordstrom, Old Navy, Target, American Eagle and Kohl’s.

Billabong Ride cotton-blend graphic sweatshirt

First, my 16-year-old chose this Billabong graphic crew neck sweatshirt. I admit, at first I wondered if the logo was slang for something inappropriate, but I was quickly reassured that it was just a brand. So what do you think, uncool parents, but I will say that this shirt seems like a nice nod to the end of summer with its soft, sunny colors. Plus, the cotton blend looks super comfortable. The sweatshirt comes in sizes XS-XL, with customers reporting that it runs slightly too large, which as we all know is crucial with a crew neck.

arabess fleece crew neck pullover

Another sweatshirt from Amazon, my girls said this one looks cozy and cozy, and they love that it comes in 25 different colors. (They like to buy two of everything and then swap/argue over their clothes.) This shirt is made from polyester and rayon, giving it a smoother, stretchier feel than cotton shirts. It’s also available in sizes XS to XL and has a loose fit.

Wihnsinop knitted cardigan

This nifty choice came from my 14 year old who told me there is a hippie vibe going on right now. Honestly, as a mom, I would choose this knit over the myriad of crop top options that seem to be trending as well. The only caveat is that this sweater is hand washable only, so keep that in mind on laundry day.

TopYogas crossover flare leggings

If you’re a Millennial or older, you might want to brace yourself, but I’m here to tell you that bell-bottom yoga pants are back. (RIP, my pink yoga pants have been with me for decades.) My two teens, who have been begging me for bell bottoms, opted for this simple pair from Amazon in sizes XXS to 2X . The stretchy fabric is made from a blend of spandex and nylon, and the high crossover waist ensures comfort.

Old Navy Fitted Gathered Tank Top

Another piece that brings a late-summer vibe, this Old Navy tank top can be worn on its own or paired with a sweater, jacket or hoodie. My girls love the details on this vest, the wide straps for easy wearing, and the different color options (red, floral, black, and white). Additionally, it is available in multiple sizes from XS to 4X.

Rip Curl Solstice graphic cropped T-shirt

Nod to summer again and proudly celebrate the summer solstice with this Rip Curl cropped T-shirt. (For the record, this has come and gone, which sadly means our days are only getting shorter.) The cropped tee comes in washed black or burnt orange and comes in sizes XS to XL, but some sizes Each color has limitations. The shirt is 100% cotton so it is recommended to hang dry.

MakeMeChic ribbed knit crop top

As a mom of four daughters, I’m a big fan of multipacks because all the clothes get passed around in my family. Plus, if my girls find something they love, buying it in multiple colors that they can all wear feels like a win. So I’m glad my girls chose this four-piece shirt set to make my life easier. They’re perfect for layering, come in sizes XS-XL, and come in nine different color combinations.

Billabong Free Fall frayed hem wide-leg jeans

The Billabong brand is back on the scene, and my 14-year-old daughter assures me that if she could have a new pair of jeans in the fall, they would be these. She loves the frayed details on the hem, high waist and wide legs. You need to know your child’s waist size before purchasing as they come in sizes 24-31, which is equivalent to a size 000 and a size 10.

bolero cardigan

Shrug sweaters are back, and these light gray or black Target sweaters are perfect for cool fall mornings yet simple enough to pull off when the afternoon sun hits them. This fabric is a lightweight blend of nylon, viscose and polyester and should not be put in the dryer. Available in sizes XS to 4X, this shrug is just like the ideal “day-to-night” sweaters we used to read about in teen magazines.

AE dreamy draped cargo pants

The 2000s were calling and they wanted to provide overalls to today’s youth. My 14 year old daughter fainted when she saw this and I was instantly stunned boy meets world Flashback. Regardless, their back-to-school looks are in high demand. They come in six different colors, including pink, white, brown and olive green, and are made from 98% Tencel and spandex for comfort and stretch. In fact, reviews mention that they may feel a little loose around the waist, so keep that in mind when ordering. Of course, these pants have a lot of pockets—four regular pockets and two cargo pockets, to be exact.

BP eyelet long sleeve babydoll top

Teens don’t have to worry about outdated rules like no white after Labor Day, as this pretty eyelet top is proof. Available in sizes XXS to M, it has a babydoll design with open flowers on the front and back. The top of the shirt is lined, so you don’t have to worry about it being see-through.

Harper & Ivy Square Neck Baby T-Shirt

Your child can pair these new overalls with a baby T-shirt (yellow, black, blue, brown, pink or white) for a complete 2000s look. This cropped shirt measures 19 inches from shoulder to hem and, like many other spandex blend shirts, is recommended to hang dry. Available in sizes XS to XL.

Get more deals for parents