Get your tween girl ready for back-to-school season in style! From Y2K-inspired fashion to comfy Lululemon dupes and trendy Adidas Gazelles, this curated shopping guide shares everything your third grader will love for fall 2025.
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I can hardly believe it, but here we are again—another back-to-school season, and this time, Blake is heading into third grade. Cue the mom tears (and the shopping carts). Every year, our back-to-school prep shifts a little bit as her personality develops and her style becomes more and more her own—and this year? She’s got opinions.
Blake has always had a strong sense of who she is. From the colors she gravitates toward to the way she styles her hair, she’s expressive, bold, and definitely on trend. So for this year’s back-to-school shopping guide, I wanted to do something different. Instead of just sharing my usual “mom picks,” I’m letting you in on the real trends Blake is loving right now—and how we’re blending those trends with comfort, confidence, and affordability.
If you’ve got a style-savvy tween girl at home who’s already planning her first day of school outfit, this one’s for you. And as always, follow my Amazon Storefront for regular updates of things we’re obsessing over in the Cooper Household!
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1. The Lululemon Look: Tween Athleisure
Let’s be honest: Blake would wear head-to-toe Lululemon if I let her. While we’re not quite doing that, the athletic-meets-comfy vibe is her go-to—and lucky for us, there are so many accessible ways to achieve the look.
Think buttery-soft leggings, oversized zip-ups, seamless sports bras, and sleek biker shorts. She pairs these with graphic tees or crop-style tanks (that are still school-appropriate) and layers with a hoodie on chillier days.
These styles give that sporty, put-together vibe without the Lululemon price tag—and they’re perfect for PE days, casual Fridays, and after-school activities.
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2. Y2K is Back (Apparently?!): Baggy Pants, Baby Tees & Mini Backpacks
As someone who lived through the early 2000s, it’s wild to see Y2K fashion making a full comeback in Blake’s wardrobe. Baggy, wide-leg jeans are her current obsession—bonus points if they have cool patches or a drawstring waist.
Blake is all about:
- Low-key cargo pants
- Slouchy denim
- Elastic waist parachute pants
Paired with baby tees or oversized graphic tees and a fun accessory like a beaded choker or mini backpack, it’s a full-on retro revival. We have this pocket chain saved in our Amazon cart, she’s still deciding if it’s “the one.”
Pro tip: Blake’s pants in the photo are from Abercrombie Kids and we purchsed them in multiple colors from the boys section – just so you know where to look!
And let’s just say—we’re both living our best Lizzie McGuire life right now. Only she doesn’t know who Lizzie McGuire is.
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3. The 90s Rewind: Plaid, Layering, and Chunky Accessories
If Y2K is one half of Blake’s style personality, 90s is definitely the other. Think Clueless-inspired plaid skirts, ribbed tanks, colorful clip barrettes, and those black platform sandals I swore I’d never see again.
She loves:
- Layered tees over dresses
- Throwback cardigans
- Bandana headbands
- Big, round sunglasses
We’ve been adding subtle nods to the 90s in her outfits for school pictures, special events, or even just a casual Friday—and it adds such a fun flair to her look.
RELATED: 25 Signs You’re Ready for the Kids to Go Back to School
4. Adidas Gazelle Sneakers: The “It” Shoe of the Moment
Blake has been begging for Adidas Gazelles since early spring—and they’ve officially become her favorite shoe. They’re sporty yet stylish and go with nearly every outfit from leggings to dresses.
Why moms love them:
- Sturdy enough for playground days
- Neutral and easy to match
- Trend-forward without being over-the-top
If Gazelles aren’t in your budget, look for similar silhouettes from brands like Puma, New Balance, or even H&M’s sneaker line for more affordable versions.
5. A Few Extras for the Win
Of course, back-to-school shopping isn’t just about the outfits. Blake also has strong opinions about her accessories and gear. Some tween-approved extras we’re adding to the cart:
- Mini Stanley dupe water bottle in pastel pink
- Butterfly clips and claw clips for quick hair days
- Sticker-covered notebooks (decorated with her fave TV shows and emojis)
- Pastel highlighters and colorful gel pens
- A cropped jean jacket—because it goes with everything
Style Meets Confidence
The best part of back-to-school shopping isn’t the fashion—it’s watching Blake light up as she chooses outfits that help her feel confident, expressive, and ready to take on the year. I’ve learned to let go of matching sets and Pinterest-perfect planning, and instead lean into her evolving tastes and creativity.
As moms, we often walk that fine line between giving freedom and offering guidance—but when it comes to style, I say: let them shine. Because when our girls feel good in what they wear, they carry that confidence with them all day long.
So here’s to the 2025/2026 school year—and to all our stylish, strong-willed, trendsetting girls who are ready to take it on.
And of course, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for your weekly dose of honest motherhood, fashion, and wellness.
XOXO,
Allison
