A Very Autumn Wardrobe For Back To School [AD]

Advertorial

As my girls are getting older, getting their clothing ready to go back to school is becoming a bit of a drag. They have no interest in buying school uniform and would much rather shop for things they love. This year, we have reached a compromise. Their back to school wardrobe incorporates some autumn garments and accessories that they love. They’re great for school AND for using in their all important social lives.

School uniform

I’m hoping that this is the last year of my girls being at different schools. It’s Lia’s last year of primary school and whilst she does have the option of going to a different school to Libby, I’m hopeful she’ll choose to go with her sister. So for me, buying uniform is somewhat emotional this year.

Libby didn’t need much, because she really doesn’t grow so she’s still in last year’s uniform. That said, we have learned a lot this year about uniform. When we initially bought her uniform, we thought she needed everything to be branded with the school logo – that was the information given out to parents. But it turns out, a smart navy skirt of the right length and style is fine – with our without the logo. So, we picked up some smart navy school skirts and white, open collar shirts for Libby from Very.

Lia has grown a little, so she needed an update of her trousers and skirts for school. I’ve been really impressed with the quality of garments from Very – so much smarter than the uniform she’s had in the past. She tried them on with one of Libby’s white shirts too – we’ll be purchasing some more of those next year for high school!

Autumn / Winter Coats

The first of my compromises for school uniform was to make their winter coats part of the school uniform shop. The deal was that they could pick a coat they’d like for outside of school, as long as it was smart / practical enough for school as well. It turned out not to be much of a compromise at all, because they actually both picked coats that I love.

Lia went for a black Regatta coat. This is super warm and cosy with a faux-fur trim hood that she loves. I think it looks really smart, and it will be practical for general wear and for her class residential trip that’s coming up soon.

Libby opted for a gorgeous Monsoon duffle coat. I’m pretty sure one of the girls had a red duffle coat in the past and I adore them. They look so smart and they’re super warm for winter days too.

Fashionable School Shoes

When Libby started high school, she was only allowed to wear certain types of shoes. As she’s observed what others wear over the past year, she’s wanted to be a bit more adventurous. For year 8, she’s gone for a lovely pair of patent lace-up school shoes. They’re the ideal combination of smart enough for school, but nice enough to want to wear outside of school.

Lia’s school shoes are probably a little bit more towards the fashionable end of the school shoe range, but it’s the last year she’ll get away with it so she’s making the most of it. She chose a really pretty pair of loafers with gold heart trim.

Libby talked me into getting her some trainers as well. These will be great for PE – they are proper running shoes. That said, they’ll also be something she’ll be happy to wear both at school and outside. Like all high school kids, Libby is all about the branding so her white Adidas Rapidasport trainers absolutely bring her joy.

School Bags

At the mid point in the summer holidays, the school bags that the girls have chosen from Very have already seen a lot of use. Keeping up with the Adidas obsession, Libby chose a practical pink Adidas backpack. It’s ideal for carrying her lunch, drink and bags to school and it has come in handy for nights away and holidays as well.

Lia chose a pink River Island backpack. She is quite determined that this fashionable bag will see her through years six and seven. Fortunately, it has a great wipe-clean surface, so it might stand half a chance of actually doing so. This bag is so fashionable that Libby has severe bag envy. Lia is already taking it everywhere with her. She’s so proud to have something that her big sister loves too.