Stylist: school outfits should still reflect a child's own personality

Fashion consultant Karolin Kuusik says that even in schools where uniforms are common, children's clothes should still carry a trace of their own personality. According to her, an outfit should always reflect at least a small part of a child's own wishes, taste and character.

As an example, she mentions her own children — a daughter who refuses to wear skirts and always goes to school in trousers, and a son who believes you can never have too many stripes.

Colors and fabrics

Kuusik says bright colors are a good option, but what matters most is that the child feels comfortable — some want to stand out more, others less. She highlights the polo shirt as one of this autumn's most popular pieces, made from T-shirt or sweatshirt fabric but neat enough to suit both teachers and pupils.

For both boys and girls, trousers remain the main item, with soft, pleated styles currently in fashion. Pleated skirts are also trendy and can be made more casual by pairing them with a sweatshirt or wearing them with stylish white socks.

Practical choices

Kuusik names the vest as a practical piece that can be layered, worn over a white T-shirt to add neatness and a black-and-white contrast.

Particularly fashionable right now is the so-called preppy style — a clean, elegant and academic look rooted in the dress traditions of elite U.S. schools and universities. Kuusik notes that although the style has echoes of an older, more traditional look, it feels very youthful today. As an example, she mentions wearing a button-down shirt underneath a sweatshirt, which adds an extra layer and a touch of neatness to the outfit.