By Suzy Bacino
Photographs by Mark Gilliland

school daze

You’ve got the gear, and you’re not afraid to use it. But do not overlook lesson No. 1: The school year will go more smoothly if you look good.  On Ben: Canvas jacket, $29.50; cargo pants, $22.50; baseball T-shirt, $9.50; all from Old Navy Ladue Crossing, 314-863-9119, oldnavy.com.  Shoes, Nike, $74.99, from Foot Locker, St. Louis Galleria, 314-862-9321. REI Transit book bag, $60, and Camelbak water bottle, $12, from REI, 1703 S. Brentwood, 314-918-1004, rei.com. On Meghan: Patchwork dress by Mimi & Maggie, $75, and matching hat, $29, from Ginger Pye, 161 Long, 636-532-9111, gingerpye.com.

school supplies

Add these to the list—and stock up! One for every outfit should be a class requirement. Plastic/elastic headbands, $6 each. Melanie’s, 9218 Clayton, 314-993-0664.

 

crikey and croc cool

Try a twist on the classic by trading in that classic primary and buying it in a heathered (and weathered) hue. These guys never get old. Boys’ Lacoste shirts, $48 each. Jillybean, 9208 Clayton, 314-872-2988.

 

 

belt it out

Add punch to a plain outfit by cinching up with a great fabric belt. Locally made By Celeste fabric belts, $36 each. Melanie’s.

 

 

simply splendid

There’s a reason this brand is called Splendid. It’s the lush—and luxe—fabric. One touch and it’ll be hard to go back to your old T’s. Splendid hoodie, $74. Sassy Pants, 9818 Clayton, 314-993-0399.

 

 

slip on, be shod

When you find something that’s soothing, stylishand durable, it’s a must-have. These puppies will look great long after recess. Keen Whistler leather slip-ons, $49.95. REI, 1703 S. Brentwood, 314-918-1004, rei.com.

 

 

it’s all in the jeans

As any fashion plate knows, it’s all about the jeans. Splurge on one great pair and you are set for the season. Girls’ True Religion jeans, $106 each. Sassy Pants.

 

 

jump start

With a touch of the Brit, schoolgirl sweetness meshes with haute designer styling to make this outfit one both mom and daughter can jolly well love. Burberry jumper, $149; blouse, $86. Jillybean.

 

take it personally

Choose your true colors and be sure no one walks off with your backpack by emblazoning it with your own initials. Nothing says prep and pretty better than this. Monogrammed backpacks, $38 each. The Initial Design, 25 N. Gore, 314-968-8300. Tote your Mac book in a case as cute as the computer is cool. Monogrammed laptop cases, $42 each. The Initial Design, 25 N. Gore, 314-968-8300.

 

pack it in

Spare your back by rolling those textbooks home. The camo pattern might blend in with the environment and actually make you forget you have homework. GoGo Gear camouflage rolling book bag, $145, other colors available by special order. Sassy Pants.

 

hall pass

Taking notes becomes a little less painful when the clipboard is cute. It all goes to show that you can make a style statement anywhere, any time, in any way. Wooden printed clipboards, $20 each. Melanie’s.

 

 

must-have: retro fit

In a flashback to the days of Donovan and Haight-Ashbury comes this crowd pleaser—and peacekeeper. Groovy in green, the Flowers by Zoe frock is fashioned out of a silky soft cotton. Dress, $77. Ginger Pye.