The Best Online Sites for School Shopping This Year

Ready or not, here it comes: back to school shopping. And now more than ever, it’s a lot easier to find apparel, school supplies, sneakers and everything else your kiddos need online. But what are the best online sites for back to school shopping this year? Our ace correspondent Jillian Tangen has rounded up a dozen great options – luxury online shopping sites with chic and sustainable kids clothes, shoes and school supplies. Whether it’s in a classroom or online, it’s still possible to start the new school year on a high note.

can back to school shopping ever be a luxury, and not a chore?

This year, back to school shopping is looking a little different than in previous years.  First, there’s the fact that the school supply list now includes items like masks, hand sanitizers and disinfecting wipes (if you can even get your hands on them). Alongside the usual three-ring binders, composition notebooks and laptops.

And perhaps instead of the annual trip to the mall with the kids to select the latest in mini-sized micro fashion, you’re planning an online shopping day. 

While it may not be the same as bonding over a large cup of 40 Carrots frozen yogurt after purchasing a new backpack at Bloomingdale’s, don’t despair. It’s still a chance to help keep that parent/child bond you’ve been working on all summer going strong.

So let’s talk about where to score the cutest back to school fashions for your little ones – stuff so cool that you can both agree on “yes.” We’ve found 10 great online shopping sites for kids’ wear and school supplies. They specialize in pint-size ready to wear that both you and your child are sure to love – no need to worry about scowling faces or eye-rolls as you scroll.

Which online retailers are best in class for shopping back to school fashions online?  Read on.

the best online sites for back to school shopping

1. melijoe.

After the birth of her first child in 2003, Paris based Nathalie Genty searched the internet high and low to find stylish apparel to dress her child, only to be faced with disappointing options. With years of web design and start-up experience, Genty decided to fill the void herself and launched Melijoe in 2007 with sizing options ranging from newborn through 18 years.

Since it’s debut, the website has become one of the ultimate destinations for buying childrenswear with highly regarded French brands, like Bonpoint and Petit Bateau, as well as over 150 other indie and premium international brands such as Chloé, Marc Jacobs, Gucci and Lavin.  That being said we’re big fans of the site’s wide selection of cozy, cool sweatshirts.

Lavin Organic Logo Sweatshirt ($181); M by Melijoe Masks ($28); Kenzo Kids Mini Me Graphic Sweatshirt ($95)

2. farfetch.

Just like its men’s and women’s selections, the kids section of the online retailing giant Farfetch, does not disappoint.  With everything from loud prints to florals and primary colors to animal prints and our personal fav – logomania, you will definitely find something here that your kids will love.

Even better is that all of the brand’s featured are well established or promising, ensuring your child will always be ahead of the fashion curve.  Top brands to shop here include Moncler, Moschino, Stella McCartney and Monnalisa, with sizing that runs from newborn through age 16.

Balmain Logo T-Shirt Dress ($169); Moschino Beanie Hat ($81); Burberry Logo T-Shirt ($130).

3. maisonette.

Much like Melijoe founder Nathalie Genty, Luisana Mendoza Roccia and Sylvana Durrett found that buying sustainable and stylish luxury clothes for toddlers and kids was really difficult in the American market. And like Gentry, they set out to create Maisonette, which stocks hundreds of brands including their own in-house brand, Maison Me.

The site also works with many of its brands to create limited edition collaborations like Cynthia Rowley x Maisonette and exclusive pieces that you won’t find anywhere else.  And unlike some of the other shops we are featuring, Maisonette focuses mainly on higher-end indie brands like Batsheva, Loveshackfancy and Paper Cape with sizing available from newborn through 14 years of age.  Kids will love their easy breezy laid-back options.

To help parents get in the back to school groove, they’re offering some sweet deals right now. Click here if you’re ready to shop!

 

Maisonette x Cynthia Rowley CaliYork T-Shirt ($55); Paper Cape Bear Face Mask ($15) Maison Me Avery Contrast Pocket Tee ($20).

4. the realreal.

ICYMI, one of our favorite vintage luxury sites for shoes, handbags, dresses, home decor and everything in between also carries a wide selection of kids clothes.  The RealReal is the perfect way to join in on the circular economy while also enjoying a little affordable luxury in the process.

Shop everything from new with tags items from the likes of Molo, Mini Rodini and Mayoral or nearly pristine names such as Gucci, Stella McCartney or Burberry for a truly sophisticated school look.  In addition to clothing items, there’s also kids shoes, headbands, hats, winter coats and backpacks too.

Girls Gucci Plaid Dress ($189); Fendi Confetti Monster Backpack ($895); Appaman Tailored Boys Suit ($75).

5. childrensalon.

Not only does Childrensalon have a great selection that boasts big brands like Burberry, Stella McCartney, Moncler and Fendi in addition to classics like Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren, it has a long history to back it up.

The store was originally established in London in 1952, selling handmade dresses and boys’ suits.  And while you can still shop their outlet in person on High Street, the store’s newest styles can only be found online where you will find over 270 designer brands ranging from newborn through size 16.  Can’t decide where to start?  Sweaters and sneakers are always a good idea to us.

Bonpoint Girls Ivory Wool Sweater (£152); VEJA Vegan Trainers (£75); Polo Ralph Lauren Striped Cotton Sweater(£95).

6. alexandalexa.

Founded by husband and wife Alex Theophanous and Alexa Till, AlexandAlexa brings contemporary and luxury brands to customers around the globe.  Focusing on kids apparel and accessories for children 14 and under, you can find everything from big names like Boss and Kenzo to trendy Nordic brands like Mini Rodini, Molo and Acne Studios.

Other items you can find here are cold weather ready winter gear and sports apparel including equipment for snowboarding, basketball and beyond, in addition to toys, accessories and even some furniture too.

Molo Wild Haili Coat ($139); Isbjorn of Sweden Frost LightWeight Jacket ($130); Moncler Adorne Down Hooded Coat ($525).

7. luisaviaroma.

Hailing from the fashion capital of Milan, Luisaviaroma is loved not only by fashion conscious men and women, but tiny trendsetters too.  Under its childrenswear category, the site offers “big fashion in little sizes” from designer brands all around the world, though it places some extra emphasis on luxe Italian labels like Pucci, Gucci, Moncler and DSquared2.  The shop’s size ranges from newborn to 14 years of age across boys’ and girls’ clothing, swimsuits, shoes and accessories.

Emilio Pucci Silk Printed Headband ($80); Dolce & Gabbana Flocked Logo Backpack ($545); DSquared2 Icon Baseball Hat ($104).

8. bambini fashion.

Bambini Fashion is all about empowering little ones to express themselves through fashion with a mix of high-end European labels.  With more than 70 years of experience and two shops in Vienna, they are one of Europe’s largest luxury children’s fashion retailers for kids aged 0-18.

Amongst the 200+ labels offered, you will find a wide variety of kids street style ready brands like Diesel, Kid Dangerous and MC2 Saint Barth as well as more traditional looks from Burberry, Boss and Armani.  There’s also makeup, party supplies, books, toys and furniture too.

Molo Rinse Wash Jeans ($103); Kid Dangerous Original Gangster T-Shirt ($44); Diesel Logo Straight Cut Ripped Jeans ($295).

9. babyshop.

Don’t let the name fool you – BabyShop isn’t just for babies. Here you’ll find clothes, shoes, toys, accessories and more for children ages 0-10 years.  Founded in 2006, it’s hands down one of the best online stores for those looking to nab a hard to find Scandinavian brands or the minimalist aesthetic for their little.  That being said, you will find the likes of Moschino, Burberry and Fendi here too.  Our favorite brands to shop here include Scandi fav’s Molo, Mini Rodini, Kuling, Bang Bang Copenhagen and Mar Mar.

Mar Mar Copenhagen Debbie Dress Bibbi Leaves ($76); Mini Rodini Notes School Backpack ($135); Kuling Cologne Teddy Shell Jacket ($58)

10. saks fifth avenue.

Saks Fifth Avenue isn’t only for Moms and Dads, it also has a section devoted to children’s luxury clothing too that goes from newborn all the way to 20 years old.  You’ll find sweeter, more traditional styled brands like Dolce & Gabbana and Bonpoint, coupled with more edgy brands like Bobo Choses, Dr. Martens and Hux ensuring that you will find at least something that will suit your kid’s unique style.

Habitual Girl Button Trim A-line Dress ($56); Dr. Martens Little & Kid’s 1460 Pascal Combat Boots ($80); Billionaire Boys Club Space League T-Shirt ($50)

Before we go, we should also mention that many luxury brands, like Gucci, Burberry, Dior and Versace, sell their children’s lines directly on their websites.  So if you are looking for a wider selection of a specific brand, they are a great option too.

The Best Online Sites for Back to School Shopping This Year

Those are our top picks for the best online luxury sites for back to school shopping for kids clothing, shoes and supplies. Now that you know where to go, get ready for an A in first-day-of-school style!

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Jillian Tangen is the Head of Research at Dandelion Chandelier and a former Senior Research Analyst at McKinsey & Co and Analyst at Shearman & Sterling. She is an avid fan of Nordic design, having owned an independent lifestyle store and sales agency focused on emerging Scandinavian design. Jillian lives in New York and is married with three young children. She loves cross-country skiing, the New York Rangers, reading, travel and discovering new brands.

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