Best places to shop for Boarding School clothes

Prep School Admissions
1

Hey guys!

For all out incoming bs students out there (or returning students) let’s make a UPDATED list of places that are good in finding dress code/formal clothes for bs. It can be hard to find comfortable and stylish clothes so let’s help each other out by making a list of places we like.

When you post a store (can be a physical store or one that is only online), try and specify what you like to buy from there!

As more people add on I will albhabetize the list to make it easier to read.

I’ll start:

ZAPPOS- (online clothing and shoe store that sells a ton of different brands and has free shipping and returns- a favorite!)

OLD NAVY- great for sweaters, scarves, and belts

Join in!

2

ZAPPOS- (online clothing and shoe store that sells a ton of different brands and has free shipping and returns- a favorite!)

OLD NAVY- great for sweaters, scarves, and belts

VINEYARD VINES OUTLET- dress pants, ties, belts, 1/4 zip shirts

J CREW OUTLET- dress shorts, polos, button downs

COLE HANN OUTLET- shoes, belts.

3

6pm.com is the back room operation of zappos and has great deals.

4

is Brandy Melville okay? Just double checking because its 90% of my wardrobe

5

Different boarding schools can vary in dress codes so it really depends on the school and what restrictions they would have around it. Some schools have a formal dress code, others have a casual, and some have a strict dress code. I would reccomend checking your schools handbook. What school are you going to? @applejuice007

6

I second J. Crew Factory. Prices are great, and I particularly like that the ties are nice and look appropriate for high school-aged boys.

7

I’m going to Choate, and I’ve heard that the dress code is on the relaxed side so I assume that it’d be okay? But honestly idk

8

Nordstrom - The anniversary sale is a great time to get a blazer. My son is tall and slim - hard to fit. Nordstrom has great service and tailoring is free.
American Eagle Outfitters - Their khaki pants and shorts are very soft and flexible and they wash well. Look out for sales.
I second Old Navy.
And a caution…Aeropostale polos shrink!

9

@applejuice007 I don’t know Choates dress code very well, but I would check the school website for the student handbook. This will typically state the dress code. You can probably find this either on the website or by logins for into a student or parent portal. I think the rules for most schools that don’t even have a formal dress code are just that you can’t have crop tops/stomach showing and need a sweater or cardigan if you have spaghetti straps. Again, take what I say with a grain of salt because I’m not very familiar with Choates dress code.

10

Thanks, that makes sense. I will check the handbook.

11

Not in BS yet, but Land’s End sends us a fall catalog with standard, basic/preppy uniform staples, and I’ve bought a few things in the past from it. They usually have adult sizes too in these basics, even if the models are mostly about 12.

My son likes Hollister chinos, and they seem to have frequent online sales. (I think his last pair were around $15.) They had a variety of colors, and the quality is nice for the price. I was pleasantly surprised, as I had the impression they just sold kind of overpriced mall stuff. Their pants do seem to run a bit large, so suggest keeping in mind if you’re not sure which sz to purchase. This has been true for jeans, sweats and shirts too.

Not sure about the options for women. I will say if anyone is a tall woman, Eddie Bauer outlet stores often carry a lpt of basics in talls. Some of the clothes might be a bit dowdy for a teen, but they do have good classics, and a few different fits. (You don’t need mom chinos…lol)

12

Greene Street Consignment! (PA and NJ only, sorry.) My daughter - a great shopper- also found some nice things on Thredup. My son likes thrift shops and always finds at least one good shirt or sweater.

13

My daughter swears by Goodwill and she has the flare to pull it off. Me, not so much. Got older daughter’s bs prom dress at Nordstrom rack - another good option.

14

Has anybody had experience with leggings? Are they considered appropriate

15

Not personally. :slight_smile:

Depends upon the school. For some they are OK as is. For others, they are only OK underneath a layer (e.g. a skirt). But each school’s dress code will give guidance.

16

My personal opinion is that leggings alone are never ok and I doubt they would be ok at most any school. Remember your teachers, dorm parents, coaches, etc. will be instrumental in your success as BS and well beyond.

17

Many many kids including my own wear lulu yoga pants and long sweaters. No problem.

18

So much depends on individual school’s dress code. What is fine at Masters/George with 7D2 would not have been within dress code for St. Andrew’s for 7D1.

For dress code schools that require things like khakis and a blazer/shirt & tie for boys (and similar level of “nice dinner with grandma” clothes), here is where I would go:

The OUTLET version of any brand like J. Crew, LL Bean, Gap, Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers

Also the regular store/website of the above brands.

Lands End used to have a hipper line called Canvas, but a quick search seems to indicate that they folded that

LL Bean Signature is a little more hip than the regular stuff, but often pricier

Target — not bad for staples like shirts

Uniqlo — their stuff is generally a very good price point, and sometimes more interesting than brands above (for example, the line Ines De La Fressange did/does for them)

One thing I want to recognize is that everyone has a budget and everyone has a frame of reference. So recommending something like Cole Haan (or J. Crew) to someone who does not have that as a frame of reference, $100 (and up) on a pair of ballet flats or $175 on a blazer is going to seem ridiculous/wasteful/bougie/unaffordable.

My advice for kids looking to “fit in” and parents looking to equip them is to know your budget, and stick to your budget, as well as your family’s sensibilities. As long as you are in dress code and the stuff is relatively durable, you’re good. I don’t want any new BS family to think they have to buy this item or that item or junior will look like an outcast.

That said, it’s not a bad idea to get a few hardwearing classics. Bean Boots (keep your feet dry, too!), a J. Crew/Brooks Brothers blazer, Barbour jacket, etc.

19

FWIW, as the somewhat traditional dad of two young women, I’m not a fan of leggings as the sole piece of clothing from the waist down. Even if paired with a long sweater. But that’s just me.

20

I highly suggest shopping the top brands at sale times, either brick and mortar or online. Get signed up to receive emails so you’ll be notified of sales. Sometimes they’ll send you a code to use for an immediate discount. It’s not that hard to get things 50% off or more resulting in being able to buy a prestige brand at a Target price. I am allergic to paying retail for anything. :slight_smile: