What to wear to the first day of school
For parents and guests: smart casual that photographs well and lets you stand, sit and carry a bag for a long morning. For the child, pick a clean, comfortable outfit they chose themselves, with shoes that are easy to run in.
Two outfits that work
Midi dress, cardigan, flat shoes
- blue midi dress
- cream cardigan
- beige flat shoes
- brown cross-body bag
A dress with a cardigan looks festive in photos and covers you in a cool hall or on the schoolyard.
Chinos, light shirt, blazer
- grey chinos
- light shirt
- navy blazer
- brown leather shoes
A blazer over a light shirt looks tidy without a tie, and comes off once the ceremony is over.
By weather
| Hot22° and up | Light cotton or linen, a hat for the schoolyard, and water in your bag. |
|---|---|
| Mild10° to 21° | A cardigan or blazer on top and closed flat shoes. |
| ColdBelow 10° | A coat you can take off in the hall, and shoes that cope with wet ground. |
Do and don’t
- Choose shoes you can stand in for an hour or more
- Let the child pick their outfit and try it on a few days before
- Bring a layer for the hall and the schoolyard
- Keep a small bag for tissues, water and your phone
- Wear new shoes to a day with a lot of standing
- Dress the child in anything scratchy or tight
- Pick heels for a schoolyard with cobbles or grass
- Forget a plan for the weather if the ceremony is outdoors
Check the night before
- Try the child’s outfit and shoes on the weekend before
- Check the school’s message for the programme and the time
- Look at the forecast and pack a layer or umbrella
- Charge your phone and clear space for photos
- Pack tissues and a small snack for the child
Questions people ask
What should parents wear to the first day of school?
Smart casual in calm colours is usual: a dress or trousers with a cardigan, or chinos and a shirt. Pick shoes that are comfortable to stand in.
What should my child wear on the first day?
Something clean, comfortable and chosen by them, with shoes that are easy to run and play in. Save scratchy or very formal clothes for another day.
Should we dress up for the Einschulung?
A little, yes. Many families wear their nicer everyday clothes rather than formal wear, and the child often wears something festive.
What if the ceremony is outdoors?
Dress in layers, bring sun protection or a rain jacket, and choose shoes that suit grass or cobbles.
Pick First day of school in FeinLens and see what you already own
FeinLens builds complete outfits for this occasion from photos of your own clothes, dressed for the forecast where you’ll be.
Get the app