In the Genes:
Back to School Styling Tricks & Tips

Old Navy is already known and loved for their wardrobe basics, but every season they always pull off a handful of insanely cool pieces, too—with price tags that seem way-too-good-to-be-true. Here, we dressed a handful of our favorite moms-from-the-web along with their little ones: After all, when it comes to back-to-school, hard-working denim rules. Below, some pretty adorable outfit ideas for kids that won’t break the piggy bank, and a bit of styling fodder for grown-ups, too. (How rad are those overalls?)

Jessica, Zoe (6) & Jack (8)

Jessica: Boyfriend Plaid Pullover, Old Navy, $26.94; High-Rise Rockstar Distressed Jeans, Old Navy, $34.94; Faux-Patent Leather Oxfords, Old Navy, $26.94
Zoe: Printed Soft Tank, Old Navy, $16.94; Terry-Fleece Cocoon Cardigan, Old Navy, $29.94; Black Jeggings, Old Navy, $24.94; Patterned Sneakers, Old Navy, $16.94
Jack: Colorblocked Shirt, Old Navy, $22.94; Striped Tee, Old Navy, $8.94; Distressed Skinny Jeans, Old Navy, $24.94; Faux-Leather Trim High-Tops, Old Navy, $27.94

Jessica Shyba, of Momma’s Gone City, has four kiddos, a cat, and a now-famous rescued dog, Theo (she famously documented the adorable naps of her son Beau and Theo, which lit up Instagram and became a children’s book). A full-house means she’s always on the hunt for hard-working staples that can be passed down from kid-to-kid. No surprise, but she leans on denim—the ultimate work-horse—a lot, using it as the foundation and then mixing in prints and layers.

Jessica: Denim Trucker Jacket, Old Navy, $34.94; The Pixie Mid-Rise Ankle Pant, Old Navy, $34.94; Crop Tee, Old Navy, $14.94; Matt Bernson Verona Smoking Shoe, goop, $229
Zoe: Space-Dye Tee, Old Navy, $14.94; Patterned Circle Skirt, Old Navy, $12.94; Jeggings, Old Navy, $24.94; Canvas Sneakers, Old Navy, $16.94
Jack: Heathered Pocket Henley, Old Navy, $19.94; Distressed Skinny Jean, Old Navy, $24.94; Uniform Windbreaker, Old Navy, $24.94; Buffalo-Plaid High-Top, Old Navy, $24.94

Zoe & Jack’s Back-To-School Wardrobe

The goop Questionnaire: Jessica, Zoe & Jack

Tips for traveling with kids: I’ve learned to always bring healthy snacks that they haven’t had recently, a favorite toy or stuffed animal, and something new to read or draw on.
Lunch-box go-to: My kids love it when I put crackers, cheese, and deli slices in their lunch boxes to make their own “stackers.” Finger foods always seem to get eaten!
Show that’s wearing out the DVR: We watch Animal Planet all the time. Entertaining and educational for the whole family.
Crowd-pleasing recipe: My wheat and flax blueberry pancakes are a family and guest favorite.
Favorite kid-friendly hotel: We splurge on the Four Seasons. If it fits into our budget, the family-family amenities, activities, and incredibly friendly staff are consistently our choice for vacations.
Favorite kid-friendly app: The Toca Boca line of apps are so entertaining for my three bigger children. I’ve been known to peek over their shoulders when they play these, too.
Favorite kids book: Well, aside from Naptime with Theo and Beau (of course), we love Goodnight Gorilla. Laughs every time.
Favorite city hotel (no kids in tow): I try to stay at the Crosby Street Hotel whenever I’m in NYC on business.
Favorite vacation hotel (no kids in tow): We stayed at the Gansevoort in Turks and Caicos and it was positively dreamy.
Favorite Chinese restaurant: My indulgence of choice is Chinese takeout in NYC. A night at Budakkan is also a treat.
Favorite spot for takeout: Burritos in the Mission, San Francisco.
Favorite gift to give: I love giving fresh flowers to anyone and everyone.
Favorite gift to receive: Probably flowers, too!
Favorite kids gift to give: Our favorite book and a pretty, soft knit blanket.
Favored toys in rotation: Magnatiles.
Topping the kids’ birthday wishlists: Jack will be 9-years-old and would really love his own room, but realistically he’ll likely ask for a new video game. Zoe desperately wants a kitten, Beau would like his own basketball hoop, and for her first birthday, Evvie want a water table for outside.

Sai & London (3)

Sai: Classic Chambray Shirt, Old Navy, $26.94; High-Rise Twill Pants, Old Navy, $36.94
London: Striped Open-Front Cardigan, Old Navy, $22.94; Denim Shift, Old Navy, $19.94; Color-Block Jeans, Old Navy, $22.94; Faux-Suede Boots, Old Navy, $26.94

This adorable mother-daughter duo document their escapades on Scout the City, which incidentally also offers a great look at NYC. London, who was born in Montreal, gravitates toward bright colors and tomboy-inspired shapes. They all play well together, making getting dressed in the morning the ultimate game of mix-and-match.

Sai: Black Overalls, Old Navy, $44.94; Striped Long-Sleeve Top, Old Navy, $14.94; Matt Bernson Verona Smoking Shoe, goop, $229
London: Quilted Chambray Jacket, Old Navy, $24.94; Rounded-Hem Long-Sleeve Tee, Old Navy, $9.94; Printed Leggings, Old Navy, $9.94; Glittery T-Strap Sandals, Old Navy, $16.94

London’s Back-To-School Wardrobe

The goop Questionnaire: Sai & London

Tip for traveling with kids: Use a backseat organizer on planes. Fill it with snacks, crayons, play doh, etc. It’s readily accessible so you don’t have to continuously rummage through your bag.
Movie that’s wearing out the DVR: Frozen and Peppa Pig! My DVR can’t take it anymore!
Crowd-pleasing recipe: Organic honey-cinnamon popcorn.
Favorite kid-friendly hotel: The Plaza Hotel. They have Eloise tea fit for any miniature princess.
Favorite kids book: If You Give a Cat a Cupcake.
Favorite city hotel (no kids in tow): Barcelona, Hotel Arts.
Favorite vacation hotel (no kids in tow): Viceroy Hotel, Anguilla.
Favorite Chinese restaurant: LA Caridad.
Favorite spot for takeout: Harry’s Italian in Financial District.
Favorite kids gift to give: Seedling’s Create Your Own Doll
Favored toys in rotation: Barbie, Play doh plus, Shopkins, and Frozen Dolls.
London’s birthday wishlist: Barbie doll, Barbie house, Barbie car, and a Snackeez cup.

Joy & Ruby (3)

Joy: Skinny Denim Overalls, Old Navy, $49.94; Perfect Crew-Neck Tee, Old Navy, $8.50; Platform Clogs, Old Navy, $32.94
Ruby: Chambray Sundress, Old Navy, $22.94; Classic Cardigan, Old Navy, $16.94; T-Strap Play Shoes, Old Navy, $16.94

Joy Cho of Oh Joy! needs little in the way of introduction: Not only does this graphic designer have a wildly successful design blog, but she’s launched a handful of adorable products, too. Her pint-sized mini me, Ruby, shares her love of subtly quirky classic shapes—meanwhile, all-in-one outfits like dresses and jumpsuits wield the power to save the day on exceptionally hectic mornings.

Joy: Boyfriend Mixed-Stripe Shirt, Old Navy, $29.94; Mid-Rise Rockstar Distressed Jeans, Old Navy, $39.94; Faux-Patent Leather Slip-On, Old Navy, $22.94
Ruby: Rounded-Hem Long-Sleeve Tee, Old Navy, $9.94; Cuffed Jeans, Old Navy, $19.94; Faux-Leather Boots, Old Navy, $26.94

Ruby’s Back-To-School Wardrobe

The goop Questionnaire: Joy & Ruby

Lunch-box go-to: Shapes! Cut sandwiches into shapes of any kind, and they instantly taste better!
Show that’s wearing out the DVR: Daniel Tiger (I love that it teaches kids how to handle conflicts and everyday emotions).
Crowd-pleasing recipe: Grilled salmon with mini finger potatoes. If you can get veggies in alternative colors (like purple fingerling potatoes or yellow carrots), then they get more excited about trying a “funny colored” vegetable.
Favorite kid-friendly app: Endless Alphabet.
Favorite kids book: Press Here.
Three ways you take care of yourself: A massage, a gel manicure, and ice cream after my kids are in bed!
Favorite Chinese restaurant: Han Dynasty in Philadelphia.
Favorite gift to give: A Maya Brenner initial necklace for a new mama.
Favorite gift to receive: Massage gift certificate.
Favorite kids gift to give: I make an art kit that includes rolls of plain paper, gel crayons, finger paints, and a ton of other crafty items. You can never start too early!
Ruby’s birthday wishlist: A pretend makeup set, new glitter glue, and a mermaid that swims in the water.