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These back-to-school shopping options are affordable and adorable

This graphic tee is perfect for any Wonder Woman fans (Cat & Jack, Target, $6.99).
This graphic tee is perfect for any Wonder Woman fans (Cat & Jack, Target, $6.99). Special to The Star

Whether you can’t get enough of summer vacation or you’re counting the hours until your kids are back in the classroom, one thing is likely true: Last year’s school clothes no longer fit.

This column is straying from its adult focus this week to show off some adorable, practical and budget-conscious options for back to school. We found these at Target.

For the little one who wants to look just like Mom (or maybe a cool teenage cousin), a gray pinstripe blouse with pink piping (Cat & Jack, $16.99) would look darling with skinny olive pants (Cat & Jack, $16.99).
For the little one who wants to look just like Mom (or maybe a cool teenage cousin), a gray pinstripe blouse with pink piping (Cat & Jack, $16.99) would look darling with skinny olive pants (Cat & Jack, $16.99). Caitlin Wallace Special to The Star
Basic pants would look great with almost any top, including this darling gingham blouse with ruffle detail (Cat & Jack, $14.99).
Basic pants would look great with almost any top, including this darling gingham blouse with ruffle detail (Cat & Jack, $14.99). Caitlin Wallace Special to The Star
 
If your kiddo is into dressing literally, these pencil-patterned leggings (Cat & Jack, $6) would look awesome in the classroom paired with any T-shirt.
If your kiddo is into dressing literally, these pencil-patterned leggings (Cat & Jack, $6) would look awesome in the classroom paired with any T-shirt. Caitlin Wallace Special to The Star
 
This encouraging denim bomber jacket (Cat & Jack, $26.99) will make a confident statement that breaks the A/C chill in the classroom.
This encouraging denim bomber jacket (Cat & Jack, $26.99) will make a confident statement that breaks the A/C chill in the classroom. Caitlin Wallace Special to The Star
 
Since, let’s be real, it will be hot in KC until nearly October, dresses with layers may be a more practical choice for school. This pink T-shirt dress (Cat & Jack, $9.99) is so sweet paired with a denim vest (Cat & Jack, $16.99).
Since, let’s be real, it will be hot in KC until nearly October, dresses with layers may be a more practical choice for school. This pink T-shirt dress (Cat & Jack, $9.99) is so sweet paired with a denim vest (Cat & Jack, $16.99). Caitlin Wallace Special to The Star
 

And for boys, basic shorts, button-downs and T-shirts dominate at Target, but several options stand out.

Khaki joggers with an elastic waistband (Cat & Jack, Target, $14.99) may be the perfect option for boys who choose comfort over style.
Khaki joggers with an elastic waistband (Cat & Jack, Target, $14.99) may be the perfect option for boys who choose comfort over style. Caitlin Wallace Special to The Star
 
A simple chambray button-down with an awesome outer-space pattern (Cat & Jack, $14.99) would be a great topper for khaki shorts.
A simple chambray button-down with an awesome outer-space pattern (Cat & Jack, $14.99) would be a great topper for khaki shorts. Caitlin Wallace Special to The Star
Another great topper for khaki shorts: this classic white button-down (Cat & Jack, $14.99).
Another great topper for khaki shorts: this classic white button-down (Cat & Jack, $14.99). Caitlin Wallace Special to The Star
 
For the Minecraft-obsessed, this button-down provides a little more polish than the typical graphic tee (Designed by Jinx, $14.99). If your child is more into Star Wars or dinosaurs, don’t worry, there are snazzy options for them, too.
For the Minecraft-obsessed, this button-down provides a little more polish than the typical graphic tee (Designed by Jinx, $14.99). If your child is more into Star Wars or dinosaurs, don’t worry, there are snazzy options for them, too. Caitlin Wallace Special to The Star
 
While you have to head to the boys section to find it, any future astronaut would be lucky to rock this NASA sweatshirt (EPC, $16.99).
While you have to head to the boys section to find it, any future astronaut would be lucky to rock this NASA sweatshirt (EPC, $16.99). Caitlin Wallace Special to The Star
 

This story was originally published July 26, 2017 at 12:04 PM with the headline "These back-to-school shopping options are affordable and adorable."

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