The 100th day of school is a dress-up day with one rule nobody writes down: the outfit has to last through a full timetable, not just a photo at the door. So every idea here is built for a child who will sit on a carpet, eat lunch, run at recess and pull a backpack on and off. You'll find two families of looks. The first is the cheerful centenarian, a child dressed as a 100-year-old. The second is the shirt or sweatshirt carrying 100 small things, plus a handful of school puns and group ideas. Each one covers clothes, hair, a little washable makeup, a prop and shoes. My own rule before any of them: anything glued on gets a test wear the weekend before, because that is when you find the pom-pom that scratches a neck.
A Hundred Pieces That Survive Recess
Most of the shirt ideas below live or die by how the pieces are attached. A hundred small things on one garment is a lot of weight and a lot of edges, and a child will lean on them, sit on them and drag a backpack over them. Here is how I'd attach each kind of piece.
- Use a sweatshirt rather than a thin tee for anything heavier than pom-poms. Thin jersey stretches out of shape and sags at the front by mid-morning.
- Choose fabric glue over hot glue. Hot glue sits on top of knit fabric and pops off when the shirt stretches over the head. Fabric glue soaks into the fibers, but it needs a day or two to cure, so start early.
- Stitch anything with weight. Buttons and foam shapes get two or three quick stitches each. It's slower, but they stay on through a wash.
- Lay the shirt flat with a piece of cardboard inside it while you glue, so the glue doesn't seep through and stick the front to the back.
- Mark a light pencil or chalk grid of ten by ten first. Counting is easier for you and for the teacher, and the pieces end up evenly spaced instead of crowding the middle.
Then do a test wear. Have your child put the shirt on, sit on the floor, raise both arms and put on their backpack. Anything that scratches, pulls or falls off shows up in five minutes, and it's much easier to fix on a Sunday than at the school gate.
1. Classic 100-Year-Old Grandma Costume
For the grandma, I start in the child's own wardrobe: a floral midi dress, a buttoned cardigan, knee socks and loafers they can already walk in. Oversized glasses, a pearl-style necklace and a small handbag do most of the work of saying "100 years old." A gray bun wig looks sweet, but plenty of kids pull wigs off by snack time, so washable white color is the easier route. Keep the face kind: rosy cheeks and two soft smile lines, never anything that makes a child look ill. A toy cane is fun at the door and a problem in a classroom, so check the school's prop rule first. A folded handkerchief in the cardigan pocket is the small touch I'd never skip.
2. Classic 100-Year-Old Grandpa Costume
The grandpa is the easiest centenarian to pull from a closet or a thrift rack. A button-up shirt, a knitted sweater vest, relaxed trousers and slip-on loafers in brown, navy or muted green set the tone. Suspenders, a bow tie, big plastic glasses and a flat cap give him personality, and the cap is handy because you can tuck soft white tufts under its edge instead of coloring the whole head. Draw smile lines in brown, lightly. A folded newspaper or an empty glasses case is a prop that won't get confiscated. Before the day, check that the trouser hems clear the shoe and the suspender clips actually grip, since slipping clips are the most common fix I end up making at the school gate.
3. Colorful 100-Year-Old Fashion Costume
Who says a centenarian has to wear beige? A bright printed blouse, a purple cardigan and a teal midi skirt with supportive sneakers make a grandmother with opinions. Chunky costume jewelry, cat-eye glasses and a patterned scarf at the neck add character, and a silver bob wig gives a clean shape that's easier to live with in class than a long one. Pink blush, soft smile lines and a cheerful lipstick are plenty. A small purse covered in fabric flowers is the finishing prop. I'd let an expressive kid choose the colors here, then just check that the skirt lets them sit cross-legged on the carpet.
4. Sporty 100-Year-Old Costume
The sporty centenarian is my pick for a child who hates dressing up, because it's basically gym clothes. A zip-front tracksuit, a plain tee, a sweatband, tube socks and cushioned sneakers form the base. Gray hair color or a short silver wig and oversized glasses carry the age joke, with a few gentle forehead lines in washable makeup. A cardboard medal marked for the 100th day and some wristbands finish it. Leave real balls at home; a foam ball for photos is the limit. Because nothing in it is long, stiff or slippery, it survives recess better than almost anything else on this list.
5. 100-Year-Old Gardener Costume
Overalls are the hero of the gardener: they have pockets for props and they stay put on a busy child. Layer them over a plaid shirt with a soft cardigan and sturdy sneakers. Brush washable white through the hair, or hide a gray wig under a floppy hat, which also hides any wig edge. Oversized glasses, rosy cheeks and faint smile lines finish the face. Felt flowers, paper seed packets and fabric leaves go in the pockets, and a cardboard watering can replaces real tools. Gardening gloves are cute for the photo, but tuck them into a pocket afterwards because nobody can hold a pencil in them.
6. 100-Year-Old Librarian Costume
The librarian is a quiet, clever choice for a book-loving child. A patterned midi skirt, a high-neck blouse, a knitted cardigan, tights and sensible loafers give the shape. Glasses on a beaded chain and a small brooch are the two details people notice first. If your child won't tolerate a wig, a low bun with temporary silver brushed only over the top layer reads just as well. A real book or a homemade library card is the prop, and it doubles as something to do during free time. Pick stretchy pieces and nonslip soles, since school floors are often freshly polished.
7. 100-Year-Old Artist Costume
An artist at 100 is a good excuse to finally use that old shirt as a smock. Layer the paint-splattered smock over a striped shirt and loose black pants with canvas sneakers. I splatter it with fabric paint and let it cure fully, or use felt patches, so nothing flakes onto the classroom floor. A silver bob wig, round glasses, rosy blush and light smile lines carry the age theme. A soft beret and a cardboard palette with paper paint blobs finish it. Swap real brushes for short foam ones, or keep them clipped inside a pocket.
8. 100-Year-Old World Traveler Costume
Picture a 100-year-old who has been everywhere. A utility vest over a button-up shirt, khaki pants and real walking shoes make the traveler, and the vest is the canvas: homemade patches with mountains, suns and compass roses, sewn or glued flat. Silver wig or white color, big glasses and soft smile lines handle the age. A sun hat and a small cardboard camera are enough props. A folded pretend map is fine only if it fits a pocket; skip suitcases entirely, because a rolling bag in a classroom aisle is a tripping hazard.
9. 100-Year-Old Baker Costume
A baker is warm and easy, with a couple of age details layered on top. Dress the child in a gingham shirt, elastic-waist pants and a white apron with felt cookies stitched or glued on. Slip-resistant sneakers beat kitchen clogs for a school day. A tall fabric chef's hat sits over a gray wig or lightly sprayed hair; I pin the hat with two bobby pins because tall hats tip forward when kids bend over desks. Rosy cheeks and round glasses keep it friendly. An empty mixing bowl holding glued pom-pom "ingredients" makes a good prop, as long as nothing in it can fall out and roll.
10. 100-Year-Old Scientist Costume
The scientist leans on one piece: a child-size white lab coat. Cut or hem it so it ends above the knee, because a long coat on a small child catches on chair legs. Underneath, a collared shirt, comfy trousers and closed-toe sneakers. A short silver wig, tousled on purpose, plus costume glasses and gentle smile lines give the age. I fill the pockets with laminated number cards, foam molecules and pipe-cleaner shapes, and tack each one inside so they don't spill. An empty plastic beaker or a cardboard magnifying glass is the prop, and a handmade "100 days of discoveries" badge sits on the chest.
11. 100-Year-Old Teacher Costume
Kids love dressing as their own teacher, and at 100 years old it gets a laugh from the staff room too. A printed blouse, cardigan, below-knee skirt or relaxed trousers and supportive loafers make the base. A neat gray bun, oversized glasses, a lanyard and soft smile lines finish the face. A clipboard with a pretend lesson about the number 100 is the main prop, and a fabric apple, foam ruler and paper pencils can be stitched to a tote. Leave real chalk and pointers at home. A handmade name badge, ideally with a funny name, is the detail that gets talked about.
12. 100-Year-Old Superhero Costume
An elderly superhero is a fun twist for the child who wants a cape. Start with a bright tee and leggings or joggers, then add a long cardigan, a silver wig, oversized glasses and cushioned sneakers. The cape should be short and fastened with hook-and-loop tape at the neck, never a tie, so it pulls away if grabbed. A foam "100" badge on the chest and soft wrist cuffs finish the hero. Skip masks, which narrow a child's view on stairs. I like how this one treats being old as powerful rather than a joke.
13. 100 Pom-Pom Shirt Outfit
The pom-pom shirt is the classic, and the trick is spacing: ten rows of ten on a plain tee makes counting easy for the teacher and keeps the weight even. Use small, light pom-poms in several colors and attach them with fabric glue or a few stitches each. Solid leggings or joggers keep the top as the focus, with bright sneakers. A pom-pom headband is cute, but keep it out of the count. Hair stays simple. If the school allows it, a touch of face glitter; otherwise skip it, since glitter ends up on every classmate. Keep pom-poms off the underarms and the neckline, where they rub.
14. 100 Button Shirt Outfit
Buttons give a satisfying texture, but they're heavier than they look. A hundred craft buttons can drag a thin tee down at the front, so I use a sweatshirt or a sturdy cardigan and arrange them in a spiral or color blocks. Sew each one with a couple of passes, or use a strong fabric adhesive at least two days ahead so it cures. Plain jeans and simple sneakers keep the outfit balanced. A button-trimmed bow is a nice extra, kept separate from the count. A cardboard "100 Buttons Strong" badge is optional. Leave the shoulders bare where backpack straps sit.
15. 100 Sticker Shirt Outfit
Short on time? Stickers are the no-sew answer, with one honest caveat: ordinary paper stickers peel off knit fabric within an hour. Use permanent craft stickers or iron-on shapes, and run a dot of clear fabric glue under any loose edge. Spread 100 across the front and back of a solid tee in stars, animals or simple shapes your child picks. Jeans or leggings, comfortable sneakers and a cap or headband complete the outfit. One washable star on each cheek is plenty of makeup. Mark a pencil grid on the shirt first so the count comes out right.
16. 100 Googly-Eye Monster Costume
A googly-eye monster is silly rather than scary, which is what a classroom wants. Glue 100 assorted googly eyes onto a bright green, blue or purple sweatshirt, mostly across the front and sleeves. Use self-adhesive eyes plus a dab of fabric glue, because the backing alone won't hold on a sweatshirt. Matching joggers, striped socks and secure sneakers go below. A headband with two big craft eyes and pipe-cleaner antennae with rounded tips gives the head shape. Draw a curved monster smile and bright cheeks; no fangs. Felt claws on fingerless gloves are fun as long as the child can still write.
17. 100 Heart Shirt Outfit
A hundred hearts can mean 100 days of kindness, friendship or learning, which makes this a sweet one for younger kids. Felt hearts outlast paper ones; paper creases the first time the child leans back in a chair. Arrange them in rainbow rows or a big circle on the front and back. Pair the shirt with a pink, red or purple skirt over leggings, or simple joggers. Heart clips in neat braids and comfortable sneakers finish it, with a little rosy cheek color. A small heart-shaped cardboard bag for supplies is a nice extra.
18. 100 Star Shirt Outfit
Stars on navy or black always look bright, and they're easy to cut by the hundred. Metallic paper looks best but tears; felt or craft foam is the safer pick for a full school day. Spread the stars over the front, back and sleeves, and keep them away from the neckline. Silver leggings or dark jeans, star socks and white sneakers go underneath. Two star clips in the hair and tiny washable stars at the outer cheeks finish the face. A cardboard star wand with a short rounded handle is optional, and easy to drop for a strict classroom. Number each star lightly on the back before gluing.
19. 100 Crayon Shirt Costume
Crayons in rainbow rows on a white top give a strong, graphic look from across the room. Cut 100 small crayon shapes from felt or paper and line them up. Solid pants, striped socks and bright sneakers keep the bottom half simple. A pointed foam hat shaped like a crayon tip is the fun part; make sure it's snug enough not to slide over the eyes. Rainbow stripes on the cheeks are easy washable makeup. A cardboard crayon box worn crossbody is the prop. Don't glue on real crayons: they're heavy, they snap and they leave wax marks on desks.
20. 100 Pencil Shirt Costume
Pencils honor all the writing a child has done in 100 days. Cut 100 small pencil shapes from yellow felt or laminated paper and arrange them across a blue sweatshirt; the yellow on blue reads clearly in photos. Black leggings and yellow sneakers or slip-ons go below. A short foam headband shaped like a pink eraser is enough height, and pink cheek circles echo it. A cardboard notebook labeled for the 100th day is the prop. Never attach real sharpened pencils to clothing. Every piece here lies flat, so sitting and writing stay easy.
21. 100 Mini Book Cover Outfit
Tiny book covers make a lovely project for a family to draw together over a weekend. Make 100 laminated paper rectangles with invented titles and simple pictures, then attach them in rows on a sweatshirt or fabric vest. Keep the neckline, zipper and underarms clear. Wear it over a collared shirt with comfortable trousers and loafers or sneakers. Round glasses and a fabric bookmark headband suit it, with tidy braids or a ponytail. One real book or a reading log is the prop. Laminate thinly; thick covers turn the back of the vest into a board the child can't lean against.
22. 100 Days Brighter Sunshine Outfit
"100 Days Brighter" is a cheerful phrase on a yellow tee scattered with 100 small foam suns. The letters need to be big and stitched or ironed on, because glued felt letters peel off polyester blends. Orange leggings or relaxed jeans, striped socks and yellow sneakers keep the palette warm. A soft sun-ray headband frames the face without covering it. Golden cheek circles and a little washable shimmer finish the makeup. A cardboard sun can be carried for photos or clipped to a backpack. Keep every ray rounded and bendy, since stiff points poke the child next to them.
23. 100 Days of Smiles Outfit
Smiley faces are probably the easiest motif to count, because each one is a clear separate shape. Cover a bright sweatshirt with 100 felt, foam or sturdy-sticker smileys in rows or color groups, and add "100 Days of Smiles" in large fabric letters across the back. Jeans, high-tops and smiley socks keep it casual. Pigtails or braids with yellow clips suit it. A yellow circle on each cheek and a big curved smile are all the makeup you need. No wig, no stiff clothes, so it suits a child who doesn't like costumes.
24. Bugging My Teacher for 100 Days Costume
The "Bugging My Teacher for 100 Days" pun gets a laugh from adults, so spell it out in big fabric letters on a green tee or utility vest. Attach 100 small felt or soft plastic bugs around it. Brown joggers, striped socks and green sneakers finish the body. An antenna headband with rounded tips and bright cheek dots make it a little bug. Small fabric wings at the shoulders are cute; keep them narrow so the child can still sit back in a chair. A cardboard magnifying glass is the prop. I'd avoid realistic insects, which can genuinely upset a classmate.
25. Pushing My Teacher’s Buttons Outfit
"Pushing My Teacher's Buttons" is the other classic pun. Large craft buttons or flat foam circles in bright rows go on a sturdy sweatshirt, with the phrase in bold fabric letters. Foam circles are lighter than real buttons and won't pull the neckline down. Black leggings or jeans and simple sneakers keep the attention on the joke. A button-covered bow can top the hair, kept out of the count. Rosy cheeks and a few colored face dots are the makeup. A cardboard remote with giant buttons is funny at drop-off, then it lives in the backpack.
26. 100 Sprinkles Cupcake Costume
A cupcake gives you sprinkles without any real food. Cut 100 narrow felt sprinkles and glue them to a pastel sweatshirt, counting as you go, because they're easy to lose track of. A short brown tulle skirt over leggings, or brown joggers, makes the wrapper. Pastel sneakers and striped socks finish the body. A headband topped with a felt cherry is the bit everyone smiles at, with pink cheeks and tiny colored face dots. Tulle snags on chair edges, so keep it short and soft. Skip loose glitter entirely.
27. 100 Gumball Machine Costume
The gumball machine is clever because the shape is so simple: a big circle of 100 colorful pom-poms on the front of a white sweatshirt, and a red felt rectangle below it for the base. Red leggings and matching sneakers carry the red down the body. A small red cap reads as the top of the machine. Two colors of round cheek spots are the makeup. Add a flat cardboard coin slot at the waist with rounded corners. Put most of the pom-poms on the front so the circle reads; a few on the sides is plenty. No real candy or hard balls.
28. 100 Pieces of Popcorn Costume
Popcorn is a fun one to make with tissue paper, but tissue tears and flattens by lunch, so I'd use small cream and pale-yellow pom-poms or twisted felt instead. Cluster 100 of them across the upper half of a white sweatshirt, then add a red-and-white striped felt band around the lower half for the carton. Red joggers, white socks and supportive sneakers go below. A striped headband, rosy cheeks and a few tiny yellow face dots finish it. A cardboard ticket is the prop. Keep the popcorn below the collarbone so it doesn't tickle the chin.
29. 100 Balloon Shirt Outfit
Real balloons in a classroom are a bad idea, so flat ones it is. Cut 100 balloon shapes from felt or craft foam and attach them to a sky-blue sweatshirt, then draw or stitch a short string under each with fabric paint. Dark leggings, rainbow socks and bright sneakers go below, with a balloon hair clip and colorful cheek dots. A small cardboard gift box can come along for photos. I number the back of each cutout as I go so the count can be checked. Nothing floats, pops or tangles, which teachers appreciate.
30. 100 Flower Garden Outfit
A wearable garden suits a child who loves nature. Attach 100 small felt flowers to a green sweatshirt, vest or simple dress, in rows or in clusters joined by painted stems. Green leggings, floral socks and comfortable sneakers go underneath. A crown of a few larger fabric blooms tops the hair, with rosy cheeks and a couple of tiny petal shapes. A cardboard watering can or a felt butterfly on one shoulder is the prop. Leave out real flowers and florist wire, which pokes through. Felt lies flat, sheds nothing and is easy to sit in.
31. 100 Dinosaur Shirt Costume
For a dinosaur fan, 100 small silhouettes in felt or laminated paper on a green or brown sweatshirt is easy to cut with a template. Mix bright colors so they show against the base. Matching joggers, striped socks and sturdy sneakers finish the body. A soft tail belt that stops above the floor and a headband with rounded felt spikes give the shape. Green cheek dots or simple scales make easy makeup. A cardboard fossil or a foam egg is the prop. Plastic figures are tempting, but 100 of them weigh far too much on one shirt.
32. 100 Race Car Shirt Outfit
Draw a racetrack first, then park the cars on it. I use fabric paint or a strip of tape to make roads curving across a plain sweatshirt, then place 100 small foam or laminated cars along them. Black joggers, checkered socks and red or blue sneakers go below. A soft racing cap and two small checkered cheek designs finish the face. A cardboard steering wheel with rounded edges is good for photos, then it goes away. Don't use metal toy cars; they pull the shirt down and knock on desks. Number each car on the back.
33. 100 Sports Ball Shirt Outfit
Sports-ball cutouts let an active kid show off every game they like at once. Mix felt or paper basketballs, soccer balls, baseballs, volleyballs and tennis balls across a plain sweatshirt, grouped in tens for easy counting. Athletic joggers, crew socks and supportive sneakers go underneath. A soft sweatband over tidy hair and two team-color stripes on the cheeks finish it. A cardboard medal or foam trophy is the prop. Keep every shape flat, because backpack straps press anything raised into the shoulders all day.
34. 100 Building Block Shirt Costume
Real plastic bricks are uncomfortable to lean against, so I cut 100 flat foam rectangles and draw small circles on each for the studs. Glued in rows on a black sweatshirt, they read as building blocks from across the room and still bend with the child. Bright pants, color-block socks and comfy sneakers go below. A geometric foam headband and square cheek shapes finish the look. A cardboard blueprint or an empty builder's bucket is the prop. Count the pieces into piles of ten before gluing, which saves a recount later.
35. 100 Puzzle Piece Outfit
Puzzle pieces carry a nice message: 100 days that fit together. Cut 100 simple puzzle shapes from felt or craft foam and attach them over a sweatshirt or vest, in mixed colors or arranged into a big heart or circle. Neutral pants, patterned socks and matching sneakers keep it calm below. Puzzle-shaped hair clips and one small painted piece on each cheek finish it. A flat cardboard puzzle board is optional. Size matters here: pieces about the width of two fingers are easy to count without making the fabric stiff.
36. 100 Tally Mark Shirt Outfit
Tally marks are the least crafty option and one of the smartest. Draw 100 marks in fabric paint on a plain tee or sweatshirt, organized into 20 clear groups of five, in a few colors. No glued pieces means nothing to fall off. Jeans or joggers, striped socks and sneakers go below, with a headband of five short felt lines. Cheek tallies are optional. A clipboard with a pretend count sheet is the prop. Let the paint dry for the full time on the bottle, and test that it doesn't crack when the shirt is stretched over the head.
37. Human Number 100 Group Costume
Three friends can become a human "100." One wears a tall black foam number one over a matching shirt and pants, and the other two wear round zeros on the fronts of comfortable tops. Matching sneakers and simple hair tie the three together, with small number-themed cheek designs. Label each headband with its position so they line up in the right order for the photo. Use shoulder straps with quick-release fasteners and keep the panels flexible enough to sit in. Each child still looks dressed up when the group splits up for lessons.
38. 100 Percent Complete Gamer Costume
"100 Percent Complete" turns the milestone into a game-style win. Start with a bright pixel-print tee or sweatshirt and add a felt-square progress bar that's fully filled in. Comfortable joggers, colorful socks and high-tops finish the body. A foam headset should sit above or behind the ears so the child can still hear the teacher. Pixel-shaped cheek designs are easy washable makeup. A cardboard controller on a loose lanyard is great for photos and goes in the bag during class. Spell the phrase in clear fabric letters. Skip anything electronic or with a cord.
39. Level 100 Student Costume
"Level 100" says the child has leveled up after 100 days. A dark sweatshirt decorated with felt pixels, stars and a big "Level 100" badge is the base, with coordinating joggers, patterned socks and bright sneakers. A soft foam crown marks the new level, and small star-shaped cheek marks keep grooming simple. A cardboard achievement certificate or a flat controller is the prop. A short cape on hook-and-loop tape is optional, but keep it above the hips. Leave out masks and anything that flashes; flashing lights are banned in a lot of classrooms.
40. 100 Days Smarter Scholar Outfit
The scholar is the most polished outfit here, and it's mostly school clothes. A crisp button-up, sweater vest, pleated skirt or trousers and comfortable loafers form the base. A lightweight handmade graduation cap with a short tassel finishes it; I trim the tassel so it can't swing into the eyes. Natural hair neatly braided or combed, with a touch of blush, is enough. Attach 100 small gold stars or check marks to the vest in groups of ten. A cardboard diploma tied with ribbon is the prop, and a fabric sash reading "100 Days Smarter" spells out the theme.
41. 100 Days of Science Costume
This science look differs from the older scientist above: here the lab coat itself carries 100 flat cutouts of molecules, planets and beakers. Spread them over the front, back, sleeves and pockets so the coat still bends. A bright tee and comfortable pants go underneath, with closed-toe sneakers, clear costume goggles and tidy hair. Cheek dots joined by thin washable lines look like a little molecule. An empty measuring cup or a cardboard magnifying glass is the safe prop. Add a badge reading "100 Days of Science." No liquids, powders or glass.
42. 100 Days Around the World Costume
A traveler covered in 100 handmade destination badges celebrates curiosity about the world. Use invented landscape symbols, color-pattern flags, suns, mountains and compasses rather than dressing up as any real culture. Attach the badges to a utility vest over a striped shirt, with khaki pants and walking sneakers. A soft sun hat and rosy cheeks give an outdoorsy look. A pretend map or cardboard camera is the prop, and a sash reading "100 Days Around the World" is optional if lettering is allowed. Keep everything flat and compact.
43. 100 Years in the Future Costume
What will kids wear 100 years from now? A silver sweatshirt, metallic-look leggings or joggers and white sneakers make a good guess. Add geometric foam panels in blue, purple and green with every corner rounded off. Hair goes in a sleek ponytail or small buns, with a few temporary silver streaks. Bright lines near the eyes and cheek dots give futuristic makeup; keep eye lines on the cheekbone, not the lid. A clear visor with no tint and a cardboard wrist computer finish it, plus a "100 Years Ahead" badge. Leave out batteries and hard helmets.
44. 100 Years of Fashion Group Costume
A group can walk through 100 years of fashion, one decade per child, using school-appropriate pieces. Think a fringed 1920s-style dress over a top, a 1950s cardigan with a full skirt, 1970s flares, a bright 1980s tracksuit and a modern casual outfit. Give each child the hair and one or two accessories of their decade, with comfortable shoes for all of them. Props stay soft: scarves, costume glasses, cardboard records. Matching "100 Years of Fashion" badges tie the group together. Each child wears a whole outfit, not just a single themed accessory, so they look dressed up even when they're apart.
45. 100-Day Rainbow Class Costume
For a whole class, a rainbow is the plan I'd pick: it's inclusive and every family can manage it. Assign each child one color and ask for a tee in that color, comfortable pants or a skirt over leggings, socks and sneakers. Each child attaches ten light circles, stars or hearts, so ten children together make 100. Hair accessories and a small cheek stripe match each color. A soft fabric cloud or a ribbon wristband is an optional extra. Stand them in rainbow order for the photo and the idea is clear at once. Skip long streamers; they tangle.
Silver Hair and Smile Lines That Wash Off
The centenarian looks rely on two things: gray hair and a few age lines. Both are easy to overdo on a child. I keep them light and easy to remove for three reasons. Kids touch their faces all day. They lean on their hands at a desk. And the next morning they need to look like themselves again for school.
Hair
Washable color sprays and hair chalk give the gray look without the itch of a wig, but they come off on pillows, car seats and collars. Spray outside or over a towel, and shield the face with your hand. Brush the color only through the top layer, since the top is all anyone sees, and lay an old tee over the shoulders while it dries. Skip baby powder or flour; it drifts into the air and onto everyone nearby. If you do use a wig, pin it with a few bobby pins and plan for it to come off once lunch is over.
Face
Use a soft brown eye pencil or washable face paint for two or three lines at the corners of the eyes and around the smile. Smudge each line with a fingertip so it looks soft. Patch-test any face product on the inside of the wrist a day ahead, since young skin reacts easily. A tiny press of translucent powder stops cream colors transferring onto the collar. To remove it at home, use a gentle cleanser and warm water, then moisturizer.
Let the Child Pick the Hundred
Whatever your child picks, the outfits that last the day have a few things in common: soft decorations, flat pieces, layers they can take off and shoes they already know. Count the attached items before the morning, not at the door. I always send a small repair kit with fabric glue and a few safety pins, for the teacher or a parent volunteer to use, because something always comes loose by lunch. Most of all, let the child choose the theme. A kid who chose dinosaurs will wear a dinosaur sweatshirt proudly all day.
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