Summer is coming to a close and a new school year is about to begin—but that means it’s also time to pick out your back-to-school outfits. And really, there’s nothing better than a fresh wardrobe for a new year of classes.
Since school begins at a transitional time, the beauty is that you can get away with mixing old pieces from the summer with new purchases for fall. The way to pull it off is by following a few key tricks. First, make sure to layer. You can get away with wearing a short floral dress, but throw a T-shirt underneath and sling a denim jacket over your shoulders. Next, mix textures. Something heavier like a wool skirt can be paired with a light cotton T-shirt to strike the perfect balance. And finally, pick out new key pieces that can work for different outfits. Sock boots are poised to be a huge trend this fall and can work with everything from corduroy pants to a long floral dress. Want to see some cool outfit ideas?
Keep reading to shop five back-to-school outfits that will have you ready for the new year.
Shop This Outfit: AlexaChung Printed Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt ($115); H&M Vintage High Ankle Jeans ($30); Castañer Carina Canvas Wedge Espadrilles ($85); Forever 21 Replay Vintage Sunglasses ($28); The Line Filt Large Bag Net ($18).
Style these vintage-inspired jeans with a white tee.
French girls are all wearing espadrille wedges right now.
The perfect bag to throw all your school necessities in.
Cat-eye sunglasses are a back-to-school essential.
Shop This Outfit: Madewell Whisper Slub Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt ($30); Réalisation Par The Emilie ($160); H&M Denim Jacket ($35); Abacá Ticao Bag in Black ($95); Dr. Martens Modern Classics Smooth 1460 8-Eye Boots ($131).
Layer a minidress over a white tee to change up your look.
Wear this dress out with a denim jacket and black block heels.
A well-fitted denim jacket is a key piece to own.
A pair of Dr. Martens is guaranteed to add some edge to your outfit.
Woven bags have made their comeback this summer.
Shop This Outfit: Babaton Reno Shirt ($85); Frame Le High Straight-Leg Corduroy Trousers ($185); Zara High-Heel Satin Ankle Boots ($60); Simon Miller Bonsai 15 Nubuck Bucket Bag ($390); & Other Stories Round Frame Sunglasses ($13).
Tuck this blouse into a denim skirt with white sneakers.
Style your corduroy denim with platform sandals and a chambray shirt.
Sock booties will be a sure trend this fall.
A staple pair of black sunnies completes a look.
Fashion girls are all carrying a bucket bag this summer.
Shop This Outfit: Wilfred Free Subah T-Shirt ($40); Helmut Lang Checked Wool Mini Skirt ($425); Merona Kona Backless Mule Loafers ($23); Zara Backpack With Metallic Detail ($60); Free People South Beach Cat Eye Sunnies ($20).
The tie in the front adds a flattering detail.
Menswear is a serious upcoming trend.
Your next book bag for the fall.
Style these sunnies with a graphic tee and vintage shorts.
Shop This Outfit: Violeta by Mango Bow Check Blouse ($100); H&M+ Skinny Regular Jeans ($35); Vans Old Skool Platform Sneakers ($65); Bauble Bar Milkyway Necklace ($34); Madewell The Reusable Canvas Tote ($5).
A tie at the waist tames the volume.
Style your skinny jeans with statement jewelry and mules.
Go for this updated platform version of a classic sneaker.
Layer this gold necklace with other chains to add effect.
Instead of a backpack this year, opt for a tote to carry your belongings.
Next, read about the under-$100 jeans this editor can't stop wearing.