There’s nothing quite like back-to-school excitement — the anticipation for a new year paired with a valid excuse to seek out new supplies and refresh your wardrobe. College comes with its fair share of occasions to dress up for, and now that you’re *officially* on your own, it’s the perfect time to leave your go-to jeans and LBD at home with your ‘rents and start fresh. To help make sure your back-to-school basics are anything but, we put together the five BTS outfits you’ll need to nail on-campus style. From what to wear to your first Greek party to what will keep you cozy and cute during that late-night cram sesh, here’s the inspo you need before you go on your BTS shopping spree.
In our books, the ideal first-day-of-school ‘fit should feel bold and simultaneously effortless. Rumor is that skinny jeans are OUT, so what better time to rock an unexpected silhouette? We paired these high-waisted bell bottoms dripping in ’70s nostalgia with a basic crop top that gives the outfit a touch of French-girl simplicity. To finish the look, we threw on a lightweight chambray moto jacket (which, by the way, is a genius layering number) and some of our favorite ugly shoes of the season. A fishtail crown braid and a bold red lip added the perfect polish to our cozy-chic take on denim on denim.
ASOS Bianca Flare Jeans ($63) + Monki Stripe High Neck Crop Top ($18) + Denim moto jacket ($99) + ASOS TOMORROW 70s Heeled Sandals ($63) + W Durable Goods Accessory Bag ($36)
The Perfect Back-to-School Outfit for a Library Cram Sesh
Comfort has to be priority number one when dressing for a study jam, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have fun with the look. We paired a collarless oxford crop top that’s light, roomy and still way cute with uber-comfy leggings, a SO cozy sweater and our beloved bright kicks for a low-maintenance ensemble that still feels fresh.
ASOS Leggings in Mono Grid Check ($33) + Alice & UO Betty Cropped Shirt (sold out!) + Glamorous Longline Cardigan ($41) + New Balance 996 Lime Nubuck Trainers ($162) + Metropolis Readers ($14) + Minnie & George 3 in 1 Drawstring Leather Bag ($265)
The Perfect Back-to-School Outfit for a Between-Class Date
Every fall, fashion finds a way to bring back the classic schoolgirl uniform. Last year it was all plaid everything, this year it’s the pinafore dress. We threw on a denim dress (FYI, we’re *obsessed* with this one from ASOS) over a basic flannel for a look that nods to schoolgirl but feels very grown up. Another way to bring the ‘fit into the 21st century? Pair with chunky footwear, sheer socks and statement jewelry. Throw on a statement necklace, gloss up those lips and rock loose waves, and you’re ready to make eyes at your classroom crush <3
ASOS Denim Aline Pinafore Dress ($54) + model’s own flannel + model’s own shoes + Sheer Patterned Sock ($12) + Fljallraven Kanken Backpack ($75) + DIY Rope Statement Necklace + Salty Fox Cuffs ($110 each)
The Perfect Back-to-School Outfit for the Big Game
We *know* you own tons of game day shirts, but chances are you’ve paired them with denim cutoffs one too many times. Racer-stripe leggings are back (yay!) and we plan on wearing them EVERYWHERE. First stop: that tailgate party Saturday morning! Top off the look with a fanny pack (which is *also* back in style, thank goodness, and the PERFECT place to store some celebratory confetti) and badass hair chalk for a spirited look that still feels totally on trend.
adidas Originals 3 Stripe Leggings ($45) + model’s own shirt + Gridlock Fanny Pack ($34) + model’s own shoes + Benair Hair Chalks ($15)
The Perfect Back-to-School Outfit for Your First Sorority Soirée
It’s *so* easy to, ahem, underdress for a night out. But there are plenty of ways to bring out your inner babe in a totally tasteful (and still really hot) way. We went for silhouettes that still flatter your bod and show skin in super unexpected places, like the envelope slit in this pencil skirt and the circle cutouts in this ombre crop top. We added a cheeky clutch (this one is BEDAZZLED and primed for “HI cutie!” and “BYE creeper!”), some seriously show-stopping pumps and a messy bun to make it feel a touch more effortless.
ASOS Top with Cutouts and Blurred Stripe Print ($45) + ASOS Pencil Skirt with Wrap ($36) + ASOS PLAY THE GAME Lace Up High Shoes ($63) + ASOS Hi Bye Sequin Box Clutch ($63) + Rising Sign Necklace ($88)
Production + Styling: Madeline Bachelder + Kate Puhala
Makeup + Hair: Misty Spinney
Photography: Chris Andre
What’s on your back-to-school shopping list? Will you be refreshing your wardrobe for the new year? Tell us in the comments below!
