Summer is coming to an end and a new school year is upon us. In the next few weeks students will be returning to campus to see friends, catch up on summer gossip, and, presumably, to learn. After months of living in swimsuits, shorts, crop tops, and sandals, school-appropriate attire might seem completely foreign. Making the transition from a laid-back summer style to a style perfect for the classroom will take some getting used to, but shopping for a back-to-school wardrobe is super easy (and fun) as long as you know what to look for. Work these trends into your new wardrobe and you’ll return to school ready to take on those boring professors and late night study sessions in style.
Backpacks
Backpacks haven’t always been the most fashionable accessory, and in the past they’ve sometimes been seen as “uncool,” but usually necessary. When you’re expected to carry around textbooks, notebooks, calculators, pens and pencils, binders, and everything else you need on a day-to-day basis, keeping your hands free is difficult. Luckily, backpacks are back in style this year, and tons of stores have cute and stylish versions. Whether you need a large backpack for a full load of books or just a small one to carry around your iPod, makeup, and wallet, finding a fashionable one won’t be hard.
Top Row: Yellow Canvas Backpack — ASOS, Tan Leather Backpack — Topshop, Aztec Print Backpack — Pacsun.
Bottom Row: Printed Mini Backpack — Roxy, Hot Pink Backpack — Hollister, Leopard Print Backpack — Victoria’s Secret.
Printed Pants
Prints are in: Bold colors, polka dots, psychedelic paisleys, graphic prints, everything. Plain old blue jeans just won’t do. Instead of the usual black skinny jeans, stand out in a pair of floral print jeans. Printed pants make it easy to keep your outfit interesting and exciting even when you don’t have the energy to put any effort into getting dressed in the morning. Throw on some printed jeans with a t-shirt or over-sized sweater and you automatically look fashion-forward. It’s as easy as that.
Left to Right: Dark Floral Denim Jeans — Ally Fashion, Paisley Jeans — Net-a-Porter, Leopard Print Jeans — Matches Fashion, Navy Floral Print Trousers — Ally Fashion, Cross Leggings — Topshop.
Hi-low Dresses
Maxi dresses were really popular for a while, but this year try out something a little more interesting. Hi-low hems (long in back, shorter in front) have an easy sophistication about them. They have movement and fluidity that you don’t get with maxi-length dresses. They’re also better for late summer and early fall, because they’re long enough to wear to school but short enough to keep you from getting too warm or bogged down by fabric. Put on a cute dress with a hi-low hem and a cardigan and you’re ready for school.
Left to Right: Tribal Print Dress — JC Penney, Neon Tank Dress — Shopbop, Printed Tube Dress — Swell, Tangerine Dress — Windsor.
Neon
Neon has been pretty prevalent since last spring. It’s perfect for summer days spent outside in the sun, but it can also be fun for school. A little pop of neon in your outfit can really spice things up. Lime green skinny jeans, a loose, hot pink button-down, or even just tangerine nails can make a big difference in your mood when you’re on your way to class at eight o’clock in the morning. Neon anything will brighten your day and help you focus. Keep summer alive with that spark of color.
Clockwise: Lime Green Skinny Jeans — My Wardrobe, Hot Pink Satchel — Kohl’s, Yellow Leopard Tank — She Inside, Tangerine Nail Polish — Nordstrom, Neon Pink Necklace — PacSun, Tangerine Shorts — My Theresa, Neon Stud Bracelet — Zara.
Cute Tennis Shoes
Sneakers and tennis shoes are often left to P.E. and the basketball courts, but this year you can bring them inside. Simple tennis shoes (think classic Keds-style) in bright colors and bold prints are the perfect shoe for this back-to-school season. Heels might be fashionable, but walking around campus all day in those won’t be comfortable. Compliment your casually stylish outfits and show your feet some love by opting for a pair of cute and comfy tennis shoes. Leopard or floral print tennis shoes are fun and perfect for an everyday look. After a full day of classes, you’ll be happy you said no way to the heels.
1st Column: Leopard Print Sneakers — Vans, Neon Yellow Sneakers — Shopbop, Pink Polka Dot Sneakers — ASOS.
2nd Column: Gold Glitter Sneakers — Macy’s, Patriotic Sneakers — Keds, Floral Print Sneakers — Jack Willis.
About The Author
Courtney is a freelance writer and blogger based in St. Louis. She blogs about life and fashion at www.breakfastinwonderland.com. She dreams of traveling the world, visiting old libraries, and surrounding herself with beautiful vintage clothing. She is an old cat lady at heart.