What back-to-school shopping trip is complete without some new additions to your wardrobe? Whether you’re a freshman, senior, or somewhere in between, editing your closet for the new season and semester is a satisfying feeling. It’s the time of year when we pack away our summer essentials and pull out the sweaters, denim, and boots that remind us of crunchy leaves, crisp nights, and pumpkin-flavored everything. Our back-to-school style guide is curated with products from the retailers who are always on the top of our online shopping lists.
You’ve already stocked up on your fall beauty products and locked down a healthy fitness routine for the term, so it’s time to focus on what you’ll be wearing to the first week of classes. We’ve included trending items like belt bags and animal prints alongside fail-proof classics like high-waisted jeans and boots. With a few clicks, you’ll fill the hangers in your dorm in no time.
Topshop
You can always rely on this British company for staples that are a far cry from basic. So of course they had to be included in this year’s back-to-school style guide. These blue snakeskin-print Babe Ankle Boots ($65) will check fall booties off your list without making you fall back on black or brown leather. You can step your miniskirt game up, too, with the Spot Print Corduroy Skirt ($60), a favorite of ours paired with Oxfords or a sharp blazer. Lastly, don’t forget to get your teddy jacket fix with Topshop’s Borg Coat ($130)
Nordstrom
We’re big fans of horoscopes over here at CF HQ, so the Ten79LA Zodiac Coin Pendant Necklace ($60) is a no-brainer when we’re building an outfit. Style is just as important to us as utility, though, so The Simple Pouch Belt Bag ($68) is a major plus if you’re always on the go but not a fan of carrying a purse on top of a backpack on top of a gym bag (phew!). You also can’t tackle fall activities (or classes) without a brand-new sweater. Our pick on our back-to-school style guide? The BP Mock Neck Colorblock Sweater ($49), of course.
American Eagle Outfitters
The delicate, lighter pieces you wear in spring and summer have received fall-time makeovers. Your favorite bodysuits and bralettes are still wearable when the cooler months roll around, except they’re now outfitted with flowy sleeves, and deep jewel-toned colors. American Eagle’s Wonder Lace Padded Bralette ($25) proves that lighter hues aren’t the only ones that can look elegant. Wear it under the AE Long Sleeve Wrap Bodysuit ($45) and with the AE Ne(X)t High Waisted Jegging Crop ($35) for a matchy-matchy look that’s perfect for apple picking and corn maze romping.
Urban Outfitters
Finding a balance between what’s hot and what’s classic is easy when you’re shopping at Urban Outfitters. Levi’s 501 Cropped Skinny Jeans ($98) are a staple but have been continuously trending for decades (since 1853, to be exact). Our happy medium between the chunky white shoe trend and lightweight athletic trainers that are always on shelves is the Reebok Classic Leather Sneakers ($75), and, the one basic you get through the school year without is UO’s The Little Brother Tee ($20). It can be paired with anything—a blazer, skirt, sweats, the Austin Mock Neck Cable Knit Sweater ($59) you name it—so you may as well grab it in a few different colors.
Shopbop
For the days when the weather teases out the last bit of summer, this Splendid Striped Jumpsuit ($107) is an ideal choice. (We know you’re not about to bust out jeans and a sweater when you can get a little more use out of your warm-weather attire.) Style it with Madewell’s The Remy Mules ($88) for pattern mixing that pops but doesn’t clash. Polish off your look with BaubleBar’s Gemma Hoop Earrings ($38), or save them for the day you rock a vintage band T-shirt and well-loved jeans.
College Fashionista’s back-to-school shopping guides are your resource for the most stylish deals in fitness, beauty, and fashion. All of our links are shoppable, so you can create the college look you’ve always wanted without breaking the bank.
What are the fall essentials you’re putting in your closet this year? Tag us on Insta @cfashionista with all your buys!
