The First Day of School is Probably One of the Fall's Most Important Fashion Events
This article is part of our seasonal Back To School series. With the new school year just around the corner, it’s time to get your outfits ready and we've compiled everything that we recommend.
I am not even trying to be hyperbolic. The first day of school was THE fashion moment of the Fall, taking precedence over September's fashion weeks, gallery designer events, late-night designer cocktails, and fashion night outs. Why? For many of us — even those less inclined to obnoxiously hunt down some Hedi Silmane leathers —what you pick to wear that first day of school tends to set the tone for how the school year will go. In short, you don't want to show up to school with a wack outfit.
As fashion continues to creep into every nook of our culture and social media timelines, picking the right back-to-school outfit is more important than ever.
Whether you are a high school freshman using fashion as a means to express yourself and develop your own style, or a college sophomore aiming to build on their well-researched rotation, we've created the ultimate back-to-school guide. Here, our back-to-school clothing picks and accessories perfectly strike a balance between form and function — allowing you to carry all the pencils, tech, and books needed to ace your classes while giving you enough style to look good no matter what the school year demands.
Even more so, your back-to-school fashion picks need to be able to weather Fall's finicky and transitional forecast. From jackets to bags, and fashion-ready stationery, we've got you covered. Scroll down below to check out our curated selection of back-to-school products.
Scroll down to see our picks for some of the best back-to-school clothing picks
The right leather jacket will be the bedrock of your wardrobe during school and beyond.
"Everyone should have a good quality leather jacket in their wardrobe" was one of my first fashion lessons. On par with a good pair of denim jeans, white sneakers, or a perfectly fitting t-shirt, a solid leather jacket is something that is effortlessly timeless. With a history that goes back more than a century and an origin found in military wear, you can't go wrong with picking up one of these jackets on your journey back to school this year.
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No, it doesn't necessarily need to be fancy, embroidered, or made from exclusive Italian leather accessible a few times a year. Though you are welcome to flex, pick a jacket that will fit you well, layer perfectly with your clothing in and out of math class, and most importantly, last you the longest. The ultimate beauty of a good leather jacket is that it can, in fact, last years and years if you take care of it.
Brands like Acne Studios, Diesel, Guess, Saint Laurent, and Bottega Veneta are all fantastic places to start. Our own Highsnobiety brand also dabbles in the realm of leather jackets, with the aim of giving you classic essentials that you can wear season after season. Finding the right leather jacket has never been easier or fun.
Light jackets still remain king of Fall.
Though I am sure you could pull off a leather jacket, jeans, white shirt, and sneakers throughout the school year, you'll need some clothing to protect you from the elements. During the Fall, many regions experience more rain and varying temperatures. You don't want to be that guy showing up to his morning engineering class with just a t-shirt in 40-degree weather. Invest in a light jacket. One of the ultimate transitional weather pieces, coach jackets, our one of our favorite go-to's in recent years.
These sleek and feather-light layers have got your back, shielding you from the unpredictable elements without making you feel like you're in a sauna. You'll have plenty of options to pick from in our curated selection with brands like Kenzo, Stockholm Surfboard Club, and ACRONYM, dressing us with some of our favorite coach jackets for the season.
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Nonetheless, as a staple of Fall sports, the varsity jacket is one of the best back-to-school clothing pieces you can wear. Yes, trying out for your school's basketball or football team could get you one.
But, if you have not been blessed with coordination, some designers like Wales Bonner, Jean Toutitou, and Yohji Yamamoto can give you one without making you sweat. However, your bank account might get a workout in.
Knitwear is perfect for layering and the impending "cuddle season."
Yes, cuddle season is right around the corner. That same person you'll be sharing your varsity jacket with at the Homecoming dance will probably appreciate someone who has a cuddly knitwear collection. One of the most versatile layering tools in the Fall, knit polos are perfect for dressier situations. Beloved by Tyler the Creator, Harry Styles, Future, and "Wise Guys" alike, the knit shirt has the power to keep you warm while also injecting an heir of timeless sophistication and cool into a wardrobe.
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Additionally, half-zip sweaters can accomplish a similar effect but with much more comfort and are perfect for when you have those 2-hour long in-person physics courses. Auralee, BODE, and Wales Bonner have got you covered when on the hunt for these back-to-school pieces.
These are some of our favorite back-to-school clothing essentials this Fall.
What will you be wearing on the first day of school? As I know how stress-inducing this question can be, and we don't want anyone becoming their school's meme, we have carefully curated a selection of outfits for your school's red carpet. Taking into consideration various trends and seasonless staples, we have created a range of outfits that are sure to help you get the creative juices flowing as you pick your back-to-school outfits whether you are channeling your inner bloke, are still riding the gorp-core waves, want to dress like you're a Roy Family member, or are going full American prep. Designer hats? Workwear pants? Comfy sweatpants? You will find them across this guide.
Check out our curated collection of seven fabulous outfits, each tailored to a distinct scenario – regardless if you're stepping back into the hallowed halls of a formal private school or embarking on the exhilarating journey toward graduation. With these handpicked ensembles, we've got you covered for whatever challenges and triumphs the academic year has in store for you, presenting our ultimate back-to-school style visions.
Loafers might just be a bigger flex than sneakers this Fall.
I am not saying there is sneaker fatigue, but I do need to hang up my 990s every once in a while. Dressier shoes are making a full comeback into the meta, with loafers becoming the unsung heroes of this returning wave. Even more so, they are one of the easiest shoes to style and can go with just about everything.
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Embodying the essence of both a cozy house slipper and a timeless preppy essential, the versatile loafer emerges as the ultimate transitional silhouette. Its effortless charm effortlessly blurs the lines between comfort and style. With their sophisticated yet laid-back appeal, loafers truly epitomize the art of versatile footwear. Wear them with chinos, knitwear, jeans, a T-shirt, etc. There are so many options.
But you can't go wrong with classic sneakers when headed back to school.
However, some habits linger. When seeking fresh kicks, we advise embracing the classics for your back-to-school stride. Yet, this doesn't confine you to sneakers solely endorsed by seasoned aficionados. Our collection features a fusion of legendary and contemporary classics, fitting seamlessly into any rotation, catering to sneaker enthusiasts of all stripes.
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These versatile back-to-school sneakers easily complement various styles, even surprisingly enhancing a suited ensemble. So, whether you're a trendsetter or a traditionalist, these sneakers have you covered.
The best bags look good and can handle everything thrown at them during the school year.
After getting that back-to-school list of supplies, the next question is, "How am I going to carry all of this stuff?". You don't want to break your back, yet you want to limit the amount of trips you make to your dorm or locker. Picking the right bag is probably one of the most important choices on your back-to-school style journey. From bags to totes to crossbody bags, we have meticulously pieced together some of the best bags that you can cop for class.
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Not only will the bags take just about anything that your throw at them, these school bags will look good in and out of the classroom, giving you a few extra points on your fit each day.
We've got the right bedroom accessories for your college apartment and dorm.
Much like your outfits, your apartment or room presents a wonderful chance to showcase your personality and passions, especially as you gear up for the back-to-school season. Your room's contents offer guests a glimpse into your identity. This can be through art, tableware, furniture, and bedding.
Furthermore, crafting your room as a personal sanctuary becomes paramount – a cozy haven whether remote working or commuting daily. The right back-to-school bedroom accessories play a pivotal role in creating this universe uniquely yours. Nonetheless, you need to make sure that you make the right choice. Be sure whoever you bring over this year will judge you based on what you have in your room. Thankfully, we have created a guide to help you pick the best accessories for your room or dorm.
Need some new pants for back to school? Check out our ultimate pants guide.
