10 Back To School Outfit Ideas

As July winds down the back to school season begins! Despite some students having a full load of remote classes in the fall, there are many schools that are headed back to campus/in-person learning in just a few weeks. Regardless of where you’ll be learning in the fall, I wanted to round up some outfit inspiration for you today! 

Today’s back to school outfit ideas are trendy + cute. I know everyone’s style is different and so this season I’m striving to share styles that work for everyone! I’ve already shared some loungewear outfits and have sporty ones on the way but for the ladies who prefer getting a little more dressed up for class, this post is for you! As a fashion merchandising major, getting dressed for class is easily one of my favorite parts of the school day. These are all outfits I’d personally wear if I were still headed to an in-person class. 

Going Gingham

White jeans are a late summer favorite of mine. I try to wear them as much as possible before the temperatures drop and thought they looked too cute with this black and white gingham top. I love this tank as it’s got a ruffled cap sleeve giving you a little extra width; if you’re someone who has a dress code for straps this will definitely pass. Popping on a pair of Off The Beaten Track shoes for class; this is by far my favorite brand of shoes to rock on a day full of walking from class to class. Comfy and stylish! 

Outfit Details— top: SheIn, jeans: Express, shoes: Off The Beaten Track, earrings: Walmart, necklace: The Silver Heron, watch: Fossil, bracelets: Mantra Band

Classic Graphic

Everyone’s got a good ole graphic tee lying around in their closet. This two toned one is so fun and different! My tip for graphic tees is to pop them on with black ripped skinny jeans. These work for any occasion and were my most worn pair of freshman year. Pop on some white chunky sneaks and don’t be afraid to accessorize. That pair of hoops and statement belt will make it look like you’ve put so much extra effort into your outfit. 

Outfit Details— top: SheIn, jeans: Express, shoes: SheIn, belt: Romwe, earrings: SheIn, necklace: The Silver Heron, watch: Fossil

Feeling Feminine

Don’t you just love a frilly top?! This look is so flirty and feminine; I would say this outfit is the closest to what I would wear to my fashion classes while on campus. I love the color palette of this top and the statement sleeves are the perfect touch. I love wearing jeans as the temperatures start to cool down; they are also great once going into airconditioned classrooms! I’m popping on white floral earrings to finish off my outfit. 

Outfit Details— top: SheIn, jeans: Express, shoes: Palm Beach Sandals, earrings: SheIn, necklace: The Silver Heron

Trendy Activewear 

Feeling sporty? I’m planning on sharing a whole blog post dedicated to activewear back to school outfits but I figured I’d throw this option into the mix as it’s so on-trend. Biker shorts are all the rage right now and this set is a crazy good dupe for the Gym Shark options. Not only will this set work for class with a cute zip-up over top but you could totally hit the gym afterward. 

Outfit Details— set: SheIn, shoes: SheIn, zip up: TJ Maxx, watch: Apple, necklace: The Silver Heron

Popping The Collar

You can never go wrong with an outfit combination like this one. I love a good collared shirt and know that this top would work for so many people’s dress code! I’ve got this simple white top tucked into a pair of denim shorts and slipped on some simple platform sneakers. These are from Steve Madden and were a favorite of mine last school year. Add a few simple gold accessories and you’re good to go!

Outfit Details— top: SheIn, shorts: Express, shoes: Steve Madden, earrings: SheIn, necklace: The Silver Heron, watch: Fossil, bracelets: Mantra Band

Lounging Around

You definitely don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort! I have a feeling I’ll be wearing a lot of looks similar to this blue romper this school year. The material of this is super soft and so this would be the perfect all in one “outfit” to sport while taking online classes. Pop on some blue light glasses to combat all that screen time!

Outfit Details— romper: SheIn, sneakers: Steve Madden, earrings: SheIn, necklace: The Silver Heron, watch: Fossil, glasses: Discount Glasses

Just The Basics 

This outfit is a classic in my wardrobe and one that can be worn almost anywhere: class, lunch with friends, or even when going out! I love mixing and matching basics. This cropped tank is a new favorite and pairs perfectly with denim shorts. Lace up sandals are my go-to as they elongate the legs like crazy and yet are still flat making them perfect for walking around. This will be the perfect outfit for those hot first few weeks of school; throw a cardigan in your bag for those chilly classrooms!

Outfit Details— top: SheIn, shorts: Princess Polly, shoes: SheIn, belt: SheIn, earrings: Romwe, necklace: The Silver Heron, watch: Fossil

Late Summer Favs

Smocked tops are a favorite of mine and I wore outfits similar to this one all the time in high school. Cropped flare jeans are my new everyday favorite. They work with almost any outfit and look too cute with slip on sandals and matching fringe earrings. This outfit is giving off those late summer vibes that I love so much. You can’t go wrong with this outfit combo!

Outfit Details— top: SheIn, jeans: Express, shoes: SheIn, earrings: Romwe, necklace: The Silver Heron, watch: Fossil, bracelets: Mantra Band

Running Late 

A tee shirt dress is definitely the easiest thing to throw on if you’re running late/woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Pop on simple accessories like a chain link bet and hoop earrings to instantly dress up your outfit. Oversized sunnies will hide the fact that you didn’t have time to apply makeup and come in handy as you walk to and from classes.

Outfit Details— dress: Boohoo, sneakers: SheIn, belt: SheIn, earrings: SheIn, glasses: SheIn, necklace: The Silver Heron, watch: Fossil

First Day Feeling

One last tank and jeans combo for this blog post! This outfit would work great for the first day as it’s such a classic pairing. I’m starting off in a simple white chiffon top. These tiered ruffles and self-tying straps are the cutest touches. Pop on white mules and a few gold accessories to complete your outfit. This is a timeless look that you’ll love for years to come!

Outfit Details— top: SheIn, jeans: Express, shoes: DSW, earrings: SheIn, necklace: The Silver Heron, cuff: Mantra Band

I’ll definitely be doing a  majority of my learning from the comfort of my room this year and yet I’ll still be getting dressed each morning to try and give some “normalcy” to my days! What is your school year looking like? Are you headed back to campus or are classes online? Which outfit will you be recreating this school year? Give me the whole scoop in the comments below. Talk soon! 

With love, McKenz

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