It’s beginning again. August has brought that subtle climate change and we’re getting random urges to layer and start carrying backpacks. And of course, to buy school supplies (even those of us who are no longer in school—Target’s displays are always so enticing)! Little by little, tights, pleated skirts, and cardigans have been sneaking into the Chictopia Style Gallery among summer’s dip-dyed short shorts and bandeau tops. Keep reading to find out what trends seen on Chictopians will be perfect for back-to-school, plus find out where you can shop the looks!
DENIM
Like the color black, denim never really goes out of style. Nobody ever says “corduroy is the new denim,” and with good reason. Corduroy is not appropriate for warm weather. Denim is one of the most versatile materials out there—its most classic application is as pants, but can also be used to create outerwear, dresses, shirts, skirts, vests, bags, and even shoes. Varying weights and washes make it wearable for all seasons and locations.
So, it’s obvious that it would be a back-to-school trend; for many people it always is, but simply in the sense that jeans + a t-shirt is their daily uniform. There’s nothing wrong with that, but…
Branch out by trying a great denim jacket (another classic look) over a summer dress, or attempt to pull off the “Canadian tuxedo,” denim on denim trend. Chictopian stayclassic does it well.
→ Trucker Jacket by Levi’s, $78 at Piperlime.
A denim button-down looks cool with a full skirt, or printed pants as we saw on Style Icon HallieDaily.
→ Dwayne Button Down Shirt by Dr. Denim, $28 at ASOS.
And in a denim romper or pantsuit (aka overalls) will transport the wearer back to a fashion-forward childhood. As purplewang said, “I haven’t worn overalls since elementary school so it’s nice having a pair again.”
→ Sailboat Chambray Overall, $17 at Forever 21.
COLLARS
Collared shirts are quintessentially schoolgirl (and boy), and as such are an obvious choice for this article. Recently in the Style Gallery, Chictopians have been wearing their button-ups layered underneath cute dresses, sweaters, and tees.
Style Icon gogosushi chose a shirt with an embellished collar to wear under a flirty leopard print dress. Embellished collars are all the rage, and are a cool way to spice up a school uniform look. There are many options for imitating this style, from studded collar DIY tutorials to cool picks from high street stores.
→ Blouse with Appliqués, $80 at Zara.
Another fun take is the peter pan collar, seen on roguecollection under a black sheath dress. Plus, her collar is denim—she hit two looks for the price of one!
→ Peter Pan Collar Chiffon Shirt, by Chicnova, $33 at Chictopia Shop.
For a more relaxed vibe, try a simple white button-down under a t-shirt or sweatshirt, like fashionwhit. Pair summer’s cutoffs with tights for a school-appropriate look.
→ Fitted Button Down Shirt, $20 at H&M.
SATCHELS
Forget backpacks (well, unless you have a lot of books and/or scoliosis), this season bags have gone old-school: satchels are in. “Often associated with the classic image of an English school-boy,” these crossbody bags are making a comeback, in all colors and sizes.
For a more traditional look, choose a sturdy leather style in brown or black, like fancygiraffe did. Fall toned pieces and geek-chic glasses make her outfit perfect for back to school!
→ Ariadne Satchel in Brown by Club Couture,, $47 at Chictopia Shop.
To make a bigger statement, look for a bag with a bit of sparkle, whether it’s embellished or made in a metallic shade, like MissyD’s pink satchel.
→ Silver Metallic Messenger by Xhilaration, $20 at Target.
If you’re a girly girl, pick a floral print or a pretty pastel purse. mochaccinoland frequently wears an adorable miniature satchel in a pale mint shade.
→ Lilac Satchel, £105 at The Cambridge Satchel Company.
COLORED DENIM
Finally, I decided I should infuse a bit of trendiness into this article: after all, being trendy is a big trend too (follow me?). Colored denim, and more specifically, colored jeans, has to be the number one trend for back-to-school because of its accessibility. It’s been popular for a while among Hot Topic-loving “alternatives,” but since we fashion people have caught on, it’s gotten as big as the peplum. Colored jeans can be dressed up or down, and can look youthful or chic, which makes the style perfect for school children, magazine editors and everyone in between.
Both FASHBERRIES and Style Icon stephaniekuncman chose to wear their pastel jeans with graphic polka dots and heels, bridging the gap between cute and chic.
→ Pale Pink High Waist Jeans, $80 at Topshop.
And this trend isn’t just for the ladies: stylish man danchiz wore bright denim with a gingham shirt and neutral blazer for a new take on the three piece suit.
→ Skinny Jeans in Bright Blue, $43 at ASOS.
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What’s your favorite trend for back-to-school? Leave a comment or send us a tweet @everybodyisugly!
by Heather (headbandit)
Photo via Terry Richardson for Vogue UK, August 2012
