5 Must-Haves for the Perfect Back to School Look

You’ve picked your classes and stocked up on supplies, but have you checked back-to-school outfits off of your to-do list? After a year of remote learning, Zoom lectures, and social distancing, we know you’re ready to get back to campus — and in style, of course. So if you’re still shopping for back-to-school outfits, we’ve got you covered.

This year’s back-to-school fashion trends are centered around comfort with a stylish twist. If the COVID-era has taught us anything (besides washing our hands and stocking up on Lysol), it’s the importance of comfort, function, and of course, cleanliness. From elevated athleisure to accessories we never thought we’d be shopping for pre-pandemic, we’ve rounded up this year’s back-to-school essentials to help you score an A+ in the style department. Here are 5 must-haves to help you dress for success this school year:

If you think the classroom is no place for sweatpants, think again. That may have been the case pre-pandemic, but times are changing. Lockdown-living definitely accustomed us to the comfy life, making us cringe at the thought of ever having to wear jeans again. Fortunately, brands have caught on quickly and upgraded traditional loungewear producing pieces that are much more polished and presentable for settings like school or work. Whether you opt for a coordinated linen set or a cozy jumpsuit, all it takes is the right accessories to elevate your loungewear and make it class-appropriate. Looking effortlessly put together has never been so easy.

If you would have told anyone a few years ago that we’d be shopping for face masks in the future, who would have believed you? Alas, here we are. Whether you love ‘em or hate ‘em, it looks like they are here to stay. So why not rock some that go with your aesthetic? There are three things you need to look for when shopping for back-to-school face masks. First, they have to fit properly to serve their main purpose: safety. Your best bet is to find an adjustable mask to ensure it fits your face perfectly. Secondly, you want to make sure it’s comfortable. And lastly, you want it to be cute. Luckily, you’ll probably be able to rock a trendy face mask from almost every brand you know and love. So shop around and snag your favorites!

Bad hair days happen. Best way to disguise a messy mane? Baseball hats, of course. Perfect for those days when you hit ‘snooze’ a few too many times or your hair just isn’t cooperating, a statement-making baseball cap never fails. Whether you’re wearing jeans and a collared shirt, a flowy tee-shirt dress, or one of your casually chic athleisure ensembles, a baseball hat is the classic staple accessory that’ll keep you looking polished. With so many statement-making hats to help you express your unique personality, you’re sure to find one that matches your aesthetic.

One obvious trend on our list? The lack of pants. Enter flowy dresses. When it comes to revamping your campus wardrobe, comfort is key. So since we can’t wear loungewear every day and aren’t quite ready to slip back into jeans just yet, flowy dresses are the next best thing. With an endless variety of patterns, silhouettes, fabrics, and lengths, finding styles that you’ll reach for again and again will be a breeze. When shopping for your back-to-school dresses, try picking transitional pieces that you can layer with a jacket or cardigan when temperatures start to dip — that way you can rock them through the seasons.

Whether you’re a movie buff, sports fanatic, social justice warrior, or simply a lover of sassy one-liners, we guarantee that there’s a graphic tee that speaks to whoever you are. If you’re like us and have collected a surplus of graphic tees over the years, you’ll be happy to hear that they have yet to go out of style. Graphic tees are one of those classic pieces that have stood the test of time and as long as they’re dress-code appropriate, totally suitable for campus fashion. If you’re looking for the best way to make a statement without having to utter a single word, graphic tees are the answer. Dress them up with a flowy, maxi skirt or dress them down with your favorite distressed denim and sneakers — the best thing about graphic tees is that they can go with whatever vibe you’re feeling for the day.

Each school year is a fresh start and there’s no better way to begin anew than by feeling confident in what you wear. At a time when individuality and comfort are being embraced more than ever, don’t be afraid to lean into who you are and wear it out loud. After being cooped up for months, there’s no better way to welcome the new semester than with a wardrobe that makes you feel comfy, effortlessly put-together, and expresses what you’re all about. Look good, feel good, and do good! Happy new school year!