25 Back To School Outfits To Start The Year In Style

Fashion

Jul 30

Do you love the first day of school? Or hate it? No matter which side you fall on, for many, it’s right around the corner!

Young female student sitting in cozy sweater on stone steps outside of university

This page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon affiliate, we may earn a small commission for any purchases made through these links.

It’s time to ask the proverbial question: What are you going to wear on the first day of school? The answer is likely quite different based on where in the country you go to school, what type of school that you’re attending, and ultimately, your unique, personal style!

Whether you are starting your first day of high school or you’re returning to college after a too-short summer break, we’ve got cute, school ready outfit ideas to get you inspired (and excited) for that first day back!

Black & White

There’s no pairing more classic than black and white. A white tank and black cardigan will never steer you wrong.

Back To School Outfits - Black and White

Black & Tan

If you want just a bit more color, swap out white for a khaki or tan hue.

Bohemian Blouses

Want a romantic, vintage feel? A flowing blouse is a sure way to add it into your outfit, especially when paired with wide leg or flared jeans.

SHOP: BLOUSE | JEANS | EARRINGS | TOTE | CLOGS

Cardigans & Jeans

Dress up your favorite cardigan with a pair of dark denim. The deeper shade makes the entire outfit feel rich and elevated.

Vintage Feel

For a true retro feel, throw it back a few decades with a pair of brown corduroy pants and a faded graphic tee.

Back To School Outfits - Corduroy and Denim

Color block Neutrals

Another classic pairing, these neutral shades will be in constant rotation in your school (and everyday) wardrobe.

Back To School Outfits - Blacks and Greys

Library Chic

Cozy cardigan. Check. Blue light glasses. Double check.

Back To School Outfits - Cardigans and Jeans

Graphic Tees & Jeans

Graphic tees, or sweatshirts, can be a fun and playful way to incorporate more of your personality into your clothing. Make it the focal point of the outfit by keeping the remainder of your accessories muted.

Back To School Outfits - Graphic Sweatshirts and Totes

Graphic Tees & Cardigans

Classes can often be cold, so add a cardigan layer over your favorite tee. And don’t forget a pair of UGGs to keep your toes warm, too!

Back To School Outfits - Graphic Tees and Uggs

Graphic Tees & Leggings

Want an even more relaxed look? Why not swap out jeans for your most comfortable pair of leggings? Add a cardigan on top for another layer of coziness.

Back To School Outfits - Graphic Tees and Leggings

Tees & Jackets

Another versatile layer, this hooded jacket is the perfect complement to your fall wardrobe. As the weather gets cooler, you could always layer on a denim jacket for added warmth on the way to class.

Back To School Outfits - Graphic Tees and Jeans

Sweaters & Baseball Hats

Bad hair day? A simple Dad hat will be your best friend and a must-have accessory when you’re rushing out the door in the morning.

Back To School Outfits - Graphic Totes and Baseball Hats

Sweatshirts & Jeans

Classic. Simple. An everyday look that you’ll practically live in.

Back To School Outfits - Sweatshirts and Sneakers

SHOP: SWEATSHIRT | JEANS | BACKPACK | EARRINGS | SNEAKERS

Tees & Trousers

For a more refined look, pair trouser shorts with a simple tee. If you want to have a coordinated set, add the matching blazer!

Back To School Outfits - Trouser Shorts and Tees

Henleys & Clogs

Henleys have long been a staple layering piece, so we prefer a neutral tone that you can wear with just about everything.

Back To School Outfits - Henleys and Jeans

Laidback Blazers & Jeans

Gone are the days that blazers are only worn to the boardroom. However, if you want a less structured feel, this knit blazer offers the same look, but more relaxed.

Back To School Outfits - Clogs and Jeans

Basic Tees & Sneakers

We love a great pair of sneakers that we can build an entire outfit around!

Back To School Outfits - Long Sleeve Tees and Sneakers

Cardigans & Mary Janes

Chunky Mary Janes are making a comeback and they’re a great alternative to traditional Dr. Martens or clogs. Plus, they add a little edge to just about any outfit.

Back To School Outfits - Cropped Cardigans and Jeans

Touches of Pink

A bold touch of color makes even a simple sweatshirt pop.

Tees & Flannel

Instead of a heavier jacket, you could always turn to a flannel layer. We love it paired with a classic white tee and platform sneakers.

SHOP: FLANNEL | TEE | JEANS | HAT | SNEAKERS | BAG

Preppy Polos

Is preppy more your style? This sweater polo can be easily dressed up or down for a sophisticated look anytime.

Earthy Sweaters

Rich, earthy tones always make us think of falling leaves, cooler weather, and apple cider. When combined with a pair of chunky loafers it has a uniquely academic vibe.

Back To School Outfits - Sweaters and Backpacks

Jackets & Shorts

Depending on where you live, the return of school might not yet signal the return of cooler weather. A tank bodysuit and a pair of denim shorts are great when you’re outside in the heat, while the jacket is the ideal layer to throw on when you’re sitting in that extra-cold lecture hall.

Back To School Outfits - Utility Jackets and Shorts

Colorful Backpacks

Raise your hand if your favorite part of back to school shopping was picking out a new backpack! Big enough to hold textbooks but easy enough to carry, this dusty pink hue almost acts as a neutral when it comes to matching with the rest of your closet.

Back To School Outfits - Cardigans and Backpacks

Comfortable Layers

At the end of the day, the best outfit is going to be the most comfortable, whether you’re taking notes in a classroom or heading to the library to study. So keep it simple!

Back To School Outfits - Sweatshirts and Jeans

Ashley Rollins

Black coffee drinker. Crossword puzzle enthusiast. Anonymous short story writer. Cat whisperer. A lover of thrifted vintage finds, you’ll most often find her lost in an antique shop in a tiny town on the Oregon coast when not cozied up at home in Portland.