5 Trendy Back-to-School Outfit Ideas to Keep in Rotation All Year Long

Planning your back-to-school outfit ideas just right can help set you up for your looks throughout the whole semester. Like a capsule wardrobe, a good outfit formula can go a long way. That way, you don’t have to worry too much about your look on those early mornings, even after your first-day-of-school outfit.

But having a go-to outfit formula doesn’t mean that you have to forgo trendy styles. It’s all just about working with what you have and styling your clothes to fit your favorite aesthetics. To prep for the school year, take inventory of your closet. But before you decide to get rid of anything for once and for all, think about how you can make them fit this season’s trends and how you can get them back in your outfit rotation. Then, consider what pieces you’re missing that would truly make a difference in your day-to-day life, like a skirt (or skort) that goes with a few of your favorite blouses you wear often, sweaters you’ll be needing soon, or graphic tees you’ve neglected.

Once you know what you have and need in your wardrobe, think about styles that make you feel confident and comfortable. Get inspired by trends, but think about how they fit your style and lifestyle. Once you’ve got an idea, you can start formulating outfits and soon enough you’ll be able to put together looks with ease.

If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve compiled a list of trendy and easy back-to-school outfit ideas and formulas that are practical for school.

When it comes to school, uniform-inspired looks might feel too on-the-nose, but they’re also an easy way to feel put together. A skirt and polo can make you feel like you’ve put a lot of effort into the look, even if you’ve only combined two pieces. You can commit to the bit with loafers, add an edge with sneakers, or transition the look into fall with boots.

Need something a bit edgier? Jorts are a great alternative for something just as easy and breezy but a little more comfortable. There are so many ways to style jorts, but to keep things simple you can go for a graphic tee or try a trendy smocked top. As the weather gets chillier, just add a jacket. You could even do denim-on-denim for a matching look.

If you really don’t want to think about your outfit at all, defer to a matching set. The designer has already done the work for you! While splurging on a bunch of different matching sets might not be the most cost-efficient approach, on days where you do have time to think it through, you can mix and match the different pieces in the set or try pairing them with some basic wardrobe staples.

Sometimes all you need is a few pairs of cute jeans. Emphasize them with a matching jacket or make dadcore chic by accessorizing your shirt and jacket with jewelry and trendy shoes.

Baggy clothing are trending thanks to their casual, cool nature, and skater-inspired styles take it to the next level. For the summer months, opt for a simple t-shirt and jeans or cargo or carpenter pants. And as fall approaches, layer the look with a comfy and cozy oversized hoodie.