College can be the source of some high highs and some low lows (finals, anyone?), but you don’t have to be stressed about your outfits! From classroom chic to comfy and casual, check out some of our favorite back to school outfits to get inspired for the days of class ahead.
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1. Preppy and put together
Making a good first impression doesn’t have to be hard! A classic button down, jeans, and loafers make a great outfit on their own, but you can always throw on a sweater for extra interest. It’s so simple but so cute!
2. Casual button up
We love when back to school outfits meet in the middle between casual and chic. A button down pairs so well with bike shorts, creating a laidback elegant look that’s still comfy.
3. Long sleeve and leggings
Sometimes you need something easy. Not much is easier than a shirt and leggings! The key here is in the details. The shirt has a great fit, being oversized but being tucked to show the waist, we love the cropped leggings with the ankle socks, the dad shoes are a look (but swap them out if they aren’t your style) and the sleek hair and jewelry elevates the look a little bit.
4. Flowy pants
Flowy pants are going to show up a lot in our back to school outfits. They’re easy, comfortable, and look like you put way more effort into your outfit than you did. A cute pair of linen or cotton pants paired with a graphic tee is perfect for warm fall days and looks effortlessly classy!
5. Color coordination
The hat, the shirt, the bag, the shoes! We love a (mostly) monochromatic look, it’s like a cheat code for looking put together. If denim shorts feel uncomfortable for class, swap them out for jeans, bike shorts, leggings, or linen pants.
6. Easy trouser combo
A cozy pullover paired with trousers is one of our staple back to school outfits. The layered tee and converse add some interest to the look, but it’s still incredibly simple and comfortable if you get the right trousers.
7. Onesie and button down
The button down has returned! This time it’s layered over a onesie and paired with sandals. When done well this look can be a great blend of casual and elegant, but much of that comes down to the details. Pay attention to the shoe, bag, and shirt choices when putting your outfit together because they’ll make or break this outfit.
8. Oversized cool
Maybe you wouldn’t expect white cotton blend pants to be on a list of back to school outfits, but this look is too cute not to include. This is another simple choice, just a button down and a pair of pants and you’re ready to go! It’s classy, easy, and comfortable, a great option for days you need to look put together.
9. Bike shorts and graphic tee
Show off your personality with a unique graphic tee and bike shorts! We love that this option shows off some color with the strawberries and shorts, but the jewelry is what really sets the outfit off. Remember those details are what will make your outfit feel that much more put together.
10. Comfy cardigan
We don’t know why, but it seems like college classrooms are always cold. So naturally we need some back to school outfits for the cold girlies out there! This is essentially repeating an outfit we showed earlier but this time with the addition of a cardigan. It’s a simple add but layers will never not be cool and, in this case, practical.
11. Easy shirt and shorts
We are remixing the flowy pants outfit once again because it’s so versatile! This time in lieu of the full length flowy pants we are showing an option with shorts in the same material. These are great for days where you get look cute but don’t want to put much effort in.
12. School spirit
No list of back to school outfits is complete without something school spirit related! While this example isn’t tied to any school in particular, but you could easily adapt it to your school by cutting up a t shirt you already have. The neckline and crop is so cute and pairs well with the oversized jeans.
13. Full body onesie
A little athleisure never hurt anybody! On days where you’re just not feeling it, throw on a full body onesie and some hoops and get out the door. The headband and tote add a fun touch as well!
14. Denim layer
Sometimes the only thing you need to feel cute is a third layer. In this case it’s a denim barn coat, though any jacket or cardigan would work as well to bring some interest to your back to school outfits!
15. Fun and flirty
These leopard print pants look comfy! What’s even better is that they’re super cute, especially paired with red sneakers and this fun graphic tee. If coordinating with patterned pants make you nervous, try to work with the color palette and avoid a competing graphic or pattern. OR you can go full tilt and lean into another pattern, after all, sometimes more IS more!
16. Cozy shorts
Look, we get it. Not all back to school outfits are peak fashion. Classes get rolling, and style motivation often tapers off DRAMATICALLY. Despite this, we all still have to get dressed (unfortunately). This outfit is obviously not groundbreaking, it’s just sweatshorts, an oversized long sleeved shirt, and sneakers. What we love about is, once again, the details. The ankle socks, the shoe choice, and the fit and proportion of the shirt.
17. Sweatshirt and leggings
Another pretty simple option that we think is undeniably cute. Sue us. The oversized fit and the simplicity of the sweatshirt is so satisfying, but there’s no need to splurge to recreate this. Pair is with 7/8 length leggings, ankle socks, New Balances, a slicked back bun, and a tote to replicate this lazy (yet cute) look!
18. Easy rugby shirt
Rugby shirts deserve a spot on our list of back to school outfits just because they’re just so effortlessly cool and sporty. These are cool as tops paired with jeans, jorts, or even leggings, or as shirt dresses! They’re an easy go to for days when a t shirt just doesn’t feel like enough!
19. Chic trousers and sneakers
For our last option, we have another trouser outfit! The sneakers keep the trousers from feeling too formal, which we love for everyday. The pullover coordinates with the shoes and feels classy without being over the top.
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