29 Back To School Outfit Ideas To Wear On The First Day

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!

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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.

Shop: Cardigan | Tank | Jeans | Earrings | Sunglasses | Backpack | Shoes

Black & Tan

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

Shop: Jacket | Tank | Pants | Tote | Earrings | Sunglasses | Sneakers

Bohemian Blouses

Want a romantic, vintage feel? A flowing maxi skirt is a sure way to add it into your outfit, especially when paired with a casual graphic tee and unique accessories.

Shop: Tee | Skirt | Belt | Bag | Sunglasses | Earrings | Sneakers

Colorful Backpacks

Raise your hand if your favorite part of back to school shopping was picking out a new bag! 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.

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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.

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Stone Palette

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

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Endless Summer

If you’re not quite ready to let summer go just yet, keep it light and breezy with a pair of wide leg trousers. This sweater vest can be styled with a tank top during warmer weather or add a shirt underneath for an outfit that has an academic feel.

Shop: Sweater | Trousers | Bracelets | Earrings | Sunglasses | Tote | Sandals

Library Chic

Cozy cardigan. Check. Comfortable jeans. Double check.

Shop: Cardigan | Tank | Jeans | Belt | Earrings | Bag | Sandals

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.

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Graphic Tees & Jackets

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

Shop: Jacket | Tee | Pants | Belt | Green Ring | Diamond Ring | Backpack | Shoes

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.

Shop: Cardigan | Tee | Leggings | Watch | Scarf | Sunglasses | Sneakers

Tanks & Jackets

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

Shop: Jacket | Tank | Scarf | Jeans | Earrings | Handbag | Shoes

Sweaters & Baseball Hats

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

Shop: Sweater | Jeans | Hat | Belt | Tote | Boots

Cardigans & Leggings

The eternal comfortable pairing, a long cardigan paired with leggings works well together—whether you stayed up all night studying or planning to spend the afternoon in a coffee shop.

Shop: Cardigan | Tee | Leggings | Socks | Backpack | Sneakers | Hair Clip

Sweatshirts & Jeans

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

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Ready For The Rain

Even though we might want it to, the skies aren’t clear every day, school day or not. So be prepared for that less-than-ideal rainy weather with a cozy, comfortable outfit.

Shop: Sweater | Trousers | Belt | Bracelet | Sunglasses | Umbrella | Heels

Tees & Colored Jeans

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

Shop: Tee | Pants | Earrings | Watch | Sunglasses | Bag | Clogs

White Shirts & Jeans

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

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Cardigans & Clogs

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

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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.

Shop: Blazer | Shirt | Jeans | Belt | Bracelet | Backpack | Sneakers

Basic Tees & Sneakers

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

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Jackets & Mary Janes

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

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Touches of Blue

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

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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 | Earrings | Backpack | Sneakers

Preppy Polos

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

Shop: Jacket | Polo | Jeans | Earrings | Umbrella | Boots

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.

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Jackets & Shorts

Depending on where you live, the return of school might not yet signal the return of cooler weather. A simple t-shirt and a pair of denim jeans 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.

Shop: Jacket | Tee | Jeans | Earrings | Sunglasses | Bag | Tumbler | Sneakers

Fall Palette

The return to school also often signals the return of cooler weather. Be prepared for that by adding a warm, but stylish coat to your fall wardrobe. Further embrace the season by embodying the colors of the season with warm neutrals.

Shop: Jacket | Tank | Jeans | Sunglasses | Hair Clip | Tote | Shoes

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!

Shop: Cardigan | Tank | Jeans | Sunglasses | Bag | Heels