Back To School Wardrobe Essentials

I know the title of this post says “Back to School” wardrobe essentials, but really these are essentials for any girl’s fall closet. Every piece included in this post can be mixed & matched to create a hundred different outfits. So let’s get started! (P.S. The outfit above is one of my favorites from last year! You can find all the updated outfit details here)
For tops, think about pieces you can wear now & can layer into the fall. A silk tank is great to wear alone in the summer, and you can layer a jean jacket or a cardigan with it in the fall. Same with turtlenecks and button-up shirts… imagine them alone or paired with a puffer vest or faux fur vest. 
striped top ($18) // tank for layering ($28) // chambray shirt ($72)
tissue turtleneck ($48) // plaid button-up ($58) // solid cardigan ($49.50)
puffer vest ($138) // jean jacket ($74.50) // faux fur vest ($140)
For bottoms, there are five pieces I really see as the “basics.” A pair of dark wash jeans, a pair of lighter wash distressed jeans (for more casual outfits), a pair of black skinnies, a patterned skirt, and leggings. The leggings are perfect to wear with longer tunics and riding boots – they are also the most comfortable out of the bunch! 
patterned skirt ($48) // comfortable leggings ($18)

For shoes, comfort is KEY! You’ll likely be walking long distances to class each day, so you don’t want to wear shoes that cause blisters or are uncomfortable to walk in. I would invest in several pairs of comfortable flats – lace-up flats are really trendy right now and this pair is only $45. As for boots, you’ll need a pair of short booties, a pair of riding boots, and a pair of rain boots because you will definitely end up walking in the rain to class at some point! 

dressy heels ($70) // leopard flats ($110) // neutral booties ($100) // lace-up flats ($45)
riding boots ($495) // rain boots ($150)
Accessories – perhaps my favorite part. A blanket scarf and floppy hat can both change the look of an outfit in an instant, so these are great to have in your closet (buy them in a few different colors and patterns). I always liked carrying a tote rather than a backpack to class, because it’s more stylish and easier to get things in and out of. This genda is super cute for class or your personal life! 
blanket scarf ($46) // floppy hat ($26) // agenda ($36)
laptop protector ($50) // pencil case ($30) // roomy tote ($395) // laptop sleeve ($60)


If you have any questions about wardrobe essentials or school essentials, feel free to ask me in the comments! Back to school was always my FAVORITE time of year (especially shopping for school supplies) so I’m a little bit of a nerd when it comes to that stuff. 🙂

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20 Comments

  1. I love that layering tank! It's perfect!

    Her Heartland Soul
    http://herheartlandsoul.com

    8.20.15Reply
  2. Anonymous

    Very cute picks, i am not in school anymore but these are staple pieces for fall.

    xo Kari

    http://www.sequinsandleopard.com

    8.20.15Reply
  3. I just bought that fur vest during the Nordstrom sale and can't wait for colder weather to start wearing it!

    xx,
    Susie

    http://www.SequinsandStrawberries.com

    8.20.15Reply
  4. great picks! Love that bag…wish I had $400! 🙂

    8.20.15Reply
  5. Great picks! I love going back to school so I can pick up new pieces for my wardrobe!

    xoxo Madeline | http://www.theblackbarcode.com

    8.20.15Reply
  6. Anonymous

    This is so helpful. I knew the general idea of what I wanted, but now I have a better idea of EXACTLY what I want. This post is totally spot on.

    xoxo,
    Katrina
    https://preppypinkpeonies.wordpress.com/

    8.20.15Reply
  7. I like that puffer vest and plaid skirt (but probably not at the same time, lol)!

    xoxoBella | http://xoxobella.com

    8.20.15Reply
  8. Great picks! Thanks for sharing!
    The Style Storm
    <3, Christina

    8.20.15Reply
  9. Love the Tory Burch boots, and all the accessories!

    xo Elizabeth
    http://www.newenglandbelle.com

    8.20.15Reply
  10. Anonymous

    I love the outfit you are wearing in the first photo! And great items!

    -Rae
    studentsandstyle.wordpress.com

    8.20.15Reply
  11. These are all so great! Would you consider creating some type of guide on how best to mix and match these or very similar items?

    8.21.15Reply
  12. These are all fantastic! Would you ever consider creating some type of guide that shows how to mix and match these or similar items?

    8.21.15Reply
  13. Love all your picks! Especially that fur vest and denim jacket! xo

    ig: @stylemelauren
    http://www.stylemelauren.com

    8.21.15Reply
  14. Now I basically want to purchase everything in the accessories section! Gahhhhh

    http://www.Melanie-V.com

    8.21.15Reply
  15. Great picks!
    xx
    Mademoiselle Coconath
    http://mllecoconath.com

    8.21.15Reply
  16. Def getting that J.Crew puffer vest!!

    Brooke du jour
    http://www.brookedujour.com

    8.21.15Reply
  17. I am loving these fall picks- so excited to break out my riding boots! My favorites are the striped top and chambray shirt. I'm hoping to finally get the J.Crew herringbone puffer vest this season!

    Kate // This Side of Paradise

    8.22.15Reply
  18. Love all of these ! They bring my fall spirit back xo

    mypastel-world.blogspot.com

    8.25.15Reply
  19. "Every piece included in this post can be mixed & matched to create a hundred different outfits." I always like mix and match because it is easy on your pocket book and you always look fresh each day

    8.25.15Reply