Looking for stylish back to school outfit inspo? Whether you are heading back to high school, college or university, you’ll love this list of on-trend back to school outfits!
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Cute Back To School Outfits
Now that class is almost back in session, it’s time to start planning your back-to-school outfits! In addition to school supplies and new schedules, feeling confident and well-styled is key for acing the year ahead. If you haven’t figured out your perfect first-day outfit yet, you’re in luck.
Here are 19+ perfect back-to-school looks for college and high school students that you’ll want to wear all year long. Whether you’re off to university for the first time or heading back to familiar halls, there’s a super cute back-to-school outfit on this list for you.
Sweater, white tee + jeans.
get the look:
If you want your first day outfit to be cute but not feel too try hard, you can’t go wrong with this casual-cute ‘fit. Throw on your tried-and-true pair of jeans (baggy or straight-leg fits look best here) and a basic white tee. For cozy vibes, layer on a slouchy sweater and slip into Boston Clogs.
Styling tip: Don’t forget the white tee! The hint of white peeking out from under your sweater instantly elevates the look.
Cozy neutrals.
get the look:
I’m obsessed with the neutral tones in this next back-to-school outfit.
Layering a sweater over your tee shirt is ideal for staying warm in chilly classrooms. In this outfit, the taupe half-zip brings dimension and warmth (literally) to an otherwise all-white look. UGG Tasman Slippers are the perfect shoe for college or high school students because they’re versatile and add a cozy element to any outfit.
Striped sweater, denim skirt + sneakers.
get the look:
This college outfit is a total vibe. A cute knit like this white and green striped one will become one of your most-worn pieces of the year, especially when the temperatures dip! The timeless print has an academia aesthetic that’s perfect when school is in session.
For a fashion-forward moment, style it with a denim midi skirt and coordinating accessories (this green color is so dreamy). The skirt’s longer length adds a cool touch to any outfit and is practical for everyday wear.
No dress codes broken here! This back-to-school outfit is perfect for high school too.
Dark wash jeans + button-down shirt.
get the look:
Jeans and a white tank are one outfit combo you can turn to time and time again—and find new ways to make it look unique. When you don’t have time to plan an outfit, throw on a button-down shirt for a light layer you can easily take on and off. Finish the ensemble with your fave sneakers, gold jewelry, and a cute hair clip.
Cargo mini, sweater + dad sneakers.
get the look:
A sweater – a fall and winter staple – gets an instant upgrade when paired with a cute mini skirt, like this cargo one. Keep the layers light by sticking to a basic tank underneath and throwing on a knit to fight off the classroom’s overactive AC. Finish the ‘fit with your favorite pair of sneakers and everyday jewelry.
If you’re in high school and have a strict dress code, make this outfit work for you by swapping the mini skirt for jeans, leggings, or a cute pair of lounge pants!
Bodysuit, cardigan + high-waisted jeans.
get the look:
If you have a minimalist, girly style, I think you’ll love this next outfit idea.
A bodysuit and jeans is an easy stylish outfit you can dress up or down! A cardigan provides extra warmth if you need it and makes your outfit look more put-together.
Good news: The sandals you lived in all summer still work for this back-to-school outfit! Reach for comfy Birkenstocks or stylish slides that are easy for walking around campus. Top the look off with gold hoops and a bag you can fit your laptop in.
Monochrome athleisure.
get the look:
Sometimes, you just want to be comfy. On those days, sport monochromatic leggings and a zip-up sweatshirt for an athleisure look you can snuggle up in while taking notes during your lecture. Take queues from Princess Diana’s off-duty style by pairing your workout clothes with New Balances and a chic tote bag for gym gear that looks inspired—not lazy.
Tennis skirt + cropped hoodie.
get the look:
Sticking with the athleisure aesthetic, this tennis skirt and cropped hoodie combo is a must-have for back-to-school students. These effortless pieces deliver all-day comfort for study sessions and make you feel like an all-star athlete (even if you’re not). A cool pair of sneakers and a chic tote give this relaxed outfit an elevated feel.
Graphic tee, mini skirt + flats.
get the look:
Trust us, graphic tees are back and better than ever. Turn up the heat this year by styling your graphic tees with a mini skirt and Mary Jane flats. The outfit formula is fun, flirty, and cute enough to wear from class to social events.
Bonus points for recreating this outfit with your university’s logo tee!
Comfy and cool.
get the look:
For a back-to-school outfit that’s effortless and makes you feel like a total baddie, check out this next look.
These military-inspired windbreakers are the ultimate cool-girl pants (as seen on Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid). The best part? They’re super comfy for sitting in class and make for a great rainy-day outfit. Complement the pants’ billowy silhouette with a form-fitting top and chunky sneakers.
Windbreaker skirt + denim jacket.
get the look:
Here’s another model-off-duty inspired look you can rock this school year. The star of the show is this sporty windbreaker skirt, a versatile piece that’s functional and stylish for long school days. To keep it simple, I’d pair it with a white tee, my go-to denim jacket, and a slim sneaker—these Samba OG shoes are perfect.
If you’re not into the windbreaker trend, a slinky satin midi or denim skirt would look equally as fab.
Casual tee shirt dress.
get the look:
Running late to school but still want to look good? Throw on a tee shirt dress and go (yep, it’s really that easy). Finish off the look with an oversized denim jacket, cool sneakers, and your reusable water bottle in hand.
More College Outfits Inspo
Looking to dress to impress? Scroll on for more cute college outfits.
Boxer pants + blazer.
The ultimate lazy girl hack to looking stylish and staying comfy is (*drumroll please*) boxer pants. Even if you roll out of bed right before class starts, pairing these PJ-inspired boxer pants with more sophisticated pieces like a blazer makes it look like you got ready hours before.
To pull everything together, you’ll need some Pinterest-worthy accessories. Adidas Sambas are great for school and go with literally everything in your wardrobe. The Oversized Brigitte Satchel from Anthropologie is a luxe-for-less Bottega dupe perfect for toting around everyday essentials like pens, notebooks, and other class materials.
Leather jacket + track pants.
There’s something about the juxtaposition of a leather jacket with casual track pants that looks so effortlessly cool. Pair this killer combo with a plain tee and classic Converse for a fall semester college outfit you’ll wear on repeat.
Collegiate vibes.
Nothing says business casual like a sweater vest. They’re a closet staple that never goes out of style and makes you look more polished! Layer your vest top with a white tee and throw on a denim maxi skirt for a ‘90s inspired look that is so chic. Even with the vintage vibes, ballet flats and a quilted bag make this back-to-school outfit feel fresh and modern.
A matching moment.
If you want to feel confident and polished walking around campus, a matching set is just what you need. This matching brown blazer look worn by Renata gives school uniform vibes but chic. Play into the academia aesthetic with long socks and loafers—the smart shoe trend all the celebs love.
If this look is too preppy for you, no worries! Make it your own by sporting a matching set in any color or style.
Tailored shorts + crop top.
This back-to-school outfit gives major valedictorian vibes. Here’s how to get the look:
Start with white tailored shorts (if you have a dress code, tailored trousers will give a similar effect!). Then pair them with a cropped button-down shirt, ideally in a baby clue or classic pinstripe! You can do this DIY yourself with an old shirt or buy one already cropped. Either way, this outfit strikes the ideal balance between fun and seriousness.
Tennis girl chic.
Channel your inner preppy tennis player with this next back-to-school outfit. Wear your favorite tennis skirt or exercise dress off the court by styling it with a crewneck sweatshirt and collared shirt peeking out. This look can be worn to and from campus, but it also works for early morning study sessions or getting a coffee with friends before class.
Sweatshirt, skort + sneakers.
Crew neck sweatshirts are a closet staple for students everywhere. Instead of reaching for loungewear or denim shorts when you’re getting dressed, make the OOTD more interesting with a mini skort. They’re just as comfortable as denim shorts but look much more elevated! Opt for sneakers and socks to keep the look chill and sporty.
You’re so bright.
Don’t be afraid to stand out! Make your everyday school outfit more fun with a colorful sweater like this super cute off-the-shoulder one. Pair it with cargo pants and vibrant sneakers for a trendy, fashion-forward outfit you can wear from the week to the weekend.
This would be such a cute outfit for your first day of college or high school if you want to show off your bubbly personality!
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