The Back-to-School Fashion Guide

A few emails have been rolling in about advice for what to wear back to school, so this is my updated list on personal favorites either in my closet (or should be—wishful thinking/self-manifestation, anyone?). I’ve written posts on what to wear in college and a more general guide on classics for every fall wardrobe before; take a gander there if you’re interested for more!

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Autumn is finally here.

Leaves are turning 50 shades of gold (ha—you see what I did there?) as school buses clog traffic and colorful armies of cartoon backpacks scamper through crossways. College kids are having far too much fun their first few weekends at university, and the rest of us are ordering pumpkin lattes instead of the usual large iced coffee. And here I am, a girl who loves sun and Brazilian bikinis, not yet ready to let go of the many 11:11 wishes wasted on hoping for a long, Indian summer, but somehow giddy at the thought of fresh stacks of notebooks and papers to be written. (Finance and accounting, however, are a different story.)

“Don’t you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address.”

—You’ve Got Mail

And while a cozy sweater and spiced coffee seems quaint the first few months, the cold and grey set in before you know it. It’s chilly by day, freezing by night. A fashionable coquette is a practical one, and she who is practical is always prepared.

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1. A Proper Tumbler

First and foremost is a tumbler. It’s your greatest fall/winter accessory given how often you’ll be seen toting one around. (I’m not kidding.) Save the environment! Decrease your carbon footprint and opt for something reusable whenever and wherever possible. Caffeine is a busy girl’s best friend and therefore deserves the best of the best; let the diamonds come later in life.

2. The Coat

You’ll need a great coat as well. To be given an expensive taste is a torturous thing. Why? Regardless, designers with a capital D may always serve as endless inspiration. I have dreams about these three in particular…

1. The “It” Girl. This Burberry London shearling coat is the one that has you stopping in your tracks to do a double take. (An aside—can’t you picture Serena van der Woodsen/Blake Lively wearing something similar?) It’s undoubtedly as cozy as it is well constructed. I can only imagine how luxurious it must feel slipping into this shearling-lined beauty before heading out into the blistering cold.

2. The Devastatingly Chic. This stunning cashmere-blend Burberry Prorsum coat is every fashionista’s dream. Years of history and exquisite craftsmanship are second to none; who else but Burberry would one go for a classic, well-tailored coat? While this belted number has hearts going pitter-patter, savings accounts go chitter-chatter at the sight of the price tag. Whether or not it’s worth the couple thousand is up to you, but keep in mind that impeccable quality and indisputable timelessness make this Burb an investment for life.

3. The Bond Girl. This is jacket porn, this Versace paneled leather trench. It may have something to do with my affinity for the brand, or my leather fetish (ahem), but just take a good look. Take a good feel—leather is meant to be touched! This is the coat for the girl who loves the classics but appreciates a modern, rock twist. She may have had her rock phase years ago; she may be cutting-edge and craving a bit more maturity in her wardrobe; she may be your classic Jane Bond femme. Whichever the girl who wears this may be, one thing is for sure: she isn’t afraid to be edgy. She’s sexy or sensual, this girl. She isn’t afraid of leather…

4. The Bordeaux Beauty. Burgundy is having a moment this fall, but trend factor aside, this vampy red has always been a timeless shade. It’s not nearly as bold (or offensive) as a classic red, and it’s not as generic as a typical black coat. Bordeaux is vampy, feminine, classic. This wool & cashmere-blend felt coat by Alexander McQueen embodies all those things and more: it’s a undoubtedly a classic made to stand out in a sea of New York blacks.

5. The Red-Hot Chili Pepper. If you’re on the market for a more budget-friendly, but still stylish coat, Zara is the place to go. This wool coat has all the right proportions and construction, rendering it it go-to for any girl who wants chic now. Black, grey and camel are beautiful, but there’s something about slipping into red on the most wintery of days that makes even the cold all the more tolerable.

6. The Snow Bunny. She’s the girl prepared for the snow to come. Hot chocolate with homemade marshmallows? Snowball fights after a good ski run? Cozying up at the lodge’s fireplace with a special someone into the after hours? She is the snow bunny who lives for her puffer jackets. Even if you’re no ski babe, don’t be afraid of these fluffy coats: this fur-lined Zara puffer jacket has a longer length that instantly elongates the body, and because it’s cinched at the waist, makes it less puffy and more stylish.

3. The Ankle Boot

A great pair of ankle boots (and good pair of wool socks) keeps the toes warm autumn through winter…

1. Zara Antik high-heel ankle boots. Perfect in every which way, but perfection is subjective. A good ankle boot is one that gives generous height but still remains comfortable and walkable danceable. Dear Santa/Mom/Dad… *hint hint.

2. Acne Pistol boots. An absolute classic for any wardrobe, but a must for the girl with a little bit of a rock edge.

3. Zara biker boots. Part grunge, part rock. These boots were made for walking.

4. Rockport Janae booties. Here’s a brand that strikes a balance between comfort and aesthetics. For years I’ve been on the prowl for some approximation to this; now that I know my dream shoe exists, these beauties are coming home to mama soon…

5. Zara studded cowboy ankle boot. A beautiful silhouette and a break from black, these little booties are a more feminine option without treading on the side of too girly.

6. Stella McCartney faux leather wedge boots. Stella is quite the splurge, but for a vegan shoe that pasts the test of time and comfort, these are it.

4. The School Bag

 A well-made school bag is a must as well:

1. Zara bordeaux plaited shopper bag. A structured silhouette looks both professional and smart, and in a rich burgundy, acts as both a statement-worthy yet classic finish.

2. Anya Hindmarch Huxley tote. Anya Hindmarch is one of my favorite handbag designers; every design is feminine, practical and indisputably timeless. I’ve been eyeing this croc-embossed Huxley tote for a while; the leather looks to be impossibly buttery, for one, but as a whole, the bag is just divine. Darling, you will be mine…

5. A Few Cropped Tees

A cheeky little cropped tee serves a multitude of functions. Toss it on with a high-waisted bottom for the day, take it to the gym, roll around the books when studying until the wee hours in the morning at the library and jump into bed with it. It’s versatile, comfy, and just the right hint of sexy. Plus, nothing serves as better fitness motivation (no freshman 15 for you or me!) than a drawerful of little cropped things.  I’m currently head over heels for this Ashish x Topshop tee; how saucy is it?

6. A Drawerful of Sweaters

A cozy knit—be it cotton, cashmere or of the wool-blend variety—is an absolute must for keeping warm whilst looking put together. The options are endless, really, with a myriad of styles suitable for every need. Below are just a few favorites, but ASOS, Ralph Lauren, Topshop, Zara, H&M, J. Crew and Victoria’s Secret are my favorite go-to’s for stocking up on sweaters.

1. Chloé cable-knit wool-blend sweater, 2. J. Crew neon cashmere knit, 3. Topshop split-back knit, 4. M Missoni turtleneck sweater, 5. Zara twisted yarn sweater, 6. Lauren by Ralph Lauren ribbed cotton turtleneck, 7. River Island fluffy sweater, 8. Zadig & Voltaire sweater, 9. Duffy chunky knit sweater, 10. Lauren Petite by RL cashmere turtleneck, 11. Zara cashmere sweater, 12. Topshop open-knit jumper

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x

Hope this helped you ladies out! For a comprehensive list of fall must-haves and all around autumnal classics, click here.