MAKE IT CUTE

Color blocking

Color blocking is putting fields of colors together. So the next time you feel like your closet is becoming so boring, buy a few brightly colored items! Pink, blue and yellow never looked so good together.

Boohoo Minnie Color Block Bodycon Dress, $40, boohoo.com

J. Crew Vintage Cotton Jersey Pink T-shirt, $25, net-a-porter.com 

Topshop Airtex Foam Mini Skirt, $76, Topshop.com 

River Island Yellow Color Block T-shirt, $20, riverisland.com

Green Topshop Shaped Hem Tee, $70, Topshop.com

Pink New Look Vinnie Triple Strap Heeled Sandals, $48, asos.com 

Preppy

This look was made popular in the 90’s, and now it’s back in style. The preppy look means keeping your look pretty classic. Preppy clothes include blazers, button-down shirts, and practical ballet flats.  

Modcloth Nautical High Waist Youb, $35, modcloth.com

Notch-Lapel Blazer, $45, yesstyle.com

Lillybee U Gameday Flats, $48, simplysoles.com

Chicnova Fashion Preppy Style Pure Color High Waist Mini Skirt, $18, chicnova.com

Fossil Woven Jean Belt, $38, fossil.com

Myrtlewood Mid-length Long Sleeve The Grand Tour Guide top, $40, modcloth.com

Espadrilles

These are canvas shoes with woven fiber soles. Traditionally worn in the warmer months, espadrilles are a great back-to-school basic that come in tons of super cute varieties—flats, wedges, sandals, you name it. 

Striped Soludos Classic Striped Espadrille, $43, dailylook.com

FOREVER 21 Favorite Espadrille Wedge Sandals, $33, forever21.com 

Dorothy Perkins Head over Heels Michelle Bow Detail Espadrille, $44, dorothyperkins.com 

Altuzarra

What? Who? It’s the last name of designer Joseph Altuzarra, whose famous fashion designs are worn by tons of celebrities. His new collection of clothes for Target won’t break the bank, but they will definitely help you break into the fashion crowd at your school. The clothes are available for purchase at target.com starting September 14. Prepare to queue up.

 

Photo credit: Style.com  

Pleating

Pleating is a folding technique used in making clothes. Pleating is when you double fabric and then fold it back into place, creating a crisp accordion fold. Grab a pleated schoolgirl skirt. It’s super cute, stylish, and trendy.

Boohoo Lucy Polka Dot Pleated Mini Skirt, $30, boohoo.com

Boohoo Felicity Box Pleat Skaker Dress, $40, boohoo.com

Dorothy Perkins Pink Pleat Sleeveless Shirt, $45, dorothyperkins.com

Distressed

It might be that feeling you have when you’ve got 3 tests in one day, but it’s also a way of describing ripped or aged denim. Showing off your trendy distressed jeans is a great way to make an entrance on the first day of school. 

MANGO Medium Denim Jacket, $40, mango.com

Boohoo Kaity Paint Effect Ripped Skinny Jeans, $50, boohoo.com

Chicnova Fashion Ripped Denim Jacket, $63, chicnova.com

Miss Selfridge Black Distressed Denim Short, $49, missselfridge.com

Chicnova Fashion Light Blue Simple All-match Casual Ripped Denim Jeans, $43, chicnova.com 

Satchel

A satchel is a bag with a long strap that can be closed with a flap. It’s sophisticated, chic, and can store all of your clunky school books. Snag one ASAP.

 

Yon Plain Satchel in Pink, $37, fashionunion.com

Modcloth Scholastic Grad to be Here Bag, $50, modcloth.com

ASOS Bow Satchel Bag, $42, asos.com