Getting your wardrobe ready for back to school is always a stressful process. Especially going to a school like Tulane, filled with trendy fashion lovers, we always want to come back with stylish pieces that our friends will be sure to compliment. If you are drawing a blank on what to wear those first few weeks, look no further: The Crescent is here to help with your ultimate back to school fashion guide!
Although the NOLA heat keeps us warm (and tan) for a long time, it can sometimes make it difficult to transition to a fall wardrobe. The following trends are not only “in” right now but are easy to integrate in to a hotter environment.
1. Streetwear
PHOTOS: @stylewithsoco and @hypebae
If you have opened Instagram even once this summer, you will have noticed the streetwear trend taking over. Every high fashion model has been wearing this look; from chunky Balenciaga sneakers to Supreme fanny packs to Adidas track pants. Even the fanciest designer brands have incorporated this trend into their fall collections, adding a whole new way to blend couture with casual. This fad can be easily overdone and some elements of it could easily go out of style in a few months, but if done correctly, incorporating streetwear into your fall wardrobe can elevate and differentiate your look.
An easy place to start is with a pair of cool sneakers. Instead of gravitating towards Converse or Supergas this fall semester, go for a pair of chunky Filas or funky Nike Air Maxs. These kinds of kicks will still match with everything from boyfriend jeans to girly dresses but will add that “HypeBeast” vibe to your outfit. Wear them to class, to explore the French quarter, or even out to the boot.
Another way to incorporate streetwear is to switch out one of your denim on denim outfits with a tracksuit. Wear it together or wear the pieces as separates! For example, throw on cool Adidas trackpants with a bodysuit for a nighttime look or a light bomber with jean shorts to class. These looks are casual and comfortable and will make you stand out from every jean jacket wearing girl walking past the LBC.
Now, just add a pair of tiny sunglasses and an Off-White t-shirt (or a graphic from Zara if you are on a budget like most of us) and you are good to go.
2. Feminine Silhouettes
PHOTOS: @stylewithsoco and @whowhatwear
Don’t worry if you aren’t feeling ready to go all out with the streetwear vibe. Many of us still gravitate toward pretty, girly pieces: sundresses, rompers, flowy tops and skirts. For Love and Lemons, Love Shack Fancy, and Zimmerman’s beautiful pieces have been seen all over fashion bloggers this summer, and continue to be timeless pieces in every woman’s wardrobe. Who doesn’t love putting on a dress that makes you feel like a fairy princess?
It is essential to have these feminine items in our wardrobes to balance out the sometimes harsher, more masculine trends of fall. For example: pair a cap sleeve detail with a tailored pant or a sweetheart neckline with a chunky sneaker. Also, this look is perfect for back to school. Sunny NOLA matches beautifully with a frilly sundress or flowy tie top. These are great ways to dress up your outfits for class and are especially fitting for all of the weekend brunching and festivals. These types of items are also the perfect transition pieces from summer to fall. The light, flowy silhouettes work well in the heat, but can also be paired with low booties and a leather jacket when the temperature drops a bit. Choose pieces in dark reds, blues, and greens to match the season. The way you style these items is critical to prevent them from looking too summery. Save your straw bags and sandals for your jeans and a t-shirt look, and wear your sneaks and backpacks with the girly dress.
For people that have trouble putting outfits together in the morning, these kinds of silhouettes are perfect, because most of the time they only take one statement item to make the look cute, sweet, and on-trend. Find your favorite fall palette dress and take it from day to night and from summer to school!
3. Plaids and Paws
Now let’s talk patterns. While polka dots and floral dominated this summer, and are still solid options for fall, it’s time to bring in some new seasonal prints. Plaid and animal print are the two trends taking over.
PHOTOS: @whowhatwear, @stylewithsoco, @zara
Nothing screams back to school like a plaid mini skirt. This 90’s trend is back and better than ever. Channel your inner Cher Horowitz and rock a full plaid outfit on the first day of school. Okay, maybe don’t go that far, but definitely stock your wardrobe with some pieces in this pattern. A tailored pant or skirt can be a great alternative for a basic going out outfit or with a graphic tee and slides for class. A plaid blazer/jacket could also be a perfect piece for the NOLA fall. This pattern would look great with jean shorts for a warmer day or could be dressed up for your first presentation in your B school class.
Be fierce and whip out the leopard EVERYTHING. This fall, animal print is anything but tacky and can be worn for more than just a themed frat party. Try out animal print denim and incorporate this sassy pattern into your everyday look. Find a hot snakeskin top for a funky nighttime look. Or for those a little hesitant about this sassy pattern, add some simple cheetah print details such as belts, scarves, purses, and shoes. You can find these kinds of items in all different colors and use them for all different occasions.
PHOTOS: @stylewithsoco, @hypebae, @aliceandolivia
These prints are fun, flirty, and edgy. Playing with pattern can be a scary step in your wardrobe evolution, but adding a few key items in these fall trends will make you stand out and electrify your looks.
For more back to school trend ideas, check out our list on Hinted!
