Back to school is the perfect chance to refresh your wardrobe with standout pieces from fall-winter collections by top designers.
The ultimate back-to-school essential? The casual-chic look. It's a smart blend of trends for an effortless, creative vibe. Follow our proven advice to nail this style every time.
Balancing trends and timeless style isn't always straightforward. Here are expert basics to stay chic and relaxed, faux pas-free.
High-waisted pants are a fall-winter staple. Their feminine cut flatters any silhouette. Pair with a lovely blouse and sneakers for simple sophistication. Layer with a denim jacket to soften the structured silhouette.
Military-inspired chinos dominate spring and winter wardrobes. Typically cotton-based, designers now blend them with wool for warmth.
A casual-chic ensemble thrives on mixing elegant and laid-back pieces. Prioritize premium materials like leather, a designer favorite across seasons.
This back-to-school season, leather accessories are ubiquitous. Go bold with belts, jewelry, hair pieces, bags—oversized styles are trending.
As autumn chills arrive, coats and overcoats take center stage—ideal for casual-chic fans. A well-chosen coat elevates any casual base.
Long styles like pea coats or trenches elongate your frame while adding allure. We love Isabel Marant's sleek, androgynous gray tartan long coats. The masculine-feminine vibe is huge this fall-winter.
Align with ethical trends via long faux fur coats from eco-conscious designers adapting to animal-friendly, sustainable fashion.
Leopard print has long graced runways. This season, leopard sneakers are key. A quality pair elevates basics with relaxed flair.
Versatile with black, gray, white, or camel, opt for red accents like laces for pop. Always choose premium fabrics to keep it classy.
Chic-casual magic often lies in details. Cinch a knit vest with a belt for transformative style.
Wide belts add edge to vests; pair with longer, chunky knits for trendiness.
Purple is this year's color. Introduce it sparingly for vibrancy. Temper its cool tone with brighter pieces or accessories.
An electric purple scarf revives simple looks; it shines on pointed pumps too.
Jeans, the casual king, anchor chic outfits. Stick to classic cuts (cigarette, bootcut, slim) in raw washes for polish.
Elevate with silk blouses, lace details, or satin tops. Skip sneakers—choose heeled boots or pumps.
Short on inspiration? Steal from our curated casual-chic back-to-school looks.
Preppy (or "prep") echoes BCBG, drawing from elite American prep school aesthetics.
Build with black jeans, neutral blouse (white or pastel), beige/khaki trench. Layer a cardigan over or around shoulders.
Keep accessories minimal: clean boots, ballet flats, loafers, or sneakers; stud earrings, delicate chains.
Androgyny masterfully fuses chic and casual. Mix unisex wardrobe staples.
Start with straight jeans (cuffed), fluid shirt (sleeves rolled, collar open), moccasins. Add fine jewelry, satchel bag. Blazers seal the deal.
Merge boho and rock essentials seamlessly.
Long dress + perfecto, chunky jewelry, wooden heels. Blend fluid cuts with rock edge: biker boots, studded belts.
British influences abound—think last year's Prince of Wales checks. This year: tartan, derbies.
More ideas: white sneakers, pleated midi/mini skirts, lace details (fine cotton/linen craft).
For elegant casual-Brit: pleated mini skirt, chunky knit, tartan coat, white sneakers, opaque tights.
Fashion Week highlighted structured vintage: trouser suits, XXL blazers, pencil skirts, dad shoes.
Pencil skirt + loose fine-knit sweater, silk scarf, varnished loafers. Modernize with resin jewelry, trendy bags.
