Back To School Outfit Staples That Make Dressing To Impress That Much Easier

As Labor Day swiftly approaches, it’s time to start thinking about the inevitable. The end of lazy summer days and the start of classes. Before heading back to school, I would always make sure to plan my first few days of outfits. Especially for college students, whose schedules and professors are different each day of the week, it’s important to make a great first impression and look the part of an ambitious eager-to-learn student every day of syllabus week..

For unique style inspiration, I love heading to my favorite Goodwill stores and thrift shopping. It’s amazing to see how the sight of one unique piece of clothing can spark the idea of an entire outfit, which will be the source of compliments and conversation starters as you head back into the world of networking and making new friends. Plus, I love how each purchase you make at Goodwill goes directly to helping others in the community. Not only do you get some really great pieces for prices your wallet loves, but the amount you pay helps out others who need it as well.

The photos below have a few of my favorite back to school looks, that are easy to put together and can be worn all throughout the fall. I love cozy fall looks that incorporate creative layers and mix end of summer attire with fall statement pieces.

1. Colored Denim

It always amazes me to see how quickly on the first cool night people start breaking out  the denim jackets. It’s almost as if they spend the summer craving denim jacket season and when the first inkling of fall arrives the jackets can all come out of hibernation. Whether you’re a denim jacket aficionado or not, one look I’m loving this fall is colored denim. Bring a chic fall take on this staple piece, like the burnt orange colored jacket in the picture. It’s the perfect way to transition the summer dress into a fall look, while also keeping you warm at the same time. I also love the fall contrast the slouchy velvet shoulder bag brings to the look as well. Plus, it’s large enough to hold a laptop and notebook, which is perfect for toting everything to and from class.

1. Layered Dresses

The layered dress, overall and jumpsuit look is going to be big again this fall. It’s the essential collegiate look for back to school, because it’s comfy and takes just a few seconds to curate from your closet. Whether you choose to go with a classic black and white look like in the photo, or you choose layers with pops of color, it just takes two steps to look really put together with an outfit like this one - which I know will come in handy for those with early class or work schedules! If you want to dress to impress without the hassle of coordinating an entire outfit, this should be your go-to look this fall, paired with slide-on loafers or low-heeled mules.

Felicia Czochanski

Goodwill Contributor