Back to School: Casual Outfits

Starting this year, back-to-school means no more shorts and t-shirt combos that I have gotten used to over the summer.  Now that I will be entering graduate school, it is time to step up my game and begin rummaging through all my clothes.  I actually enjoy this process, especially for the first few weeks of school.  Ever since high school, I wanted to at least have ideas of what to wear, because I always felt better 'put together'.  Now everyone may have a different idea of what 'put together' means to them based on their style, personality, and what they find comfortable.  These are a few options that suit my style, and will help my wardrobe transition from summer to fall.

A black maxi dress (Derek Heart), a crochet cardigan (DKNY), sunglasses and necklace (Forver21), crossover bag (Jessica Simpson), sandals (Steve Madden)

This is a simple outfit that is easy to put together and create tons of variations. And one of the best parts is that it can be an affordable outfit no matter what your budget is.  Most of my outfit has been an combination of items I have accumulated throughout the years.  The dress I picked up at Meijer this past spring (who knew that they had some really cute clothes?!?), the cardigan was a Costco find, while the bag and sandals were bought at Marshalls or TJ Maxx.

Chambray shirt (Target), white v-neck (Kohls), Distressed crop capris (Kohls), most of the accessories were purchases or gifts from Poland, sunglasses (American Eagle)

I love this outfit, because it takes you from lecture to groceries, to coffee with friends on the weekend.  It's a comfortable and laid-back style that can also be switched up according to the style you are trying to achieve.  Swapping out the sandals for sneakers can bring a sportier feels to the look, while ankle booties can polish it off and make it a great coffee date outfit.

Embroidered tank top (Kenar), Skinny jeans (Old Navy), Black glitter TOMS, Bag and sunglasses (TJ Maxx)

This is another customizable outfit. Pairing it with casual leather flip flops will let you enjoy the warm days left, but when fall comes a cardigan or jacket and booties will still let you utilize your summer pieces.

Striped top (Forever 21), Skirt (Walmart- from ages ago), Shoes (restricted-kids--yes, I fit into a kids 5, which I just found out and am soo excited about haha), bag (I made it)

I love the girlies of this pairing and the mix of the stripes and florals.  I thought this was so cute for class when you need a day to just look of feel nice, or if you pair it with heels, the outfit can get a fancier feel to it and you could wear it out on a date or girls night.

Cream eyelet-sleeved sweater (W118 by Walter Baker), Skinny jeans (Old Navy), Hot pink tote (Marshalls), Moccasins (Minnetonka)

This is probably the "warmest" outfit from the bunch, but the sweater is a light enough fabric to wear as summer ends. I decided the bag had enough color not to add too many accessories, but it could easily be switched up to anyone's liking.


Most of these I would wear causally, however the skirt option could definitely be paired with some heels for a brunch or meeting.  And a easy fall transition pieces for each of these outfits would be a pair of brown ankle boots and a leather jacket for colder autumn days and nights.  Hopefully, these will bring some inspiration to your back-to-school outfits!