Photography by LuAnne DeMeo
Styling by Kianna McCalla
Models Amelia Phythian and Imani Deer
Back to school is simultaneously the most dreaded and anticipated time of year for students worldwide. Some people look forward to making new friends and seeing old ones. Others look forward to a fresh start and thankfully clean slate. And then there are those that are just ecstatic with a brand new wardrobe. The first day of school is the time to bring your A-game and dazzle the competition, uh students, with those hot new sneakers or that designer handbag you snagged during the summer. Below I compiled a list of looks for all the girls who need some help picking out a look for that all-important first day.
The Preppy Girl
The preppy look has become a copy of nerd chic with button downs over long sleeved shirts but has traded the oxfords for black pumps. It’s time to revamp preppy and give nerd chic back its outfit. Take advantage of those last few days of summer heat and pair a stylish tank top with a pencil skirt. For accessories, add a collar necklace, handbag (to carry the essentials like lipgloss, cellphone and textbooks) and a superb pair of heels.
The model is wearing a tank top, pencil skirt and collar neckace from Forever 21, platform heels from Charlotte Russe and a handbag from Aldo.
The Bohemian Girl
Bohemian style involves frills, long layered necklaces and flared clothing. Be careful, because if you combine the styles improperly you will look like you’re ready to attend Coachella. With that being said, kimonos are in and a great way to add color. A nice pair of wide-leg pants will go great with them and give the flow and flare the Boho style needs. Since the jacket and pants already have so much movement, a form-fitting top is the best way to go. Crop tops can be dressed up or down and, if accessorized properly, can be transitioned into fall. Accessorize with a long necklace or a jeweled headband and a pair of strappy sandals or heels and you’re flying high.
The model is wearing a kimono and strappy heels from Forever 21, pleated palazzo pants from H&M and a crop top and headband from Rue 21.
The Edgy Girl
Edgy can mean anything from punk rock to your classic all-black-everything look. Whichever side of the spectrum you fall on, this look can be rocked by anyone looking for something different. Trade in the pants for a dress. It’s time to take it back to ‘90s realness with a velvet bodycon. Keep it modern with a pair of creepers, thigh highs and, of course, leather jacket. If you want to mix it up, substitute the leather jacket for a denim jacket like this one from J.C. Penny.
The model is wearing a velvet dress from a thrift store, creepers by Sam Edelman, thigh highs from Walmart and leather jacket from the model’s closet.
The Sporty Girl
Football season is here and jersey shirts have even more reason to be stylish. Tomboys can look fly with minimal effort and now that jerseys come in so many colors and designs, you can’t go wrong. Whichever one you pick, pair it with a distressed pair of jeans or amp it up with a pair of joggers like these leather trimmed ones from Forever 21. For a bit of flair add a pair of cheetah printed slip-on sneakers like this Steve Madden pair or go classic with some high-top Converse. Lastly, grab your backpack and some retro sunnies and you’re ready to kill it in the stands of your school’s football team.
The model is wearing a shirt and sunglasses from a thrift store, the bookbag is JanSport and jeans and shoes from the model’s closet.
The Nerdy Girl
Nerd chic is a real thing and it’s real cute. But just like preppy it’s time to move away from the layered shirts and jeans. Take the look back to its roots with a plaid skirt and white button down. If you want a little bit more, add a thin scarf around the collar to give the outfit texture. For footwear, gray tights go perfectly with the red skirt and a pair of flats, either oxfords or pointed, finishes off the look.
The model is wearing a skirt from Forever 21, tights from J.C. Penny, bag is Esteé Lauder and shirt and shoes are from the model’s closet.
Whatever style fits you best or if you like to mix and match, these are five looks you can rock on during that first day or whenever you want. Good luck and stay fabulous.
