Back to School Essentials
Where has the summer gone? I can’t believe we are already more than half way through the month of August. August to me always meant back to school and in honor of this time I put together a back to school essential guide. When it comes to shopping for back to school I always break down my wants into these categories: casual tops and dresses, denim, graphic tees, active wear, business casual and other necessities.
Casual Tops and Dresses
Casual tops and dresses are a must in any wardrobe, especially when dressing for classes, lunch with friends, or casual date. I believe one should always be comfortable no matter the occasion but I also think even when dressing casual you should always keep it cute. My favorite casual tops include this asymmetrical ruffle tee, this basic white Madewell tee, this Free People off the shoulder long-sleeved tee, and this Lush choker tank. I recently added this cotton sweatshirt dress, this navy and white striped dress, and this off the shoulder romper to my wish list as well.
Denim
Denim, denim, denim, who doesn’t like denim? Denim will FOREVER be a must have in any wardrobe. Through decades of trends and fads pertaining to the look of denim jeans, shorts, and skirts, it’s still a wardrobe necessity. My favorite place to purchase jeans is Express, LOFT, and Revolve. I am really liking these jeans, this denim skirt, and this denim short.
Graphic Tees
I am obsessed with tops with sayings on them. I feel like they are a good way to express oneself. My favorite brands to shop for saying tops are WILDFOX and Private Party. Last year, I purchased this WILDFOX “Vote No on Mondays” long-sleeved tee and loved it. I have several other WILDFOX ones that are always on constant rotation. I have several other Wildfox ones that are always on constant rotation. This year I have my eyes set on this pardon my french tee, this Wildfox no problema sweater, and this private party respect my hustle sweatshirt.
Active Wear
As a Pilates instructor, hot yoga enthusiast, and amateur cyclist (how I feel when taking spin classes) there was always a need for active wear in my wardrobe. This is one category which I typically splurge the most. Since I usually do a workout at least five days a week (sometimes twice in one day) I prefer to wear high quality active wear that won’t shrink or lose its elasticity and comfort after several washes. My favorite activewear brands include Express, Lululemon, Alo Yoga, Beyond Yoda, and Zella. My favorite active wear brands include Express, Lululemon, Koral, Alo Yoga, Beyond Yoda, and Zella. My investment pieces include: these pink leggings, this tank, this pullover. I also have these more affordable pieces in my wish list as well: this tank, these leggings, and this bra.
Business Casual
Business casual is one of those categories I find so hard to define. How can one be dress business appropriate and casual at the same time? For some, the category leans toward more professional and for others a more laid back, less dressed up attire is appropriate. I see business casual as a way to always be dressed polished and refined without looking uber-professional. I feel it allows room for fun with ruffles, prints, bold colors, and unexpected silhouettes. Regardless if you are still in high school, getting your bachelors or graduate degree, or if you are a recent graduate, having go-to business casual outfits is an important stable in your wardrobe. I personally didn’t really consider it as major category in my wardrobe until I joined campus organizations and Greek life at my university where it was mandatory to dress in business casual or “Grove attire” as Ole Miss calls it. My business wants right now: this dress, this pink ruffle sleeved blouse, and this tan skirt.
Caps, Backpacks, & Other Necessities
Caps, backpacks, notebooks, and water bottles are only a few things one needs in addition to clothes for back to school. I feel a stable watch (a standard one or one for fitness), a pretty pen, and sunglasses are must as well.
