As a little girl and up through college, back to school shopping was always one of my favorite things about school. And even though I’m not going to school this year (and haven’t for a bunch of years now), I still like to do a little bit of Fall shopping to prep my closet for the cooler months.
The key to creating a versatile and remixable closet is having a good mix of essentials and basics, and then some fun and unexpected pieces that express your personality. If you have a collection of good basics that work well together, the outfits you can create by mixing and matching are nearly endless and you get much more bang for your buck when shopping. Throw in a few fun pieces, and you have even more outfit possibilities, all that share your personality.
5 Must-Haves for Back To School Shopping (or shopping in general)
Little Black Dress. You’ll find this on any clothing essentials list, because it’s the most versatile piece ever. I love this one from Norma Kamali because it easily goes back and forth between dressy and casual. I paired it with sneakers and a chambray for a super easy school or daytime look, but you could dress it up with a pair of strappy heels, oversized sparkly earrings, lipstick, and curled hair and you’d be ready for a fancy date night or the school dance.
Chambray Button Up. I bought my first chambray button up three or four years ago and haven’t ever looked back. They’re the perfect layering piece under a sweater, over a sleeveless dress, tied around your waist like I did here (which you can do with jeans, shorts, skirts, or dresses), buttoned up and knotted at the waist with a skirt, or just worn as a regular top with a pair of jeans. Did I say the little black dress was the most versatile? I actually think the chambray button up
takes the cake.
Sneakers. I honestly thought the sneaker trend was going to be short lived, but I think we’re going on about two years strong here and they’re definitely not going anywhere. And you’d better believe I’m not complaining. Although my closet is groaning under the weight as I add more and more to my collection. Slip on sneaks are the perfect school shoe for any kid, and they’re also the perfect shoe for moms. I love these
perforated white ones from Report because they go with everything from jeans to dresses and are easy to wipe clean when needed.
Ankle Boots. If you’re going to have any two shoes in your closet this fall, slip on sneakers and ankle boots should be your two. There are a million pairs of ankle boots to choose from, but a classic pair will last you for years and won’t go out of style anytime soon. Sam Edelman is one of my favorite shoe designers, and I’m in love with these
Petty ankle boots in “putty.” I will be wearing them all fall and winter long.
Jeans. Of course one of the most important pieces in any girl’s closet is a great fitting pair of jeans. They’re some of the hardest pieces to shop for though because everyone’s body types are so different, and sizing varies so much from brand to brand, but having at least one pair of jeans that you love and that fit you perfectly is such an essential. Also I’ll be sharing some of my favorite pairs of jeans soon on the blog!
Once you have those essentials in your closet, it’s time to fill the rest up with pieces that fit your personality and add life and visual interest to your basics. Find fun tops in different lengths, colors, patterns, and styles. Choose jewelry that fits your lifestyle and aesthetic. Pick outerwear that fits your weather needs and compliments your basics.
And don’t forget the bags! If you’re going back to school, find a backpack or bag that fits your personality. If you’re not, choose bags that express your style and fit your lifestyle — you should have at least one large bag, one small bag, and one clutch.
What other must-haves are on your list for back to school/Fall shopping?
Fantastic outfits, both of them! I like your both bags very much!
http://lartoffashion.com
Hi Merrick! Your hair looks amazing! What color is it exactly? Are you wearing extensions?
I scored those in black during the anniversary sale (even though they weren’t on sale!) HAHAHA. Love them! Cannot wait to wear them…but it’s still summer! No boots for a while!
Love your first look!
Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com
I love those tan ankle booties! I’m still on the hunt for a good pair in my price range, but they’re something I’ve wanted for two years now… I think I just need to pull the plug and get them this year!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
Great ankle boots!!
Jaymie
http://www.jaymieashcraft.com
I’d love for you to join me tomorrow for my Fridays Fashions link up. 🙂
Super random comment, but I found your blog via Pinterest and I happen to have grown up in Huntington Beach (and in the Huntington Beach 3rd ward). Small world!
I love both of those outfits! 🙂
Unique Geek
So I’ve noticed you wearing a pair of taupe Dolce Vida booties from the Nordstrom sale too… Do prefer those or the Sam Edelman ones above? I’m in the market and those are two of the ones I’ve narrowed it down to. Thanks!
I actually prefer the sam edelman ones. They’re a little shorter, which in my opinion, make them easier to style. I ended up returning the other pair because the boot was just a little too tall for my liking. Definitely keeping these ones though because they’re perfect.
Thank you!!
Can I ask where the jeans are from in the second outfit? They’re perfect!
They’re Dittos brand – they’re available right here: http://bit.ly/1V4OjHs
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