As summer comes to a close, it's time to turn in bikinis and shorts for some back-to-school wear. As a rising junior in college, I have recently begun elevating my style to a more classic look and throwing out pieces such as crop tops for a more sophisticated and high-end look. Trends can be fun but it's important to know which trends can be timeless and worn in different ways. Below is my guide along with links to buying all the essentials you'll need this school year, whether it's for a night out or an everyday look!

Image Credit: Marissa Grootes from Unsplash

What's Trending?

Keeping up with all the latest trends can be difficult and costly. That's why choosing the right trends to spend money on is a game changer. The first trend you'll need to add to your back-to-school shopping list is sets.

This trend has been around for a while now and I believe should stay. From workout sets to loungewear sets, you'll always look put together. Sets can never go out of style especially when you buy simple and solid colored ones.

I recently bought a few Lulu Lemon workout sets for the gym and class, and although they cost a bit, I know they will last me for a long time. I also invested in a loungewear knit set for when October hits and I want to be comfy yet look like I put some effort into my outfit when heading to class. Sets make all the difference and are a must-have in your closet!

Shop: Matching Sets

Prints

When it comes to prints, I believe the ONLY one that can stay in style is the Cheetah and Leopard print. Cheetah print was a popular early 2000s trend and is still worn in modern-day fashion as well. From skirts to tops, this print can easily be styled with a simple black top or bottom.

Shop: Animal Print Skirt & Animal Print Pants

Fashionable Bottoms

This fun print brings me to my next new trend, which is a stylish bottom over a trendy top. A simple top with a trendy skirt or pants is the new in. Instead of a black mini skirt, you can elevate your style by switching the top and bottom around.

Skirts with a cool belt or studs or any type of fun bottoms are great for the first few warm months back at school. Don't get me wrong, a black mini-skirt is an essential staple, but it's fun to switch it up for what's in fashion.

Shop: Belted Skirt & Sequin Skirt

Basics

It's important to showcase your personality in what you wear, but when it comes to how you incorporate it, it's better to stick with basic pieces and build from there. Essential pieces like a black t-shirt and a pair of jeans are great basics to build off of, and then add some color or jewelry to bring out your personal style. Purchasing the basics is what you need this school year to easier help you make an outfit.

Image Credit: Andreea Juganaru from Unsplash

Accessories

As far as accessories go, small watches are a classic when trying to accessorize a simple outfit. A smaller watch either gold or silver, is elegant and classy if you prefer dainty accessories. These dainty watches range in price whether you want one from Amazon or a vintage store.

Below is the link to the one I purchased on Amazon. Additionally, charm necklaces are a must in your jewelry collection. A charm necklace adds so much character to a basic outfit and is the perfect small pop of color. The site the Dirty Chic, has the cutest charm necklaces and other jewelry pieces, while also being affordable.

Shop: Small Gold Watch

Image Credit: Shishoka Senk from Unsplash

In With the New

Out with the old, I would switch out cargo pants for a pair of low-rise jeans. Low-rise jeans with a long top are the perfect combination for a more casual outfit or can be accessorized for a more dressed-up look. Although cargos were all the rage about a year ago, I feel it is time to elevate to a more classic look with jeans. When it's still warm out, a jean skirt is a good go-to.

Shop: Pacsun Low Rise Jeans

All these trends are a NEED on your back-to-school list this fall. Ranging from trendy pieces of clothing to accessories, you'll be all set after following this shopping and styling guide!