It might be a little early for some of you to be thinking about back-to-school, but since my kids’ first day is August 5th, it’s already on my mind! Whether the start of school is coming up soon for you or you’ve got a little more summer left to enjoy, I know the first few weeks back can be incredibly busy — so I’m sharing six easy outfit ideas for back to school that will help keep your style fresh while you’re settling into a new routine.
These outfits feature pieces that are timeless but fresh, and versatile enough to mix and match in different combinations. Plus, a lot of them are ON SALE right now for 40-60% off at J.Crew Factory! They have some great deals on easy, elevated styles that will be wardrobe staples year after year — the perfect balance of casual but polished. This back-to-school sale only runs through 8/30, so if you’re eyeing any of these pieces grab them while the deal is still on. Let’s get into it!
Back-to-School Outfits to Copy
Outfit #1: Striped Top + Wide Leg Jeans
This outfit looks stylish but is so easy to pull together. Wear this to teacher-parent conferences or PTA meetings.
I love that the ruffles on the striped top give this outfit some movement! All these outfits feature items that can transition you from the end of summer into early fall — like these jeans, which have great reviews for being lightweight and soft.
Layers are totally optional. I know it can be straight up summer weather until October for some of you, so these outfits work with or without the jacket. But when it’s time for layers, this jacket is CUTE, isn’t it? The ruffled collar softens it up and gives it more personality.
BTW, these shoes are part of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale right now, and they are SO COMFORTABLE!
Shop the Outfit:
Top: J.Crew Factory
Wide Leg Jeans: J.Crew Factory
Jacket: J.Crew Factory
Shoes: Nordstrom (also ON SALE)
Earrings: Amazon (30mm hoops)
Necklace: Electric Picks (use code TAKE20 for 20% off!)
Outfit #2: Puff Sleeve Top + Barrel Leg Jeans
Like Outfit #1, this one is also a little nicer. Pairing the puff sleeve top with barrel leg jeans gives the outfit a more modern and fresh twist.
I used sandals for this outfit idea, since it’s usually still warm for a while despite being back-to-school. (Especially when you go back to school at the start of August, like our kids do. 😭) You could easily swap them out for woven flats or slingbacks.
Shop the Outfit
Top: J.Crew Factory
Barrel Leg Jeans: J.Crew Factory
Shoes: Crocs (SO comfortable!!)
Earrings: Amazon (30mm hoops)
Necklace: Electric Picks (use code TAKE20 for 20% off!)
Outfit #3: Black Tee + Chino Wide Leg Pants
The rest of the outfits are super laid back. These pants are a really popular color for fall and pair well with an easy black tee that PMT stylist Courtney recommends. It’s thick, but soft, and a great quality for the price! This tee is a huge fan favorite if you’re looking to update yours!
This outfit is SO simple: just a t-shirt and chino pants. Colored pants make a huge difference in an outfit feeling more intentional, even though it takes the same amount of effort as putting on jeans or joggers. 😉 You’ll feel pulled together for school pick-up without feeling overdone.
Shop the Outfit
Top: J.Crew Factory
Pants: J.Crew Factory
Shoes: Crocs
Earrings: Amazon (30mm hoops)
Necklace: Electric Picks (use code TAKE20 for 20% off!)
Outfit #4: White Tank + Wide Leg Pants + Gauze Button Up
The chocolate-colored pants also work well in a laid back outfit with a tank and a summery gauze top. The gauze top would be a great layer for the back-to-school period that’s hot and semi transitioning to fall — it breathes well and is SUPER comfortable to wear all day but doesn’t suffocate you. Wear the gauze shirt open over the tank, like a lightweight, breathable layer. (It’s so nice for when you do need a layer but a denim jacket is still too much.)
For jewelry, you can keep it simple with something like my gold necklace that goes with literally everything (HERE – get 20% off with code TAKE20). Or you can add a little personality with a colorful beaded necklace, shown with the outfit!
Shop the Outfit
Top: J.Crew Factory
Tank: J.Crew Factory
Pants: J.Crew Factory
Button Up: J.Crew Factory
Shoes: Crocs
Necklace: Amazon (colorway “colorful-06”)
Outfit #5: Striped Sweater + Barrel Leg Jeans
This outfit uses a beach sweater, which is thinner and better for warmer weather — good for that early part of school when it’s still warm! This one has a looser knit so it should be more breathable, and people say it’s super comfortable and soft.
Since the sweater is more classic, pair it with barrel leg jeans to give your outfit a modern twist. Again, layering it with a jacket is optional.
Also, these sneakers are part of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale right now, and they are also VERY COMFORTABLE!
Shop the Outfit
Sweater: J.Crew Factory
Jacket: J.Crew Factory
Barrel Leg Jeans: J.Crew Factory
Sneakers: Nordstrom (on SALE!)
Earrings: Amazon (30mm hoops)
Necklace: Electric Picks (use code TAKE20 for 20% off!)
Outfit #6: Black Tank + Barrel Leg Jeans
I love this outfit!! It uses the gauze top again, which is SO SOFT — a fantastic lightweight summer layer that you can still bring into early fall. You can switch up the wash of the jeans to keep it super casual, but the barrel leg still adds that fresh and current element!
Shop the Outfit
Gauze Top: J.Crew Factory
Tank: J.Crew Factory
Barrel Leg Jeans: J.Crew Factory
Shoes: Crocs
Earrings: Amazon (30mm hoops)
Necklace: Electric Picks (use code TAKE20 for 20% off!)
Back-to-School Style Made Simple + 40-60% OFF!
Having the right pieces is KEY to looking effortlessly pulled together. This includes pieces with structure (even if they’re made of breathable fabric) and ones that create clean lines and fit close to your body so they don’t overwhelm you. I hope these outfits make it easier to start the back-to-school season feeling stylish and confident!
Remember, these items are 40-60% off right now! If you’d like pieces that can carry you through the first month or two of school (or all the way until October, if you live in a warm-fall climate like I do!), these are TOTALLY great wardrobe pieces that you can get lots of wear out of!
