I haven’t gone back to school in years, but I still get the urge to go shopping and refresh my wardrobe every September. We picked out five fall essentials that will have you ready to start the season off in style! And if you feel like tossing in a few new notebooks too, I totally get it.
While I love a black blazer, there’s something so deliciously preppy about plaid. Especially in rich browns and other autumnal colors. Imagine this Tuckernuck blazer with these deep blue cropped jeans and this super interesting pair of these Loeffler Randall ballet flats with a higher vamp. It gives you a little bit of sophistication. There are so many details to love, like the strong shoulder and the fun, flashy gold buttons.
The oversized blazer is definitely still happening this season, which I love for it’s ease and versatility. You can throw this Mango one, this J.Crew blazer, or this Favorite Daughter blazer (in forest green) over a ratty t-shirt and still look great. Or go in a more fitted direction for your next date night, like this cinched at the waist Aritzia blazer!
Or, underneath your new blazer, you could throw on a crisp blue button down. I don’t wear Brochu Walker’s Everyday Shirt everyday, but it feels pretty close. Does that feel too professional? Swap it out for a cozy cable knit cashmere sweater. I always think of Ralph Lauren’s iconic sweater, but this La Ligne knit has an interesting pattern and this Quince cashmere one gets the RL look for under $100.
Finally, before we move on to boots, let’s give the ballet flat a proper moment. Margaux’s tan-and-black flats are a new take on a classic. Even Elvis would be excited by these blue suede shoes from J.Crew.
Shop the rest of our back to school fall essentials below:
All of our recommendations are curated by Susan & the In The Groove editorial team. In some, but not all cases, we receive a small commission for leading you to what, how, and where to buy all this wonderful stuff.
