How To Turn Heads On Your First Day Back To School

A new school year is about to kick off, which means it’s time to overhaul our free-spirited summer wardrobe, packing away all things light and breezy, and turn it into something a bit more refined. Perfecting our back to school looks (especially for the bigfirst day back) can prove to be pretty daunting. We totally get it though and are here to help.

How does one waltz into the classroom turning heads without, well, looking like they're trying too hard? Cue in fall trends with a few pops of bold color.

First things first: Swap out those pastels for plaids. It wouldn’t be fall if there wasn't some form of plaid in the mix, now would it? To be clear, we’re not talking about grungy ‘90s flannel here—rather, let polished and low-key plaids, tartans, and check prints in the forms of pantsuits, blazers, and blouses take reign and pull together your look. We all know ladies’ suiting is having a major moment, so don’t be afraid to bring it to third-period math.

Though our most rebellious season may now be behind us, in no way does that mean that things have to be boring. Incorporating pops of bright primary colors into the mix is a surefire way to scare away those back to school blues and keep your look interesting.

Bold reds were seen all over the runways at the likes of Givenchy, Dolce & Gabbana, and Fendi—so have fun with color. Try wearing the shade in a subtle way, like a peeking undershirt or hoop earring, or by doing the opposite, and going bold by garnering everyone’s gaze in a thigh-high boot. The same goes for jewel-toned blue, a fall staple season after season.

And remember, while sleepy school mornings call for a simple, toned-down beauty look, nothing pulls it all together like a strong lip.

Keep scrolling for a guide to back to school dressing that’s prep school chic with a hint of rebellion.

Photographer: Tory Rust at ApostropheStylist: Heather NewbergerHair: David Cruz at Art DepartmentMakeup: Lindsay Williams at Kate Ryan using NARS Cosmetifs

Casting: Eric CanoPhoto Assistants: Allison Brooks, Marion Aguas, Taylor LenahenStylist’s Assistant: Noa BricklinMakeup Assistant: Emily Klein

Models: Lily Walker at State Management, Jonelle Alert at Red, Il Suk at Q Models, Tamara Ryzhenko at Muse Models, Lily F. at APM

Lily F. is wearing a vintage jacket, H&M shirt, Molly Goddard pants, Zara shoes, Fendi bag and earrings, and & Other Stories belt.

Jonelle is wearing Cinq a Sept and Shrimp shirts, Zara pants, and Fendi earrings. Tamara us wearing a Zara top and Fendi skirt. Il is wearing an Altuzarra jacket, American Apparel underwear, and Fendi boots.

Jonelle is wearing Cinq a Sept and Shrimp shirts, Zara pants, and Fendi earrings.

Left: Jonelle is wearing a Lela Rose dress, Intentionally Blank shoes, & Other Stories socks, and Madewell earrings. Lily W. is wearing a Zara jacket and shorts, Fendi shirt and bag, Dr. Martens shoes, and stylist's own socks.Right: Tamara is wearing a Zara top, Fendi skirt, ASOS shoes, and stylist's own socks. Lily F. is wearing an & Other Stories dress, Intentionally Blank shoes, and stylist's own socks.

Il is wearing a Simone Rocha dress (over), & Other Stories dress (under), Intentionally Blank shoes, and stylist's own socks.

Lily W. is wearing a Zara jacket and shorts, Fendi shirt and bag, Dr. Martens shoes, and stylist's own socks.

Jonelle is wearing Cinq a Sept and Shrimp shirts, Zara pants, vintage backpack, Miu Miu shoes, stylist's own socks, and Fendi earrings. Lily F. is wearing a vintage jacket, H&M shirt, Molly Goddard pants, and Fendi bag and earrings. Tamara is wearing a Shrimps jumper and & Other Stories shirt. Lily W. is wearing a Cinq a Sept dress, Zara shoes, and stylist's own socks.

Tamara is wearing a Zara top, Fendi skirt, ASOS shoes, and stylist's own socks.

Il is wearing an Altuzarra jacket, American Apparel underwear, and Fendi boots. Tamara is wearing a Zara top, Fendi skirt, ASOS shoes, and stylist's own socks. Jonelle is wearing Cinq a Sept and Shrimp shirts, Zara pants, Miu Miu shoes, and Fendi earrings.

Left: Il is wearing a Simone Rocha dress (over), & Other Stories dress (under), Intentionally Blank shoes, and stylist's own socks. Tamara is wearing a Zara top, Fendi skirt, and ASOS shoes. Jonelle is wearing a Lela Rose dress and Madewell earrings. Lily W. is wearing a Zara jacket and shorts, Fendi shirt and bag, and stylist's own socks. Lily F. is wearing an & Other Stories dress, Intentionally Blank shoes, and stylist's own socks.Right: Il is wearing an Altuzarra jacket, American Apparel underwear, and Fendi boots.