Classic Back-to-School Clothes
We Revisit the Schoolgirl Classics With a Cool-Girl Twist
We have fond memories of slipping into penny loafers and pleats back in the day. Oddly enough, the same polished trends took shape on the runways for Fall '12, giving the school dress code a designer makeover. We may not be headed back to class, but we're living vicariously through a wardrobe of collegiate-inspired wares. More Devil Wears Prada than Dead Poets Society, these are our prep-school favorites with a modern update — like taking our pleated skirts with a dose of leather or throwing on oxfords with a little leopard print. Click on for the chicest updates to forever banish thoughts of over-starched uniforms, dowdy pleats, and ill-fitting polos.
This revamp on the prep-school blazer may borrow from the schoolyard, but it's just as perfect for taking to the office if you're not headed back to class. Play it off your skinny pants and leather pleats to further the vibe.
Alice + Olivia Lanna Single Button Blazer ($396)
Truthfully, this classic school staple hasn't changed much, except to say that the ways to style it up are a lot more laid-back than the buttoned-up, over-ironed versions we sported in class years ago. This time around, roll up your sleeves and do the half-tuck with your favorite skinny jeans and flats to channel the scholarly vibe off-campus, too.
Madewell True Love Shrunken Oxford ($60)
This season, we're updating the old-school favorite in a slick leather iteration. The pleats may pay homage to the classic, but this look is fresh and cooler than your middle-school varieties.
Rebecca Taylor Pleated Leather Mini Skirt ($495)
Our penny loafers may have served us well back in the day, but oxfords lend both a preppy-cool and a borrowed-from-the-boys vibe to our pleated skirts and dresses. Plus, this season's version is even done up in leopard print.
DV by Dolce Vita Mini Oxfords ($79)
While we'll always have a soft spot for our trapper keepers and locker backpacks (remember those?), we're upgrading to a structured leather satchel with a touch of tough-girl studding.
Rebecca Minkoff School's Out Large Alex Satchel ($295)
Those plaid jumpers and school dresses were sweet at the time, but this revamp on a class-appropriate look is also one you can kick back in on weekends or style up with ankle boots for a cool-girl-on-campus effect.
Gap Roll-Sleeve Striped Shirtdress ($60)
Our starched khakis from school days past continue to haunt us. This year, reach for a skinny-fit pair in a bold hue to pair with your blazers and button-downs.
Paige Denim Los Feliz Skinny Pants ($189)
This is the classic mary jane with a chic makeover that would look just as sweet finishing off your latest street style look as it would at the head of the class.
Rochas Cap Toe Mary Jane ($595)
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