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The summer months have flown by, and somehow it’s already August, which means the first day of school is just a few weeks away. If you haven’t already, it’s definitely time to start thinking about back-to-school shopping. In addition to school supplies like notebooks and backpacks, now is the perfect time to shop for new clothes for the upcoming school year.
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There are a number of back-to-school fashion trends you’re sure to see all over the aisles this fall, and many of them feature bright colors and loose silhouettes. These popular trends let you show off your personal style while staying comfortable during long hours in the classroom—perfect for the first day of school and throughout the semester.
Here are some of our favorite back-to-school trends you’ll see everywhere this year.
1. Wide leg pants
Skinny jeans have been the go-to style for a few years now, but the days of wearing skin-tight jeans are over. Today, wide leg pants are quickly gaining popularity thanks to their casual yet cool look, and they are much less restrictive than their skinny counterparts. For these reasons, designs like the Eco Ripped Low Rise Wide Leg Jeans will be a high school staple this year. These jeans are easy to style and feature a ripped knee slit and raw hems for added edge.
$60 at PacSun
Wide-leg cargo pants are also poised to be popular. The Canvas Wide Leg Cargo Pants have a number of pockets where you can store your phone, wallet and other accessories, and the partially elasticated waist provides a comfortable fit.
$25 at Forever 21
On those days when you just want to be comfortable in class, comfortable wide leg pants will be your staple. The pull-on style is made from a super soft fabric and has a subtle ribbed texture.
$49 at Abercrombie & Fitch
2. Barbie
In response to the future Barbie the movie, starring Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie, Hot Pink has had a major moment. The so-called “Barbiecore” trend is all the rage right now and all you need to do is dress up in bright pink shades from head to toe. Start with a top like the Up For the Weekend Pink Cutout Body, then layer it with the Remikstyt Women’s Chunky Jacket for some serious pink-on-pink action.
$34 on the Pass
$39 on Amazon
You can embrace your inner Barb during PE with the hot pink MakeMeChic Women’s Sweat Shorts, which have a drawstring waist for a secure fit, or the stylish Johanna Rib Onesie in hot pink from sports brand Year of Ours.
$19 on Amazon
$120 from our year
Or, just add a touch of Barbie to any outfit with accessories like trendy glasses with colored lenses. They may not offer any protection from the sun, but they will certainly stand out as you walk the halls of your school.
$4 at Shein
3. Sports matching
If comfort is your top priority when getting dressed in the morning, you’ll be happy to know that matching tracksuits are still extremely fashionable. Pair pieces like the Cropped Perfectly Oversized Crew and the Softstreme Relaxed High-Rise Pants for a coordinated outfit that’s super comfortable all day long.
$118 at lululemon
$128 at lululemon
Some brands even sell two-piece outfits to make it easy to match your reception clothes. The Fixmatti women’s two-piece outfit includes a pullover top with a faux collar and drawstring joggers that are slightly cropped to show off your shoes.
$40 on Amazon
4. Platform shoes
Have your classmates wonder if you’ve grown a few inches over the summer. Platform shoes, which have extra thick soles, are in style this year, and we’re not just talking about high heels. There are many beautiful platform sneakers that you can wear to class, including the LUCKY STEP Women’s Chunky Platform Sneakers and the adidas Originals Women’s Nizza Platform Sneakers.
$46 on Amazon
$49 on Amazon
If your style is a little more wild, you can get a pair of platform boots. Women’s boots Dr. Martens are a classic choice—they’re made from genuine leather and have a 1.5-inch platform heel.
$135 on Amazon
5. Belt bag
You might call them “fanny packs,” but these hands-free accessories are recently giving fashion a makeover. Enter, the belt bag. Belt bags, both practical and fashionable, are having quite a moment right now and are great for everyday use to carry all your essentials: gum, keys, hand sanitizer, you name it. There is a huge variety of belt bags on the fashion scene right now, with no shortage of different shades, silhouettes and materials to suit your taste.
The Lululemon Everywhere belt bag is an option that has grown in popularity, often coming in and out of stock online. It features several zippered and mesh pockets to help you stay organized on the go, as well as an adjustable strap so you can wear it over your shoulder or around your waist.
$38 at Lululemon
Another cute, retro choice is the Abanu Multi by Kipling, a brand you’ll probably recognize from the signature monkey key chain that adorns its durable bags and accessories. This backpack will keep you looking super cool for back to school or campus and doesn’t skimp on functionality with its multiple zippered compartments, removable crossbody strap and snap closure.
$79 at Kipling
For something more affordable, this $22 Zorfin Belt Bag has amassed more than 6,000 positive reviews from Amazon shoppers and is available in 21 incredible colors, with bright neon, florals and more to make your outfit bright.
$22 on Amazon
6. Oversized sweaters
Continuing with the cozy theme, oversized sweaters will be a staple of Fall 2022. You can keep things simple with an option like the Los Angeles Crewneck for Women or to show a personality with a bright top like a sheep’s-sleeve sweater. These sweaters can be styled with jeans, leggings or even biker shorts. Sized for a super chunky look.
$40 at Forever 21
$31 on Amazon
7. Binding ink
Tie-dye continues to be one of the hottest styles to sport today. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can create your own colorful outfit with a tie bag, but there are also plenty of pre-made designs to choose from. The Just Relax Blue Multi Tie-Dye Shirt Dress can be styled as a maxi dress or a mini dress, and features an eye-catching blue, pink, orange and white tie-dye print that’s sure to get you compliments.
$42 on the Pass
Once the weather starts to cool, you’ll want to wear the Aleumdr Womens Tie Dye Sweatshirt all the time. The tie dye design comes in several color options and is made from soft polyester fabric.
$27 at Walmart
Guys can get in on the tie-dye fun too! The adidas Essential Tie Dyed T-Shirt has a comfortable crew cut and its tie-dyed design is sure to get you compliments on your way to class.
$25 at PacSun
8. Bucket Hats
No outfit is complete without a bucket hat this school year, and luckily, these fashion accessories are super affordable, which means you can get a few options. The Mashiaoyi Reversible Bucket Hat has a unisex design, and you essentially get two hats in one thanks to its reversible design. Plus, it comes in a variety of fun prints, from florals to bananas to tie-dye.
$14 on Amazon
If you prefer a simple hat, the Standard Cotton Bucket Hat is available in some strong on-trend shades, such as dusty pink and grey-blue.
$10 at Urban Outfitters
You can even combine two trends in one with the adidas colored bucket hat. It has a tinted brim that comes in several color options and the hat features a shorter brim that won’t block your vision.
$15 at Kohl’s
9. Denim from head to toe
When it comes to denim, more is more in 2022. You’ll see plenty of head-to-toe denim ensembles, and you can get in on the action with outfits like the Marla Pant Jumpsuit. It comes in two colors, and the jumpsuit has a relaxed, tapered silhouette that’s both flattering and comfortable.
$128 at Free People
You can also embrace the denim trend with a pair of overalls, such as the WallFlower denim overalls for women. These pants come in different shades and have criss-cross straps at the back.
$38 on Amazon
Who said tracksuits have to be pants? The Lily Parker Ripped Denim Skirt is actually a short dress made from stylish denim, and you can layer a t-shirt underneath it for a school-appropriate outfit.
$44 on Amazon
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Prices were correct at the time this article was published, but may change over time.
