Simple Back To School Outfit Ideas

The back to school season is in full swing! Maybe you've already experienced your "first day" or maybe it's still a week or two away. You have enough on your mind with preparing for classes, catching up with friends, and deciding on extracurricular activities. Don't let what you're wearing be something you stress over! Keep it simple. Try opting for a dress or romper. Finish the look with a pair of strappy sandals and you're ready to go!

One of our favorite back to school looks is a peasant top with a youthful pattern like the one seen below. Simply add your favorite pair of  jeans and you are all set!

We encourage you to get creative by mixing and matching items from your existing wardrobe. You may be surprised by how many cute outfits you already own! Dresses, skirts, and pants can take on a whole new look when paired with a denim vest and accessories.

We hope some of these simple outfit ideas will make getting dressed for school easier.

Make this year your best-dressed yet!

Checkout Forever 21 and Target for similar items.

Written by: Amanda Jacobs

Photography by: Beth Carter

Our Forever 21 Fall Favorites On a Budget

Not only do we love Forever 21 for the John 3:16 inscription on the bottom of all their shopping bags, but they also have extremely affordable prices. At Top Buttons, we've done all the research for you and have narrowed down their fall selection into a compiled list of 11 items that are around $15 and under.

1. Shimmering Floral Bib Necklace

This necklace is on sale for just $2.99. Its gold shimmer is both glamorous and functional.

2. Coconut Body Lotion

This body lotion is on sale for just $1.99. Forever 21 sells a variety of scents that smell amazing and are incredibly hydrating.

3. Kitschy Rhinestoned Woven Bracelet

This bracelet reminds us of those knotted friendship bracelets we all made and exchanged as children, but just a little more glamorous! For just $1.99, this arm candy could be yours.

4. Faux Leather Moto Jacket

We recently did an exclusive post about those trendy moto jackets that have become popular this fall, and Forever 21 offers one for $12.60 that will keep you up to date with the current trends but spare your wallet.

5. Woven Fringe Scarf

Everyone needs a neutral scarf to keep warm and spice up a plain outfit. This scarf is $8.80 and comes in multiple colors. The fringe adds a nice edge.

7. Bun Donut

Want to accomplish a perfect bun? A bun donut will do the trick. Forever 21 offers a diverse array of sizes for $1.90, depending on your preference.

8. Burgundy Beanie

Burgundy is one of the prime colors of fall, and it is especially great for accessorizing with items like beanies, leggings, or scarves. This beanie can be purchased for $3.90 or 2 for $6.

9. Solid Knit Leggings

Why not get some burgundy leggings to match your beanie? Forever 21 sells these knit leggings for $3.80 in eight different colors. They're a very essential staple to pair with an oversized shirt or dress.

9. Pretty Tough Bangle Set

Want a little bit of edge to add to your outfit? Try this bangle set, which is only $1.99 right now. The stud and pearl combination is a contradiction of sweet and tough.

10. Classic V-Neck Sweater

Sweater or cardigan -- whatever you call it, at Top Buttons we think that you just can't have enough of them! They're a convenient way to both cover your shoulders and keep warm. This particular one is sold for $13.80 in three different colors.

11. Low Rise- Ankle Skinny Jeans

These may be the most affordable and flexible pair of jeans you could ever own. This pair is $7.90. (Alexis owns several pairs of these.)

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For your convenience, we took a screenshot of what all these items would tally up to in your Shopping Bag on Forever 21, which is only $53.95. If you divide that by 11 items, that averages to less than $5 an item!

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Finding the Perfect Winter Jacket

After living in the Northeast for 1 month of winter, I had purchased 4 winter coats and 1 jacket. This jacket was another fashion accident. In New York City, fashion inspiration is all around you. One day I was walking my normal route to work and saw this really beautiful girl who looked like she was on her way to her job. I saw her wearing this jacket. I politely tapped her on the shoulder (she probably thought I was trying to steal her purse). I asked her where she got her gorgeous jacket, and she sweetly said, "BCBG." My heart sank. I thought, "There is no way I can afford that. I was hoping she was going to say H&M!"

As soon as I got to work that day, I got on my computer and started to Google key words that might produce that jacket. I also scoured the BCBG website. Nothing to be found. Bummer. BUT THEN...

I found it. Last season's merchandise on ebay. I have a love/hate relationship with ebay and it's sometimes a hit or miss. This was THE only one I could find that was an exact match. Here is a similar one if you just read this and your heart also sank.

A good coat/jacket is priceless. This one however came with a price that I had to quickly talk myself into. My review of this jacket is that it is extremely well made and comfortable, but only stands about 40 degree weather and wind. It is also an amazing rain coat.

Jacket- BCBGeneration | Cardigan- Target | Jeans- Paige | Earrings- House of Harlow 1960 | Boots- Cynthia Vincent

In Style: Geometric Print

Among the fashion trends for Spring & Summer, geometric prints have made its mark both on and off the runway. Geometric prints are noted for their bold and eye catching patterns: blocking patterns and tribal shapes are appearing on everything from pants to dresses and  handbags.

So what is it about these quirky patterns that draw our attention. For starters, geometric prints make for an easy focal or statement piece. If you are looking to stray away from the typical "pop" color garment and statement accessories, geometric prints are the answer. Styling with geometric prints as the focal piece is an easy and great way to spice up any outfit, whether it be a geometric pant or over-sized geometric tee. And if you are not worried about the styling aspect of geometric prints, give the trend a try simply for the FUN factor. Trends come and go, but geometric prints add such life and fun to any outfit! Prints range from sphere's to triangles, from tribal to sophisticated blocking and the color pallets are boundless.

Below is a styling option with a geometric pant.

Mint is not only a fun color for Spring and Summer, it pops against the geometric print.

Flats are always a go-to option with pants, but with warm weather on the horizon, sandals and wedges should be THE first pick!

Geometric prints are versatile and offer a range of possibilities regardless of your styling preference. So whether your style embodies a classy approach or a boho-chic, geometric prints may just be what you have been searching for this season!

Here are similar options:

Geometric Pant | Studded Tank  | Wedge Sandal |  Necklace 

Photo Credit: Beth Carter Photography