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Fashionable Fall Semester: Back to School Wardrobe Essentials for Teens and Young Adults

Fashionable Fall Semester: Back to School Wardrobe Essentials for Teens and Young Adults

Back to school means back to making your university halls your very own runway. Express yourself this year with the latest trends in fashion that are reminiscent of the 80’s and 90’s. From head-turning plaid skirts to easy to wear loafers and mix n’ match staples, we’ve curated five looks for your fashionable Fall semester. Check out some of our favorites for this  year’s back to school wardrobe essentials for teens and young adults.

The Feminine Preppy Look for Young Adults

1. Alice and Olivia Kitty Bow Tie Cardigan in Soft White Black

Begin this charming look with the Alice and Olivia Kitty Bow Tie Cardigan, which features a crew neck, long blouson sleeves for those chilly Fall afternoons, romantic front bow tie closures and a contemporary cropped silhouette that makes this piece truly one for the 2020’s. It also features whimsical allover cable knit with pom-poms for a satisfyingly chic texture. This cardigan, which fits true to size, features a shell that is made from 49% cotton, 48% wool, and 3% viscose, and polyester and nylon. Shop at Bloomingdale’s.

2. Karen Kane Super Soft Tank in Black

This Fall, create easy layers with this wardrobe staple: the Karen Kane Super Soft Tank that’s ultra comfortable to wear even with layers. This tank features a scoop neck, sleeveless, and pullover design that is easy to wear and can be mixed and matched with lots of layers this season. Made of nylon and spandex in the U.S. Shop at Bloomingdale’s.

3. AG Prima Ankle Slim Jeans in Provision

A trusty pair of jeans for all seasons, the AG Prima Ankle Slim Jeans feature a zip fly with button closure and a classic five-pocket silhouette that’s perfect for going to school. It features belt loops, contrast stitching, and silvertone hardware, as well as a slim leg silhouette for a svelte and sleek look. This pair of jeans are made using Ozone Technology and recycling heat to cut water and energy consumption and incorporates sustainable fibers such as Tencel® and Modal®. Made of 91% cotton, 8% polyester, and 1% spandex elastane. Shop at Bloomingdale’s.

4. VINCE CAMUTO Women’s Rachey Embellished Flats

Step back into school in comfortable style with the Vince Camuto Women’s Rachey Embellished Flats, which offer an easy slip on style and a 0.5-inch heel. Its Tawny Birch Sued is made from real cow hair fur, dyed and printed in Brazil, while the shoe features a leather upper, synthetic lining and sole. It is also accentuated by a chain hardware detailing at the vamp and a contemporary square toe. Made in Brazil. Shop at Bloomingdale’s.

5. Tory Burch Piper Gingham Backpack

A backpack that can fit your essentials this back to school season, the Tory Burch Piper Gingham Backpack features two exterior zip pockets and two two water bottle pockets, two interior slip pockets, zip pocket and laptop zip compartment. It also has a double zip closure for easy access. Made with a recycled polyester lining and recycled polyester with polyurethane trim, this backpack is one for the more eco-conscious younger generation. It’s embellished with the brand’s logo emblem on the front and gold-tone hardware that gleams in the Fall sunshine. Be inspired with the fashion forward brand of Tory Burch, which is inspired by travel, art, interiors, and women all over the world. Shop at Bloomingdale’s.


Preppy Chic Young Lady

1. Maje Buttoned Shoulder Rib Knit Sweater in Black

Begin this look with a wardrobe staple for Fall: the Maje buttoned shoulder rib knit sweater is a piece that you can mix and match with pants, jeans, skirts, and more. It features a mock neck, an asymmetric placket on the shoulder, allover ribbed texture, and three quarter length sleeves that provide enough warmth this season. Made from 54% viscose, 45% polyamide, and 1% elastane. Shop at Bloomingdale’s.

2. Sandro Annette Plaid Mini Skirt

Featuring an A-line silhouette with contrast trim at the pockets on its waist, this fun, preppy plaid mini skirt will be the envy of other girls on campus. The Sandro Annette Plaid Mini Skirt features a concealed side zipper closure and two pockets at the front so you can hide notes from your BFF’s, your phone, or a Chapstick. It’s made of cotto, polyester, and viscose. Shop at Bloomingdale’s.

3. Matt & Nat Brave Small Purity Backpack in Carotene

Pack all your uni essentials in one go with the Matt & Nat Brave Small Purity Backpack, which measures 7 x 4 x 10.5 inches and offers an exterior  zip pocket, two exterior slip pockets, two interior zip pockets, two interior slip pockets, and interior tech pocket. It features a top handle, zip closure, and recycled nylon lining and a polyvinyl chloride body. Its adjustable backpack straps ensure a great fit, while its gold-tone printed logo and hardware make for a stylish gleam like no other. Shop at Bloomingdale’s.

4. Frye Women’s Karen Stacked Heel Booties in Cognac

Your Fall wardrobe will not be complete without a pair of booties. Get your feet into this pair from Frye, which features a round toe, inside zip, 3-inch leather-wrapped stacked heel, and combination leather and lug sole for traction. Its upper and lining are made of leather, while the outsole is made of leather and EVA rubber. Shop at Bloomingdale’s.

5. Rebecca Minkoff Apple Watch® Gold-Tone Heart-Pressed Mesh Bracelet in Gold

Add a touch of glimmer to your Fall wardrobe with the Rebecca Minkoff Apple Watch® Gold-Tone Heart-Pressed Mesh Bracelet, which offers a stylish, sleek upgrade to your wearable tech. It is made of gold-tone stainless steel and a sliding buckle closure. It pfits 38mm and 40mm Apple Watch® cases. Customer Jan Pfleegor gave it a 5-star review, writing, “This was a gift and was exactly what the person wanted. It was as pretty in person as the picture was. She loved it!” Shop at Bloomingdale’s.


A Sporty Chic Look

1. Maje Maissa Oversized Varsity Cardigan in Grey

Oversized clothes are still very much in fashion, so go for the Maje Maissa Oversized Varsity Cardigan, a comfortable piece that you’ll enjoy wearing throughout the colder months. Featuring a V-neck, long sleeves with dropped shoulders, and a button front closure, this varsity cardigan offers a sporty yet cozy way to stay stylish this season. It features an M patch at the chest, two front patch pockets, and contrast striped ribbed trim. Designed for an oversize fit, this cardigan is made of 54% wool, 26% polyamide, 19% cotton, and 1% elastane. Shop at Bloomingdale’s.

2. Vince Sleeveless Mock Turtleneck Sweater in Natural

Easy to layer through any season, the Vince sleeveless mock turtleneck sweater offers a slim fit that goes well with jeans, skirts, leggings, shorts, and more. It features a chunky ribbed knit style and easy pullover for effortless wear. Made of 82% cotton, 16% polyamide, and 2% elastane. Shop at Bloomingdale’s.

3. Maje Jalisa Plaid Pleated Mini Skirt in Pink

The Maje Jalisa Plaid Pleated Mini Skirt offers a playful, feminine touch to your Fall back to school wardrobe. Featuring a banded waist with front button decoration and elasticized back, as well as a plated front with double-breasted decorative button detail, this skirt will be a head-turner in the school halls. Made of 100% virgin wool and 100% polyester. Shop at Bloomingdale’s.

4. SCHUTZ Women’s Jeannie Lace Up High Heel Booties

Elevate your Fall back to school style with the Schutz Jeannie lace up high heel booties, which offer a look that is inspired by 90’s grunge. It features a round toe, lace up style with a 2.75-inch heel, and a leather upper, synthetic lining, and rubber sole. Made in Brazil. Shop at Bloomingdale’s.

5. MICHAEL Michael Kors Rhea Zip Small Leather Backpack in Black and Gold

A chic all-season-long backpack, the Michael Michael Kors Rhea small leather backpack has a convenient 10 x 5 x 2.5 size that you can easily tote anywhere. Made of leather, the bag features a top handle, adjustable backpack straps, zip closure, lining, and ample space for all your essentials. The leather-made backpack comes with two exterior zip pockets, three interior slip pockets, and interior zip pocket. Shop at Bloomingdale’s.


90’s Inspired Preppy Chic

1. Alice and Olivia Cropped Mockneck Ribbed Sweater in Soft White

Begin this look with the Alice and Olivia Cropped Mockneck Ribbed Sweater, a Fall staple that’s perfect for mixing and matching. Remember that it’s always key to keep wardrobe staples in your closet so you can mix and match away your OOTD’s! This sweater features Raglan long sleeves, a chic cropped hem, and a mock neck. It is made of 95% wool, 4% nylon, and 1% elastane. Shop at Bloomingdale’s.

2. Maje Jino Bow Jacquard Mini Skirt Navy

Go for chic, elegant style this back to school season with the Maje Jino Bow Jacquard Mini Skirt, which features an easy wear elasticized waistband, two front pockets with button closure, and an allover bow jacquard. It’s designed for a slim fit and is made of 42% viscose, 30% polyamide, 27% polyester, and 1% elastane. Shop at Bloomingdale’s.

3. SIMON MILLER Women’s Hustler Square Toe Leather Platform Loafers

Go for a retro yet elevated look this back to school season with the Simon Miller Hustler Square Toe Leather Platform Loafers, which feature a 2.5 inch heel and 1.25 inch platform. It also features a leather upper and lining paired with a rubber sole. Made in Portugal. Shop at Bloomingdale’s.

4. Mansur Gavriel Mini Zip Leather Bucket Bag in Cedro or Gold

Add a pop of sunny color to your Fall wardrobe with this bucket bag from Mansur Gavriel. It features an adjustable shoulder strap that has an 18 inch drop, a top zip closure, an interior slip pocket, a gold-stamped logo at the front, and gold-tone hardware. The bag is made of leather and has an Italian canvas lining. Made in Italy. Shop at Bloomingdale’s.

5. Moon & Meadow 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Small Huggie Hoop Earrings

Finish off this look with some sparkly courtesy of the 5. Moon & Meadow 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Small Huggie Hoop Earrings yellow gold diamond small huggie hoop earrings, which feature a line of sparkling pave diamonds at the front. These diamonds are 0.07 ct. t.w. and are adorned on a hinge back pair of earrings. Exclusively available at Bloomingdale’s.


Semi-formal Back to School Look

1. Maje Renalt Tweed Shirt Dress in Fuschia

If you’re inspired by Olivia Rodrigo’s White House visit look, then go for the Maje Renalt Tweed Shirt Dress, which is designed for a slim fit to hit just above the knee. It features a point collar, short sleeves, front button closures, an A-line silhouette, and button-patch pockets at the chest and hips. Its contrast trim throughout and allover tweet makes for a classic, well-kept look. Shop at Bloomingdale’s.

2. Valentino Garavani Women’s Roman Stud Moc Toe Loafers in Black

Go for classic black with this pair from Valentino Garavani, which features an almond moc-stitch toe, signature pyramid stud detail at instep, and a leather upper, lining, and sole. Made in Italy. Shop at Bloomingdale’s.

3. MICHAEL Michael Kors Bradshaw Medium Leather Messenger Crossbody in Black

A versatile crossbody you can take anywhere, the Bradshaw from MICHAEL Michael Kors features a removable, adjustable crossbody strap with a 22-inch drop, push-lock closure, gold-tone hardware, polyester lining, exterior slip pocket, interior slip pocket and zip pocket. Made from leather. Shop at Bloomingdale’s.

4. LAGOS 18K Yellow Gold Black Caviar Black Ceramic 9mm Stud Earrings

Adorn your ears with this pair of earrings from Lagos’ Black Caviar collection, which feature texture-rich 18K gold Caviar beading set on a black ceramic stud. It is crafted from 18k yellow gold and black ceramic and has a post back. Exclusively available at Bloomingdale’s.

5. Moon & Meadow 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Star Charm Bracelet

Get charmed by this charm bracelet from Moon & Meadow, which features diamond-dotted star charms from its 14K yellow gold chain. It features a lobster clasp closure that’s easy to wear everyday. Exclusively available at Bloomingdale’s.


If you missed out on our previous Fall fashion stories, make sure to catch up by following the links below. The Teelie Blog is your source for the latest in fashion and lifestyle. To be the first to know about flash deals and great discounts, sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Fall Fashion: 5 Plaid Looks to Get You Into the Holiday Season

Fall Fashion and Beauty Edit: The Best Finds at Bloomingdale’s Right Now

Fall Fashion 2020: Discounted Fall Styles for Women

Fall Fashion Finds for Men and Women: Huge Discounts at Macy’s

Fall Fashion: Sustainably Sourced and Responsibly Manufactured Pieces at Nordstrom

Fall/Winter Trend: Plaid Fashion for Pets!

Just a disclaimer – We have partnered with these companies because we use their products and/or proudly trust and endorse them – so we do receive a commission if you make a purchase or sign up for services. Often, we are able to negotiate special discounts and/or bonuses, which we will pass on to you via our links. We often get short notice on sale items available for 24-48 hours as we will pass these savings onto you.

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