The Ultimate Guide to Back-to-School Aesthetics in 2024!

Master the Art of School Style with Our Expert Guide on Dressing Pretty.

We’re here to give you tips on how to dress cute for this school year. Let's call it Back To School Style 2.0. And no need to stress about pop quizzes with these lessons!

1- The Preppy Aesthetic

• Clothing: If you love a polished, preppy aesthetic, preppy chic is your perfect style! This timeless look features essentials like pleated skirts, tailored trousers, and blazers that scream sophistication. To really embrace the preppy vibe, incorporate classic patterns like stripes, argyle, and plaid. Pair a crisp button-down or polo with a cardigan draped over your shoulders for that iconic preppy touch. Add a plaid blazer or an argyle-knit sweater to elevate your outfit, making it perfect for school or a stylish day out. Preppy chic is all about looking effortlessly put together with those signature preppy details!
• Accessories: To complete the preppy look, consider adding a structured handbag, pearls, or a statement watch. Hair accessories like headbands, scrunchies, or ribbons also add to the overall preppy vibe. Don’t forget loafers, ballet flats, or classic saddle shoes to bring the whole outfit together.

  

2- Soft Academia

Clothing: The soft academia aesthetic is inspired by a love of learning and an appreciation for cozy, timeless fashion. Key pieces include turtlenecks, oversized sweaters, cardigans, and plaid skirts. High-waisted trousers and knit vests also fit perfectly into this aesthetic. Stick to a muted color palette with shades like beige, brown, cream, and gray for a classic, scholarly look.

Accessories: Think bookish yet stylish. Add a pair of round glasses, a leather satchel or a tote bag, and a simple scarf for a complete soft academia vibe. Knee-high socks paired with oxfords or loafers are the ideal footwear for this look. Minimalist jewelry, like small gold hoops or a delicate necklace, can also enhance this aesthetic.

Emma Watson embodies the soft academia aesthetic with her classic and scholarly style, both on and off the red carpet. With her role in Emily in Paris and her personal style, Lily Collins brings a modern touch to the soft academia look. She often chooses classic pieces like turtlenecks, plaid skirts, and berets, which are staples of this aesthetic.

3- Sporty School Aesthetic

Clothing:
No school experience is complete without a touch of sporty flair, and this year’s Paris Olympics make sporty style more popular than ever. For a chic tennis-inspired look, channel Zendaya with a fitted top and a short, pleated skirt. Want to hit a style home run? Opt for an all-white tennis outfit that channels Wimbledon vibes. If a more laid-back look is your preference, go for track pants or joggers paired with your favorite casual top—be it a graphic tank, sports jersey, relaxed hoodie, or classic baseball tee.

Accessories:
To complete your sporty school look, slip into your favorite pair of sneakers. They’re the perfect finishing touch that ensures you score top marks in school style with these effortlessly cool and athletic outfits.

Take inspiration from Zendaya, known for her effortlessly chic tennis-inspired outfits. Gigi Hadid often nails sporty school style with her laid-back yet stylish jogger and hoodie combos. And don’t forget Serena Williams, who’s not only a tennis champion but also a fashion icon with her stylish sportswear that combines function with flair.

4- Weirdcore Art Kid Aesthetic

Clothing:
The weirdcore aesthetic thrives on eccentricity and creativity. Opt for oversized, mismatched clothing pieces that make a statement. Think graphic tees with surreal prints, asymmetrical skirts, and oversized sweaters or jackets. Layering is key, so mix and match different textures and patterns. Incorporate elements like neon colors, abstract patterns, and DIY embellishments.

Accessories:
Look for chunky, colorful jewelry, like oversized rings, layered necklaces, and statement earrings. Experiment with unique headwear, such as berets, beanies with quirky patches, or even DIY headpieces. Don’t shy away from unusual items like holographic bags, mismatched socks, or funky shoes—platforms, colorful sneakers, or vintage boots work well.

For inspiration, look to Bjork for her avant-garde and experimental fashion sense, which often incorporates surreal and eccentric elements. Grimes is another icon whose style blends eclectic, otherworldly looks with artistic flair. And don’t forget Miyazaki’s characters from Studio Ghibli films, though not real people, their imaginative, unconventional outfits and designs perfectly embody the weirdcore art kid aesthetic.

 

5- Balletcore 

Clothing:
Embrace the elegance of ballet with a balletcore style that features delicate and refined pieces. Opt for soft tulle skirts paired with fitted tops or bodysuits in pastel shades or classic black. Layer with soft cardigans or wrap tops for a graceful touch. Incorporate cozy knits like cropped sweaters for a modern twist.

Accessories:
Complete your balletcore look with ballet flats or pointe shoe-inspired shoes. Add delicate hair accessories such as silk ribbons or decorative clips. Choose minimalist jewelry like dainty necklaces and simple earrings. Soft, sheer tights or leggings can also enhance the ballet-inspired outfit.

For inspiration, look to Alexa Chung for her chic, ballet-inspired elegance. Olivia Rodrigo often embraces delicate, ethereal pieces that align with the balletcore aesthetic. And Jennie from Blackpink channels a sophisticated, ballet-influenced style with modern flair.