It’s never too late to start thinking back to school fashion. And, even if you’re no longer a student, it’s fun to derive style inspiration from those headed back to the classroom. Your first assignment for fall 2023: Take it easy. Don’t yield to the pressure. To look amazing you just need to tweak few little things here and there and invest in the few key pieces that will take you to the finish line of exam week, later on in the semester. But in the meantime, here are some ideas to make your mark!
Back to Basics
It’s official: after months and months of come-and-go trends (hey, Barbiecore was only everywhere a few weeks back!), wardrobe basics are back. Of course, you can say the Quiet Luxury moment has a lot to do with it. And you’re probably right. We think it all started there.
The point is, classic button-down shirts, oversized blazers, and wide-leg jeans are where it’s all happening. And don’t forget a statement blazer in a sophisticated neutral shade like pale cream, silver brown or steel grey. That go-everywhere jacket will take you well into the cooler months, and beyond. Whether it’s leather, plush fake fur or upcycled real fur (think glam luxury that’s sustainable), it’s the kind of outerwear item that you just pull on your sweatsuit in the morning for a cool vibe when the air gets crisper.
The good news? You probably already have all those items in your closet, since they broke out a year of so ago. And if you’re missing pieces that you feel are important to creating your look for fall, you can probably pick them up at a local thrift shop (bonus points if they’re real retro items). There are so many great places to shop secondhand fashion now! If anybody asks, just tell them you’re doing ‘nouveau normcore.’
Athletics Department
The influence of the nylon cargo pants from last spring has ramified into many closets and labels. For fall 2023, it still showcases its characteristic mix of a military aesthetic and streetwear influences, while leaving behind the total Y2K throwback look. So think sleek, minimalist ways to style them to look refined and grown-up, and make cargos look every bit as polished as tailored trousers. You’re all about baggier styles? Then go all out and wear your cargos super wide. What we all love about this unique type of pants is the comfort they always provide, regardless of the width of leg, and the super practical pockets. Who needs a bag all the time, anyway?
Still in the sportier arena, tracksuits are also where it’s at for back to school 2023. They’re also in the spotlight thanks to TikTok, which created a huge surge of content focusing on retro looks and all things Y2K this year.
The original Adidas tracksuit is still one of the favourites for all the right reasons: classic colours, great fit, and the timeless triple stripes. Plus, some models are now made with a special yarn containing ocean plastic harvested on remote islands, beaches, coastal communities and shorelines. A great way to be sustainable and stylish.
Looking for the OG luxe version? Juicy Couture’s velour duos can still be found on resale sites like eBay (including some brand-new with tags!). If you’re old enough to have loved Juicy the first time, maybe you’ll want to pass on this renaissance. But don’t! There are some incredibly chic fresh new ways to style the tracksuit trend. And who doesn’t want to be comfortable and chic?
Oh, and don’t forget the classic sweatshirt with your school’s crest (Toronto Metropolitan University or McGill university, anyone?) to show solidarity with your alma mater. Not inclined to show your love for your uni? A cashmere sweatshirt picked up at your local Renaissance or Value Village will do the trick, too.
Dark Academia
Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper back to school article if we didn’t mention the enduring lure of Dark Academia. You know, the fashion and lifestyle genre that’s all about moody aesthetics and dark elements that’s grown exponentially from TikTok content. In many ways Dark Academia is close to gothcore, in that they’re both moody aesthetics. But while gothcore draws inspiration from metal and rock music culture and involves a lot of shiny materials (vinyl, latex) and punk accessories, Dark Academia is more prep school fashion with a soft gothic twist.
Since the launch of the ‘Wednesday’ series on Netflix late fall 2022, expect the tiny heroine’s glam gothic style to appear on campuses this semester. Channeling Wednesday is going to be big at the first parties of the school year with dreamy, ethereal looks, Victorian-inspired details, lace, and more frilly stuff, accompanied by retro skirts. In fact, long skirts have been slowly etching their way back into our wardrobes. Now they’re more voluminous, and paying hommage to 1950s-era circle skirts (seen at Prada, Armani and Dior, which are still considered beacons of style to emulate). Suddenly, a long skirt feels fresh; a counterpart to those skintight transparent dresses that have become ubiquitous at big concert events and red carpets. It’s not modesty, just a shift in what we find alluring.
And pretty still has its place. Even if it’s dark and dramatic. Moody.
