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Back-to-School Trend Predictions

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The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at WSU chapter.

With the summer ending, the back-to-school rush that we are all equally dreading and excited for is nearer than we think. Fresh starts, new motivation, and more obsessions to fuss over is what makes this season so stressfully thrilling, next to your academic work. For me, back-to-school shopping is what truly prepares me to start the new semester. Here are some of the things, fashion and otherwise, that I think a lot of college students will be liking this upcoming fall! 

My favorite thing to do when looking for inspiration is turn to my favorite creators for their ideas and build off of them. Ninaluciaw mentions some pre-fall fashion trends in her recent youtube video that I think are perfect for the back-to-school season, including:

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Image From: Après Studio

Old-School Prep – This timeless style trend includes aspects like plaid and tweed fabrics – think Chanel – that is perfect for a more professional-looking back-to-school look. For students who need to dress up for internships or presentations, this aesthetic is great.  

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Image From: The Frye Company

Frye Boots – With fall and winter coming, a classic long leather boot adds something classy to every outfit, and it is perfect for the incoming cold, rain, and snow.  

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Image From: Free People

Leather Bags – Instead of our classic tote bags or backpacks, leather shoulder and arm bags are another fun option to use around campus when you don’t have too much to hold. They are also incredibly versatile, considering they are so classic and can be used on nights out, shopping trips, and any other event.  

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Image From: PacSun

Double Chiffon – This sheer fabric is so lightweight and breezy, perfect for the end of summer heat. When doubled, it adds more structure to an outfit and makes it more appropriate for on-campus outfits.  

Other fashion trends that I would like to see and participate in including: 

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Image From: Amazon

Thin Colorful Belts – Adding a pop of green or red to regular denim jeans and shorts with a belt is such an easy way to elevate an outfit and make it more stylish.  

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Image From: Brooke Callahan

Cord Pendant Necklaces – I have absolutely loved these necklaces recently. With indie sleaze coming back in for fall, it’s such a fun play on chokers that give us a modern 2014 feel. Jessica Neises wrote an incredible list for Vogue of their favorite ways that they’ve seen this trend.  

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Image From: Vivi Wei

Mesh Basketball Shorts – Comfy shorts are a must for hot days going to class. Mesh basketball-like shorts are such a great way to elevate an outfit and remain cool and comfortable as summer ends. Susielola just collaborated with Vivi Wei to make the most adorable navy and red mesh shorts that are perfect for this!

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Image From: PacSun

Cheetah & Leopard Print – I have been seeing a massive amount of adorable cheetah and leopard print outfits all over TikTok. A cute little cheetah print tank makes the cutest going out top that is different from your basics.

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Image From: Revolve

Metallic – Heavy stacked jewelry and metallic tops are easily my new favorite going out outfit details. We saw this start to come to life in past falls, but I think with the push of indie sleaze it will be even more desired this upcoming fall semester. Metallic going out tops are so unique and can be styled up and down easily.  

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Image From: Many Many Clothes

Polka Dots – Carrying on from this spring and summer, I am so excited to see how people will keep styling polka dots in a campus setting as we run into the fall season. This pattern is so unique and old-fashioned, I adore it on tops, dresses, and skirts!

Non-fashion: 

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Image From: Amazon

Digital Cameras – College is going to go by so quickly, so take pictures of the memories while you can! I have loved seeing everyone get back into digital cameras and taking them to football games or nights out. It allows you to stay in the moment by avoiding using your phone, and also provides a unique quality to your photos. 

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Image From: Hydro Flask

“Old” Reusable Water Bottles – I have seen so many people discussing water bottle overconsumption, especially during the back-to-school season. This year, I want to see water bottles that we all have stored away from trends that have passed, like Hydroflasks and S’well bottles. Reuse and save yourself the money! 

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Image From: Papier

Physical Planners – I’m a big believer of the saying if you write it down, you remember it. Investing in a nice detailed physical planner reminds me to keep track of everything I need to get done over the week. If you tend to forget about your digital planners like I do, try going back to something you carry around with you, it might just make all the difference. 

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Image From: Walmart

Magazines – Reading non-class related content can be hard to do with all of the work that piles up during school, but magazines can offer a short and easy way to get back into reading when you have limited time! Get a subscription to Vogue or the New York Times, it’s such an easy low-commitment way to read in between other tasks. 

These were some of the things I am looking forward to seeing and participating in as the back-to-school season settles in and fall approaches us. This time of year can be exciting and difficult but having fun with these trends is a great way to get you motivated to get back to the academic lifestyle! 

Chloe Cramer is a writer and editor-in-chief at the Her Campus Washington State University chapter. She overlooks and edits articles from members of the chapter as well as produces her own covering anywhere from entertainment to style. Beyond Her Campus, Chloe has previously worked as an intern at the Washington State Magazine. She is currently a senior at Washington State University, majoring in English with a focus on Rhetoric and Professional Writing and minoring in Communications and Creative Writing. In her free time, Chloe enjoys rewatching Gilmore Girls, swimming, making playlists on Spotify, and writing poetry.