It's that time of year again and we want to help you guys bring some back-to-school chic to your wardrobe. Here's how...
Do you remember when you were at home for the summer holidays - welded to the sofa - and the back-to-school adverts came on? “It’s still August,” you’d howl at the TV, glaring at the Clark’s shoes and Tesco pinafores with disgust. How dare the commercial world remind you that it was soon time for algebra, exams, and the all-consuming drama of the classroom?
One good thing about heading back to education was back-to-school style, although this was lost on me and my mates at the time. To be fair, we looked nothing short of tragic in the skirts that were bunched up at the top from being rolled up so much; our poorly lined eyes peeking from behind the slab of a side fringe.
The great thing about fashion, though, is that you can reclaim the style opportunities that passed you by - back-to-school style included. In fact, it’s one of the biggest trends this autumn.
On the runway at London Fashion Week, Erdem pioneered the blazer and blouse combo - edging it up with sparkly metallics and mesh knee-highs. Valentino also proved a fan of the oversized blazer, layering the piece over baggy trousers and pleats. Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton and Miu Miu, meanwhile, were very much taken with tweed.
The ‘check, please’ trend has also been acknowledged as one of the year’s biggest; appearing time and again on the autumn/winter catwalk. And while Calvin Klein headed in a western direction - opting for plaid perfect for any lumberjack - Versace was Clueless on acid. This technicolour, check two-piece is easily one of my favourite runway looks from Fashion Week. Swoon.
There’s plenty of inspiration we can take from these ensembles. Versace shows us how to work the check blazer and skirt combo: namely, keep the skirt short and pleated, the blazer oversized, and grit things up with rock chick boots and a graphic tee. Sheer black tights and bold accessories (just look at that belt) also help to take Cher into the twenty-first century. That’s right, Clueless is from a whole different century. Feel old yet?
Sportswear (as ever in 2018) also helped set the tone. Whether you remember P.E. fondly or bitterly (I mainly remember sweaty gyms and standing around on astroturf), fuse the trends of athleisure and back-to-school by repping your old P.E. uniform. That means polo shirts, baggy tees, oversized shorts, and, of course, trainers.
Going back to blazers and tweed, this is also the ideal opportunity to dress like a Gossip Girl. Channel Blair Waldorf with preppy headbands, knitted tights, tweed jackets and knee socks. Hair ribbons and bows were also big on the runway, while the old ‘jumper tied around the neck’ had a bit of a moment, too.
But if you’d rather avoid looking too preppy, don’t be afraid to edge things up with clunky footwear and jewellery. You could also throw on some urban, sporty accessories - like a bum bag, trainers, or our old friend the bucket hat.
While on the subject of accessories, backpacks are another ‘18 trend made for BTS chic. Whether yours is minimalist or totally out there, it’s the perfect finishing touch to your ready-for-September outfit.
In summary, be bold with your BTS style - play with different patterns and combinations, as if you were walking into class only to be sent out again.
Now excuse me while I go watch Clueless and sob about how old I am.
Shop the look on SHS...
Follow: @alwaysjudging
For a masterclass on wearing check (and on looking fabulous in general), follow this fashion blogger right now.
Watch: The Breakfast Club
The high school movie to end all high school movies (except High School Musical, of course - ahem, who said that?)
Go see: Heathers: The Musical
For more BTS inspiration, check out the musical version of this cult classic. It’s running for twelve weeks at London’s Haymarket this September.
