Regardless if you’re heading back as a student, a parent of a student or as a student of life it’s back to school time!  Each fall the new school year brings about a refresh.  As a student it’s always a clean slate to start with new trends, friends and self.  As a parent of a student it’s a new start on organization, time schedules and socials.  As a student of life, just like the air getting a little crisper it’s a time to crisp up your fashion, organization and functionality!  That’s why Jill from My Sweet Obsessions and I have teamed up once again to bring you a fresh fall styling tips for a going back to school look.

1. Take On A Trend

The new school year is the best time to try out something trendy because you know after the fist month you’re going to fall back into what’s quick and easy so try the trend now.  90’s is having a major moment but you don’t have to 15 to be trendy.  For my look I kept it age appropriate by sticking to a black and white pallet.  I tied my 90’s plaid shirt (Target) around my marble print t-shirt dress (mark. Soft T Dress, last seen here).  Because nothing about me is grunge in the slightest bit so my look is more Clueless than 90’s grunge.  (you know you’re thinking of that gym scene).

2.  Keep It Functional 

Comfort and functionality are back to school must-haves… and a good back pack!  A t-shirt dress is the perfect solution, comfortable, cute and functional.  mark. Soft T Dress is the perfect easy to wear addition for your back to school shopping.  And what’s back to school without a good backpack!?  This mark. Draw To A Close bag is both functional and sleek so it works from high school to work and everywhere in between.  The detachable straps allow you to wear it as a back pack, cross body or over the shoulder so you can maximize your functionality all fall.

3.  Wear Walkable Footwear

Walking to and from school, class, picking up the kids, taking them to practice or just normal life requires a more functional shoe sometimes.  Co-eds sport chucks like it’s no body’s business and they do so for a reason.  Functional, cute and goes with a-plenty.  I personally elected to go with a more fun color like my mint converse which add just the right pop against my black and white.  And doesn’t hurt they match my Tiffany & Co sunglasses!

4.  Layer It Up

Here’s what I hated.  I would sweat like a mo fo walking to class in the hot indian summer days then freeze inside the class room.  Layers solve this problem. I can easily un-tie the plaid shirt and put it on to battle too much AC and chilly mornings/evenings.  Layers are a fall must-have… going back to that functionality thing.

5.  Accessorize Lightly

With all the moving and shaking back to school brings lightweight jewelry just works.  Daintier pieces are not only on trend this season but work with whatever you’re wearing and don’t get in the way.  I’ve been wearing these mark. All Four It bracelet set pretty much on the daily and you can see why.  Easy and goes with everything.  With the crew neck style of this dress try wearing a choker style necklace for an updated version of the 90’s classic.  These mark. Neck and Neck Choker Set are the perfect unique addition to my back to school shopping!

Even if you’re not going back to school be back to school ready with these styling tips for a fresh new look functional for whatever you got going on this fall.  Jill’s look is just as functional for fall with her cool neutral look, check out her styling tips for another back to school look!