Trendy Tuesday || Sharmaine's Guide To Back To School Fashion

So if you're anything like me, you take your outfit for the first day of school seriously. "I have no clothes," you say. That is a lie. You have plenty of pieces you could put together to create something fabulous. These are my suggestions for how to shop for back to school and outfit ideas for the first day!

SHOPPING SUGGESTIONS

• Go into it with an idea of what you want to buy. This is a no brainer, people are aware of their style and people like what they like. If you have a dress code, just follow it. Once you get into college or out of high school, dress codes are no longer a thing. Just be patient, we've all had to go through our dress code days.
• I would suggest sticking to simple pieces because that is more my personal style, but I also think simple pieces can be styled in so many different ways and accented with different accessories, etc. You could create a bunch of different outfits with the same black shirt! This isn't to say you shouldn't add trendy pieces into your back to school wardrobe. I encourage being you and being different! It's just nice to fall back on simple pieces to create multiple outfits.
• Get a couple pairs of new shoes. Treat yoself! Honestly, shoes complete a look. Get a new cute pair of boots for fall, or those cute sneakers you've been seeing all over Tumblr. If you're anything like me, shoes are an addiction, so you already know you'll be completing this step anyways.
• Be bold, but don't forget to set a budget and limit yourself. You'll be okay without those $80 jeans unless you absolutely need a new pair of jeans. Go to Value Village or Goodwill and be thrifty! You can find the best pieces for your wardrobe at thrift stores. It will be different and one of a kind and it's always fun to go thrifting if you have the patience for it.
• If your parents are the ones who will be spending money on you for back to school shopping, don't forget to thank them, okay? They work hard for their money, to put a roof over your head and make sure you're fed, happy and healthy. This is an extra step they're taking to make sure you're taken care of and to remind you that you're loved. Do what you can in return for the sacrifices they make for you on the daily.

OUTFIT IDEAS

• So, I'm in college. There is no dress code and you can get away wearing whatever you want. But since I'm so simple, the perfect outfit for me would be a nice pair of jeans, a cute flowy top and flats, or some sort of variation of this. Modest is hottest in my opinion! Add a statement or long chained necklace to jazz it up, or a different pair of shoes and you'll have my perfect back to school outfit!
• If it's a little chillier outside, I love wearing a pair of riding boots and then revolving an outfit around them. A pair of jeans, maybe some knee high socks or leg warmers peeking out at the top, a sweater and a trench coat or a rain jacket. You'll look very put together in this outfit, I promise!
• And for those days where it's warm outside, which it never is here in Washington, I would fancy the combination of a dress and a pair of booties. I've been into the paisley prints and the long sleeve dresses with the dainty stitching lately, so I would gravitate towards something of the sort. Throw on your favorite pair of booties for an instant boost, tying the entire outfit together. I would also put on a cardigan or a leather jacket just in case!

So there you have it! My suggestions and outfit ideas for back to school. Now I know everyone is different and I'm not saying you have to follow anything I've said. I just wanted to put my ideas out there to help anyone who needs some inspiration! 

With school coming back around, I hope you all have an amazing school year! Join clubs, meet new people, stay on top of your schoolwork and study hard! In the end all of your hard work will pay off. 

Cheers to a new school year!