When it comes to back-to-school shopping, you probably don’t have unlimited funds to work with. But that shouldn’t stop you from having fun prepping your outfit for the first day — and the rest of the academic year. Luckily, there’s no shortage of ways to look great on a budget — you just have to get creative. One easy way to stretch a dollar and ensure you truly get your money’s worth is to buy items that are multifunctional, incredibly versatile and work for multiple occasions. The mark of a good purchase is one that can take you from the classroom to a fun night out with friends.
To make life a little easier as you prep for the upcoming school year, we’ve rounded up 19 items that will have you looking stylish all year long, no matter the occasion or season.
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Staple Pieces For Back To School That Work for Multiple Occasions
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ModCloth
Femme Fatale Flocked Sweatshirt, $49 at ModCloth
A playful sweatshirt that’s equal parts casual and cool for when fall comes around.
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American Eagle Outfitters
Ne(X)t Level Skinny Jean in Faded Light, $49.95 at American Eagle Outfitters
Nothing is more versatile than formfitting jeans you can dress up or down depending on where you’re going. These come in a wide range of sizes and are incredibly comfortable.
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Loft
Button Denim Skirt, $59.50 at Loft
This formfitting retro denim skirt wears well with a plain white tee and slip-on sneakers or you can dress it up with a feminine blouse.
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Universal Standard
Danube Jersey Skirt in Black, $60 at Universal Standard
Pencil skirts are revered for a reason — they pair well with dressy tops for professional settings and look just as amazing with fun, flowy tops. This one is incredibly soft and has a lot of give.
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Tai Jewelry
Asymmetrical Gold and Stone Ear Jacket, $62.50 at Tai Jewelry
This genius earring comes in two parts. You can either wear the stud alone or combined with the ear jacket for a more elevated look.
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ThirdLove
24/7 Classic Strapless Bra, $72 at ThirdLove
Having multiple bras can get quite expensive so you might as well get one that can be worn a multitude of ways.
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Old Navy
Denim Jacket for Women, $36.99 at Old Navy
As the nights get chillier, you’ll need something to cover up. Denim jackets are your best bet since they match literally everything.
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Joe Fresh
Women+ Knot Front Tank, $16 at Joe Fresh
Joe Fresh recently extended its activewear category and now carries up to size 3X. This pink camouflage tank looks equally stylish at the gym or paired with jeans.
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Nike
Sculpt Lux, $95 at Nike
Durable and flattering black leggings are a must when you’re just feeling way too lazy to come up with an outfit, but still need to look put-together.
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ASOS
Design Slim Coat in Check, $103 at ASOS
This lightweight coat is great for transitional weather when it’s too chilly to forgo extra layers, but not cold enough yet for your heavy jacket.
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Stray & Wander
Dream Blanket, $140 at Stray & Wander
As its name implies, this ethically-made cozy blanket is a dream and can double as a massive scarf when the weather inevitably turns. It’s a bit of an investment, but one sure to last for years to come.
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Blundstone
Dress Boots in Redwood, Style 1309, $184.95 at Blundstone
At one point or another it will rain, so might as well get fashionable yet functional boots for when the inevitable happens. These fit the bill and can also be worn on drier days.
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Reebok
Harman Run Sneaker, $59.99 at DSW
These comfy metallic sneakers are perfect for the gym or when you’re going for a streetwear vibe.
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H&M
Ankle Boots, $34.99 at H&M
A classic pair of chunky black boots will never go out of style. And why should they when they have the power to instantly upgrade whatever you’re wearing with a cool flair.
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Ban.do
Work It Out Gym Bag I Did My Best, $26 at Ban.do
How fun and inspirational is this massive duffel? It’s equally perfect as a gym bag, for carrying your laptop and binder around or when you need something big enough to fit all of your clothes for weekends at your BFF’s dorm.
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Stella & Dot
Switcharoo Tote, $79 at Stella & Dot
You can wear this two-tone tote either as a crinkly gold leather bag or switch it out for the muted matte gold side.
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Kipling
Seoul Go Large Metallic Laptop Backpack, $89.99 at Kipling
If you’re more of a backpack person, this one’s for you. It has a pen compartment, cell phone pocket and laptop sleeve to protect your belongings.
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Warby Parker
Haskell Eyeglasses in Crystal, $95 at Warby Parker
Protect your eyes from all that blue light with a chic pair of glasses. Not only are these affordable, but you can try them on for free in the comfort of your own home before making the purchase.
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Caboodle
Hot Pink Sparkle Jelly Retro On-The-Go Girl, $19.99 at Always Fits
Caboodles are making a comeback and we couldn’t be happier. It’s the cutest way to carry your school supplies or makeup on the go.
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PrettyLittleThing
Orange Printed Satin Head Scarf, $18 at PrettyLittleThing
Sure, this tropical scarf is advertised for the head, but it will look just as chic around your neck with a white button-down, jeans and statement earrings.
