BACK TO SCHOOL
Sorry, students! The days of limitless slumber and endless lounging are officially numbered: Back to school is almost here. But while you may dread those early mornings and seemingly endless amounts of homework (Another essay? Really?), one thing to look forward to is refreshing your back-to-school wardrobe. Whether you’re looking to add one new piece to your closet or are considering a full-on wardrobe overhaul, there are a few key pieces to pick up this school year that will ensure you hit the hallways in some seriously enviable (and Instagram-able) style. From workhorse backpacks (for all those textbooks, tech gadgets, papers and more) to wear-everywhere denim, Aleesha Harris shares the back-to-school items to add to your — or more likely, your parents’ — shopping list.
THE JACKET
Floral prints are sure to be on full display throughout the fall-winter season. The bright blooms set against a moodier-hued background ensure the print appears less off-season and in style under grey skies, or the unflatteringly yellow-tinged light of the classroom. This petal-covered varsity jacket hits several style points, thanks to the sporty cuffs and waistband, satin material and — of course — the pretty print. Gapcanada.ca | $59.95
THE GLASSES
Whether you’re a full-time, casual or computer-only glasses wearer, heading back to school provides the perfect excuse to treat yourself to a new pair of frames (and lenses, of course). The minimalist trend of clothing and design has seeped into the eyewear space — chunky frames that cover half your face and sit like a 10-pound weight in your backpack are out, as people opt for thinner, wire and even frameless options. These Joseph Marc Theorem Gold glasses offer the perfect balance between frameless and too-much frame thanks to their gold-wire design and textured bridge. Clearly.ca | $95
THE SHIRT
Continuing with the his-and-hers approach, skip the fitted, cropped or super-oversized styles on offer at most T-shirt shops and instead, opt for a classic T-shirt with a just-right, roomy fit. This organic cotton longline T-shirt from Le 31 can be worn with a pair of skinny jeans and sneakers in early fall, and layered with an on-trend hooded pullover and denim jacket once the colder weather settles in. Simons.ca | $9.99
THE SHOES
A good place to start when it comes to your shopping list? At your feet. A fun footwear selection ensures you’ll be stepping out in style — no matter how basic the rest of your look is. The androgynous, sporty and throwback trends are all checked off with a pair of Vans Checkerboard Slip-Ons. The unisex style looks chic with an all-black ensemble for the artsy or fashion crowds, or worn with jeans and a T-shirt for just about everyone else. vans.ca | $60 Not exactly a fashion item, this Emoji pencil case is sure to be a conversation starter in class. The fun-and-functional piece will keep all your writing utensils in check, while the plethora of emotion-mimicking mini faces will allow you to seamlessly (and silently) communicate with your desk mates. Simply point to the face that best matches your mood or reaction, and you’ve basically said all that needs to be said. Walmart | $4.97 (in U.S.)
THE BACKPACKS
The most logical starting point of any back-toschool shopping list, a good backpack seems to set the tone for the year ahead. Consider grabbing a ’pack in a cheery shade like this bold, cherry-hued Junior Book Bag from MEC or one with a playful print, like this cheeky dinosaur bag from Gap, to ensure you get an instant mood boost every time you reach in your bag for one of those pesky textbooks. Gap | $59.95 and MEC.ca | $47
THE TIMEPIECE
Looking to add a dose of print and colour to your school look but don’t want to appear too over the top? Consider adding this colourful Garden Midi Square dial watch by Olivia Burton to your everyday ensemble. The only problem? While you’ll add a cute dose of interest to your look, you’ll also rob yourself of the easy excuse for being late. (“But I didn’t know what time it was ...”) Nordstrom | $167
THE HAT
This is officially the point at which you either love this article, or you lose trust in it completely and toss it out. But, stick with me for a minute. No, a denim bucket hat like this one from the brand Publish isn’t for everyone, but a fabulous hat — be it a trim tuque, a new baseball cap or even a jaunty trilby, is a fun fashion accessory to add to your back-to-school lineup. Hudson’s Bay | $55
THE TECH ITEM
While you can skimp and save on certain style items, one area in which you’ll likely want to splash out is tech. Whether it’s time for a fresh new phone, or you’re ready to invest in a higher performance piece like this Apple iPad Pro, a good gadget ensures the school year’s assignments will be smooth sailing. Because few things are worse than having your old laptop or tablet crash as you’re putting the finishing touches on that 3,000-word essay. Ugh. Apple.com/ca | From $869
THE JEANS
A fresh new pair of jeans is a definite “do” for back to school. And when it comes to blue denim, it doesn’t get much more iconic than Levi’s. Whether you’re shopping for a girl or a guy, a pair of 501 Skinny (available in iterations for both him and her) in a light-wash hue is a stylishly safe bet as they’re bound to be worn all year long. aritzia.com | $118