Back-to-school ideas for styling your favorite basics

By Ava Van Hofwegen

Finding the motivation to get to an early class is difficult, let alone planning a cohesive outfit to wear to it. When confident in the outfit you can feel confident throughout your day. And the key to an outfit is often in the details: A simple pair of jeans and a plain T-shirt can quickly become a whole new look by adding a few accessories.

Isabella Widrow, a student at the University of Minnesota, says accessorizing her outfits allows an upgrade with little effort or expense. “A few accessories are also a lot more affordable than buying new clothes but still allow me to express my style,” Widrow said. 

Here are a few options to elevate your look:

Jewelry

When looking for a style of jewelry, many try to make the decision between gold and silver and stick with it. There are countless guides online to determine which is best for the wearer. If your skin has cooler undertones silver jewelry might be for you and gold jewelry is best on warmer undertones. Sticking with a certain metal of jewelry throughout can be chic. 

Renee Nicole, a content creator and fashion reseller based in the Twin Cities, says she likes to wear base accessories that match every outfit. Nicole prefers sterling silver antique jewelry that has lasted her years without tarnishing. “It’s important to invest in pieces you wear every day if you want them to last. They also add a touch of femininity to whatever I’m wearing” says Nicole. 

Hair Accessories

Styling hair to match the silhouette of an outfit can make a look come together. As an example, if the outfit is baggier overall, opting for an up-do can balance out the style. Clipping hair back with different pieces is a simple way to put the hair up and claw clips can come in many different variations.

Headbands are an easy way to pull hair back and even keep ears warm for the fall season. Matching a headband with the outfit adds cohesiveness and can be as simple as a piece of thin fabric tied around the hair.

Adding ribbons to the hair has been a trend seen throughout the industry, from high fashion trickled down to fast fashion companies. In the Sandy Liang Fall 2023 collection, ribbons were a noticeable motif across the line from both the clothes to hair accessories. It is a simple and affordable way to make an outfit more put together. Nicole says she loves to accessorize with ribbons and hair clips. “I have short hair and this way, always find fun ways to style it”. 

Scarfs

Scarfs are an obvious choice heading into the winter season. Not only do they provide warmth but also can make a statement in style. Fluffier and large scarves are making a comeback. Popularized by the Acne Studios wool fringe scarf that took the internet by storm. Adding a scarf like that is a fun way to add bright color to a more plain outfit. 

Belts

Belts are in. Along with the revival of 2000s fashion came low-rise and belts. Y2k fashion proved how trends repeat themselves every 20 years. It’s not uncommon for people to layer their belts over skirts and dresses. Kate Moss was known for this look of low-rise belts and knee-high boots in the early years of the millennium. No matter how scary some find its trendiness, fashion tends to repeat itself. 

Less isn’t Always More

Coco Chanel once famously said, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” Recent styles suggest otherwise, when styling outfits for the day a few fashion content creators are turning to more maximalist looks. Fashion shouldn’t be about saving that necklace for a special occasion. If you enjoy wearing it you should be able to show it off.

Wear the Clothes, Don’t Let the Clothes Wear You

It is important not to get carried away with trends. Make sure that you wear what makes you comfortable and confident. That’s the real priority. Accessories allow fun statements to experiment with fashion or signature jewelry pieces you never want to take off. Wearing the clothes by styling them to your liking results in the best kinds of outfits. Having staple accessories you can rely on makes it easier to get up in the morning, knowing what you are going to wear to class will make you confident. “They elevate any look without me having to think about it,” says Nicole.