Back to School (for Grownups!)

Am I the only one who still gets chills when they hear that first “back-to-school” commercial on TV every year? As a girl I was firmly a Child of Summer, and nothing sounded worse to me than trading in my freedom for a desk and schedule. If there was one thing that softened the blow each year, it was the annual shopping trip my mother and I made to Dallas in search of a few things I’d be excited to wear in the fall. Even though I’ve been out of school for some time now, Mom and I sometimes still do our “back-to-school” shopping trip! And this year I’m loving a schoolhouse look: pinafores, blazers, pleats, and over-the-knee socks paired with flats and loafers. So whether you’re headed back to class this fall or not, try these collegiate classics for a smarter look:

01 Don’t forget your homework with the heritage backpack from Herschel Supply Co.
02 Text between classes with a leopard print calf hair iPhone case from J. Crew
03 Cram all night under the light of the libby tall desk lamp in antique brass
04 You’ll be head of the class in a pair of begley cedar tortoise frames from Warby Parker
05 Take notes in this sweet polka dot notebook from Father Rabbit
06 Drive the boys wild in a pair of over-the-knee ribbed 1937 socks from Madewell
07 Stay gold in this classic v-neck cardigan by Aspesi from Steven Alan
08 We’re loving this plaid box pleat skirt from Alice and Olivia (along with their entire fall collection — there is so much Cher Horowitz happening we can’t even handle it.)
09 Customize your own pair of tasseled slippers at Chatelles Paris
10 Keep those number 2 pencils sharp inside this chameleon collection pencil case from Smythson (and when in doubt, pick “C”)
11 Live vicariously through two of the most angst-ridden students in American literature: Amory Blaine and Holden Caulfield.