This year, back-to-school shopping takes on a whole new meaning as students across the country eagerly await their official return to in-person learning. Gone are the days when you once dreamt of lounging in sweats and studying from bed – this year is all about strutting the halls and decorating desks with style.
Ready to curate a confidence-boosting wardrobe and shine like the brilliant scholar you are? Prepare to be saved by the bell blog! Allow us to take you from the mall to the halls with our 2021 Back-to-School Style Guide, filled with A+ worthy pieces that are sure to impress everyone from your teachers and classmates to your roomies and teammates.
Your countdown to campus begins … now!
2021 is all about positive vibes. Bright colors, endorphin-boosting designs and timeless denim with a wow-worthy twist are at the forefront of this year’s back-to-school trends. Who knows: you may just win “Best Dressed” at the end of the year.
70’s High Rise Flare Women’s Jeans, Levi’s
Known for its stellar denim, Levi’s jeans are a tried-and-true classic. Stay ahead of the fashion game by going back in time: we love a high waist 70’s inspired denim, whether relaxed fit, bootcut, slim or flaired their newest arrivals are inspired by their archives and made to last a lifetime.
High-Rise Mini Pleated Skirt, Hollister
Tennis skirts continue to take center stage, from class to the court. Hollister’s variety are timeless yet on-trend – with patterns that provide the ideal transitional for fall. One part preppy and another athletic, you’ll be dressed to impress in both English and Physical Education. Straight As.
Social Tourist Ruched Square-Neck Mini Dress, Hollister
Ready to get a perfect score without sacrificing any time? Dresses are your best friend. Hollister’s latest collaboration with Charli and Dixie D’Amelio’s launch of Social Tourist® is classy enough for class – and fun enough for Friday. Pair with the ultimate Doc Martens for an ultra-cool, celebrity-in-the-wild look.
Adicolor Classics Boiler Suit, Adidas
Push the boundaries of a traditional tracksuit with a one-piece you can style multiple ways. The waist, cuffs, ankles and long zip can all be adjusted to customize your look. Pair with adidas crew socks and classic Superstar hard shells for a school meets street look.
Ribbed Crop Polo Shirt, Zara
Collars, v-cuts and stripes – what year is it, again? Polos are our favorite androgynous look of the back-to-school season. Ribbed material and a slightly cropped cut give Zara’s polos a boldness no one will forget. Pair with relaxed denim to balance the straight A-prep with a cool, after school effortlessness – because life’s too short to fit into just one box.
Trucker Jacket, Levi’s
A Trucker Jacket makes an outfit—and its style endures beyond seasons and trends. Meant to be worn forever, wherever, whenever, you’d be hard-pressed to find a jacket with an easier shape, more versatile weight or inherent sense of cool.
Pro Tip: Visit the Levi’s store Tailor Shop for the ultimate in personalization – from hems, rips and repairs to buttons, pins, patches and more. Customize till you can’t customize anymore!
Baggy Skate Jean, Urban Outfitters
The song goes, “he was a Sk8 Boi” – but even if he wasn’t, he’d be wearing these jeans. We could picture just about every character from The Breakfast Club in these – they’re a timeless and breezy fit that will live in your closet forever.
Sun + Stone Men’s Dip-Dye Henley Created for Macy’s, Macy’s
Half the fun of returning to school is picking out a first day outfit – just ask Macy’s. The brand’s back-to-school picks are filled with joy-inducing bright colors and tie-dye – and Henley’s are *almost* too cool for school.
Graphic T, Nordstrom
Graphic tees? Yes, please. We’re all raising our hands for Nordstrom’s selection of casual-cool shirts featuring some of our favorite artists and brands.
Keith Haring Hoodie, H&M
Bring street art to art class with H&M’s bold collection of hoodies, sweatpants, shorts and more from its pop art drop, which features fresh streetwear that pays tribute to the legendary artist Keith Haring.
Step into the school year with kicks that will elevate your back-to-school shoe game. These pairs will have your classmates turning heads as you strut through the halls.
Platform Converse, Urban Outfitters
Get lifted into the new school year in platform shoes from Converse. Inspired by the iconic looks of ‘90s girl bands, this Chuck Taylor All Star can add a touch of cool to just about any outfit.
Nike Blazer Mid ’77 High Top Sneaker, Nordstrom
Big on Swoosh, even bigger on style. These old-school, high-top basketball shoes will make you stand out in the crowd with a streamlined profile and sleek autoclaved sole that keep the vintage vibes hustling.
Saucony – SHADOW 6000 WHITE/BLUE, Survival
Summoning 1991’s best high mileage running shoes, these classics support and flex perfectly with killer cushioning. You’ll be mistaken for Tyler Herro when you indulge yourself with the suede and leather that give this retro athletic shoe a classic look.
Forum Low Shoes, Adidas
A modern take on classic basketball-inspired shoes, Adidas Form Low Shoes weave primary and pastel hues into every stride. You’ll never want to take these off.
Womens Dr. Martens 1460 8-Eye Boot, Journey’s
With 90’s prep still a major player in what seems to be all fashion profiles, it’s not time to say goodbye to the return of Doc Martens just yet. You’ll be seeing these with classic 90’s preppy pieces like cardigans, pleated skirts and plenty of plaid.
Puma Suede Triplex x Kool-Aid, Champs
The classic style of PUMA suede meets the nostalgic deliciousness of Kool-Aid. Featuring an embossed leather pattern in the instantly recognizable design of the Kool-Aid Man’s brick wall as well as bold red and blue colors, the PUMA Suede Triplex x Kool-Aid is a pair of kicks that takes refreshing to the next level.
Kickoff Trainer Sneakers in Neutral Colorblock Leather, Madewell
Pro Tip: Pair Madewell’s cult-followed trainer or court sneakers with a dress or shirt and skirt combo for an influencer-worthy high-low look.
Exercise? We thought you said accessorize. These pieces of jewelry will ensure your back-to-school aesthetic is on point.
Freshwater Pearl Drop Necklace Set, Madewell
Looking for the perfect layer? A set of three ready-to-layer necklaces, including a beaded chain, a coin pendant with a carabiner clasp and a freshwater pearl pendant is a perfect trio.
Block Letter Monogram Necklace, Anthropologie
Get personal with Anthropology as you head back to class. This block letter monogram necklace is a staple you’ll wear for years to come.
Claw Clip, Anthropologie
You’ll never have a bad hair day with these trendy claw clips.
Everyday Hoop Earrings, Urban Outfitters
Designed for every day, this Urban Outfitters earring pack is the perfect set to carry you through the week. You’ll look good as gold in these hoops.
Horoscope Bracelet, Zara
It’s your school year, no matter your astrological sign. Add this woven thread arm candy to your wardrobe to brighten up your school day.
Michael Kors Men’s Blake Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch, Michael Kors
Now is the time to stand out. This Michael Kors watch will add value to your attire.
From backpacks to lunch break must-haves, the school year is just another opportunity to upgrade your accessories and shop for the perfect complement to your many outfits.
L Pack 2.0, Levi’s
With just the right amount of space for everything you need and nothing you don’t, the L Pack is the perfect 24-hour day bag. And because Levi’s designs with the planet in mind, they’ve crafted this essential using durable recycled polyester.
Jordan Jumpman Classics Backpack, Champs
Practical for studies and sleek enough for sports, this Jordan backpack at Champs scores all the right points.
Sprayground Camo Drip Sharks in Paris Backpack, Zumiez
Move through the day with both hands free with the Camo Drip Sharks in Paris backpack from Sprayground. It’s no secret that when it comes to going back to school, Sprayground backpacks are on the must-have list, known for their artsy, unique, fun and elevated version of a regular school backpack.
BCG Canvas Backpack, Urban Outfitters
This UO-exclusive cotton canvas backpack by BCG features a dual-compartment silhouette with a side pocket, keyring, haul handle and adjustable straps. When it comes to backpacks, you can’t go wrong with a neutral – it works with any outfit every day of the week.
LARQ Self-Cleaning Water Bottle, Nordstrom
School keeps you busy – so anything that can saves time gets extra credit, and this water bottle is no exception. Drink water confidently anywhere you go with this bottle that’s worry free, thanks to a self-cleaning mode that activates a purifying UV light every two hours.
Food 52 Reusable Straw Set, Nordstrom
Reassure your environmental studies professor that you’ve been listening in class with eco-conscious reusable straw and dining sets from Food 52.
Technology continues to become more and more integrated into campus life than ever before. These top tech products will help you or your student make the most of their back-to-school experience this year.
iPhone 12, The Apple Store
The new iPhone 12 is a no brainer thanks to its greatly improved camera and variety of fun, new colors.
AirTags, The Apple Store
If you’re constantly misplacing your keys, gym bag or backpack, Apple’s AirTags are for you! Keep track of your possessions with these customizable Bluetooth trackers.
Thumbs Up Vlogging Tripod, Macy’s
Useful for upping your social media game or taking high-quality photos/videos for class projects, Macy’s Thumbs Up Vlogging Tripod is a must-have item for your digital toolkit.
Crosley Record Player, Urban Outfitters
It’s time to put your records on and enjoy the soothing soundtrack of your choice to make your study session even more productive. Find this exclusive Crosley Velvet Voyager Bluetooth Record Player at Urban Outfitters.
Marshall Major III Bluetooth Headphones, Urban Outfitters
Need to take your playlist on-the-go? Opt for these Marshall Major III Bluetooth Headphones from Urban Outfitters, which can easily help you transition from the library to the gym and beyond.
Style class dismissed! Shop these and many other back-to-school styles at Aventura Mall – then show off your new campus wardrobe with some photos! Tag us in your best “first day back” looks by tagging @AventuraMall and #AventuraMall for a chance to be featured on our social channels.
For more information, call 305-935-1110.
