by : Lauren Knowles

Back-to-school dressing 101: Now in session.

From decking out your dorm room to swapping last year’s backpack for a trendier tote bag, back-to-school shopping season is officially in full swing. That said, it’s time to get your back-to-school wardrobe in order—and to start planning outfits for the fall semester, pronto.

Covering every category from cozy sweaters and preppy skirts to sophisticated blazers and campus-proof shoes, we’ve rounded up the best back-to-school wardrobe essentials that every stylish student needs to succeed in the fashion department this year.

Cozy Jumpers: Best Back-to-School Sweaters

Look, we’re all for school spirit, but on those days when you’re looking to wear something more elevated than a varsity crewneck branded with the name of your university, throw on a classic sweater. From chunky cable knits to sportier Polo-style tops, sweaters of all shapes and sizes are a non-negotiable. For styling inspiration, pin images of fall fashion icons like Gilmore Girls‘ Rory Gilmore or the cast of Pretty Little Liars in their coziest sweaters to your back-to-school style mood board.

Sunday Best Peggy Sweater

Price: $128

Gap 100% Cotton Oversized Crop Sweater

Price: $86 (on sale)

Roots Cloud One Fit Polo

Price: $94

Smart Button-Ups: Best Back-to-School Blazers

Striking the perfect balance between academic and fashion-forward, every student should have a sophisticated rotation of blazers at the ready. Whether you’ve got an important presentation that you need to dress the part for, or it’s the first day of an internship, any outfit paired with a well-constructed blazer suggests you mean business. Keep your options open by playing with different colours, patterns, and silhouettes.

Mango Pinstripe Suit Blazer

Price: $120 (on sale)

Zara Oversized Double-Breasted Blazer

Price: $90

H&M Oversized Twill Blazer

Price: $75

Preppy Bottoms: Best Back-to-School Skirts

Though your days of wearing a uniform may be far behind you, preppy mini skirts give any back-to-school ensemble a collegiate feel that remains eternally chic. Lean in to the ‘schoolgirl’ look by shopping for uniform-adjacent patterns like preppy plaid and sophisticated stripes. Bonus points if you can get your hands on a comfortable skort.

Maje A-Line Poplin Skirt

Price: $170

Anine Bing Tierra Mini Skirt

Price: $410

Aritzia Crepette Daphne Skort

Price: $110

Campus-Approved Footwear: Best Back-to-School Shoes

Arguably, the most important element of a truly good back-to-school outfit is a reliable pair of shoes you can trust to carry you from class to class. For the fall semester, build up your shoe collection with seasonal boots and loafers from brands like Reformation, Dr. Martens and Ugg. The best campus-worthy steppers are equally as stylish as they are functional, so you really can have it all this school year.

Reformation Francine Ruched Loafer

Price: $298

Dr. Martens Anistone Hi Boots

Price: $260

Ugg Tazz II Platform Mule Slippers

Price: $130 (on sale)

Chic Outerwear: Best Back-to-School Jackets

As campus cools down, stay warm and toasty with autumn-proof outerwear. Timeless denim outerwear and leather jackets are the staple pieces you’ll reach for endlessly—while barn jackets are the currently trending pick that look fresh from the fashion week runways.

Uniqlo Harrington Jacket

Price: $99

Abercrombie Short Denim Barn Jacket

Price: $160

The Frankie Shop Burland Faux Leather Jacket

Price: $478