Guys it feels like I barely blinked and summer’s already over! Luckily, I’ll be able to enjoy warm weather for a bit longer but all of my teacher friends are getting ready to head back to their classrooms and lately the roads have been full of school buses. It felt fitting to share a first day outfit as well as ten pieces that you can wear now and later.
10 early fall staples you can wear now and later! Click To Tweet{This post may contain affiliate or referral links. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link in this post. Thank you for your support of What Nicole Wore.}
Featured | First Day Outfit:
First Day Outfit | 10 Back to School Staples.
This is such a huge time to shop and can be crazy overwhelming as well. For me, I try to grab pieces that I’ll be able to wear not just during back to school season. Above you’ll see the pieces I wore nonstop in the summer to fall months last year. These closet workhorses are easy to mix and match and the non-clothing items are a few of my holy grails during back to school season.
These closet workhorses are the best kind: easy to mix and match. Click To Tweet- Striped blouse | While it’s not a secret that I love stripes, there’s a reason behind it too. A striped blouse can be worn casually with jeans or tucked into a skirt, which brings us right into #2 on this list.
- Sidewalk skirt | With the elastic waist and pockets, this skirt will be your closet BFF whether your shaped like a stick or pear shaped like me. I have these skirts in the cotton for summer and the wool. My solids are both wool and can be worn now and later with tights. {Pro tip: while these are frequently on promo at J. Crew Factory, you can also usually find them secondhand through ThredUp!}
- Rain flats | Game. Changer. I have these in navy with green dots and have worn them a ton this summer since it rains so much in Louisville. These are easy to pack in a tote or backpack and keep your feet dry. Obviously, if you have a TON of rain, you’ll still want your rain boots but this is a nice in between.
- Ankle boots | The cut outs on these are EVERYTHING. Ankle boots can be worn with skirts, shorts, cuffed jeans, dresses, the list goes on. At $34, this pair is a complete steal and something you’ll be able to get a ton of wear out of.
- Pendant necklace | While I’ve stopped being quite so accessory crazed, I can’t deny the power of the pendant. While this one comes in a few different stones, I like the gold a lot for its versatility.
- Water bottle | Staying hydrated is important for a number of reasons so I always try to throw my water bottle in my bag. For me, I notice a huge difference in my skin and how I physically feel when I make a point to regularly drink water. This time of year, I’ll switch between sparkling water with lemon and drinking out of my S’well since it keeps water cold for up to two days. While it’s definitely on the pricier side for a water bottle, I can leave ice water in my hot car and it will still be icy hours later.
- Nail polish | Let’s talk about nudes – the good kind! While it’s rare to catch me in a muted lipstick, I do like to break out a nice neutral nail color. This shade ‘I’ll Have a Gin and Tectonic’ from the latest OPI collection is soft, professional looking and great year round.
- Lightweight twill jacket | This one’s coated to protect you from rain and has a hood that can be detached. The olive green transitions perfectly into fall and this will look SO good over the striped blouse!
- Elevated tee shirt dress | The spiral twist on the front of this makes it more than just your standard shirt dress to throw on over leggings. Wear it with ankle boots and a short necklace now and under a cargo jacket later.
- The planner | I have to physically write things down and see them which is why I still stick with the traditional paper agenda. Kate Spade’s aren’t lined {boo} but do feature plenty of space to write as well as a two page monthly view.
First Day Outfit | What’s the Skinny?
I can never get enough white blouses – dress ‘em up, dress ‘em down, they’re great regardless. I’ve worn this one with jeans but opted for a dark rinse denim skirt for a casual but cool first day outfit. While the cutout details seem risqué, the ruffled layer balances things out. {Although admittedly, this top would have to be under a cardigan at the high school I went to!}
I can never get enough of white blouses! Dress this one up or down. Click To TweetFirst Day Outfit | Devil’s in the Details.
My striped faux leather and suede tote acts as the statement piece of this outfit. The mustard yellow, cobalt and red stripes immediately caught my eye during the Nordstrom Sale and I’m so glad I snagged the bag. While it also comes in a neutral version with brown, black and white stripes, I thought this would be a fun way to work some fall color into my wardrobe.
Finally, I have to give this eye shadow palette some love. While I love my Urban Decay palettes, I’ve found myself reaching for this LORAC one lately; the shades blend so easily and it’s easy for me to create an everyday or special occasion look.
Nataly says
I am in love with this look for fall! I might need that bag too!
whatnicolewore@gmail.com says
Thanks Nataly! Happy Monday!
Laura || Walking in Memphis in High Heels says
I am loving all your picks! That bag is really cute and I am loving that water bottle! I love the saying on the planner!
whatnicolewore@gmail.com says
Thanks so much Laura!
Amy M Loochtan says
that bag is definitely perfect to lug everything around in!
whatnicolewore@gmail.com says
Thank you Amy! Happy Monday!
Sarah Caton says
Love that top! It’s like a new take on eyelet!
whatnicolewore@gmail.com says
Thank you Sarah!
Zac @ The Kitchen Gent says
I’m obviously not the only one but I’m obsessed with that bag! Huge blocks of color are definitely a scene stealer, and I love the way you styled it with your outfit!
whatnicolewore@gmail.com says
Thanks so much Zac!
Kelsey says
I always LOVE back to school shopping! Great outfit!
whatnicolewore@gmail.com says
It’s such an exciting time!
Ruthie says
Ok, this top is AMAZING and I love that bag!!! xo
whatnicolewore@gmail.com says
Thanks so much Ruthie!
Melissa Damon-Moore says
This bag is too gorgeous!!
x
Missy
http://popofstyle.com
Mandy Baker says
I love your back to school look! The booties are so cute!
Rach says
You nailed all the stuff that is perfect for transitioning into Fall! Loving your outfit girl and your striped tote is so cute!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Melissa says
I’m obsessed with that tote! It’s a really great price right now too. I also like the skirt you picked too. Looks great for teaching (I teach K!). Also, the Billy Madison reference made me laugh.
Helen says
I LOVE your bag!! You did an awesome job styling this look.
Stephanie says
I may not be in school anymore, but this list sure brings me back to BTS shopping in high school ahaha! You nailed it – I would’ve loved having you around during my school years! These tips are great!
Yulissa says
I’ve been wanting that top for so long, and I was scared to get it! It looks cute on you so i might get it.
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
I absolutely love this look! Especially love the white cutout top paired with the suede boots (and that bag!). You’ll get a lot of wear from the boots in the upcoming seasons, I’m sure!
Kristina says
That top is so stinking cute on you! I always love the ‘back to school’ time!
xo, Kristina
Alix Maza says
I’ve been looking for an army green jacket! This one is so cute!
Sydney says
I just adore that bag!! So cute! I am getting excited for back to school!
Kelsey says
I don’t know what I love more- that top or that bag!! It’s all so cute! xo
Becky says
That bag is so cute and versatile!
Hannah says
You are going to kill school in this fun look! Also that bag is to die for:)
xoxo, Hannah
Lily says
Love, love, love it ALL! Especially that bag!
xo, Lily
Beauty With Lily
Stefanie says
can’t believe summer is coming to an end! love that bright bag, will be perfect for school!
adriana says
I Love your picks! That colorblock bag is gorgeous and that lace top is stunning!
whatnicolewore@gmail.com says
Thank you Adriana! Hope you had a great Monday!
Ada says
Love this outfit so much. So many great Fall pieces. The blouse, tote and skirt are so fun cute and versatile AND I love your Fall picks. A good water bottle and a good planer are always a must.
Welcome by Thursday and linkup with me dear Nicole! Thanks, Ada. =)
whatnicolewore@gmail.com says
Thanks so much for stopping by Ada!
Nistha Saraf says
The eyelet top looks pretty on you!
Nistha
https://www.fashionistha.com/dress-like-a-million-dollar-smile/
whatnicolewore@gmail.com says
Thanks so much!
Ruth says
Love the boots you’re wearing and I like all your picks!
http://www.mylittlenest.org
whatnicolewore@gmail.com says
Thank you Ruth! Hope you had a great Tuesday!
Shea says
I love this whole look! That top is so fun, and I love how the bright stripes of that bag really pop. This is the perfect way to show a little bit of fall but make it work for still-warm weather.
Stopping by from the Confident Twosday linkup 🙂
whatnicolewore@gmail.com says
Thanks so much for stopping by Shea!
Jessica A Jannenga says
Love that top on you and I am a fan of the jean skirt, just bought one too!
Thanks for linking!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com