It’s that time of year again: Back to school. Flipping through glossy magazines and Google searches trying to scout out the biggest trends and pieces before inevitably heading out to the nearest shopping mall with my friends was practically a thing of tradition for me. And so, in this month’s article, I bring you the biggest trends that you will want to seek out to refresh your wardrobe as we transition from summer back into fall.

The Graphic Tee
Graphic T-shirts are giving us ’90s vibes and making a huge comeback as of late. Select one that is either black or white with a colorful or retro design, so as to not appear too over the top. Let the graphic be the center of the outfit, not the color of the tee. My favorite way to rock a graphic tee is to select one bearing bright characters or phrases from my favorite ’90s sitcoms, pairing it with relaxed shorts, jeans or black leggings.

Black
This is less of a color and more of a statement. Black is the most chic color that you can add to your wardrobe when you want to keep it simple and monochrome. Pair a simple black shirt with denim jeans and add a statement bag.

Doc Martens
Yup, they’re back. Believe it or not, this ultra-popular ’90s shoe is feeling the love again, revived with new patterns and colors. If you are going to pick a brightly colored or patterned shoe, keep the rest of the look simple. If not, a neutral color can be paired with a skirt for an effortless vibe.

Bike Pants
That’s right, you read that correctly. Those ’80s-’90s spandex bermuda bike pants are making a serious comeback in the form of athleisure. Cool and comfortable for transition weather, wear these in a dark, neutral color (black is my personal choice) and pair with a graphic tee or tank for a lived-in, effortless feel. Add some sneakers, and you have a comfy and cool back-to-school outfit.

Statement Backpack
Backpacks have been really on-trend for the past few years, and this season is no exception. These casual bags are a great choice given that they are easy to carry and convenient to fill with all of your back-to-school essentials. Bold colors mixed with more subdued (often designer) monograms and patterns are perfect to pair with any of the above trends. On a budget? Try finding a bargain at your local department store or outlet. Every brand and price point has plenty to choose from as this trend won’t be leaving us anytime soon.

April Goddard