Cropped Cardigans & Cross-Body Bags: Our 2021 Back-to-School Style Tips

After rocking sweatpants in our living rooms, the pressure is on to have a top-notch back-to-school style.

Picking that first-day-of-school outfit has always been a little anxiety-inducing, and this year more so than ever. If the thought of putting crush-worthy outfits together again every morning has you feeling nervous, stay right here! We’ve got your comeback style covered.

As a top accessory brand, Casely designers know all the hottest tricks to give your autumn look a little oomph. Incorporate these easy trend suggestions from our style editors into your repertoire, and you’ll be stopping traffic in the hallways come September.

1. Cropped Cardigan

This Y2K throwback is an excellent solution for fashionistas who aren’t entirely ready to ditch the loungewear look. Pair a cropped cardigan with some loose-fitting boyfriend jeans or high-rise flare pants, and you’ll be the perfect blend of cozy and flirty.

2. Strappy Sandals

If you spent a good chunk of quarantine binge-watching Sex and the City, then you already know the undying appeal of the strappy sandal. If not, let’s get you up to speed—their classic look and versatility with any outfit mean you can wear them straight from the classroom to the football game.

Even if you can’t afford a pair of Manolo Blahnik’s (let’s be honest, who can?), there are plenty of affordable options to help you strut into school looking as iconic as Carrie Bradshaw.

3. Cross-Body Bags

Leaving the house is great. Forgetting your phone, your keys, or your wallet every time you leave is not. Luckily, the days of heavy backpacks and chunky messenger bags as your only options for carrying essentials are gone.

Just tuck your Casely phone case or phone wallet into a sleek crossbody bag, and you’re good to go. Slung over your shoulder with carefree ease, everything you need will be close at hand—even if you’re no longer close to home.

4. Denim Skirts

Pleated, A-line, mid-length, mini—denim skirts are all about what makes you feel good. Dress it up to be girly, or dress it down to be 90s grunge. Even clip a Casely AirPod case on the belt loop for a maximalist vibe. Whatever your style, you can accessorize the timeless denim skirt to fit it.

5. Cat Eye Sunglasses

The time has finally come to shut off the computer screen and go back to doing school IRL. So how about swapping out those blue-light filtering lenses, too?

Sunglasses have always been the ultimate “cool girl” accessory, but the revival of the vintage cat-eye look takes this style must-have to the next level. Walk into fall 2021 dressed like Audrey Hepburn from Breakfast at Tiffany’s in 1961, and you’ll draw some glances for all the right reasons.

Conclusion

There you have it—your back-to-school style guide for a year unlike any other. The most important thing, though, is to be confident in your fashion sense and make it your own.