Back to School Favorites

There’s something about back-to-school season that feels like a fresh start, whether you’re packing lunches and heading to drop-off, returning to the classroom yourself, or simply settling back into a fuller fall calendar. September brings its own little rhythm of coffee dates, school events, office days, weekend errands, farmers market runs, and evenings out, and I always find myself craving outfits that feel polished without requiring too much thought. Think beautiful layers, great denim, easy dresses, comfortable flats, and a few special pieces that make even the most ordinary weekday feel pulled together. These are the pieces I’d reach for now, wherever this season happens to take you.

• This camel short trench with its contrast collar is the perfect back-to-school layer. Throw it over this striped cashmere sweater, with these jeans (15% off with STACIE15) and leopard ballet flats for easy mornings, or pair with navy wide leg pants (10% off with STACIE10) for a more elevated look.
• Silk pants that feel like pajamas but look incredibly pulled together? Yes please. These paisley wide leg pants or these patterned silk trousers both pair beautifully with a simple cashmere tee and suede mules and chunky diamond huggies or a monogrammed necklace.
• For game days and crisp fall Saturdays, this blue striped bell sleeve tee feels so much more elevated than a regular t-shirt. The flared sleeves make all the difference. Pair with denim, fun tassel loafer mules, and this burgundy crossbody bag.
• This cotton-silk blouse looks perfectly put together with jeans and a great suede bag. (I brought this bag (12% off with STACIE12) to England and have been wearing it nonstop. It holds so much and looks way more expensive than its price tag. I have the 35 size in chocolate suede.)
• An investment piece that will become a wardrobe staple, this textured jacquard cardigan with fringed trim looks stunning buttoned up with jeans or with a pencil skirt at the office. It's the kind of layer that makes the whole outfit.
• If you must wear a white t-shirt and jeans, drape this navy bandana-print shawl around your neck, and sling this canvas weekday tote over your shoulder (I especially love it in golden khaki, which adds some punch to navy and white.) Splurge on the monogram so no one grabs yours by mistake.
• A fall evening out calls for something like this paisley mini dress with its bell sleeves and dropped waist. Gorgeous with bare legs and a cognac pointed toe flat (on sale) to keep it casual, or pair with these suede slingbacks to dress it up.
• Matching sets are my secret weapon for busy mornings, and I love wearing sets like this sage quarter zip set ($50 off with STACIE50) with a barn jacket for dog walks then swapping the pants for jeans to meet a friend for coffee.
• If it's still warm where you are, pair this blue and white patchwork canvas skirt (15% off with STACIE15) (on sale!) with this chunky navy crewneck sweater and flats. I love a mini skirt with a big tote thrown over your shoulder as well.
• I'm obsessed with this navy cable knit collared sweater. The collar detail means you look put together without needing to layer a button-down underneath. Perfect with these jeans and these suede mules.
• How fun is this burgundy argyle merino polo? It feels like silk, looks preppy-cool, and pairs beautifully with dark jeans and loafers for a fall outfit that gets compliments.
• The smocked neckline gives this paisley silk blouse (20% off with StacieM20) such a pretty, pulled-together feel. Tuck into the best straight leg jeans I own. Flattering through the waist and hip with just enough stretch. (And they come in three lengths!)
• Stripes that feel fresh for fall: this chocolate and ivory rollneck sweater is an update to one of my favorite sweaters. I love the relaxed fit for layering under this waxed cotton barn jacket with patch pockets for holding everything from dog treats to your phone and keys.
• Luxe lambskin suede in a rich burgundy makes this barn jacket (on sale!) a real showstopper. The black leather collar adds edge. I'd wear it over this paisley cashmere sweater or a simple cable cashmere t-shirt with straight leg jeans and loafers.
• Romantic white blouses feel so right this time of year and two of my favorites include this embroidered shirt tucked into jeans or this ivory pintucked top worn loose with jeans for a fall farmers market run.
• This cashmere boatneck has a versatile silhouette that works for almost any occasion. Pop on this plaid car coat for a classic look with a twist.
• Quilted and belted, this floral jacket in navy and rust tones is so pretty for fall. I'd wear it over this sleeveless turtleneck with these super-flattering olive corduroys.
• I love this moody floral wrap skirt in autumnal tones that works from a full day of errands to dinner out. Pair with a cozy olive cable knit sweater (on major sale!) and boots.
• Bold print, zero effort: this colorful mini dress is the kind of piece that looks like you tried (you didn't). Throw on this everyday tennis bracelet and kitten heel slingbacks and you're done.

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