Back to School Style

August might not signify the start of a new school year for me specifically anymore (and let's face it; it hasn't in a long time), but I still associate this time of year with the excitement I felt when I was a student. Back-to-school clothes shopping was one of my favorite 'events' of the year. I've always loved the carefree vibe of dressing for summer, but there was just something about the act of picking out and putting together outfits for the school year. And somehow, I still get a small thrill looking through the early fall collections as they hit stores and putting together different looks in my head. (Is there such a thing as a back-to-school personal shopper? Because I'd be all about that job.)

Even if you're like me and way past the student years, back-to-school trends still apply, as they often carry over into fall collections for the rest of us as well. This year I've noticed a whole lot of '90s happening (just like last fall, but even more prominently) - plaid flannel galore, chunky shoes, and tshirts paired with dressier pieces. Summer's feminine, boho pieces have transitioned into fall with pretty prints and lots of layers. And the backpack is the 'it' bag.

To illustrate some fun examples of back-to-school looks based on these trends, I've teamed up once again with my pals over at Kohl's and put together the collage you see above. Each piece in each outfit can be found in Kohl's store and/or in their website. I think #1 is my favorite - I may not be a student, but I'd wear that look in a heartbeat. (Outfit details for each look can be found below).

Which look is your favorite? Whether you're a student or not, do you still get excited about back-to-school clothes like I do?

LOOK 1: Mudd® snit dress ($36), Mudd® cardigan ($40), SO® boots ($74.99), JanSport high stakes backpack ($55)
LOOK 2: Mudd® snit dress ($36), Mudd® open front sweater-knit cardigan ($40), SONOMA life + style® woven with chain belt ($26), Mudd® yarndye oblong scarf ($26), Candie's® boots ($79), Candie's® rachel aztec backpack ($60)
LOOK 3: Apt. 9 woven flounce cami ($22), Mudd® denim jacket ($60), SO® shirt ($36), SO® jeans ($44), Converse all star sneakers ($55)
LOOK 4: Hybrid ex-boyfriend tee ($20), Mudd® denim jacket ($60), Apt. 9® scuba gored skirt ($36), Mudd® felt floppy with bow ($36), SONOMA life + style® brindle boot ($74.99)
LOOK 5: SO® cap-sleeved button up shirt ($36), Mudd® knit cardigan ($36), Mudd® destructed high rise jeans ($48), Candie's® rachel aztec backpack ($60), Candie's® boots ($79.99)
LOOK 6: Rock & Republic born to rock tank ($40), Rock & Republic sleeveless plaid woven shirt ($44), Apt. 9® scuba gorred skirt ($36), JanSport high stakes backpack ($55), Candie's® blimpe boots ($74.99)
LOOK 7: LC Lauren Conrad pintuck peasant top ($44), Mudd® aztec hooded cardigan ($58), Mudd® 5-pocket skinny jeans ($40), Mudd® felt floppy with bow ($36), Apt. 9® shanea wedge ($69.99)
LOOK 8: Mudd® snit dress ($36), SO® shirt ($36), Candie's® anna floral black pink rose backpack ($60), Vans winston low sneakers ($49.99)

This post is in collaboration with Kohl's.

ALSO FIND US HERE: BLOGLOVIN' // INSTAGRAM // FACEBOOK // TWITTER // PINTEREST