Nothing makes you question your entire identity quite like getting dressed for the first day of school. You want to look different, but not like you’re trying. A summer away can inspire a whole new personality, or at least a new pair of shoes. For one morning, your outfit makes you the person you’ve decided you’re going to be all semester. Of course, by week two, the fantasy usually gives way to whatever gets you through that 8 a.m. lecture. Maybe this means ballet flats or baggy jeans or the comfort cardigan you’ll accidentally wear three times a week until December. But whatever it is, it’s yours. From go-to looks to the ones that get worn once then pushed to the back of the closet, we turn to students in Chicago, New York, and London to see what they’re wearing to class, what permanently lives in their school bags, and where they find inspiration.
University: Royal College of Art
Major: Contemporary Art Practice.
First day of school outfit?
Knee-high Margiela tabi boots, black pleated skirt, oversized men’s suit jacket, and two scarves. I’m not working in the studios on the first day, so I will dress up.
Do you dress differently outside of school?
It’s always minimalist workwear at school, and outside of school I dress up to make up for all the outfits I didn’t get to wear.
Biggest style inspo?
Shanghai, where I grew up. It’s a city that mixes beige and black Georgian architecture from colonial times with silver skyscrapers. I like to mix modern and antique elements in the way that I dress too—a minimalist approach to the clothing, but paired with stacks of antique jewelry and scarves.
University: University of the Arts London
Major: Creative Direction for Fashion
First day of school outfit?
I always end up deciding the day of. I don’t have an official uniform, but I’m always wearing a fuckass cardigan.
Describe your style in 3 words:
Cute, romantic, random.
What did you wear on your first day of school growing up?
Unfortunately I was imprisoned by uniforms.
University: Northwestern University
Major: Journalism
First day of school outfit?
Straight, dark-wash denim jeans and a white T-shirt as my base. Depending on the weather, I’ll throw on a sweater—maybe my favorite black long-sleeve cashmere that’s perfectly slouchy, or a burgundy pullover. I’ll wear a statement belt, maybe one with cool silver accents to match my jewelry, or one with a similar color leather to my school bag. I love coordination.
What did you wear on your first day of school growing up?
I really went through a different phase every first day. I distinctly remember one time—third grade, maybe—where I showed up with these insane psychedelic-patterned leggings that I wore under ripped denim shorts and cowboy boots. I had these cherry earrings that I matched with a cherry-colored shirt. Not my best look, but at least the coordination has remained consistent.
Your biggest style inspo?
My mom!
University: The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
Major: Art
First day of school outfit?
A mod-style striped mini dress.
What’s your favorite season to dress for?
Spring because of the freshness and smell of flowers in the air—and the feeling of knowing you’ll be shedding your layers throughout the day, like a flower shedding its petals as the days pass by.
What’s joining your school wardrobe this year?
A cute crochet dress I got in Minneapolis the last week of summer.
Miya Kofo, 20
University: Pratt Institute
Major: Film
First day of school outfit?
I’m commuting this year, so I’ve been trying to choose pieces that are comfortable but still cute. For the first day of school, I’ll be wearing my vintage dark-wash Levi’s, a white baby T-shirt, and black ballet flats, paired with my oversized Free People Emerson that I use as a computer bag.
What’s on your Pinterest feed?
Right now, a lot of ceramic figurines, halloween costume inspo, nail art, and photos of Zoe Kravitz.
What’s one piece in your closet you’d save in a fire?
My black Uggs with bows on the back. I got them at a yard sale in my hometown for $1 and I practically live in them during the fall.