Back to School, But Make It Cute: Your 2025 Style Guide

Whether you're heading back to high school hallways or moving into your freshman dorm, one thing’s for sure—back to school is the ultimate excuse to refresh your wardrobe and glow up your daily routine. From Insta-worthy outfits to must-have accessories that actually make mornings easier, here’s your go-to guide for starting the school year in style.

📚 The First-Day Fit: Outfits That’ll Own the Hallways

Let’s be real—first impressions matter. Your back-to-school outfit sets the vibe for the year, and we’re here to make sure it’s chef’s kiss.

• Comfy but cute is the name of the game. If it’s not comfy, we’re not wearing it. But that doesn’t mean sacrificing style. Oversized graphic printed sweatshirts are a total must-have this season, giving off effortlessly cool energy while keeping you cozy in those chilly classrooms. Pair them with biker shorts, leggings, or a pair of our joggers from our matching scuba sets for a scroll-stopping look that works from homeroom to hangouts. Layer on a quilted jacket when the AC hits like winter—it’s giving fashion-forward and functional all in one. Cozy wear has officially leveled up.

• Boxer pants + tees = iconic. This duo is basically the “it girl” uniform of back-to-school season. Boxer pants are lightweight, breezy, and beyond trendy—perfect for that roll-out-of-bed-and-still-look-good vibe. Style them with a cropped tee, tank, or oversized button-down for a sporty-chic moment that works for class, coffee runs, or dorm movie nights. Add sneakers and a cute tote bag, and you’ve got a full ‘fit that looks low-effort in the best way. Because who says comfort and confidence can’t be besties?

• Add a trucker hat. Let’s be real: no one has time to do their hair every single morning—and with a trucker hat this cute, you don’t have to. Whether you’re on day three of dry shampoo or just want to add some flair to your look, our statement trucker hats are the ultimate outfit finisher. Go for fun sayings like “Hot Mess Just Doing My Best” or “Tanned & Tipsy” to show off your personality while staying on trend. It’s the easiest way to take any outfit from basic to beyond cute.

🎒 Must-Have Accessories That’ll Level Up Your Look (and Life)

The accessories? They’re not extra—they’re essential. Here are the pieces every girl needs in her back-to-school starter pack:

• Mini Puffer Totes: The Cutest Carry-All on Campus. Let’s hear it for the mini puffer tote—aka your new everyday ride or die. These bags may be compact, but they’re surprisingly spacious, making them perfect for stashing your books, lip gloss, earbuds, and your brand-new planner that you swear you’re going to use this year. Whether you’re heading to class, a study date, or just strutting through the halls, these trending totes are the perfect mix of practical and totally aesthetic.

• Trucker Hats That Talk: Say it with a hat, bestie. Trucker hats are the ultimate back-to-school accessory, especially when they’re repping your mood. From “Hot Mess Just Doing My Best” to “Pickleball Social Club,” these hats bring the ✨vibes✨ and help you stand out in a sea of basic. Bonus points if you coordinate it with your fit for that effortlessly put-together look. Perfect for bad hair days, rushed mornings, or just when you wanna turn a casual ‘fit into a full-on 'fit.

• Slippers You'll Actually Wear Outside The Room: Dorm life = constant cozy-core, and the right pair of cozy slippers can totally elevate your chill game. Our fuzzy, plush slippers are designed to be just as cute as they are comfy, so you can rock them from your dorm lounge to your hall’s coffee cart run (or even the dining hall—no judgment here). Whether you're studying late or having a movie night with your roomie, these slippers are your go-to for staying warm and stylish.

• Makeup Bags & Cosmetic Cases for Organized Girl Era: From quick locker touch-ups between classes to full glam sessions at your dorm vanity, a cute and organized cosmetic bag is essential. Our printed makeup bags are roomy enough to hold all your faves like mascara, gloss, scrunchies, you name it. Keep your beauty must-haves in check while staying on theme with your dorm aesthetic. It’s giving beauty queen, even during 8 a.m. classes.

✨ Back to School Glow-Up Tips for Your Best Year Yet

• Romanticize Your Routine—Because You Deserve It: Let’s turn that daily grind into something ✨magical✨. Start with a cute tumbler that makes your morning matcha or iced coffee feel like a treat, not a chore. Elevate your outfit with a fun puffer tote to replace your backpack. And don’t stop there: whether it’s decorating your locker with photos and washi tape or creating the coziest dorm desk setup with fairy lights and aesthetic stationery, the key is making your space feel good. You’re the main character—own your storyline.
  
  
• Stay Organized, but Make It Cute: You don’t need to have your whole life together—but color-coded folders and a digital planner with stickers definitely help. Staying organized doesn’t have to be boring. Choose school supplies in your fave color palette, use fun highlighters, and don’t forget sticky notes with little affirmations or to-do lists. Not only will you feel more in control, but you’ll actually want to study when your notes look this good. Procrastination who?
  
• Make Room for Joy—On Purpose: School is important, but so is having fun. Make time for moments that feel like a breath of fresh air: a Galentine’s party with your besties, dressing up for theme days, or planning a matcha and manifesting walk before a big exam. These little rituals will keep your vibe high and your burnout low. Your calendar shouldn’t just be homework and deadlines—it should be filled with things you actually look forward to.

🛍️ Teachers, You Deserve a First Day Fit Too!

Back to school isn’t just for students—teachers, we see you! Whether you’re setting up your classroom or heading to meet-the-teacher night, Katydid has stylish picks that feel functional and fun.

• Graphic Tees & Trucker Hats = Casual Friday Goals: Teachers, your style deserves an A+. Enter: comfy-cute graphic tees paired with personality-packed trucker hats—your new go-to for casual Fridays, spirit days, or those end-of-week field trips where comfort is key. Whether it’s a funny slogan tee or a hat that says “Hot Mess Just Doing My Best” (relatable, right?), this combo brings the perfect balance of laid-back and pulled-together. You’ll feel stylish and ready to wrangle a classroom full of chaos—now that’s multitasking.
  
  
• Tumbler Cups That Work Overtime (Just Like You): Let’s talk teacher fuel... caffeine. Our stainless steel tumbler cups are here to keep your coffee hot or your iced latte cold from first bell to final period. They’re durable enough for daily use, come in the cutest designs, and fit perfectly on your desk, rolling cart, or car cupholder. Bonus? They’re basically your unofficial classroom assistant—minus the grading. Sip in style, stay hydrated, and let your travel tumbler cup do the heavy lifting.
  
  
• Tote Bags & Crossbodies That Do It All: Between lesson plans, tech gear, snacks, and thirty random pencils you didn’t ask for, teachers have a lot to carry. Our stylish totes and crossbody bags make it easy to bring everything you need without sacrificing your look. Toss in your iPad, sticky notes, emergency sweet treat—you name it—and head out feeling confident and coordinated. These bags are functional enough for your busiest days and cute enough for after-school errands or happy hour with your teacher besties.

You’re shaping young minds—you deserve to do it in a killer outfit. 👏

So whether you're strutting through high school halls, heading to campus, or prepping your classroom, one thing’s for sure—this school year’s about to be your most stylish one yet.

Shop all things back to school at Katydid and turn every hallway into a runway. 💅📓