Back to School Trends: Do We Embrace Them or Not?
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The hashtag #BackToSchool on TikTok generates millions of views. It showcases back-to-school outfits, hauls, and various must-have purchases (or not) that most people start making as early as the end of August.
I must admit that as a fashion writer, September is my favorite month. Personally, it’s a chance to start fresh, and with the added bonus of sunshine! Professionally, it’s also the month of global Fashion Weeks, a particularly stimulating time for a fashion journalist.
So, do we embrace this back-to-school phenomenon that returns every year or not?
Let’s embrace back to school to celebrate the return!
Let’s be honest, it’s always nice to buy new clothes to feel good. Plus, in September, the weather is often perfect. Not too hot or too cold, allowing for everything from skirts to pants, t-shirts to blouses. (Except in Germany, where temperatures can drop from 35 to 18 degrees… in one night!)
However, one of the major problems with the back-to-school trend is that it exacerbates social inequalities. On one side, those who can afford shopping sprees; on the other, those who do not have that privilege. Not to mention the ecological impact of a fashion culture that encourages starting the school year with entirely new clothes and accessories.
So, what do we do in the face of this dilemma?
How to adopt the Back to School trend?
- We donate or sell clothes we no longer wear
Buying new clothes is great, but giving a second life to the ones we already own is even better. So, before diving into a shopping spree, think about selling or donating your old clothes to others or to charity.
- We go to the hairdresser
Getting a haircut should be a ritual for everyone before the new school year. Plus, right now, there’s no hesitation about the cut to adopt: the bob.
- We inform ourselves about the trends of the year before Shopping Day!
We embrace conscious shopping, which means buying less but better. To stay ahead of fashion, there’s a simple tip: follow the September Fashion Weeks, read articles, learn about this year’s trends, and make them your own. Buy only pieces you are sure you’ll wear.
No, or rather yes,… but with outfits you already have!
One of the biggest problems I see with the back-to-school trend is the risk of projecting a negative image onto our children and future generations. Let me explain: renewing a large part of your wardrobe once a year by buying new clothes, often excessively, does not align with ecological responsibility. Yet, it’s clear that we must continue to dress ourselves.
So, what should we do instead?
- We buy second-hand
How can we have more quality clothing at a lower cost while adopting a more ecological approach? The answer: second-hand.
Platforms like Vinted or Vestiaire Collective are booming, and you can find luxury brand pieces at very affordable prices.
- We create back-to-school capsules with pieces from our wardrobe
Even those who think they have nothing to wear can undoubtedly create back-to-school capsules. It’s all about pairing basics, like a white t-shirt and a blazer, with jeans, and elevating the look with a few accessories or jewelry to personalize the outfit.
Result: we embrace the trend without overconsuming!
Of course, it’s delightful to indulge in a few purchases to mark the beginning of a new fashion season, but it’s not necessary to renew your entire wardrobe. We focus on trendy basics that we can reuse throughout the seasons.
The ideal is to create special back-to-school capsule collections with clothes we already own, without needing to buy many more. For instance, you can pair a skirt with a pair of autumn ankle boots, or wear an oversized sweater over a short skirt in case of a gust of wind.
In summary, let’s be creative, think about the planet, and save money in the process.
Shopping selection
We treat ourselves, yes, but with moderation: just a few pieces, and above all, we prioritize brands that are transparent about their traceability and offer sustainable clothing. Here is my shopping selection for this back-to-school season, featuring brands that create quality basics while ensuring a minimal carbon footprint.
image credit: ©tot/unsplash
