With the academic year fast approaching, now is the perfect time to revamp your wardrobe with looks that represent comfort, expresses your personality, and a hint of trendiness. Regardless, whether you’re on your way to high school or headed to college for the first time, the back-to-school outfit trends for 2025 encourages your individuality, while also focusing on wearability. From denim to layers of oversized comfort, there is a 2025 outfit for everyone, and all styles.

So here is how to rock these trendy and school-approved outfit ideas, that are easy, and the perfect pieces to make a statement this semester.

1. Everything Oversized

The trend of oversized remains! Baggy jeans, slouchy cardigans, and oversized button-ups will keep you cool and collected while keeping your look fashionable. Oversized outfits let you stay comfortable all day while still keeping your style effortlessly cool. For a balanced look, try pairing your oversized bottoms with a fitted tee or crop tank, or layer on oversized layers such as an oversized blazer over an oversized hoodie for the fashionable bulky layered look.

Style Suggestion: Unique oversized items are obtained at thrift stores. Just remember to wash your thrifted finds!

2. Skirts & Cargos on the Comeback

Skirts are happening this season, and pleated tennis skirts (or just longline denim) are making quite a showing. The big one this time around? Cargo skirts, which are coming back for spring 2025, are a great way to bring utility into everyday looks. Try styling them with baby tees, fitted tanks, or chunky knits for a polished yet effortless vibe.

3. Preppy Aesthetic, with a Twist

Taking the original preppy aesthetic and making it modern, with the addition of colorful blazers, bold socks, loafers and sweater vests. Don’t forget the plaid skirt, the graphic tee, the oxford underneath the pastel knit and the endless pairs of loafers! The preppy look blends vintage school-uniform style with a modern Gen Z twist, mixing classic charm with current trends for a fresh, youthful vibe.

4. Denim on Denim

The classic Canadian tuxedo has returned, but more on the 2025 side. Denim-on-denim is making a strong comeback, with jackets, jeans, and shirts creating a bold, coordinated monochrome outfit that’s hard to resist. Feel free to keep matching shades of denim, or play off light and dark washes. The denim-on-denim look will leave you looking sharp and fancy; it also reads as being together without much effort, which is perfect for making a statement in the school hallways.

5. Fun Brights & Quirky Prints

Why not stand out when you can? Bright colors and unique prints such as checkerboard, florals, and swirling patterns are all on trend this season. You can always throw in a pop of color with a bright top, playful socks, or fun printed pants. Colour-blocking is another creative component that can help you express your individual style through your outfits and accessories. 

Pro Tip: When going for colour and bold prints, keep your accessories to a minimum so they don’t clash. 

6. Layered Athleisure 

Comfort is still key and athleisure offers a simple, on-trend way to layer to the season. Think about hoodies layered with biker shorts and stylish sneakers. A cropped puffer jacket or a fitted long sleeve worn underneath a baggy jersey to pull it together are some elevated options that will surely keep you looking sporty with style. 

7. Accessories that make a Statement

This season is calling for statement accessories. Imagine chunky rings, layered chains, cute mini backpacks, and vibrant hair clips adding that perfect finishing touch to your outfit. With the right add-ins, a simply curated outfit can feel completely new or different. Scrunchies and headbands are also beginning to make a cute resurgence! 

8. Footwear Trends: Loafers, Sneakers, & Chunky Booties

Footwear effects the look of your entire outfit. Chunky sneakers and lug-sole boots are ridiculously comfortable, as well as unbelievably trendy! Loafers are another smart option, especially if platform soles or a unique embellishment are added, they offer a polished addition to anything from jeans (fun casual) to a school uniform (dressy). 

Conclusion

2025’s back-to-school fashions are the right mix of fun, flair, and function. Whether you’re drawn to statement color, preppy classic styles, or more relaxed oversized looks, there are plenty of styles you can opt for. The best part is a lot of these looks you can style with pieces you already have, or get on a budget.

This school year, let your outfit do the talking before you say a word.