OK, Nike! The Cool Kids’ Guide To Back-To-School Style
Like clockwork, back-to-school season has arrived—but this year, we’re giving the dependable basics a fashuun-forward refresh that makes returning to class feel a little more exciting.
Whether you’re heading back to campus to check off a few more credits or shopping for a little one in your life, we’ve made it easy to find standout pieces for first period, the library, and everywhere in between.
Our secret style weapon? Nike’s back-to-school section. It’s filled with casually cool staples that feel relaxed and effortless but never slouchy. With a few key pieces and clever styling tricks, anyone can make the best-dressed list.
Read on for the Refinery29 guide to mastering cool-kid back-to-school style with Nike.
The New Uniform
The pleated miniskirt has evolved from a classroom classic into a modern wardrobe essential, thanks largely to its runway presence over the past few years. The key to making it feel current is pairing it with unexpected pieces—like a graphic long-sleeve tee, an oversized jacket, or statement shades. Finish with crew socks and sneakers for a look that nods to traditional school uniforms without feeling like a costume. The combination is polished enough for class but playful enough for whatever’s on the schedule afterward.
The Modern Sweats
Comfort is key, but it doesn’t have to mean looking disheveled. The secret lies in choosing a thoughtful silhouette, like a slightly flared leg with artful draping that makes sweatpants feel intentional. Add a fitted baby tee or crisp button-down to balance the relaxed shape, then finish with streamlined sneakers and a structured tote. The result is comfortable enough for a full day of classes but polished enough for whatever comes afterward.
The Statement Sunnies
We briefly touched on head-turning sunglasses above, but they’re worthy of their own section, especially the larger-than-life silhouettes trending right now. They’re the quickest way to make a simple T-shirt-and-sweats combination look deliberately styled. Try a sporty wraparound pair for a futuristic edge, or reach for oversized aviators if you prefer something more classic. Either way, they’ll make the commute to those early-morning classes look significantly chicer, even when you’re still waking up.
The Joyous Jersey
On and off the field, sporty jerseys have become our shortcut to an instantly cool, casual look. Wear one oversized with biker shorts, tuck it into a pleated skirt, or layer it over a fitted long-sleeve tee when the temperature drops. You can even pair it with relaxed trousers for an unexpected high-low combination. The best part? Jerseys work across ages and dress codes, making them a win-win, even if you can’t name everyone on the team.
The Unexpected Bag
Backpacks will forever be synonymous with carrying textbooks, but the 2026 approach comes with more personality. Give a classic style an update with playful bag charms, or skip the backpack altogether for a roomy tote that speaks to your aesthetic. Just make sure your choice can accommodate the essentials: a laptop or tablet, water bottle, headphones, and whatever else the day demands. The coolest school bag is one that feels different from what everyone else is carrying without sacrificing the space and comfort you actually need.
The Hyped Hoodie
Hoodies are forever, but a textured fleece version that comes in a dopamine-inducing color feels of the moment. The splash of color will bring all of your neutral closet essentials to life, whether it’s a pair of black sweatpants or a pair of jeans. In addition to the sartorial level-up, keep a fleece hoodie on deck for the classrooms that always have the air conditioning blasting.
The Spot-On Sneakers
We can’t forget about the cool kicks. Right now, the fashion girlies are obsessing over animal print everything, including leopard-print sneakers. It doesn’t matter if you’re a diehard Air Force 1 fan or prefer the sporty versatility of a running shoe, adding a wild print is the quickest way to invigorate any back-to-school outfit. Imagine how chic these will look with your go-to polo shirt and khaki uniform skirt.
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