As the summer season draws to a slow, sunlit end, we’re already anticipating the chapter that comes next. For many of us, that means packing away our Sahel bags, settling back into our usual routines and reorganising our wardrobes for the season ahead.
Returning to school or university does not have to mean returning to a uniform of basics. From colour-splashed denim and art-inspired palettes to inventive layering and all-black ensembles, these six outfits offer a little inspiration for every kind of dresser. After all, ELLE girls study in style.
FOR THE GIRLS WHO KEEP IT CASUAL
For the girls who like to keep things casual yet playful, breathe new life into the classic white T-shirt and jeans combination with splashes of colour that pay homage to the Sahel season behind us.
Choose relaxed denim with an unexpected print or colourful detailing, paired with bright, lived-in sneakers. A python-embossed cardholder and delicate evil-eye necklace bring texture and personality to the outfit, ensuring even its smallest details feel considered.
FOR THE GIRLS WHO BELIEVE LESS IS MORE
Seasons come and go, but some pieces will always earn their place in your wardrobe. For the girls drawn to timeless style, this classic, effortless look will carry you through the day without demanding too much thought.
Start with a crisp, freshly ironed shirt and structured, straight-leg jeans. A soft suede bag with polished gold hardware adds warmth, while classic leather loafers give the outfit a preppy finish. Complete the look with an understated watch for a combination that feels refined without becoming overly formal.
FOR THE GIRLS WHO LIVE IN SNEAKERS
Sneakerheads, unite. This is your opportunity to build the kind of if-you-know-you-know outfit that makes everyday dressing feel a little more considered. Your favourite clothes should never have to wait for a special occasion.
Pair a faded graphic T-shirt with embellished denim, allowing a mixture of worn-in cotton, metallic details and heavy fabric to give the outfit its character. Add a bag in an unconventional colour, chunky silver jewellery and sculptural sneakers for a look that feels relaxed, but never predictable.
FOR THE GIRLS WHO CONSIDER BLACK A COLOUR PALETTE
Speaking purely objectively, black is a colour palette. This outfit is for the girls looking to expand their all-black repertoire without abandoning the shade they know and love.
Pair a fitted V-neck top with slim black capri trousers, playing with proportions by keeping the upper half soft and the trouser sharply cropped. Split-toe flats introduce an unconventional silhouette, while a sculptural gold necklace and slouchy leather bag add depth and richness to the monochrome palette.
FOR THE GIRLS WHO ARE ART ENTHUSIASTS
This one is for the girls who love art. Embrace that instinct and take inspiration from the works that mean the most to you. This particular outfit borrows its palette from Claude Monet’s Water Lilies.
A mauve top with short, puffed sleeves recalls Monet’s clouds and their reflections, softly rendered in the purple hues of a sunset. Netted ballerinas echo the dotted, blooming lilies, while fluid, earth-toned trousers evoke the foliage beneath the water. A softly gleaming golden pouch becomes the day’s last lingering trace of warm light.
FOR THE GIRLS WHO LOVE A LITTLE MORE
This final look is for the girls who are anything but basic. Bold in both their outfits and their energy, they know that sometimes a little more is exactly the right amount.
Layer a long, structured cotton dress, left unbuttoned from the waist down, over high-waisted, gently flared jeans. The contrast between crisp cotton and heavier denim gives the outfit shape, while the open dress creates movement and reveals the layers beneath. Allow the pointed toe of a leather boot to peek out from under the flared hem, then finish with a compact leather cardholder for one last tactile detail.
