Everything You Need to Rock Your First Day Back at School

Usually by the end of the summer, I’m more than willing to go back to school. It’s not the long grueling math assignments or the shrill chirping of my alarm clock that I miss; rather, I long to see my friends, to have a real schedule (sitting on the couch all day binge-watching Netflix can get a bit exhausting, after all), and most importantly, to get dressed every day. I’m not ashamed to admit that I live in either athletic clothes or loungewear the entire summer, so the return of school grants me a real excuse to play dress-up again.

But with that return comes a series of stresses, especially the first day back. What will I wear? What if I can’t find a seat in the cafeteria? What if my armpits are noticeably really smelly? I can speak about that last scenario from experience, but thankfully I came to the first day of school prepared. And here are ­­three ways you can be prepared too—time to rock that first day back!

The Outfit. First things first—you have to pick a killer outfit. While I’m all for experimenting with your style and trying new things, the first day of school isn’t the place to do it. There are four pillars I like to consider when brainstorming a look: style, comfort, practicality, and confidence. I chose this green striped tee and black shorts for my back to school look because it achieves all four of my criteria:

1. Style—The choker and gold ear cuff keeps this look on trend, while the belt and mixture of blacks and browns adds a modern touch.
2. Comfort—Nothing’s comfier than your favorite t-shirt and a pair of shorts. I’ve worn these shoes before so I already know they’re walkable, perfect for exploring all over your school/campus and scoping out the locations of your classes.
3. Practicality—You never know what the first day of school might entail: rushing all across school grounds to find your classes, walking to a sports field to talk to your coach, playing outdoor games with your friends after the final bell. I love wearing dresses and skirts, but I don’t want to miss out on opportunities due to fear of flashing someone. You can never go wrong with the classic tee and shorts combo.
4. Confidence—Most of all, you want your back to school outfit to make you feel AMAZING. I don’t know why, but this casual outfit really does that for me. There’s no better way to start off the year, make new friends, and establish good relationships with your teachers than first feeling really amazing about yourself. I’ve always loved the allure of a fresh start with each returning school year, and the best feeling comes when you hit the “reset button” from a place of self love.

An Emergency Kit. Remember when I mentioned smelly armpits? That was my first day of senior year—I decided to try a new kind of deodorant which clearly didn’t work. Thankfully, I brought an emergency kit to keep in my locker (as a first year college student, an emergency kit doesn’t seem as important when living on campus, but it might still be a good idea for your backpack). Here are some items I’ve kept in my kit in the past that have really come in handy: extra hair ties, bobby pins, hand wipes, mini deodorant, antiperspirant wipes, chapstick, feminine products, extra underwear, Ibuprofen, band-aids, quarters/a few dollar bills, mini lint brush, nail clippers (for those pesky hangnails!), mini hair brush, and lotion. Even with the worst of school emergencies, including clumsy episodes on the very first day back, this kit can help save you!

A Good Attitude. I know, I know, I probably sound like your parents. At least, “Have a good attitude,” is what my parents always told me on my first day of school. Even though it may not be what you want to hear (I know I sure didn’t), those four words do hold some truth nonetheless. Walking into the first day of school with a sour attitude and a frown on your face can set the tone for your entire year–if you think something is going to suck, then it will suck. Trust me because I’m speaking from experience. I also realize that having a good attitude is way easier said than done, and it’s something I have yet to master myself. I can’t give you tips for how to be more positive or tell you exactly how to have a good attitude; I can only strongly encourage you to try. Happiness is a choice. You can only enjoy something once you open your mind and make the active decision to enjoy it. So yah, here comes a new school year. Maybe you didn’t get the classes you wanted, or your favorite teacher no longer works at your school, or you’ll never be able to see your friends because your schedules differ. Don’t let the little things ruin the whole experience; details will slip your mind with time, but attitudes leave a lasting impression on your memory. Choose to be happy instead.

Are you excited for the fresh start that a new school year offers? Are you ready to take on the world on your first day back? I’d love to know how you’re feeling about school starting again! If you have any tips, comments, or questions, feel free to get in touch at the end of this post. You can also check out other back to school posts at the new tab I created at the top of this site. Enjoy your Monday!

Miles of smiles,

Grace

Green Striped Tee: Down East, $18 // Black Cargo Shorts: A.N.A. via JCPenney, $16 // Brown Beaded Sandals: DSW, $19 // Black Cat-Eye Sunglasses: Charming Charlie, $7 // Brown Stitch Belt // Brown Purse: Club Monaco, won in a giveaway