Fashion goes back to school

Lecture theatres are calling, and despite our desire to parade around in floaty dresses and floral headpieces, we must accept that the university year has once again commenced and stop deluding over the idea of a hot September. Nevertheless, why not embrace your studious status by filling your wardrobe with some of these ‘back-to-school’ trends that will have you starting the semester in style, even in the face of rain.

The pinafore dress is everywhere this autumn/winter. Taint your schoolgirl innocence with a dash of punk in this Vintage Renewal Tartan Pinafore Dress from Urban Outfitters, £38.00. Wear it layered over crisp white shirts for a playful look, or when the winds get colder wear on top of a black roll-neck jumper to ooze edginess.

Bring sophistication and class to your seminars this semester with a trouser suit, a look that littered the catwalks in A/W12 and seems to be just as prominent this season. Zara’s pink blazer, £59.99 and matching cropped trousers, £29.99, beautifully fuse sharp tailoring and pastel tones to bring a feminine spin on this androgynous look. Team with silver jewellery and some black brogues for a look that ticks all the boxes for A/W 13.

Start the year with a hop skip and jump in these Vagabond Kenova Buckle Flat Shoes, £80.00. These leather shoes are the perfect transitional footwear from summer sun to autumn winds before we embrace our winter boots. Wear with a pinafore dress or pleated skirt to show off your studious style.

Be both practical and trendy this semester by investing in a backpack. Trying to balance piles of books while searching for your bus pass does not exactly scream poise and elegance. This backpack from Topshop is simple yet quirky. The nylon padding embraces 1970s punk while its black colour ensures that there is no outfit it won’t compliment.