School Style 2024: Trendy Outfit Inspirations from PTCL Stylists

Get an A+ in school style with our guide on how to dress pretty for school this 2024.

While the beginning of a new school year might conjure up mixed feelings for many—a farewell to summer freedom—there is much to look out for: catching up with friends and making new academic ventures. Levels of self-expression through your school wardrobe make this one of the most exciting things about it.

It's not just about the books; school is also a way to learn about yourself and your self-expression. And what better way to do it than with the clothes you wear as you move through your day? Here are some tips from PTCL stylists on how to make that standout impression.

Classic School Style

We call this classic school style "the lady who lunch(box)es," but in this interpretation, it is modern and youthful, renewed for what one might envision a lady of leisure wearing to a weekday brunch with friends. In this school version, lunch may be in the cafeteria, and the only leisure time might come after the final bell rings.

Crop jackets or cardigans will give you this stylish school look. These cropped solid-colored, striped, plaid, and other print pieces will help get you from your very first class all the way through dismissal. Versatile to be worn throughout the year, they really are a staple in any school wardrobe. Pair your cropped jacket or cardigan with denim—jeans, skirts, or shorts—to create a chic, put-together outfit that puts comfort and style in one place.

Sporty School Style

No school experience can be complete without some dose of physical education or extracurricular sports, and sporty school style is obviously essential. Just now, sporty looks have become more needed ever, especially with all eyes on the Paris Olympics this year.

Take a cue from Zendaya and ring in a tennis-inspired style with a fitted top paired with a short, pleated skirt. Or, for a grand slam school style, go for an all-white tennis outfit just like at Wimbledon. If you're more into chiller vibes, definitely rock the athletic with some track-type pants or joggers with a casual top for your flavor—graphic tanks, sports jerseys, relaxed hoodies, or—yes—classic baseball tees. Slip on your favorite pair of sneaks to finish the look, and you'll pass this sporty school style test like a breeze.

Urbancore School Style

Make a statement in your urban studies class with urbancore outfits. This style is a bit edgier and less feminine, but you will still look good moving up and down school corridors.

Log onto the urbancore look, which is an eclectic mix of cargo pants and cargo shorts with oversized jeans and denim overalls. Put them in with a ribbed tank top and a henley shirt, which would be rounded off with combat boots or chunky sneakers. As much as urbancore may appear to be one tough cookie, it gives many openings for expression of personality while keeping the look, which can change all through the year.

Add a Sustainable Twist

Stay true to that sporty school style but bring in your own sustainable spin by adding eco-friendly pieces to your wardrobe. Channel a tennis-inspired vibe by sporting fitted tops and pleated skirts or go all-white, like Wimbledon, but with the help of sustainable material brands. For relaxed style, try a pair of track pants or joggers with graphic tanks or casual tees from eco-friendly brands. Team it up with high-fashion yet green sneakers that notch up your style and environmental responsibility. It is through this that you not only look fabulous but also ensure a greener planet.

The urbancore school style can also do stylishly sustainable. Have fun rocking cargo pants, oversized jeans, and denim overalls from brands like PTCL, which are doing their share in making sure that denim production is sustainable. Team those up with eco-friendly material combat boots and ribbed tank tops. Bring out your urban style in edgy yet environment-friendly items, and make a difference. It could be for sporting or urbancore looks; infusing sustainable fashion into school style makes you stand out with an equally mindful as it is cool statement.