The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

What to Wear: Back to School

By Ann Binlot Published August 6, 2021

back to school what wear 3 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Yes it’s September and for those of you who are in college, that means you’re probably back to school. We know how tempting it is to just roll out of bed and throw on a hoodie, jeans and a pair of sneakers, but do you think that’s really going to impress that pretty sorority girl in your economics class that you’ve had your eye on? Stop kidding yourself and clean up your look.

First thing’s first, you’ll need a nice backpack to carry around all those gadgets you need for taking notes and keeping up your Instagram, Facebook and Twitter feeds. Oh yeah, and for all those books as well. Then go for a nice yet cool button-up shirt a pair of fall appropriate corduroy pants, slick shoes and a hip jacket. Throw on a watch so you’re not late to class and glasses so you can see the chalkboard.

Now go see if you’ve caught her eye.

Recommended Videos

Biography Wear Bio-Canvas Pack, $80 at karmaloop.com; Nooka Zoo AL Blue Watch, $225 at nooka.com; Minimum Shirt With All Over Pattern, $106.69 at asos.com; Jack Spade Slim Fit Corduroy Pants $195 at shop.nordstrom.com; Macbook Air, starting at $999 at store.apple.com; Drift Eyewear The Caulfield, visit drifteyewear.com; Acne Brando Jacket, $763.14 at farfetch.com; Bass Burlingon Plain Toed Shoes, $84.99 at macys.com

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Ann Binlot is a New York-based freelance writer who contributes to publications like The Economist, Wallpaper*, Monocle…

Fashion & Style

How to wear a tuxedo: Tips for a perfect fit

Make sure you're always looking your best in black tie

Man in a tux at a wedding holding a lit cigar

Everyone remembers where they were the first time they watched James Bond walk into the shot wearing a tuxedo. Whether you were introduced to the tuxedo by Sean Connery, Daniel Craig, or someone in between, the tuxedo is part of their image. Everyone from Jay Gatsby to Danny Ocean has rocked the tuxedo in the best ways. Most of us tried to recreate the look when it came around to prom, to varying results. But now we can help you figure out how to wear a tuxedo to keep up with the men above.

While we can't guarantee you will pass as 007, throw the best Gatsby party, or pull off the heist of the century (we definitely don't suggest giving this a shot), we can tell you that if you follow these tips, you will put them all to shame.
When to wear a tuxedo

Fashion & Style

Iconic watch brand Universal Genève is back

Universal Genève has been brought back to life by Breitling

Universal Geneve Compax

One of the biggest luxury watch brands, Universal Genève, returns to life after 20 years. While the brand is famous for its exquisite timepieces, it has been inactive in recent years, which is why you can be forgiven if you don't know much about it.

From 1894 to the present, the brand amassed a huge following, even though it eventually went under. Universal Genève was hugely affected by the 1989 quartz crisis, and it was acquired by Stelux Holdings in the ‘90s. Unfortunately, Stelux couldn’t revive the brand—things went silent in 2005.

Fashion & Style

Style corner: How to wear a blazer with jeans

The best smart casual trick in your closet

Man in blazer and jeans looking down

Dress codes are the bane of our existence. So many of them are vague and indecipherable to the everyday man. But there are tricks you can implement into your wardrobe that will give you versatility and help you navigate the world of dress codes. One of the greatest tricks you can learn is to wear a blazer or sports coat with a good pair of jeans. Adding a sports coat will elevate your denim look and take you from casual to smart casual.

Swapping denim out for your dress pants with your sports coat will take you from business professional to smart casual. The combination of a blazer and jeans will be your number one trick in your wardrobe if you do it right. And here at The Manual, we are all about helping you do it right.
Wear it with a collared shirt