News 20 Prep-Inspired Pieces to Get You In the Back-to-School Spirit By Andrea Cheng Andrea Cheng Andrea Cheng is a New York-based writer and editor who covers all things fashion, celebrity style, beauty, and trends. She was previously the Digital Fashion News Editor at InStyle. InStyle's editorial guidelines Published on August 26, 2013 @ 06:54PM Pin Share Tweet Email Trending Videos Photo: Courtesy Judging from all the pics our Facebook friends posted today of their little ones' first days at class, it's safe to say back-to-school is officially in season! So what if you haven’t seen the inside of a classroom in years? That's no reason why you can't invest in a series of pieces that scream serious scholar or private school prepster. Look like a newly minted student with our picks that include sharp Oxford button-downs, khaki slacks, plaid pants and more. Throw buttery leather accents and tortoiseshell accessories into the mix, and you have your uniform set for the season. Ready to be whisked away to the days of freshly sharpened yellow No. 2 pencils, chalkboards and new notebooks? Click to start shopping. [wrn_button url="https://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/general/photos/0,,20720151_20728639_30009588,00.html" text="SEE THE PHOTOS!" title="SEE THE PHOTOS!"] MORE:12 Colorful Carryalls to Carry for Fall (and Beyond)Shop 24 Most-Stylish Tech AccessoriesThe Ultimate Back-to-School Shopping Guide for Moms 01 of 20 Boden Courtesy The bright yellow trim gives this cozy gray cardigan a pop of color. $198; bodenusa.com. 02 of 20 Banana Republic x Issa Courtesy The warm leather accents amp up an otherwise ordinary canvas tote. $150; bananarepublic.com. 03 of 20 Topshop Courtesy The ribbed cloth gives this deep navy flippy skirt some texture. $45; topshop.com. 04 of 20 Michael Kors Courtesy Glance down at your wrist every chance you get to admire the tortoiseshell-accented gold face. $295; michaelkors.com. 05 of 20 Uniqlo Courtesy Look book-smart in a blue Oxford button-down. $30; uniqlo.com. 06 of 20 Smythson Courtesy This folding printed calf leather case keeps your iPad from harm and serves as a display stand. $550; smythson.com. 07 of 20 J. Crew Courtesy Layer a crisp white button-down underneath to bring this sleeveless sheath from summer to fall. $178; jcrew.com. 08 of 20 Ralph Lauren Courtesy The traditional wingtip oxford gets a feminine spin with this high heel bootie. $895; ralphlauren.com. 09 of 20 Joie Courtesy Ace exams and quizzes in this too-cool blazer. $318; joie.com. 10 of 20 L. Erickson USA Courtesy Sweep back strands with a velvet headband during serious cramming sessions. $18; franceluxe.com. 11 of 20 Cole Haan The neon pink hue kick these menswear-inspired oxfords up a notch. $198; colehaan.com. 12 of 20 Fred Perry Courtesy A smattering of tiny diamonds elevate the classic polo tee. $110; fredperry.com. 13 of 20 C. Wonder Courtesy Carry your essentials in this color-block leather cross-body. $248; cwonder.com. 14 of 20 Jennifer Zeuner Courtesy Engrave your initials and take home a personalized gold medal for academic excellence. $176; jenniferzeuner.com. 15 of 20 Marc by Marc Jacobs Courtesy Sweeten up your style in a pale pink top with a charming peter pan collar. $304; mytheresa.com. 16 of 20 Kate Spade Courtesy Add a feminine touch to your preppy ensemble with this bow-shaped buckle. $98; katespade.com. 17 of 20 Salvatore Ferragamo Courtesy Step into wonderfully iconic red ballet flats (they'll help you study, promise!). $450; ferragamo.com. 18 of 20 Zara Courtesy This peter pan collared plaid number is the quintessential schoolgirl uniform. $60; zara.com. 19 of 20 Warby Parker Courtesy Consider eyewear an accessory. Tortoiseshell frames lend a sophisticated edge to your look. $95; warbyparker.com. 20 of 20 Tory Burch Courtesy A tribal-like trim runs down on both sides of the khaki grid, giving these old-school slacks a new spin. $148; toryburch.com.