4 Ways To Figure Out Your Back-To-School Style Mood

Summer’s wrap-up signals the end of beach lounging, swimwear-as-outerwear, and all-day movie streaming marathons. Thankfully, fall ushers in its own perks: sweater weather, PSLs and a blank slate to write your own fall style stories. Looking to dress bolder than usual one day? Go for it. Feeling nostalgic and want to take a fashion page from your favorite '90s TV icon the next? Try the vibe on for size. Since your overall style story is always evolving, there’s no need to commit to channeling just one look any time soon. Thankfully, we’ve partnered with AE, creators of perfectly stretchy, super-customizable Ne(x)t Level jeans, to identify the key pieces you'll need to jumpstart every ensemble.

Slip into your favorite pair and you’ll have a blank canvas whether you’re channeling a look that feels trendy, nostalgic, creative, cozy, or anywhere in between. Also worth noting: The brand’s comfy stretch denim moves along with you — whether you’re running to class, meeting up with friends, or are curled up in the library cramming for an exam. Below, find four fall looks that will give you some major fashion inspo to write your own style stories this season.

Feeling Trendy

First class? First date? It doesn’t matter which “first” you’re getting ready to tackle, because a statement-making look unleashes your inner confidence. Forget about following a particular trend and go for something bolder than you’d normally wear (or several bold pieces, if that’s more your thing).

Ne(x)t Level high-waisted jeggings in Fresh Bright, ae.com; Cher shirt, realisationpar.com; Superga platform sneakers, superga-usa.com; Canvas tote, bando.com; Oval fringe earrings, stories.com.

Feeling Creative

Visionaries require multiple outlets to express themselves. Whether you’re crafting a masterpiece in the studio or jotting down haikus in your room, adorning yourself in artistic pieces can help get the creative juices flowing. Incorporating a painterly palette or injecting print into your look are only suggestions. After all, fashion, like art, should have no boundaries!

Ne(x)t Level jeggings in Brilliant Repair, ae.com; Button blouse, topshop.com; Tie-back head scarf, freepeople.com; V slingbacks, everlane.com; Caterina Bertini crochet tote, shopbop.com.

Feeling Nostalgic

Sorting through a lot of change at the moment? Find some comfort in the kicks you always feel good in. (They’re basically the fashion equivalent of your mom’s chicken soup).

Ne(x)t Level high-waisted jeggings in Proper Black, ae.com; SStripe Knot T-Shirt, topshop.com; 1460 Smooth boots, drmartens.com; Fresh N Rebel wireless headphones, asos.com; STATE Kane backpack, shopbop.com.

Feeling Cozy

Getting dressed isn’t just about how you look, it’s also about how you feel. Some days call for pieces that literally make you feel like you’re being cuddled all day long — think ultra-soft denim and go-anywhere footwear. Remember: Choosing cozy styles can be a form of self-care, too.

Ne(x)t Level Slim Jeans in Authentic Light, ae.com; Squiggle sweatshirt, topshop.com; Metal pendant earrings, mango.com; Tretorn Tournament Net sneakers, nordstrom.com; Mini backpack, asos.com.

This post is sponsored by AE Ne(x)t Level Jeans.