We may *technically* grow out of back-to-school style, but that same mentality sneaks up every fall as we look to refresh our new seasonal wardrobes. From racing-striped joggers to track jackets and rugby shirts, reinventing that classic school spirit as iconic style fit for post-grad adults is surprisingly simple. Just ask these five Bustlers entering the season of pumpkin-spiced-everything with their varsity-level style in tow.
In partnership with Abercrombie & Fitch, we've asked each member of our crew for their own styling tips and tricks for working that campus-ready style into their signature fall looks. Whether you're working fall's BTS trend into your own wardrobe through subtle details or head-to-toe coordinating pieces, congrats! You just made the varsity style team.
Neelum
Neelum's A&F Style Pick: Logo Tape Joggers, $58
Three words that describe your signature fall look: Comfy, relaxed, on-trend.
What made you pick this look? I love these track pants! They’re so comfortable without sacrificing style.
How are you wearing fall's Varsity trend for fall? I paired these sweatpants with a white crop top for a classic athleisure look that I can wear to the office or around the city. I love simple, versatile pieces that you can mix and match.
How else might you style this piece? I would also style this piece with a cute cropped sweater and high top sneakers.
Elly
Elly's A&F Style Pick: Rugby Polo, $58; Denim Mini Skirt, $58
Three words that describe your signature fall look: Transitional, versatile, and throwback-inspired.
What made you pick this look? This oversized rugby polo is unabashedly pink, and I'm very on board with that (even if I have zero rugby matches scheduled in the near future). Also, I never say no to a good '90s/'00s-centric vibe.
How are you wearing fall's Varsity trend for fall? I like balancing out classically preppy staples (see: oversized rugby polo) with less expected trendier pieces, like a zippered denim miniskirt and baby blue sneakers. It keeps the overall outfit from feeling a little too dress code-compliant.
How else might you style this piece? I could also wear this top with high waisted blue jeans and ankle boots, or throw a solid sweater on top and let the bold stripes peek out from the neckline.
Jenna
Jenna's A&F Style Pick: Chevron Crew Sweatshirt, $48; High Rise Super Skinny Jeans, $78.
Three words that describe your signature fall look: Layered, classic, versatile.
What made you pick this look? I was really into the retro-gym-class vibe of this cropped sweatshirt. Once fall hits I love getting back into jeans and cozy layers. Classic high tops keep the whole look feeling relaxed, but I did keep my current favorite chunky gold hoops to feel more "me" and not too casual.
How are you wearing fall's Varsity trend for fall? I think the trick to the varsity trend is balance. Mixing sporty pieces with more polished or structured staples keeps it fresh and out of total throwback territory.
How else might you style this piece? In these last summer days I'll wear this with my favorite vintage cutoffs, and I'll probably dress it up a little this fall with a pleated mini skirt.
Sierra
Sierra's A&F Style Pick: Long-Sleeve Colorblock Tee, $28; High Rise Wide Leg Ankle Jeans, $78
Three words that describe your signature fall look: Cozy and warm — but still fun!
What made you pick this look? My favorite thing about the colorblock tee is definitely the stripes. I can get pretty bored with plain sweaters day in and day out throughout fall, so I love that this piece has a really fun element to it.
How are you wearing fall's Varsity trend for fall? I paired my varsity look with a pair of high-waisted white jeans to complement the white stripe detail of the shirt — and a pair of classic sneakers to give the look a sporty feel.
How else might you style this piece? I could definitely see myself pairing this piece with some skinny jeans and chunky boots on a chillier fall day.
Bry
Bry's A&F Style Pick: Varsity Track Jacket, $78
Three words that describe your signature fall look: Eclectic, sporty, and effortless.
What made you pick this look? I'm always looking for versatile outerwear that can easily be dressed up or down, which made this sleek and simple track jacket a great piece for my fall wardrobe.
How are you wearing fall's Varsity trend for fall? I'm working fall's varsity trend into my look in subtler ways. Since the sporty jacket so easily matches anything, I wore it with my statement plaid joggers, then finished the look with a crisp sneaker.
How else might you style this piece? The way I've styled this track jacket is ideal for the office, but I'd also wear with jeans and combat boots for a more casual night out.
This post is sponsored by Abercrombie & Fitch.
Photos: Lauren Perlstein; Hair and Makeup: Ashleigh Ciucci; Senior Editor: Jenna Wexler.
