Planning your first-day outfit is one of the best parts about going back to school. Not only does your look set the tone for the new semester, it's a chance for Rihanna-levels of reinvention. (For high-school me, that meant channelling Marissa Cooper by layering as many preppy brands as humanly possible.)
Even though this fall, many students are relegated to Zoom University and fashion may not be top of mind, pulling together the perfect BTS outfit is, for some, the perfect escape. “Putting some thought into my wardrobe, even though it’s virtual, helps me feel a bit better about getting my very stressful degree during a pandemic,” says Inderpreet Gill, a University of Toronto psychology student.
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Whether they're logging on to class from their couch or hitting the lecture hall, we asked 10 readers across Canada to share the back-to-school outfit ideas and the styles they’ve been wearing on repeat during quarantine.
Millicent Hofung, 21
Business, class of 2021, Wilfred Laurier University, Waterloo, ON
My first-day-of-school outfit: If it’s warm, I’ll pair some mom denim with a cute tank top and a pair of combat boots. Even though my fall semester is online, I’m looking forward to dressing up a little more. I’m thinking this will help with getting me back into a routine and create a more-productive mindset.
How the pandemic changed my style: I’ve always had a put-together, casual-chic style, but since the pandemic started I have sadly barely touched most of my wardrobe. I don’t think I’ve ever dressed this comfy for such a long period of time in my entire life! It’s mostly been a combination of Uniqlo T-shirts or tanks with bike or jean shorts from Aerie and Aritzia.
My go-to quarantine clothing: Bike shorts! They’ve got the comfort of leggings or sweatpants, but the length is perfect for the weather.
How I’m keep things creative: I’ve been experimenting with the clothes I already own and recreating them into different styles through following DIY tutorials, by YouTubers With Wendy, The Essentials Club, and Coolirpa.
Millicent is wearing a Zara top, thrifted Calvin Klein jeans, and Aldo boots.
Lauren Hines, 23
Massage Therapy, class of 2021, Ontario College of Health and Technology
My first-day-of-school outfit: While my program was virtual for the first two months of the pandemic, I wore PJ shorts or pants, paired with a sweater or a presentable shirt, like a cream silk blouse I got at Dynamite last year. My college program started virtually in May. For my first day back to school, I went with comfortable athletic clothes — a pair of Under Armour shorts and whatever loose T-shirt I had on hand.
How the pandemic changed my style: I don’t put as much effort into my wardrobe or dress as professionally as I normally would. I don’t usually wear any makeup or do my hair, aside from a bun. Before I would’ve probably dressed up a little bit more in summer dresses — like a floral one I have from Forever 21 — for back-to-school. I just don’t feel as inspired since no one is really seeing me.
How I keep things creative: Although I’ve just been wearing athleisure, I’ve tried to switch up the colour combinations. I’ve dabbled in the neon trend, which is very out-there for me. I’ve been trying not to wear the same outfit every day to give something to look forward to putting together in the morning.
Lauren is wearing a Lululemon T-shirt, GAP Fit bike shorts, and Birkenstocks.
Chantal Phillips, 23
Medicine, class of 2023, University of Toronto
My first-day-of-school outfit: For me, comfortable and professional is the way to go. I’ll be wearing a button-down H&M shirt and colourful Forever 21 skirt or dress pants. Looking professional is definitely an expectation of my program.
How the pandemic changed my style: Before COVID-19, I felt that shoes really tied an outfit together, especially a pair of colourful sneakers. I’m usually always wearing my Nike Air Max, low-top Converse, or a cute shoe by L’Intervalle. Now I’m spending a lot more time indoors because of the pandemic, I don’t wear shoes that often. I’ve tried to start incorporating more colour into my makeup looks — with eyeshadow and lipstick — and earrings, which before I didn’t think about as much.
My quarantine wardrobe go-to: Summer dresses, simply because they're comfortable and easy. Just one piece of clothing but still a whole outfit! Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of my favourite summer dresses from Lulu’s.
Fave pandemic purchase: When L’Intervalle had a sale in April, I bought a pair of blue crocodile-print strappy heels.
Chantal is wearing an H&M shirt and Forever 21 skirt.
Inderpreet Gill, 27
Masters/PhD of Psychology, class of 2025, University of Toronto
My first-day-of-school outfit: A floral H&M dress I got in the spring, to keep cool and comfortable but also spice up my daily style more than I have been. It’s definitely been one of my go-to dresses because it makes me feel pretty, but it’s also loose for lounging.
How the pandemic changed my style: I’ve found myself pairing my Lululemon joggers and TNA sweatpants with cropped tees and hoodies lately. I don’t think I’d wear these outfits to school, but when I’m working at home and don’t have meetings, they've been super comfortable. If I’m expected to be on a Zoom call, I try to dress a bit more professionally due to the nature of my program. I’ll definitely wear a blouse for calls, but a more casual and comfortable bottom since no one can see my pants.
How I keep things creative: I normally don’t wear makeup or bold jewelry to school, but because my face is what most people see when on Zoom, I’ve been wearing earrings and a little bit of foundation and mascara to spruce things up. I like getting cheap and trendy jewelry from H&M or Forever 21. I find that days that I’ve got earrings or a bit of makeup on, I feel more refreshed. It allows me to sometimes forget that most of my days are spent at my desk, on my computer.
Inderpreet is wearing an H&M dress and Vans.
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Amanda Pablo, 20
Professional Communications, class of 2023, Ryerson University, Toronto
My first-day-of-school outfit: For my virtual first day, I plan to wear a sweatsuit I bought off Amazon and tie-dyed myself. Typically I’d pair that with sneakers and be good to go, but since I’ll be on Zoom, I’ll probably wear some layered necklaces and big hoops. Most of my jewelry is hand-me-downs from my mom and grandma, or things I’ve picked up while travelling, but I’ve got some great pieces at Aldo in the past, too.
How the pandemic changed my style: As a student in the city, defining your style is a big part of standing out while fitting in with Toronto culture. Even just heading to class, I’d try to dress to the nines in street style, normally pairing cute sneakers with mom jeans with a band tee, for example. After COVID hit, I quickly realized that I needed to dress up a bit to get in the right mindset.
How I keep things creative: I’ve been trying to play around with different styles. I’ve experimented a lot with the idea of grunge chic, that usually means an acid-wash pattern paired with something more put-together, like my favourite Zara leather leggings and boots.
Fave pandemic purchase: The pandemic really showed me the importance of supporting local and I fell in love with Ryerson-born brand STRGRL. Its hoodies are the comfiest. I basically live in mine.
Amanda is wearing DIY tie-dyed Amazon sweatsuit.
Olivia Lurette, 19
Elementary Teaching, class of 2023, Université de Moncton
My first-day-of-school outfit: My first day back to school will be virtual, and while my instinct will be to wear pyjamas bottoms and a cute top, I know I’ll feel better if I put a little effort in. My plan is to wear a pair of Aritzia leggings with a thrifted graphic tee and a Levi’s jean jacket. For accessories, I’ll add a dainty gold necklace and some leopard-print school supplies. If it’s a bit cooler, I’ll wear jeans, a white tube top and my favourite knit cardigan.
How the pandemic changed my style: I would put on my favourite outfits — usually a pair of leggings or Lululemon bike shorts and an oversized T-shirt — just to take out the garbage since it was my only outing. Now, when I have the chance to go out I’m so excited to get dressed up. Since the ultimate pandemic accessory is a mask, I match it to the rest of my outfit. I’ve bought a few while online at American Eagle.
How I keep things creative: Most of my classes are via webcam, which means we can only see from my waist up. I like to add necklaces and earrings — I love Forever 21 for jewelry — or even a scarf for a pop of colour. When I decide to take a bit more time getting ready, I’ll curl my hair, paint my nails, and add a winged liner or a bold lip.
My quarantine wardrobe go-to: I’ve been wearing the heck out of a Van Halen T-shirt dress I got from Urban Outfitters.
Olivia is wearing a Garage tube top with Levi's jeans and a Hollister cardigan.
Morgan Rogers, 22
Hospitality and Tourism Management, class of 2021, Camosun College, Victoria, B.C.
My first-day-of-school outfit: I’m hoping to have a burst of motivation prior to the first day back so fingers crossed I will be wearing a pair of high-waisted Dex Canada jeans and a comfortable blouse by the same brand. Otherwise, it’ll easily be a light knit sweater with leggings. Due to COVID, I’ll be living back at home with my parents this semester, so they’ll likely push me (in a very respectful and motivating way) to wear the jeans like I would any other "first day back!"
How the pandemic changed my style: I’ve found myself hunting for more athleisure, like cute cargo joggers and cropped sweaters. It isn’t always as accessible being in a larger body, but I have found athletic shorts and sports bras from Joe Fresh and Torrid that work great for kicking around the house and doing meditation and an evening or morning walk before or after my classes.
My quarantine style motto: Comfort over everything! But I do also like to colour coordinate when I can — I’m loving monochrome outfits. I do believe it is important to inhabit a bit of a routine throughout all of this, and that includes what you choose to wear for the day.
My fave pandemic purchase: I just ordered a ton of stuff from Torrid — a couple pairs of black leggings and some very nice professional, but hella cute, pink and dark green pants and blazers for when I need to do professional online meetings for both school and work.
Morgan is wearing Zenni glasses, a Dex Canada blouse and plus-size jean joggers, and a Torrid cardigan.
Saba Blyden-Taylor, 19
Interdisciplinary Art and Art History, class of 2024, Yukon School of Visual Arts
My first-day-of-school outfit: SOVA’s orientation is online, but part of the semester is in-person. For virtual classes, I’ll probably wear my big white dress that I thrifted from Value Village and painting clothes for in-person classes. I like to be comfy.
How the pandemic changed my style: With COVID-19 happening when it did I think we all sadly lost [the chance to wear] spring fashion and going out wearing layered fits. My favourite weather is when you can wear dresses and skirts with tights. This summer, I’ve stuck to the classic short shorts (I love Soffe!) or my Nike basketball shorts, an American Apparel miniskirt I thrifted, or huge dresses, especially day to day at home or out getting coffee in the park. I find I haven’t been gravitating towards extravagant outfits or outfits with a lot of working parts.
How I keep things creative: Closer to the beginning of the pandemic, I did a project called I am what I am for me and myself as featured on Bad Egg Zine, where I took a photo of my outfit every day for a month. I got dressed everyday as an act of self-love, and chose to show up for myself in that way.
My quarantine wardrobe go-to: My Soffe shorts. They are super comfortable and come in so many colours. I’ve worn them with a cropped top, tank, oversized shirt and hoodie, jackets, sandals and sneakers. They’ve also been great as a beach and pool cover-up.
Saba is wearing a thrifted hand-embroidered dress, thrifted bucket hat, and Dr. Marten sandals.
Sarah Kitner, 27
Doctor of Medicine and Master of Surgery, class of 2024, McGill University
My first-day-of-school outfit: In virtual fashion, I am attending my first day of orientation in a black T-shirt from Zara and linen-style short from H&M.
How the pandemic changed my style: Studying from home means that I get to wear more comfortable clothing. It’s been a very hot summer, so I find myself often wearing comfy pyjama shorts and loose T-shirts. I have also been living in workout gear, going on many walks throughout the day.
On the new back-to-school shopping: Instead of going downtown, where it’s quite busy, I decided to go to a smaller shopping centre by my house. I enjoyed the organizational and hygiene measures that the pandemic has required stores to take, but I’ve definitely been spending less just because I prefer shopping in-person, rather than online.
My quarantine wardrobe go-to: My Lululemon Align leggings. They are so buttery soft it feels like you aren’t wearing any pants. And my favourite, coziest tee is a big grey one from the H&M men’s section.
Sarah is wearing a Zara T-Shirt and H&M linen shorts.
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Vanessa Richardson, 18
Philosophy and Cognitive Science, class of 2023, McGill University
My first-day-of-school outfit: I'll be attending classes virtually for the fall semester, so I plan on keeping my outfit comfortable yet presentable enough for Zoom. Right now, I am opting for a red fitted T-shirt, a pair of black jeans from Forever 21, and my cute Burberry glasses. I like wearing a bright colour on top to help me stand out on Zoom.
How the pandemic changed my style: Like most of us, I go out much less now. Whenever I have the opportunity to leave the house, I dress up a little more than I would have in COVID-free years. This includes running errands — I once showed up to the optometrist in heels.
How I keep things creative: At home I don't have much of a fashion sense. I just throw something on and go about my day. However, I have an amazing pink silk robe I got at Winners that puts a bit of glamour into every "stuck at home" look.
Fave pandemic purchase: I haven’t bought any accessories or new clothes during the pandemic to save money, but one recent purchase I made is the Bronze Beauty hair dye from Gemini Naturals. Its line of temporary hair colour is fun to play with because I can just wash it out once I feel it's run its course.
Interviews have been edited and condensed for clarity.
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