THE ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL 2022: ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES AND STYLES

CAN YOU BELIEVE BACK TO SCHOOL IS JUST DAYS AWAY?

Back-to-school tends to sneak up on us. It can be an overwhelming time of year, and it’s not easy to know where to start.

But there’s no need to stress – we’ve got you covered! Whether you’re a college student or a mom preparing your little ones, we’ve put together the back-to-school guide you’ve always wanted.

Read on to discover this year’s essential supplies and fashion trends for every stage of schooling: elementary through college.

You’ll be ready for the school year in no time!

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

SUPPLIES

Backpack (your child can choose one that shows off their personality or interests!)
Lunch box
Pencil box (allow your child to decorate it with fun stickers!)
No. 2 pencils
Pencil sharpener
Pencil grips (especially helpful for younger children learning to write)
Erasers
Pens
Wide-ruled notebook
Folders
Three-ring binder (especially for grades 4-6)
Subject dividers (if buying a binder)
Loose leaf filler paper
Colored pencils
Washable markers
Crayons
Highlighters
Gluesticks (clear glue sticks dry quickly and look best on crafts)
Scissors (blunt-tipped for younger children)
12-inch ruler
Book covers
Index cards
Tissue
Hand sanitizer

STYLE

Fashion trends for children in fall 2022 are inspired by adult fashion. Many popular brands have expanded to include children’s clothing.

Here are some important considerations when preparing your child’s wardrobe for the fall:

Trendy Colors: Mint green, bright red, yellow, gray, black, and coral
Popular Fabrics: Cotton, cashmere, satin, velvet
Contemporary Styles: Casual, military, athletic, and urban
Stylish Suggestions: Layering, patchwork, distinct prints, velvet bomber jackets, jackets with bright colors and fake fur, overalls

MIDDLE SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL

SUPPLIES

Students in middle school and high school will need the supplies listed above for elementary schoolers, along with some other essentials:

A weekly planner
Spiral notebooks for each class
Three-Hole punch
Blue, black, and red ballpoint pens
Whiteout
Permanent markers
Graphing calculator
Graph paper
Protractor
Dictionary
Thesaurus
Sticky notes
Sticky flags
USB flash drives

STYLES

You can expect teenage fashion choices to express personal interests and mimic celebrity styles.

Here are some of the latest styles identified in TeenVogue:

Skater Chic: Loose-fitting graphic t-shirts, baggy pants, beanies, and sneakers.
Denim: Style a denim jacket with a sundress, black jeans, or cozy leggings.
Turtle Neck Dresses: A bit more elevated than the classic turtleneck sweater. If it’s chilly, you can layer the dress with a knit sweater, and wear boots with knee-high socks.

Comfy Athleisure: Sneakers and sportswear sets make for a comfy day, and you’ll be ready for a post-school workout.
Floral Flare: Floral prints are on trend. Consider a floral print dress with puffy sleeves, or a floral print flared skirt.
Long Sleeve Button Downs: Perfect for a sophisticated look during chillier months.

COLLEGE

SUPPLIES

College is an exciting time, filled with many life transitions. Having the right school and dorm or apartment supplies can help to make the transition easier. We’ll break down the supplies list into six different categories: school and desk, electronics, room needs, toiletries, kitchen, and bedding/laundry.

School and Desk Supplies

College students will likely need the supplies listed above for high schoolers, along with a few other essentials:

Dry erase board or cork board (this is helpful to have at your desk for important reminders and schedules)
Stapler and staples (staplers in classrooms often run out of staples quickly, so it can be helpful to have your own)
Tape
Paper clips
Binder clips
Rubber bands
Printer paper (if you bring your own printer)
Stackable desk trays
Stamps and envelopes

Electronics

Laptop, charger, laptop cover or case
Power strips
Extension cords
Blue light blocking glasses
Printer
Noise-Canceling headphones (a lifesaver for studying!)
Alarm clock
Portable speaker
Camera (a Polaroid camera is a fun way to document memories with friends)
Smartwatch or fitness tracker

Room Needs

Bedside lamp
Desk lamp
Storage bins
Trash can
Fan
Bulletin board and pushpins
Mini toolkit
Duct tape
Removable poster putty
Picture hangers (many removable options available)

Toiletries

Toothpaste and toothbrush
Dental floss
Shower caddy
Shower shoes (such as flip flops)
Hairbrush or comb
Shampoo and conditioner
Bath soap
Hairstyling products
Hair dryer / straightener / curling iron
Razor and shaving cream
Lotion or moisturizer
Vitamins
Aspirin or other pain relievers
Cough drops
Bandages, antibiotic ointment
Nail clippers
Tweezers

Kitchen

Bowls, plates, and cups
Silverware
Tupperware
Dish soap and hand soap
Reusable water bottle
Coffee mugs
Can opener
Trash bags
Wet wipes
Paper towels

Bedding and Laundry

Sheets and pillowcases
Pillows
Comforter or bedspread
Blankets
Mattress pad
Towels
Clothes hangers
Laundry bag or basket
Laundry detergent
Fabric softener
Stain remover
Laundry drying rack
Lint roller
Mini sewing kit

Keep in mind specific school supplies needed for college will depend on the classes being taken. Professors often go over essential supplies on the first day of class.

It is possible college students may need textbooks on the first day of class. Make sure to check the college’s website or online learning system in advance to find textbook information.

STYLE

College is the perfect time to explore your sense of style and express yourself through fashion.

Here are some of the top college styles seen at Paris Fashion Week this year:

Oversized jackets and blazers
Pleated pants
Polos with graphic prints
Shoulder pads
Ties with geometric or floral prints
Tweed clothing
Ribbed dresses
Statement accessories (such as jewelry, hair clips, and headbands)

Ultimately, it’s a good idea to keep it simple, and avoid overspending. By thrifting, you can find popular brands for reduced prices.

SHOP AT GOODWILL TO SAVE MONEY ON SCHOOL SUPPLIES AND FASHION APPAREL

With rising prices, many families are wondering how to make back-to-school shopping more affordable. Thrifting can be a great way to find school supplies and clothes that are as good as new, for bargain prices.

What are you waiting for? Visit your local Goodwill retail store today to get started on your back-to-school shopping.

Have a wonderful start to the school year!

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