We’re no Justin Bieber, but we do receive our fair share of fan letters! A few months ago, we got an e-mail from 13-year-old Andrea, who mentioned that she’d love to see a post for girls her age about school-appropriate outfits with a retro flair.
So, the ModStylists fashioned three fabulous ensembles, and included their essential style tips. We kept in mind the need for practical shoes, bags tough enough to deal with the heaviest of homework loads, and clothes cute enough to circumvent any dress codes (Andrea’s school dictates that skirts must be no shorter than three inches from the knee, and sleeves must be at least 2.5-inches long).
Ready for your new sartorial lesson plan? Let’s go!
The Window to the World Jacket, Sweetest Shortcake Dress, Upwardly Mobile Satchel in Cambridge University, and On a Wing and a Pair Flat in Brogue.
Tip #1: Focus on the visuals! Liven up an otherwise conservative outfit with fun details like colorful prints, snappy retro-inspired shoes, and different textures. As for accessories, what better than a classic schoolbag like the Upwardly Mobile Satchel?
The Bake-Off Champion Top, Summer Will Come Dress, and Bold Endeavors Heel in Risk.
Tip #2: Sleeve lengths enforced at your school? No big. You can keep those strapless dresses and tank tops in your shopping cart, just wear them with a cute cardigan or layer a long-sleeved top under a sleeveless dress!
Tip #3: If your school also goes to lengths to dictate dress and skirt lengths, be sure to consult the length measurements provided for all our skirts and dresses! Also, bookmark our Longer Lengths section.
The Solo Performance Cardigan, In a Fruitful Fashion Top, Peppermint Stick Jeans, Canvassing Backpack in Campus, and Evening Walk Flat.
Tip #3: Add a punch of personality to your ensemble by mixing prints.
Tip #4: And as always you can chat, call, or email in with any style query! For more inspiration be sure to visit our Facebook page:
Do you have any tips of your own? Let’s hear ‘em!
15 loves 
I love this especially outfit no. 1. Thanks, ModCloth!
I wish I’d read this post when I was in high school! Awesome tips, and the outfits prove that you don’t have to sacrifice style to obey your school’s dress code. :)
Sadly, my school has a uniform but gosh–those outfits are gorgeous! And the bags are wonderful.
Those are all so cute! A little too much for me to spend, though.
Dang, I’m in college and I’d definitely rock that last outfit on campus! Adorable!!
‘Fraid I wouldn’t call those heels in outfit #2 “age appropriate” for high school meself.
At my school, I always have at least two jackets or sweaters with me. Temperatures in the classrooms vary a lot, and I have to walk outside in freezing temperatures to get to the cafeteria. So yeah, layers are essential in high school!
i love everything shared here. especially the entire first outfit and that top in #2! yowza!
The last outfit is SO adorable. I’d wear that everyday.
i love all of them♥
I’m the same age as Andrea and can’t believe the great outfits. I especially love outfit #1 and the pants from outfit #3. Thanks!
THEY ARE SO CUTE!!!!!!!!!!!!
I LIKE OUTFIT # 2 THE MOST I WOULD CHANGE THE COLOR
OF THE SLEEVE
THEY OTHER ONES ARE CUTE BUT I WOULDN’T WEAR THEM BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT ME BUT I COULD CHANGE THE WAY I AM
Thanks for the tips! I have no dress code at work, but all of the tips will help me look good without being boring.
A trick I learned for too short shorts or too short skirts is that if you have tights or leggings underneath, they might not notice the length of the dress, skirt, etc. Be sneaky and stylish! Loved these ensembles.
I really LOVE all these outfits, especially outfit #1(: