This post is in partnership with Kohl’s. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support The Espresso Edition.

It may have been a while since I’ve gone back-to-school shopping, but I do know the top places to shop this season!
From elementary all the way through high school, my mom would bring me toΒ Kohl’s for back-to-school shopping every year. Since they have such excellent deals, quality clothing, and awesome selections, it was ourΒ it place to shop. My eyes have always been drawn to the SO brand atΒ Kohl’s, and truth be told, their products still have my heart. Not just for nostalgia’s sake either – the products are all so cute and practical!
When Kohl’s asked me to share some of my SO back-to-school picks, I was thrilled! It gave me the opportunity to dress a bit more casually (which is the style I typically opt for) and give all of my high school or college-aged readers some inspiration for the upcoming year.
Outfit Details
entire outfit can be found here c/o Kohl’s





Who absolutelyΒ loved back-to-school shopping when they were growing up? I know I did!
When I was younger, I grew like a weed, so I always needed new pants. SO’s pant selection is fantastic – offering everything from mom jeans (which is what I got for myself) to joggers, bike shorts, paperbag waist denim, and really flattering skinny jeans. A lot of their bottoms are school dress code-appropriate, which makes it easier to shop through the options during this time of year!
The end of August and beginning of September are tricky, because it’s still pretty warm outside (at least, that’s how it is in RVA). However, autumn is right around the corner, and it makes me want to dress for the cooler months. With that in mind, I picked up a super thin SO sweater that can be worn with cutoff shorts and a bralette on the weekend just as easily as it can with long pants and a denim jacket for school and the chilly classrooms.
Lastly, I wanted a pair of practical-yet-cute shoes. These SO mules are so easy to slip on when you’re running late in the morning, but they’re just as comfortable as they are adorable. They’re good for walking around campus, and you’ll look like you put effort into your look, when really, you didn’t even get a chance to brush your hair before walking out the door!
Related Posts
20 Friends Gifts You Need on Your Wishlist //Β Belted Shift Dress for Work and Play //Β The Perfect Outfit for a Casual Summer Date




Anabelle says
That backpack is so cute!!
Stephanie Whitman says
It is, isn’t it? Such a fun addition to my Kohl’s SO look that includes my sweater, pants, and shoes!
Rachel says
This outfit is SO cute!!! I need, need, need this sweater asap.
Rachel
http://www.hello-her.com
Stephanie Whitman says
So if this can convince you a little more: it’s super lightweight, so it’s perfect for layering into late autumn, it comes in eight different color options, and it’s only $25 right now. You can’t go wrong!
Ashley Sparks says
Back to school shopping with my mom was my favorite growing up. I love this entire look.
Stephanie Whitman says
It was always the most fun way to prep for the beginning of the school year. I kind of miss it, and now I’m thinking I need to grab my mom and go shopping at Kohl’s haha!
Marlene says
I love that necklace! Your outfit looks so chic and comfortable too.
Stephanie Whitman says
It’s an older purchase, but I love what it brings to so many of my outfits. I think it even makes the green of the cute, Kohl’s sweater stand out a little more!
Morgan says
I am officially obsessed with those mules! They look super cute and comfortable (and you styled them well!). Great post!
Stephanie Whitman says
They are SO comfortable. I couldn’t believe it when I got them in the mail. I’ve been wearing them nonstop – and they even come in a cute golden yellow shade and also a plaid option that would be adorable for the autumn!
Lina says
I’m in love with all your outfit Stephanie! It looks so comfortable and super cute.
Stephanie Whitman says
Thank you so much! Comfortable is definitely the best way to describe this look. And I’ve already worn all the pieces several times since this photoshoot!
Lydia says
You are definitely fall ready! I love your studded mules and the blush bag feels like a perfect way to transition from summer into fall.
Stephanie Whitman says
Oh my gosh, am I ever. I really dislike summer, so the sooner I can get into autumn, the better! This was a fun beginning to my fall fashion posts!
Lee says
back to school shopping was my favorite! I wish I could still do that!
Stephanie Whitman says
Honestly, I still shop those sales. Who says you have to be IN school to take advantage of cute stuff at a discounted price? Kohl’s knows how to do this best, for sure!
Indya | The Small Adventurer says
All the (many) schools I went to had uniforms, so I never got to go back-to-school clothes shopping, but that doesn’t mean I don’t take advantage of all those sales now as an adult! π I also LOVE all the fun new stationery items that come out around the start of a new school year. You can never have too many notebooks or pens π
Stephanie Whitman says
Awww I never had to wear a uniform, but I can only imagine the frustration of not being able to get creative with your daily looks. But I’m glad that you have that option now! Who says you gotta be in school to take advantage of the sales? Hehe!
Amberly says
I love that outfit on you! I think I need to do a little back to school shopping myself π
Stephanie Whitman says
Kohl’s is an excellent place to start, if I do say so myself π
Christa says
Just because I donβt go to school doesnβt mean I canβt go back-to-school shopping. Lol. Itβs still my favorite time to shop. I need to take advantage of this great deal!
Stephanie Whitman says
See, I knew someone would agree with me on that haha! It’s just the truth. You can still take advantage of the deals and steals!
Tanvi Rastogi says
Such a cute and comfy look. Love those slides.
β₯ tanvii.com
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m glad to hear it. I think the slides would look especially cute on you!
Tara Fuller says
i’ve always loved Kohl’s. Everything is so reasonably priced but still on trend. I usually find wayyyyy too many coffee mugs there too π
Stephanie Whitman says
OMG I don’t know if I’ve ever shopped their coffee mug selection. That sounds dangerous for me because I collect coffee mugs haha!
Carrington Barfield says
This sweater looks so cute on you! Kohls always has such affordable and stylish stuff. When I was in school, it was my GO TO for school shopping!
Stephanie Whitman says
I mean, seriously! Between their incredible discounts AND their Kohl’s cash, and the ability to combine coupons, it’s just the best spot to save on amazing pieces for BTS!
Laura S says
I always loved Kohl’s growing up and we love shopping there for my daughter! They have so many good options that are high quality and super affordable!
Stephanie Whitman says
Isn’t it fun how we pass on traditions? I never thought as a kid shopping at Kohl’s with my mom that I would end up working with them as a partner for my blog as an adult. Now I get to shout my love from the rooftops haha!
sarah lindner says
Such nostalgic feels, back to school shopping and Kohls. I love the outfit you’ve chosen, it’s so cute!
Xoxo
Sarah Lindner
http://www.TheHouseOfSequins.com
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m so glad you like it, because I sure do as well. It’s incredibly comfortable and perfect for the start to autumn coming so soon!
WanderlustBeautyDreams says
That outfit is so cute. Kohls has amazing styles!
Jordyn Sifferman says
All through high school I LOVED back to school shopping. I remember bringing home all of my outfits home and giving my parents a fashion show, haha. I lived close to a Kohl’s and my mom would always take me there!
Lauryn Hock says
I went back to school shopping at Kohl’s last year (when I was still teaching) and loved all the options I could get for great prices!
Em says
Thats sweater is too cute and I love that bag, too!
Nailil says
Such cute looks! I love Kohlβs because of their sales and quality items.
Xx, Nailil
thirtyminusone.com
Annie says
I’ve never shopped at Kohl’s, but that sweater has officially caught my attention!
Anna English says
This outfit makes me excited for cooler weather! You look so comfy.
Ashley Sparks says
Back to school shopping with my mom was my favorite growing up. I love this entire look.
Stephanie Whitman says
It was always the most fun way to prep for the beginning of the school year. I kind of miss it, and now I’m thinking I need to grab my mom and go shopping at Kohl’s haha!
Marlene says
I love that necklace! Your outfit looks so chic and comfortable too.
Stephanie Whitman says
It’s an older purchase, but I love what it brings to so many of my outfits. I think it even makes the green of the cute, Kohl’s sweater stand out a little more!
Tanvi Rastogi says
Such a cute and comfy look. Love those slides.
❥ tanvii.com
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m glad to hear it. I think the slides would look especially cute on you!
Laura S says
I always loved Kohl’s growing up and we love shopping there for my daughter! They have so many good options that are high quality and super affordable!
Stephanie Whitman says
Isn’t it fun how we pass on traditions? I never thought as a kid shopping at Kohl’s with my mom that I would end up working with them as a partner for my blog as an adult. Now I get to shout my love from the rooftops haha!
Amberly says
I love that outfit on you! I think I need to do a little back to school shopping myself π
Stephanie Whitman says
Kohl’s is an excellent place to start, if I do say so myself π
Rachel says
This outfit is SO cute!!! I need, need, need this sweater asap.
Rachel
http://www.hello-her.com
Stephanie Whitman says
So if this can convince you a little more: it’s super lightweight, so it’s perfect for layering into late autumn, it comes in eight different color options, and it’s only $25 right now. You can’t go wrong!
Christa says
Just because I don’t go to school doesn’t mean I can’t go back-to-school shopping. Lol. It’s still my favorite time to shop. I need to take advantage of this great deal!
Stephanie Whitman says
See, I knew someone would agree with me on that haha! It’s just the truth. You can still take advantage of the deals and steals!
Indya | The Small Adventurer says
All the (many) schools I went to had uniforms, so I never got to go back-to-school clothes shopping, but that doesn’t mean I don’t take advantage of all those sales now as an adult! 🙊 I also LOVE all the fun new stationery items that come out around the start of a new school year. You can never have too many notebooks or pens 🙌
Stephanie Whitman says
Awww I never had to wear a uniform, but I can only imagine the frustration of not being able to get creative with your daily looks. But I’m glad that you have that option now! Who says you gotta be in school to take advantage of the sales? Hehe!
Tara Fuller says
i’ve always loved Kohl’s. Everything is so reasonably priced but still on trend. I usually find wayyyyy too many coffee mugs there too π
Stephanie Whitman says
OMG I don’t know if I’ve ever shopped their coffee mug selection. That sounds dangerous for me because I collect coffee mugs haha!
Anabelle says
That backpack is so cute!!
Stephanie Whitman says
It is, isn’t it? Such a fun addition to my Kohl’s SO look that includes my sweater, pants, and shoes!
sarah lindner says
Such nostalgic feels, back to school shopping and Kohls. I love the outfit you’ve chosen, it’s so cute!
Xoxo
Sarah Lindner
http://www.TheHouseOfSequins.com
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m so glad you like it, because I sure do as well. It’s incredibly comfortable and perfect for the start to autumn coming so soon!
Morgan says
I am officially obsessed with those mules! They look super cute and comfortable (and you styled them well!). Great post!
Stephanie Whitman says
They are SO comfortable. I couldn’t believe it when I got them in the mail. I’ve been wearing them nonstop – and they even come in a cute golden yellow shade and also a plaid option that would be adorable for the autumn!
Carrington Barfield says
This sweater looks so cute on you! Kohls always has such affordable and stylish stuff. When I was in school, it was my GO TO for school shopping!
Stephanie Whitman says
I mean, seriously! Between their incredible discounts AND their Kohl’s cash, and the ability to combine coupons, it’s just the best spot to save on amazing pieces for BTS!
Lydia says
You are definitely fall ready! I love your studded mules and the blush bag feels like a perfect way to transition from summer into fall.
Stephanie Whitman says
Oh my gosh, am I ever. I really dislike summer, so the sooner I can get into autumn, the better! This was a fun beginning to my fall fashion posts!
Lina says
I’m in love with all your outfit Stephanie! It looks so comfortable and super cute.
Stephanie Whitman says
Thank you so much! Comfortable is definitely the best way to describe this look. And I’ve already worn all the pieces several times since this photoshoot!
WanderlustBeautyDreams says
That outfit is so cute. Kohls has amazing styles!
Lauryn Hock says
I went back to school shopping at Kohl’s last year (when I was still teaching) and loved all the options I could get for great prices!
Jordyn Sifferman says
All through high school I LOVED back to school shopping. I remember bringing home all of my outfits home and giving my parents a fashion show, haha. I lived close to a Kohl’s and my mom would always take me there!
Anna English says
This outfit makes me excited for cooler weather! You look so comfy.
Em says
Thats sweater is too cute and I love that bag, too!
Annie says
I’ve never shopped at Kohl’s, but that sweater has officially caught my attention!
Nailil says
Such cute looks! I love Kohl’s because of their sales and quality items.
Xx, Nailil
thirtyminusone.com
Lee says
back to school shopping was my favorite! I wish I could still do that!
Stephanie Whitman says
Honestly, I still shop those sales. Who says you have to be IN school to take advantage of cute stuff at a discounted price? Kohl’s knows how to do this best, for sure!