Back-to-school season isn’t just about assignments and marking—it’s about settling into your routine and deciding how you want to move and show up throughout the year. 

Fashion is personal. It's how we express ourselves—but it's also how we support ourselves through long walks across campus, weird lecture hall temperatures, and 12-hour marking or studying days. The good news: you don’t have to pick between cute and comfortable. You can have both. And you absolutely should have both. 

Whether you’re heading back as a student or stepping into your classroom as a teacher, here are a few non-negotiables for the year ahead.

Start from the Ground Up: What to look for in back to school shoes for teachers and students.

You’re going to be walking. A lot. Like, “who needs a gym membership” a lot. Your shoes need to show up for you.

A few benefits you want to look for: 

• Look for shoes that offer flexibility. This will help support your feet and give them the freedom to move. While also being super easy to toss in your backpack if you need to switch out your shoes.
  

• For rushed mornings because we all have them, shoes that don’t require taking a seat and 5 minutes to put on. Look for a pair that easily slips on your feet so you can easily head out.
  

• Material is super important. Nothing more uncomfortable than walking around with material digging into your heel or feeling itchy on your skin. 

When designing Womads I designed them with the on-the-go woman in mind so that directly applies to teachers and students. 

A few key features of Womads that will support you: 

• Made with high quality leather that is flexible and moves with you. Oh and they are breathable so no more sweaty feet during long days. 

• I always prefer a shoe with a lightly padded insole. They mold to your feet to offer the best fit and they just make them that much more comfortable. 

• Our signature peep toes feature a secure backing that stops heel rubbing and slipping. You’ll be walking a lot or standing while giving lectures, you want those shoes staying on your feet. 

• For teachers who may need a closed toe option, the Womads Oxford is a perfect teacher shoe option. The oxford is built on the classic look made with all the same amazing features as the peep toes. 

• The Womads Oxford can also be a perfect back to school shoe for students too. Perfect for cooler climates or in need of a professional closed toe shoe option. 

Rule of thumb, if your shoes and feet are the last thing you think about all day, that’s a win.

Build a Back to School Wardrobe That Works (Even When You’re Running Late)

Most dorms and shared closets aren’t known for their spaciousness. Let’s be real, even if you have a decent sized closet a capsule wardrobe will help with the overwhelming feeling of owning too much and still having nothing to wear. The capsule wardrobe is full of reliable pieces that mix, match, and move with you and you don't have to overthink it. 

Here are a few basics of a capsule wardrobe for students and teachers:

• Think comfortable and breathable basics that feel good on your skin and are easy to wear all day.
  

• Think versatile pieces that can go casual, dressed-up, or somewhere in between. I’m thinking basic black crop tops, neutral trousers, a staple maxi dress. 
  
  

Build your capsule:

• Plain tees and tanks that layer easily and can easily be dressed down or up.
  

• A couple of solid skirts (maxi or mini—dealer’s choice).
  

• A fitted tee you can wear with joggers or a skirt. Perfect for mornings where you want to feel put together but just can't be bothered.
  

• A maxi skirt that works with a graphic tee at 8am and a crop top by 8pm
  

• Trousers that pull off “professional” when you need it and “going out” when you don’t
  
  

3. Don’t Sleep on the Right Bag: The best back to school backpacks.

You're going to carry a lot—laptop, snacks, notebooks, mystery objects you forgot you packed. Whether you're walking all over campus or commuting in, your bag needs to pull its weight and look good doing it.

Whether you're a student hauling textbooks or a teacher juggling lesson plans and tech, your bag needs to keep up. The Nordace Siena Pro 15” Backpack is a reliable go-to with comfortable padded straps, tons of compartments (yes, you’ll finally be able to find your charger), and a sleek design that works with any outfit.

If you’re looking for something a little more elevated, which I also think is the perfect teacher bag is the Quince Italian Leather Laptop Backpack . 

It's a luxe yet practical option. It’s made to last, feels polished even on your most chaotic mornings, and still looks put together when you’re running on four hours of sleep. I also just love the look of gold hardware. It is so feminine and classy, this bag could make every outfit look intentional. I could pair this with a sweat suit and it would be such a vibe. Perfect for students who need a reliable backpack and for teachers who need a new work bag.

For everything else:

Crossbodies and belt bags are your off-duty MVPs. They're perfect for campus walks, quick coffee runs, and nights out when you don’t want to carry much but still need the essentials close.What I love is the safety feature here. Whether you are heading out with friends, or going to office hours you don’t need to set your bag down and risk losing your essentials. They keep your hands free and your stuff secure, making them both practical and low-maintenance.  Also to make your life easier I made sure the Womads crossbodies were cute and easy to dress up or down depending on your plans. They also have interchangeable straps so you can feel like you have multiple different bags. Another feature I just gotta talk about is how light weight and flexible they are. You can easily fill it with your essentials and carry it in your backpack whenever you need. 

The Real Essential: Something That Feels Like You

There’s no one “right” way to dress for school. What matters most is that your style reflects who you are and how you live.

• Into bold color? Pair brights with brights, or balance with your go-to neutrals.
  

• Prioritizing sustainability? Shop pieces that are built to last and made responsibly. (Womads shoes are a great place to start—real leather, natural rubber soles, and built to go the distance.)
  

• Constantly on the go? Stick to pieces that move with you, not against you.
  

Whether you’re color-coding your planner or winging it, there’s power in wearing things that feel right on your body and on your schedule.

Final Thoughts: Choose What Supports You

You’ll probably read a bunch of back-to-school lists telling you what you “need.” This isn’t that. This is just a reminder to stock up on things that support your life—your pace, your style, your version of a full day.

Choose comfort. Choose versatility. Choose what feels like you.

And when in doubt? Start with good shoes.

Follow us on Instagram for outfit inspo, Womads in real life, and more. Ready to move freely this semester? Shop the latest collection at Womads.co