It’s back to school time folks. And while that doesn’t mean you will be gifted the obligatory matching top, bottoms, and shoes for your first day of school like you did in fifth grade. It is important to start the year off right looking, well, decent. Even if that means you will be paying.

While it isn’t necessary to completely change your look for that first day back, it is a good idea to try something new. I don’t know when it is at your school, but here at Iowa it’s August 23rd. Yikes. That means reevaluating things, and fast.

This season so many trends have enveloped my campus that it is hard to pick only a few to incorporate this fall. Shoes, like the leather braided oxfords I talked about a few weeks ago, are a great staple for the fall. A really great, cross-body leather messenger bag, or a small version just for nights on the town, is a necessary staple for any season. These pieces, like so many this season, are the perfect supplement to any wardrobe, big or small.

If you are really struggling with a way to incorporate your garments into a cohesive style, take a hint from this Fashionista. Separately her pieces are unique and detailed. Each one could be taken away and worn to express another mood or era altogether. Together, though, her ensemble is reminiscent of the bright and funky eighties and a little, perhaps, Boy George? Exquisite, and just the right inspiration for fall.

Miss Fashionista donned vintage Reebok classic tennies in bright blue and yellow, a black Nike tank, a neon windbreaker, and acid-washed denim leggings with zippers on the bottom. Her accessories, though, are what really shine. An amber ring and L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani leather bowling bag with braided detail rounded out the ensemble.

Hint: For bags similar to our Fashionista by Miss Stefani check out Zappos Couture. To get your hands on some vintage Reeboks, browse a multitude of options at Karmaloop.