TEEN TALK: Back to School Tips and Advice to Teens From Teens

Summer might be winding down, but a fresh school year means new beginnings, fun outfits, and the perfect chance to set goals and make memories. We asked two of our Dream Team girls, Ellie and Siena, to share their favorite tips for staying organized, looking your best, making friends, and thriving this school year. Plus, we gathered extra wisdom from the rest of the Teen Team so you can feel totally ready for that first bell.

Back to School Outfits

When it comes to back-to-school style, Siena says the magic is in mixing comfort with little statement details that make you feel confident. “My favorite brands are Brandy Melville, PacSun, Free People, Aerie, Edikted… I’m pretty basic, but I like to spice it up! Adding statement pieces like chunky jewelry or a graphic tee can always elevate the look.” This year, she’s been spotting baby tees, low-waisted baggy jeans, camo print, polka dots, athletic wear, and lots of layering.

Shoes are also a huge part of the look. Siena says Birkenstock clogs, Adidas Campuses, and New Balances are the ones to watch for, while backpacks from Lululemon, North Face, and Vera Bradley are everywhere. Even your water bottle is an accessory now, with Owala, Hydro Jug, Stanley, and Lululemon bottles all making the cut.

On days when you want to be comfortable, Siena’s go-to is leggings or sweatpants with an oversized hoodie, a jewelry stack, messy bun, blue light glasses, and Birkenstock clogs. But if she’s dressing up a little more, she’ll reach for baggy jeans and a fitted top, curl her hair, layer on the jewelry, and slip into Adidas Campuses. And if you have a school uniform or a stricter dress code? “Accessories are ALWAYS the way to go! Stack unique jewelry pieces or add a belt,” she says.

Making New Friends

This is a big one for Siena this year, since she’s starting at a brand-new school. “Sometimes it can feel like everyone already has their group, and people can be closed off,” she admits. “Just remember — being yourself is always the best answer. Your right people will come to you.”

For her, the three things that help the most are confidence (even if you have to fake it at first), joining a sport or club so you see the same people regularly, and simply being kind. “Even if you’re scared, being around the same people every week builds natural friendships,” she says.

Siena’s already on the cheer team, but she admits it’s still a little nerve-wracking. “At my old school, I knew everyone. Here, I feel like I’m in my shell a little bit, but I’m reminding myself to be me. People will see the real you, and that’s who they’ll want to be friends with.”

The other Teen Team girls had their own go-to conversation starters, from asking about sports, to giving a compliment, to simply introducing yourself and asking how someone’s doing. No matter your approach, the consensus is the same — just be real.

Setting Goals for the Year

Siena likes to start every school year by setting three goals: one academic, one social, and one personal. This year, her academic goal is to get A’s and B’s all year, her social goal is to be herself and make new friends, and her personal goal is to upgrade her cheer skills. She says having them written down makes it easier to stay focused.

Other Teen Team girls are making similar plans. Kristlyn wants to get better grades, while Mia’s goal is to actually use her planner. “If you don’t have your goals in front of you, it’s easy to forget them,” Siena says. “But when you can see them, you’re more likely to keep going.”

Tips from the Teen Team

We couldn’t finish without sharing some of the best advice from the rest of the Teen Team. Keegan wishes she had used a planner from the start of last year because she felt so unorganized. Mack and Keegan both love shopping at Aerie for back-to-school clothes, and Siena says having a color scheme when you shop makes the process way easier. She also recommends focusing on quality over just “cute” — because the things that last are worth it.

When it comes to first-day outfits, Sadie swears by Nike shorts and a tournament shirt, while Kristlyn goes for sweats and a basic top, and Kyleigh loves leggings with a t-shirt or hoodie.

As for avoiding drama, Mia believes in staying out of it completely and letting the truth speak for itself, while Chloe prefers to remove herself from the situation, put on music, and pray.

Balancing sports, school, work, and a social life is another challenge. Siena uses a calendar to track all her events and practices, making sure to fit in time to study before hanging out with friends. “Hanging out comes last,” she says, “but I definitely make it happen.”

And if you’re still on the fence about joining a club or sport? Emma says it helped her feel more involved and meet people she wouldn’t have classes with. Bailey found a home in lacrosse and says it boosted her confidence, while Taylor says 4-H has given her lifelong friendships.

This year is a blank page — and you get to decide how you’ll fill it. Whether you’re upgrading your wardrobe, stepping into a new school, joining a sport, or just trying to get your grades up, remember Siena’s best advice: “Be yourself, and your right people will come to you.”

From the Team

We couldn’t wrap up without hearing from two people who see back-to-school style and confidence in action all the time — our photographer, Davinda, and our Teen Team assistant, Lily.

When it comes to trends they hope to see this year, Davinda is all about longer skirts and dresses. “I love the ruffle skirts, but they could use another ruffle,” she says with a laugh. “Posing is hard in really short skirts and dresses, it just really limits what we’re able to do! I also really love rompers - they’re cute, stylish AND comfy.” Lily’s wish list includes low-rise jeans with a cute top — a timeless combo she says looks great on everyone — and more dresses in general. “A cute dress can go a long way!” she says.

And if you’re looking for a confidence boost, their tips are ones to keep in your back pocket. Davinda’s advice? Wear what truly makes you feel good, not what you think you should wear. “Find your best fit — the size that feels just right for you, which can change depending on the style or brand. When your clothes fit well and reflect your personality, you carry yourself differently,” she explains. Lily’s go-to strategy is short and sweet: “Fake it till you make it. No one else knows you aren’t confident, so put on what you love and own it!”