Back-to-School Essentials for Fall 2024

If you're still mourning the loss of your summer vacation, you certainly aren't alone.

Yes, the dreaded back-to-school season is here again, but this time of year still brings plenty of things to get excited about. From new fashion finds to new classroom crushes and everything in between, we have a lot to look forward to—not to mention plenty of opportunities to make this your best school year yet. All it takes is the right mindset (and the right items) to get it right, so let's jump into our list of the top back to school essentials you need to make 2024 a year like no other:

This Cardigan That's Perfect for Chilly Mornings (and Classrooms): $138

We heard a rumor that Rumored is about to be your new favorite brand, and you're sure to see that it's true once you try one of their pieces for yourself. This cozy Aspen cardigan is the perfect investment for your back-to-school wardrobe this year, as it takes a basic piece up a notch thanks to the bubblegum pink color and outfit-flattering dolman sleeves. Plus, the super soft fabric will keep you comfy as you dart between classes (or just down the hallway where your crush might be).

(via Rumored)

 

Also read about: Summer Style Essentials for 2024

 

This Anything-but-Average Backpack: $128

A good backpack is a straight up essential for school, no matter what year you're entering. When it comes to backpacks, one name stands out for a reason (and we're not just talking about the spelling): Fjallraven. This beloved Swedish brand makes tons of classic styles, but the Raven 28 takes storage up a notch to make this pick perfect for 2024. Designed with enough pockets to stow away all your must-haves for the classroom and beyond, this is a bag that will last you well beyond the school year. There's even a laptop sleeve for maximum convenience, allowing you to go from study sessions to sleepovers with ease.

(via Fjallraven)

 

These Pimple Patches That Really Hit the Spot: $14

Refresh your skincare routine this school year with Eight Saints, your new bestie when it comes to treating and preventing breakouts. Their Hit The Spot hydrocolloid pimple patches really do just that, as they're infused with nourishing ingredients like chamomile that work to soothe the skin while drawing out the gross stuff that causes your spots in the first place. Just pop one on whenever you need and get ready to put your pimples in detention for good.

(via Eight Saints Skincare)

 

These Hoop Earrings That'll Take You From Gym Time to Class Time in Style: $58

In 2024, we're finally focusing on fashion that leans a little more timeless than trendy. This goes for accessories, too, which is why these classic gold hoop earrings from OXB are an absolute essential for your jewelry collection this year. Along with being cute enough to pair with everything you own, these hoops are also designed to be worn everywhere, too. That's right—we're talking gold that can be worn from gym class straight to your after-school study date without any trouble. OXB makes jewelry that's meant to be sweat in, so you won't need to worry when you forget to take off your favorite accessory when rushing wherever you're going next.

(via OXB)

 

This Rechargeable Water Flosser: $28.49

One thing you don't want to bring with you to class? Bad breath. That, along with preventing problems like cavities, is why practicing good oral hygiene is essential. Thankfully, this portable water flosser from Bitvae makes it easy to level up your oral health routine with nothing more than, well, water. It streamlines the way you floss, with multiple settings that are easy for water pick pros and beginners alike. Plus, the travel-friendly design means you won't have to worry about slacking on your flossing when you go on any trips or sleepovers.

(via Amazon)

 

This Canvas Bag That Can Handle All Your Daily Essentials: $56

Your school bag is packed with essential items, but keeping everything organized can be a task worthy of extra credit alone. Thankfully, even the messiest of backpacks are no match for this adorable canvas bag from Etta & East (your new favorite accessory destination). From pens and sticky notes to your must-have makeup products, this cute-as-can-be XL canvas bag can carry it all and make it easy for you to find what you need when you need it. Plus, it packs easily into your existing bag and can be easily swapped into any travel bag, meaning you won't have to worry about forgetting to pack all your essentials for school and beyond.

(via Etta & East)

 

These Classic Lee Denim Straight Jeans: $22.49

Denim is bound to be on your back to school shopping list every year, so why not invest in a pair that's actually worth wearing? Thanks to Forever 21, you can get just that with this pair of classic straight jeans from Lee. The high-rise fit is as flattering as can be, making these jeans perfect for pairing with everything from a simple stone-colored bodysuit (like this one, $7) to a timeless cozy hoodie for fall (like this one, $15) or even a trendy cropped cutout sweater (like this one, $14). Truly, with so many elevated basics and flattering fits, Forever 21 may as well just be your destination for revamping your whole back to school wardrobe this year.

(via Forever 21)

 

This Standing Desk That Takes Studying Up a Notch: $270

If you struggle with actually getting your homework done at home or studying when you could be scrolling, a standing desk might be just the thing you need to say focused and crush all your academic goals this year. This one from Flexispot is a must-have for its versatility, user-friendly operation and customizable design. It's big enough to fit all your notebooks, textbooks and even a few computer monitors (or just your laptop) comfortably, and you can even add a monitor riser with drawers ($70) for extra organization. It's far from your average desk, and trust us when we say it's well worth the investment thanks to the health benefits of standing vs. sitting and the improved productivity you're sure to notice right off the bat.

(via Flexispot)

 

This Extra Credit-Worthy Anti-Frizz Shine Spray: $11

When it comes to your hair, finding a product that smooths frizz, amplifies shine and smells incredible sounds too good to be true. Thanks to Cake Beauty, though, you can officially enjoy shiny locks that look and feel as good as having your cake and eating it too. Coming in at a super affordable price point, this pink beauty is more than meets the eye (though it might be just the thing you need to catch your crush's eye). It's essentially a one-step wonder that smells like a yummy bite of your favorite baked treat, which sounds exactly like how we'd love to start out our school days.

(via Amazon)

 

This Perfectly Plaid Button-Up Top: $6.04

If you're already indulging in pumpkin-flavored treats and getting excited about all things autumn, you're going to want to head to SHEIN immediately to grab this plaid button-up top. With a timeless print and comfy fit, it's a total fall fashion essential that comes in at a budget-friendly price. Pair it with your favorite jeans and a pair of boots for an easy everyday outfit that will keep you cozy when the temperatures start dropping, too.

(via SHEIN)

 

This Crush-Worthy Liquid Blush: $22

Get the glow of running into your classroom crush without the need to get your heart racing with these gorgeous liquid blushes from Live Tinted. Available in four crush-worthy shades, this creamy blush is buildable and easy to blend for a quick makeup fix that livens up your whole look. Pair it with the brand's tinted skin serum concealer ($26) and you'll have a full face of skin-loving products that have you looking and feeling your best all day long.

(via Live Tinted)

 

These Meal Cups That Will Have You Actually Excited for Your Packed Lunch: $8+

Lunch is the school period most of us look forward to the most, but the one part of it we don't get quite so excited about is the actual food we eat during this favorite time of day. From suspicious (and not-so-nutritious) looking cafeteria food to underwhelming packed meals, school lunches are typically mediocre at best. It's time for a change, which is why we're saying goodbye to smooshed sandwiches and sad salads and saying hello to the delicious meal cups available from Gardencup. With their extensive rang of bowls, salads, sides and snacks, the brand is here to shake up your lunch hour— literally. All you have to do is pick out the options you want shipped to you (they have everything from protein-packed power salads to vegan- and veggie-friendly options), throw a cup in your lunchbox and get ready to start actually enjoying your school lunches like never before. The best part? The nutrient-dense meals will have you energized when you hit the rest of your classes or after-school activities, and the cups themselves are even reusable so you can feel great both physically and about your purchase as a whole.

(via Gardencup)

 

Also read about: These Stylish, Elevated Lunch Boxes Are Perfect for Heading Back to School This Fall

 

This Razor That Will Have You Feeling Smooth & Flawless: $13

Smooth skin isn't just for summer, and this Lady Van Der Hagen Flawless Glide Razor is here to help you achieve bump-free, ultra-smooth skin you can feel confident in. Most of us know that the right razor can make all the difference, but this one really takes things up a notch by helping to avoid shave-related issues (like those pesky and painful nicks, cuts and bumps) that could leave you feeling less than your best. For the ultimate ease, it even comes with a travel-friendly case so you can take it on the go and achieve a flawless shave every time, no matter where this school year has you headed.

(via Amazon)

 

This Skincare Wand That's Basically Acne's Worst Nightmare: $169

If there's one thing most of us dread more than a pop quiz, it's a sudden breakout. Whether you're dealing with one bad zit or a full-on acne flare-up, a breakout of any kind can quickly cause your confidence to plummet. Thankfully, FOREO is here to help you put a stop to your pimple-related problems with their innovative ESPADA 2 blue LED therapy device. This small-but-mighty handheld wand is FDA-cleared and clinically proven to clear and heal acne-prone skin faster and more efficiently than ever before. You'll see results after just one use, and it only gets better from there thanks to the device's incredible ability to reduce inflammation, heal existing blemishes and regulate sebum (AKA the gross stuff that blocks your pores and leads to those pesky pimples) for an all-around clear complexion that lasts. Now that's what we call an A+ product.

(via Foreo)

 

This Plant-Powered Super Cream: $83

Speaking of your skin, it's important to keep your face and body properly moisturized throughout the day when you're busy with all that the school day has in store. But you can't just settle for any moisturizer on the market if you're looking for A+-worthy skin, which is why we think it's time you study up on the plant-based power of Sun Chlorella. With a key ingredient of innovative Chlorella Growth Factor, this cream is far from your average drugstore moisturizer. It smooths, brightens and supports cellular renewal all in one easy to use product, making it a shoe-in for our day-to-day skincare routine this school year.

(via Sun Chlorella)

 

This Eyeliner That Will Have All Eyes on You: $14.50

If you're an eyeliner addict, this all-in-one liner from Doll 10 is just the thing you need to take this school year on by storm. Available in a variety of gorgeous colors (including this beautiful bronze that's begging to be worn on blue eyes and brown ones like), this self-sharpening eyeliner really is all you'll need to catch your crush's eye. Plus, it'll save you some precious time in the morning when you're getting ready, so you don't have to feel so guilty next time you hit snooze. Since Doll 10's formulas focus on clean ingredients, you won't have to worry about what you're putting on your skin, either.

(via Doll 10)

 

This Pillow That Promotes Your Best Beauty Sleep: $65

You can't expect to crush it in class if you're crashing during the day due to a lack of sleep, which is why it's important to include sleep-friendly items like this ergonomic pillow from IKEA on your back-to-school shopping list this year. Sleep is essential for your brain and your body, and the quality of the sleep you get is just as important as the amount. That's where the KVARNVEN pillow comes in, as it's designed with an integrated honeycomb pattern that helps keep you cool at night as well as an ultra-soft filling that will actually have you looking forward to going to bed on time.

(via IKEA)

 

These Simply Stylish Strappy Sandals: $45

While you may think of fall weather when you imagine back-to-school season, there's a good chance you'll still be sweating as you head to class during the first couple months back on campus. Instead of suffering through it, invest in a solid pair of strappy sandals that are sure to go with any outfit you have in mind. This pair from Journee Collection is positively perfect, featuring a minimalistic strap design and flat base that will keep you comfy and cool while the weather is still acting like you're on summer break. And if you're ready to skip ahead to boot season, worry not: You'll find plenty of adorable closed-toe options on the site too, so you might as well stock up while you're at it.

(via Journee)

 

This Fidget-Friendly Mini Magnetic Putty: $14.95

Do you struggle to focus when studying, or find yourself always fidgeting with pens and other random objects in the vicinity? If so, you're far from alone, but you don't need to settle for the same strategies of staying on track when you can get this magnetic fidget putty from Speks. Their innovative Crags are already a fidgeter favorite, but their new mini matte Crags are even better for deskside use when you're feeling the need to keep your mind and body busy. The selection of colors to choose from is only a bonus, with shades ranging from powerful purples to soothing jade green so that there's truly something for everyone.

(via Speks)

 

These Lunchbox-Friendly Crunchy Chickpeas That Reimagine Snacking: $20

Looking to satiate your crunch cravings without settling for an unhealthy, over-priced option from the school vending machine? Festive Chickpeas has you covered with their portable, healthy and delicious snack packs. With can't-miss flavors like classic sea salt and ranch to zesty options like spicy and barbecue, you won't have to worry about sacrificing taste for the sake of convenience with these elevated chickpeas.

(via Festive)

 

This Backpack-Friendly Tinted Jelly Lip Balm: $4

If you love a liquid lip balm but don't want to pay the price of the big brands, Ruby Kisses is here to become your new go-to. Their tinted jelly lip balms offer the perfect dose of moisturizing shine and scents that you won't be able to get enough of, plus an extra benefit of colored tint. Just pop one in your backpack to make sure your pout is always cared for throughout the day and enjoy the buildable color and shine that this three-in-one balm provides.

(via Ruby Kisses)

 

This All-in-One Hair Styling Tool: $109

When you've hit snooze a few too many times in the morning and find yourself running short on time to style your hair the way you like, Calista is there to save the day. Their AirGlide Pro Cool Breeze Styler is a superhero of a tool that can smooth, straighten and curl your hair all in one, and it even works to prevent damage to your locks while its at it. You can even throw it in your bag to bring with you for post-gym class touch-ups or for those days when the humidity is wreaking havoc on your hair.

(via Calista Tools)

 

This Luxe Dupe Perfume That's Sweeter Than Your Favorite Snack: $25

If you're a fan of a certain beloved and Brazilian-inspired perfume, you might just end up loving this affordable dupe even more. At just $25, Herb & Root's A La Mode eau de parfum is an essential for your ever-growing perfume collection. The scent itself is an invigorating blend of pistachio and almond with warm vanilla and sea salt on top, creating a sweet-without-the-toothache mix that's perfect for a spritz before you head to school or after class for a refreshing pick me up.

(vie Herb & Root)

 

Looking for more ideas to crush your school year in 2024? Just click HERE for some extra back to school style inspiration.