Grown up crayons…

Nothing says Back To School better than some stylish, Crayola-inspired clothes. Primary colors of red, yellow and blue are oftentimes perceived as whimsical, playful, and care free. Turn these youthful hues age-appropriate by dressing to impress this season. How do you go about doing that? It’s easy.

Firstly, look for solids. Mix in a pattern or two sparingly, so as not to draw away from the true star of the show – the bright blocks of color. My polka dot button down from J. Crew is the perfect example of mixing in patterns, especially when layered under a solid sweater. A peek of this pattern is just the right touch. Next, pay attention to construction. The silhouette, as well as the quality of the fabric, make a huge difference in the overall appearance of the outfit. Places like Ann Taylor Loft and J. Crew are great places to look for good quality, back to school basics at reasonable prices. And when you save on your outfit, you have more to invest in standout accessories, like this Alice + Olivia satchel.

Speaking of standout accessories, take a look at these Charlotte Olympia heels. Because these totally saturated shades come in a sexy stiletto, they set the “grown-up” tone for the look. I’d wear this outfit with a denim skirt for daytime or swap out the heels for sneakers for a casual weekend look.  With versatile, fun pieces like these, you’ll be set for the autumn season and beyond.