A BOUNTY OF STYLISH BACK-TO-SCHOOL CHOICES

BY LAURIE BROOKINS

Your college freshman is sure to feel both on-trend and prepared with this curated selection of 26 fashionable must-haves for Fall, all available at South Coast Plaza.

 

High-school graduation seemed just like yesterday, yet only a few weeks remain until your college freshman is out the door and embarking on a new adventure. Chances are two lists have been established, one of what’s needed and another of what’s desired, all to ensure your exceedingly excited student will feel ready and confident in those crucial first few weeks. But don’t fret: You’ll find a wealth of back-to-school must-haves that are both chic and practical in the boutiques at South Coast Plaza.

Whether your student loves high-tech style, of-the-moment trends, fashion-forward pieces or timeless classics, you’re sure to discover plenty of choices in fashion and accessories to suit his or her personality. Start with the basics: the perfect backpack, the ideal pair of sunglasses, the jeans that fit flawlessly, and the hoodie or sweater that layers with ease. From there, fold in the additional details that communicate messages of style, personal poise and undeniable spirit — you know these elements all too well within your college freshman; now they’ll be discovered by a new group of friends and mentors, a thrilling idea on its own. Add everything up, and it’s a back-to-school strategy that’s sure to result in a fantastic freshman year.

SOUTH COAST PLAZA

THE FRESHMAN FASHION EDIT

Tony Sml

Hammitt

These stadium-approved clear bags are perfect for game day and are now available in your favorite team colors.

Level 1, Macy’s Home Store Wing
714.831.0011

EKD Cotton Silk Cardigan

Burberry

New for Fall 2023, Burberry’s EKD Cotton Silk Cardigan is ideal as a layering piece with everything from jeans to a sleek dress, or simply as a cozy knit that your student will love in a chilly library. This camel and black cardigan is jacquard-woven with Burberry’s iconic Equestrian Knight design, an archive motif the British label debuted in 1901.

Level 1, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.556.8110

SL/61, Low-Top Sneaker

Saint Laurent

He’ll get to and from classes in style with the SL/61, low-top laced sneakers. The gold-tone Saint Laurent signature on the side and back tab will positively grab attention.

Level 2, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.429.0101

Women’s Pasadena Bag

Golden Goose

Perhaps she’d love a chic carryall that fits everything, including a laptop, but feels more polished than a backpack? The Women’s Pasadena Bag by Golden Goose is the answer. Crafted in Italy, this all-leather bag features a subtle leopard print, offset by black handles, and is accented with star-shaped golden studs and the brand logo also in gold. An inside zipped pocket is included on the cotton-canvas lining.

Level 1, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
657.212.5453

Amber O1(OG) sunglasses

Gentle Monster

Featuring a simple black acetate frame that highlights a soft cat-eye silhouette, Gentle Monster’s Amber 01(OG) sunglasses suit a variety of face shapes, while the graduated orange lenses and the signature metal detailing on the temples imbue the design with instant chic.

Level 2, Din Tai Fung Wing
213.935.8114 Ext 4

Wilfred Goldstruck Bomber Jacket

Aritzia

From Aritzia’s Fall 2023 collection, this sleek, relaxed-fit bomber jacket is actually crafted of vegan leather, ensuring your student will want to wear this feel-good, sustainable piece. And even better: It’s machine-washable. Details include welt pockets, an interior pocket and ribbed cuffs and hem.

Level 2, Bloomingdale’s Wing
714.662.4452

Westover Laptop Sleeve

Fossil

Whether they need to carry their laptop to class or a coffee shop, ensure it’s protected with this stylish Westover Laptop Sleeve from Fossil. Crafted in medium-brown leather with English brass hardware, this slim sleeve will also stow easily into a backpack when needed.

Level 1, Crate and Barrel Wing
714.966.5395

Sportswear Club Fleece Embroidered Hoodie

JD Sports

Ask any parent what their college-age student constantly wears, and the answer is sure to be a hoodie. At JD Sports, this Nike Sportswear Club Fleece Embroidered Hoodie comes in a wide variety of colors and sizes and works well as a relaxed, unisex piece. Crafted from soft fleece fabric, details include a slim ribbed hem and cuffs for a tailored look, while the drawcord on the paneled hood ensures a custom fit.

Level 1, Din Tai Fung Wing
714.881.4196

Match suede low-tops

Fendi

These Italian-made low-top sneakers highlight Fendi’s iconic double-F styling in smooth leather, offset with suede detailing to create a polished look your student will wear every day.

Level 1, Jewel Court
714.751.1111

Ben Cotton Tee-Shirt

Isabel Marant

With pink ruling fashion trends for most of 2023, she’ll love this statement T-shirt for every class or after-school activity. Also available in white, the Ben Cotton Tee-Shirt is crafted of 100-percent organic cotton, features a round neck and fits true to size.

Level 1, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.708.2690

Stanley 40 oz. Quencher Tumbler

Anthropologie

Whether your student is always carrying water, tea, a soda or latte, this Stanley 40 oz. Quencher Tumbler ensures they’ll stay hydrated, refreshed or caffeinated throughout a full day of classes. Crafted of recycled stainless-steel construction and double-wall insulation, the design ensures cold drinks stay cold and hot drinks remain hot. Designed to hold most car cup holders, with a reusable straw included.

Level 1, Crate and Barrel Wing
714.540.9001

Signature Sweatpants

A|X Armani Exchange

These versatile cotton and polyester sweatpants are sure to go with everything in her closet, while the embroidered logo down one leg communicates instant chic. Featuring a drawstring closure, tapered leg, two pockets and a French terry lining, these sweatshirt-fleece pants are as comfortable as they are stylish.

Level 1, Bloomingdale’s Wing
714.556.8842

Voyageur Celina Backpack

Tumi

Streamlined and supremely chic, Tumi’s Celina Backpack from its popular Voyageur collection is designed to hold everything needed to trek across campus or trek across a continent, always in style. Seen here in black with classic gold hardware, the Celina is available in a variety of colors and hardware shades to suit your student’s personal style, while features include space for a laptop, multifunction interior pockets and exterior pockets perfect for stowing a phone or keys.

Level 2, Saks Fifth Avenue Wing
714.429.0997

Coastline Robe

Frette

From the Italian brand that has been crafting cozy, comfortable textiles since 1860, this Coastline Robe by Frette in pale grey offers instant warmth in a wool and cashmere blend that’s supremely soft, while the open front, belt tie and relaxed fit make this an effortless piece she’ll reach for every day.

Level 2, Nordstrom Wing
714.556.7080

Florent/F Leather Trainers

Jimmy Choo

This chic and colorful lace-up Florent/F sneaker by Jimmy Choo is crafted of a mixed palette of leather in bright, playful tones that are sure to pair well with any look. The Jimmy Choo signature is also sure to be noticed on the heel backs.

Level 1, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.327.0644

Large Tian Print Notebook

Gucci

In Gucci’s bright floral Tian motif, inspired by 18th-century Chinese tapestries, this Italian-made notebook filled with 120 lined pages is not only a chic piece your student will carry everywhere, it’s also crafted of sustainable materials, including wood pulp and bio-based polyurethane.

Level 1, Bloomingdale’s Wing
714.557.9600

Cropped Sleeveless Sweater  

Sandro

We love the collegiate styling of this cropped sleeveless sweater from Sandro’s latest collection. Crafted in an ivory pointelle knit with contrasting stripes, this sleeveless cropped sweater is great on its own or perfect for layering (a matching cardigan and skirt are also available).

Level 1, Carousel Court
714.557.2820

Relaxed Fit Shirt Limited Edition

Zara

Key to his college wardrobe will be a relaxed-fit shirt that works well for both class and a night out with friends, and this shirt from Zara’s Fall 2023 Edition Reconstruct collection checks every box. Recycled cotton is used to craft this long-sleeve shirt with lapel collar and button cuffs, which is also machine-washable.

Level 2, Carousel Court
833.247.2473

Avellino Sunglasses

Michael Kors Collection

Your student loves glamour, so give her a pair of sunglasses that communicates this feeling instantly. These Avellino sunglasses by Michael Kors are available in three finishes (the tortoise is seen here), but it’s the oversized square frames, crafted of acetate and metal, that exude an undeniable Audrey Hepburn vibe. The dark lenses, meanwhile, offer 100-percent UV protection.

Level 1, Carousel Court
714.557.5600

Grand Ambition Small Convertible Backpack

Cole Haan

For the stylish student who loves to use neutral accessories as a jumping-off point for the day’s look, Cole Haan’s Grand Ambition Small Convertible Backpack is offered in a variety of colors and is seen here in classic British tan premium leather, with handwoven leather accents. Featuring two interior zip pockets and four interior slip pockets, this versatile piece transforms from a backpack to a shoulder bag or even a crossbody with ease and fits up to a 13-inch laptop or tablet.

Level 2, Bloomingdale’s Wing
657.289.2825

Short Floral Dress

Maje

This short floral dress with flared skirt exudes a British 1970s vibe, perfect for the student who not only loves a vintage aesthetic, but who also knows how to artfully style a statement piece for casual or elegant moments with a simple change of shoes and jewelry or the addition of leggings or a hat.

Level 2, Bloomingdale’s Wing
714.557.2842

Good Luck Trainer

Tory Burch

Accented with leather and suede detailing, a cheerful blue and green tweed is used in the design of the latest in Tory Burch’s Good Luck Trainers collection. A passionate believer of good-luck symbols, Burch included a discreet talisman in this sneaker’s design, a structural element on the ergonomic sole in the shape of a wishbone, which also reinforces the shoe’s support system.

Level 1, Carousel Court
714.689.0450

Baggy Jeans

Uniqlo

Perhaps the most versatile denim you’ll ever encounter, Uniqlo’s Baggy Jeans are unisex and style effortlessly on a variety of body types and for a range of personal tastes. Offering several washes (navy seen here), and in waist sizes from 22 to 34 inches, it’s easy to find a perfect fit on these low-rise jeans your student will wear for any occasion.

Level 1, Din Tai Fung Wing
714.338.0061

Garson Vest Black Label

Canada Goose

To class on a chilly autumn morning or on the quad during spring’s balmy evenings, he’ll stay warm in this Garson Vest Black Label by Canada Goose. This quilted piece with a high-low hem and standing collar guards against wind and can be worn alone or layered with another jacket.

Level 1, Carousel Court
949.503.9022

The Raine High-Waisted Straight Ankle

Joe’s Jeans

With its high waist and cigarette-pant styling, The Raine is among the most flattering fits you’ll find at Joe’s Jeans, among the reasons it’s hugely popular. With its ankle length and vintage-inspired, medium-blue wash known as Barnes Destructed, combined with just a touch of stretch, these are the jeans she’ll reach for every day.

Level 1, Crate and Barrel Wing
714.979.0221

Florio Mule

Gianvito Rossi

She can quickly slip into Gianvito Rossi’s Florio suede mule and run to class looking perfectly polished. Handmade in Italy, these mules feature a stacked heel that’s only 15 millimeters, making it supremely comfortable.

Level 2, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.668.9477

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