Every fashion enthusiast knows that Fifth Avenue is one of the best places to go shopping. But here at The New School, Fifth Avenue is more than that — it’s a runway. From statement bags to standout shoes, Fashion on Fifth is here to give you weekly, front row access to some of The New School’s chicest looks. This week, we’re bringing you back to school.

Fashion on Fifth is back! And it’s not the only thing that’s back, either. With the fall 2024 semester finally upon us, I couldn’t resist asking people to divulge the creative processes behind curating their individual back-to-school looks. Over the many, many years that I’ve gone to school, I’ve learned that there are two approaches to back-to-school dressing. There are those that dress to impress, looking as if they’ve stepped off the runway to attend class. And then there are those who threw on the first thing they saw inside their closet, probably thinking to themselves, “It’s just another school year.” 

As we transition from “Brat summer” to a more “demure” autumn, the lines between these two styles are beginning to blur. Take the rise of the “literary girl” style, for example, which has come to life in the form of knit sweaters, collared shirts, and chunky loafers. Now that bookstores have become another popular hotspot alongside bars and clubs, we twentysomethings have taken it upon ourselves to put a youthful twist on traditionally academic styles. These New School students were very mindful of that notion when it came to curating their looks for the first week of classes.  

Kayla Seo she/her — @kaylakseo 

First-year Parsons School of Design strategic design and management student 

Kayla’s back-to-school look was actually a means of stepping outside of her comfort zone. “I’ve never worn anything like this, my friend is actually the one who styled me,” she laughs a little when I ask her about her look. Meanwhile, I was left wondering to myself if her friend was Gisele Bündchen’s character from The Devil Wears Prada. From her thin-framed glasses to the cropped blazer and maxi skirt combo, Kayla makes a strong case for everyone to channel their inner “office siren.”

Russell Dejesus he/him — @russell_dejesus

First-year Parsons strategic design and management student 

I thought I accidentally walked onto a runway when I saw Russell strutting along Fifth Avenue, his black scarf flowing behind him like a cape. So it’s true, not all superheroes wear capes. Some of them wear Dior. Russell actually told me he was going to an event with Kayla, who I couldn’t resist featuring in this piece as well. “The inspiration for the event we’re going to is tailored and distressed but still classy and put-together.” He certainly knocked it out of the park with this look, serving some major mood board inspiration for fall dressing. 

Sumi Fujihara she/her — @sum1k0._

Third-year Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts global studies student 

Literary girl style was the driving force behind Sumi’s outfit. “I was going for casual but cute,” she tells me with infectious enthusiasm as she poses in her black crop top, skirt, knee-high stockings, and platform heels. If I looked this good while going to my statistics class, I would be just as enthusiastic. Her favorite part of her look, however, is her backpack, thanks to her collection of trinkets and keychains. When I asked her for her final thoughts, she joked in true Gen-Z nature, “I love being educated but cunty!” 

Neia Anne Javier Dizon she/her — @najrdz

First-year Parsons strategic design and management student 

Neia caught my eye when I was at The New School’s annual block party, an impressive feat considering the event’s large turnout. With her peachy, flowy-sleeved top, red skort, and brown sneakers, she resembled a modern-day Clueless character. “I love when my hair goes with my outfit and accessories,” she tells me as she gestures to her bubble braids. She goes on to tell me that her hairstyles are usually what she gives the most thought to, and that they can make an outfit as easily as they can break it. Duly noted, Neia. 

Clara Zhang she/her — @paixxing 

Fourth-year Parsons fashion design student 

I’d been walking down the steps of the UC when I spotted Clara outside, looking like Strawberry Shortcake if she had a flair for streetwear. With her simple white tank top and sleek black bag, the bubblegum pink sneakers and strawberry-print cargo pants truly stole the show. The contrast between her laid-back attitude and the boldness of her outfit was impossible to miss. “I’m a fan of New Jeans, and they usually wear this brand,” she tells me, referring to CFIERCE, a Chinese fashion brand known for its edgy, playful designs. It’s the perfect blend of cute and cool.

With summer gradually coming to a close, it’s time to start putting away the strappy tank tops and hot pants that “Brat summer” beckoned out of our wardrobes. But don’t let go of the carefree, unabashed confidence that came with it. These TNS students have proven that back-to-school fashion is so much more than just dressing to impress — it’s about identity, confidence, and a little bit of playful rebellion. As we navigate through the readings, the InDesign work, and the collaborative projects, one thing’s for sure: the real statement this semester isn’t in the syllabus; it’s in the sartorial (and stylish) choices that turn heads and break norms. So don’t be surprised if your biggest lesson this year comes from your classmates’ wardrobes.