After a long, warm summer, that rain-soaked papal visit seemed to signal the start of a new season. August is almost over and it’s back to school time. Just because it’s years since you sat in a classroom and it’s decades since you set eyes on copy books neatly labelled with your name doesn’t mean you can’t indulge that back-to-school mood.
For many of us, September heralds a new year state of mind, a time for a fresh start and turning a new page.
Which means it’s also the perfect time to channel that nostalgic feeling, welcoming the new season by refreshing your wardrobe or workspace with new gear.
Whether you’re in need of a new diary for starting college, new shoes for the daily commute, or swish office supplies upgrades, here are some back-to-school inspired goodies that will go some way to dealing with the inevitable end-of-summer gloom.
1. Not just regulated to your wardrobe, add a little fierceness for when the inspiration hits. Notebook, €14, Urban Outfitters.
2. Part dressy shoe, part utility boot, these are stylish upgrade to trainers. Men's boots, €199, H&M Studio.
3. School inspired but seriously stylish, wear with a T-shirt and jeans. Blazer, €89.95, Zara.
4. The pleated skirt gets a grown-up makeover served up in leather. Skirt, €199, H&M Studio.
5. In bookish rust, this shirt dress has a whimsical Love Story feel to it. With a punchy print and easy silhouette, it hits the mark perfectly. Dress, €199, Uterque.
6. Fresh trainers, no PE class required. Men's trainers, €495, Gucci, Brown Thomas.
7. Tidy desk, tidy mind, up your desk game with this organiser. Desk organiser, €7, Tiger.
8. Guaranteed to give you all the Friday feels. Notebook, €15, Papermint Store.
9. Snag this eye-catching weekly to-do and you'll never forget a lunch appointment again. Planner, €12, & Other Stories.
10. No need to lug around a big bag of books, this mini bag will lessen the load. Bag, €355, Danse Lente, Brown Thomas.
11. But if a desk to dinner bag is what you're after, this stylish find will do the trick. Tote, €350, Furla, Arnotts.
12. Once you're grown-up, you don't have to leave campus-inspired books behind. Channel that back-to-college spirit with Sally Rooney's hotly anticipated second novel, Normal People, which is set in a university in Dublin. Normal People, €16.99, Eason.
13. Set your stationery game apart with this bold style for your bright ideas. Notebook, €9, Moss Cottage.
14. Ensure maximum productivity with this floral mid-year planner. Planner, €34.50, Kate Spade, My Shining Armour.
15. Forget uniform black, comfort no longer means boring. Loafers, €100, Dune.
16. For business or pleasure, this holdall will make you feel like an experienced jet-setter. Holdall, €70, Next.
17. To do, delegate, or not do is the question with this luxe notebook. Notebook, €55, Amara.
18. School boy heritage blazers have evolved into mannish check Crombie coats. Invest in one now. Coat, €140, Marks and Spencer.
19. Do you even have a tape dispenser? This chic tortoiseshell one might encourage you to get one. Tape dispenser, €33, Kate Spade.
20. Because they'll look pretty on your desk. Not because you need them. Desk set, €43, Orla Kiely.
