tennie's back to school recs
There were 10 apparel items that After School found to be the most consistently purchased by teen girls this year for their back-to-school shopping hauls. Tennie was determined to find the work-y alternative to each - so women can wear what they want to wear and look professional! Oh, and keep within their budget - every work-y item selected is under $100.
#10: aerie striped classic crew sweatshirt
work-y alternative: old navy oversized button-down boyfriend shirt in blue stripe
why it's a good alternative: we actually think the aerie sweatshirt would work great in a casual office setting. the only problem is that it is 100% sold out from all of these back-to-school hauls. our old navy alternative, however, offers the same comfort while giving a professional, put-together vibe
#9: brandy melville numbered graphic tees
work-y alternative: aritzia tna mighty cotton™ wave longsleeve
why it's a good alternative: calling all sporty girls, this top is for you! the same athletic-inspired feel of the numbered tee, but 1. better for fall / a freezing office and 2. easier to wear a bra under. look out on tennie's social media (@tennie.clothing on IG and TikTok), I think I'm going to do a but make it business on this top soon
#8: edikted basel button up tank top
work-y alternative: urban kimchi blue rachel short sleeve cardigan
why it's a good alternative: I look at the edikted top and just know I wouldn't be able to wear it because the buttons would gape. could it be fine for the office if you don't have boobs? sure - with some wide-leg trousers, it would be adorable. but for the rest of us, the short-sleeve cardigan is a comfier alternative. and like the last one, it's a bit more weather-appropriate for the office
#7: brandy melville priscilla flare yoga pants
work-y alternative: abercrombie high rise slim boot trouser
why it's a good alternative: these abercrombie trousers are basically the flare yoga pants of work pants. they are so comfortable and stretchy, and they flare but not in an obnoxious way. I know they're high-rise (ugh, right?) but they're going to fit so well you're not even going to care!
#6: hollister camo fleece mini shorts
work-y alternative: banana republic lettuce-hem mesh midi
why it's a good alternative: this was not an easy one to create an alternative for, but I tried to capture the y2k essence with this patterned skirt. it's fun, it's comfy, and it's going to look very put-together with an oversized button-down or bodysuit/cardigan combo
#5: garage ultrafleece straight leg sweatpants
work-y alternative: abercrombie sloane low rise tailored wide leg pant
why it's a good alternative: for all the girls who thrive in their sweats, allow me to introduce you to their work-y counterpart, the wide-leg trouser. they're even low-rise! I legit wear these around the house because they're so easy to throw on. these pants are a gift to women everywhere who no longer have to suffer through their workday in discomfort
#4: free people movement my time tee
work-y alternative: la made city nights muscle tank
why it's a good alternative: a similar sporty vibe that's just a bit more elevated with the satin. the sleeves and collar are a nice cotton material, giving the feel of a t-shirt with the put-together look of a work top
#3: brandy melville elena button-front top
work-y alternative: reformation jenna knit top
why it's a good alternative: this work top has all of the elements of the elena top: the red gingham, the buttons, the cute cap sleeves. it also has a bit more structure to it with the collar, making it great for work. this with the high rise slim boot trousers would be *chef's kiss*
#2: pacsun casey low rise baggy jeans
work-y pairing: banana republic cotton poplin belted tunic shirt
why it's a good pairing: I actually think these jeans work for work, so instead of providing an alternative, I gave a top I think would look nice with these. this button-down and jeans combo is going to give such a cool smart casual look. it says I tried and I look great, but I'm also laid-back and confident. bonus points for wearing this with some cool sneaks
#1: hollister satin-tie babydoll top
work-y alternative: aritzia wisteria top
why it's a good alternative: the hollister top is so funny to me because it's exactly what I wore in middle school. cycles of fashion, amiright?! this alternative has all of the fun and whimsy of the hollister top, plus it's going to be easier and more comfortable to move around in throughout the day - no needing to worry about the tie in the back or a bra strap showing