While we just returned from or are still looking forward to our summer vacation, we can’t deny that school starts in two weeks. Read my back-to-school shopping list, the trends, the Must-haves, and the Lust-Items.
- In Alaska, Back to School Means Online Shopping for Clothing
- What’s on My Back to School Shopping List
- What Is Trending in Fall/Winter 2026/27
- Conclusions: A Variety for All Styles
Disclosure: This post has affiliate links.
In Alaska, Back to School Means Online Shopping for Clothing
In Alaska, summer ends in mid August. At that time, fall is in full swing. Consequently, I have started building my wardrobe for the cold season. This means I have identified already what I need, and my shopping list is prioritized into Must-haves and Maybes right in time for back to school shopping.
Why so early? Well, except when living in the Anchorage area, most Alaskans have to rely on online stores to update their wardrobe. In Fairbanks and Juneau, the two other cities with more than 30000 inhabitants, only special niche stores exist like shops for wedding attire, outdoor and harsh weather clothing.
Well, there is also Value Village. While one woman’s trash may be another woman’s treasure, you can’t rely on them to update your wardrobe.
What’s on My Back to School Shopping List
Here are the pieces or details that are currently on my short-list. Note I haven’t run my fashion budgeting tool yet.
- Two plaid skirts.
- Knitted cotton sweater for the warm days of fall.
- Knitted cardigan.
- A piece with a funnel neck just for fun. Funnel necks on sweaters, vests, coats, cardigans, and jackets are a huge trend.
- A long neutral color cashmere vest for layering.
- Walking ducks/booties (Must-Have).
- Solid red dress (Lust-item)
- Jeans culottes, jeans maxi skirt or a jeans dress (Lust item). Doubling the denim remains a Do (again).
Which are the pieces in these categories that you would buy? Just curious.
What Is Trending in Fall/Winter 2026/27?
The silhouette. Extremely tailored suits, barrel silhouettes, wide leg trousers and jeans, cropped, boxy.
The Fashion Colors
They are very bold this time, but easy to combine with neutrals: Chocolate Fondant, Caramelized, Aqua Gray, Moonlight Haze, and Golden Acacia.
Funnel and Turtle Necks
Tip: Hoods are still a thing. Double-dip the trend by wearing a hooded puffer vest.
Leather and Liquid Leather
Everything Jeans and Denim
Statement Accessories
School and Work Supply
Entertainment
Conclusions: A Variety for All Styles
It’s all about feeling confident in what you wear. I am the kind of gal who thinks that not wearing your investment pieces is like tossing them.
Live first class, before your heirs do it.
However, I am also very down to Earth when it comes to shopping. I would never buy a statement piece when a work horse is needed.
Don’t let your outfit be a random thing. Wear the right look in every situation by looking up what to wear when in How to Dress for Success in Midlife. Buy the book now.
Photos of me: G. Kramm
© 2013-2026 Nicole Mölders | All rights reserved
Foolish question—you are going back to school too-? Oh yeah, you’re a professor! Classiness is in session! 😀
Wow shopping sounds like quite the feat there. I can not believe that it is already time for school in three weeks!
Allie of
allienyc.com
Hi Nicole, the orange sweater really pops against this print! Love the shoes too.
Hard to beleive it is almost back to school time.
Thank you for the feature!
jess xx
elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Gorgeous floral print dress! It looks lovely with the orange sweater over your shoulders!
Emma xxx
style-splash.com
I love your colorful outfit, Nicole! You look beautiful and very stylish!
Thank you so much for featuring me in your post!
Tatiana
Before online shopping, I used to really enjoy back-to-school shopping even once I was no longer in school. The magic of the Fall wardrobe was what I loved. Now it’s not as much a thrill because the fashions come out in dribbles. But I still like to shop.
Rena
finewhateverblog.com
The biker jacket looks great with the dress and heels! I love the orange bag – the fish detailing is beautiful!
Emma xxx
Just love the refreshing color of this dress (and the matching heels!) with your black jacket. I need a new hand bag this fall! It’s been too long.
Carrie
I love that orange bag you’ve styled! I can’t believe it’s already turning dark so early in Alaska, and it’s interesting about the limited shopping. You sure manage to get around that as you always look amazing, Nicole! Thanks for sharing.
xx Darlene
Give me dresses forever- Absolutely on my list for fall!!
Love the outfit Nicole and the shoes you paired with it. 🙂
That purse is beautiful! We don’t have much in our little town but we have a TJMaxx and a Ross which is really fun!
I love the Bellorita bag…the color is beautiful! I didn’t realize that shopping options were so sparse in Alaska, even the cities. I live in a pretty remote area, but there’s a mall about 40 minutes away. Pittsburgh is about an hour and a half drive and I do go down there fairly often since my son lives just outside the city. I still do most of my shopping online though.
Debbie
Love the pattern mix and play with color in this look! Great way to elevate camo.
Aww, thank you so much for the feature, Nicole! I am spoiled by living in a big city with a lot of shops; you must have to be so creative with your shopping options up in Alaska—or just go online. 😉
Cheryl Shops
Dresses are always a top contender for my shopping list – there’s something I love about wearing a dress. Thanks for sharing and hosting. Jacqui Mummabstylish
That pink ribbon belt and colorful bag are so pretty. I could really use a new coat this Fall/Winter and bag… I’m looking forward to browsing the stores soon! 🙂
Carrie
I like what you are adding to your closet for Fall. YOu know I am a fan of Karina dresses and the color in the first print is lovely! I do the same thing, make a list. Your new orange bag is perfect for Fall! ( I have the clutch)
jess xx
I just love the mix of the feminine skirt with the camo jacket! And your orange bag is fabulous! Thank you for the linkup!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Great outfit, Nicole! I live in a place that doesn’t have much to offer as far as shopping either. You have to travel at least an hour to get to the good shops. Or shop online! You have some great items on your fall wish list. And that orange fish bag is magnificent!
Shelbee