When Zoom courses grew to become the adopted school-wide norm, we had been all studying to renegade on social media. Now, Ellie Zeiler, 17, who boasts 10.2 million followers on TikTok, has partnered with DSW for its back-to-school marketing campaign.
TikTok could also be flooded with thousands and thousands of 15-minute clips, however Zieler thinks of the platform virtually like analysis — to seek out out what’s well-liked.
“What I like about TikTok — particularly the ‘for you web page’ — is attending to see like-minded content material you solely need to take pleasure in,” she advised the Publish. “I’ve additionally discovered a lot about tendencies from TikTok, what’s in and what’s out.”
Coming into her senior 12 months of highschool, she has massive goals to pursue a profession as a social media director for a big firm and, coincidentally, TikTok helped her understand extra about the place her ardour lies.
“My dream faculty is NYU to review enterprise with a minor in movie,” she shares. “It’s loopy to assume I’m now in entrance of the digital camera as a result of I’m normally into behind-the-scenes work; I like enhancing and I used to be my faculty’s newscast director. Ever since beginning social media, I bought to include that curiosity whereas studying lots about enterprise.”
Talking of enterprise, her latest partnership with DSW helped her kickstart back-to-school season — in type. The model contacted her to be the teenage voice for the marketing campaign, handpicking sneakers and styling them to satisfy Gen Z tendencies.
“All of us had a lot time to work on ourselves and new fashions to deliver into this faculty 12 months,” she stated. “Bringing in traditional types with a contact of cool is at all times going to be nice for college. An ideal pair of Levi’s denims, a white high or a sweater, and chunky sneakers with excessive frilly socks are an important look.” She additionally adores loafers “the preppy faculty lady kind of match,” she describes, whether or not it’s a white collared shirt, a plaid skirt and a headscarf.

To channel the whole lot from classics to tried-and-true stylish, check out Zeiler’s back-to-school attire and shoe necessities under. Add to cart, order and sport your new look earlier than your first day.
Ellie’s Favourite Again-to-College Tops
Madewell Northside Classic White Chalk Tee, $16

“You need to have a white tee for back-to-school,” Zeiler stated. “I like the look of a white high paired with darkish wash straight leg denims, and a enjoyable pink button-down in case the classroom is chilly.”
Banana Republic Outsized Button-Down Shirt, $35.99 (initially $59.99)

“I believe white collared shirts are tremendous cute,” she stated. “You possibly can throw a fun-patterned sweater over it for a preppier look.”
Lulus Stylish Heather Grey Off-the-Shoulder Sweater High, $28

“Grey knit sweaters are at all times the transfer,” she stated. “I’d curl my hair, put it up in a ponytail, and pair the look with a thick headband.”
Free Folks Preserve On Walkin’ Cardigan, $70

“An open-knit sweater is nice to pair with a white tank high or crop high,” she stated. “It’s an important layering piece for college.”
Ellie’s Favourite Again-to-College Bottoms
Levi’s Premium 501 Authentic Match Cropped Ladies’s Denims, $98

“Discovering an ideal pair of Levi’s is simply so good,” Zeiler stated. “I like darkish wash for the autumn and winter and a medium wash for spring and hotter months.”
Romwe Excessive Waist Tartan Pleated Skirt, $13.95

“I’m such a fan of skirts, on a regular basis,” she stated. “I’d put on skirts with tights to highschool, however not everybody would, and my favourite to put on are plaid.”
Nasty Gal Test Tapered Excessive-Waisted Pants, $18.50 (initially $37)

“Enjoyable printed pants with a white tee shirt on high is a cute option to spruce up your look whereas nonetheless being snug,” she stated.
Ellie’s Favourite Again-to-College Sneakers
Puma Cali Wedge Sneaker, $89.99

“I believe chunky white sneakers are vital for college as a result of they go along with the whole lot,” Zeiler stated. “Pairing them with excessive frilly socks makes for a cute look, particularly with a skirt.”
She loves Puma’s Cali Wedge Sneaker, particularly.
Dr. Martens Combs Platform Fight Boot, $89.99

“Doc Martens are nice for days if you need to really feel like a baddie at school,” Zeiler stated. “When the outfit has darker tones, these work properly.”
Sporting Doc Martens with pants and a easy high is one other back-to-school look she loves.
Franco Sarto Balin Idler, $88.99

“A great pair of chunky loafers are nice with lengthy pants that hit previous the ankle,” Zeiler stated. “Black loafers are my favourite, with brown being an in depth second.”
For one more choice, she recommends LifeStride’s Madison Penny Idler.
Ellie’s Favourite Again-to-College Sneakers
Missgrace Stackable Dainty Gold Boho Rings, $7.98

“I’m such a fan of rings,” Zieler stated. “The Harry Types look of rings on each finger is nice, particularly as a result of it makes you look extra put collectively if you’re writing at school. I by no means thought I’d say that, however I’m.”
Charisma Pearl Earrings Set (12 Pairs), $11.49 (initially $19.99)

“It’s at all times good having earrings on,” she stated. “My favourite is pearl earrings, which you’ll even get on Amazon.”
Eaone 16-Piece Satin Headband Set, $12.99

“Headbands are nice to maintain your hair out of your face for a cultured back-to-school look,” she stated.
Baublebar Piper Necklace, $44

“Necklaces galore!” she stated. “I like chunky and beaded necklaces they usually completely elevate an outfit and make it extra enjoyable.”
Ellie’s Favourite Again-to-College Magnificence Merchandise
Lancôme Mini Juicy Tubes Authentic Lip Gloss Set, $25

“For the time being, I’m loving the Lancôme Juicy Tubes,” Zeiler stated. “They got here again and I saved them in all of my baggage. I like presenting in entrance of my classroom with lip gloss on as a result of I felt as if I used to be enunciating my phrases higher, and it provides to that glowy make-up look.”
Lancôme Lash Idôle Lash-Lifting & Volumizing Mascara, $26

“My favourite lengthening mascara is Lancôme’s Lash Idôle Lash-Lifting & Volumizing Mascara,” she stated. “I like the long-lashed look with pure face make-up.”
Milk Make-up Mini Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick, $18

“I’m into rosy cheeks for college, and considered one of my favorites is Milk Make-up’s Mini Lip and Cheek Cream Blush Stick,” she stated. “It’s good to toss in your faculty bag, too.”
Try extra ‘Influencer Picks‘ roundups right here.
