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When Zoom classes became the adopted school-wide norm, we were all learning 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 campaign.
TikTok may be flooded with millions of 15-minute clips, but Zieler thinks of the platform almost like research — to find out what’s popular.
“What I love about TikTok — especially the ‘for you page’ — is getting to see like-minded content you solely want to enjoy,” she told the Post. “I’ve also learned so much about trends from TikTok, what’s in and what’s out.”
Entering her senior year of high school, she has big dreams to pursue a career as a social media director for a large company and, coincidentally, TikTok helped her realize more about where her passion lies.
“My dream school is NYU to study business with a minor in film,” she shares. “It’s crazy to think I’m now in front of the camera because I’m usually into behind-the-scenes work; I love editing and I was my school’s newscast director. Ever since starting social media, I got to incorporate that interest while learning a lot about business.”
Speaking of business, her recent partnership with DSW helped her kickstart back-to-school season — in style. The brand contacted her to be the teenage voice for the campaign, handpicking shoes and styling them to meet Gen Z trends.
“All of us had so much time to work on ourselves and new fashions to bring into this school year,” she said. “Bringing in classic styles with a touch of cool is always going to be great for school. A perfect pair of Levi’s jeans, a white top or a sweater, and chunky sneakers with high frilly socks are a great look.” She also adores loafers “the preppy school girl type of fit,” she describes, whether it’s a white collared shirt, a plaid skirt and a headband.
To channel everything from classics to tried-and-true trendy, take a look at Zeiler’s back-to-school apparel and shoe essentials below. Add to cart, order and sport your new look before your first day.
Ellie’s Favorite Back-to-School Tops
“You should have a white tee for back-to-school,” Zeiler said. “I love the look of a white top paired with dark wash straight leg jeans, and a fun pink button-down in case the classroom is cold.”
Banana Republic Oversized Button-Down Shirt, $35.99 (originally $59.99)
“I think white collared shirts are super cute,” she said. “You can throw a fun-patterned sweater over it for a preppier look.”
“Gray knit sweaters are always the move,” she said. “I would curl my hair, put it up in a ponytail, and pair the look with a thick headband.”
“An open-knit sweater is great to pair with a white tank top or crop top,” she said. “It’s a great layering piece for school.”
Ellie’s Favorite Back-to-School Bottoms
“Finding a perfect pair of Levi’s is just so good,” Zeiler said. “I like dark wash for the fall and winter and a medium wash for spring and warmer months.”
“I’m such a fan of skirts, all the time,” she said. “I would wear skirts with tights to school, but not everyone would, and my favorite to wear are plaid.”
Nasty Gal Check Tapered High-Waisted Pants, $18.50 (originally $37)
“Fun printed pants with a white tee shirt on top is a cute way to spruce up your look while still being comfortable,” she said.
Ellie’s Favorite Back-to-School Shoes
Puma Cali Wedge Sneaker, $89.99
“I think chunky white sneakers are important for school because they go with everything,” Zeiler said. “Pairing them with high frilly socks makes for a cute look, especially with a skirt.”
She loves Puma’s Cali Wedge Sneaker, in particular.
“Doc Martens are great for days when you want to feel like a baddie in school,” Zeiler said. “When the outfit has darker tones, those work well.”
Wearing Doc Martens with pants and a simple top is another back-to-school look she loves.
Franco Sarto Balin Loafer, $88.99
“A good pair of chunky loafers are great with long pants that hit past the ankle,” Zeiler said. “Black loafers are my favorite, with brown being a close second.”
For a splurge, she recommends Gucci’s Houdan 15 Platform Loafer.
Ellie’s Favorite Back-to-School Shoes
“I’m such a fan of rings,” Zieler said. “The Harry Styles look of rings on every finger is great, especially because it makes you look more put together when you’re writing in class. I never thought I’d say that, but I am.”
Charisma Pearl Earrings Set (12 Pairs), $11.49 (originally $19.99)
“It’s always nice having earrings on,” she said. “My favorite is pearl earrings, which you can even get on Amazon.”
“Headbands are great to keep your hair out of your face for a polished back-to-school look,” she said.
“Necklaces galore!” she said. “I love chunky and beaded necklaces and they totally elevate an outfit and make it more fun.”
Ellie’s Favorite Back-to-School Beauty Products
“At the moment, I’m loving the Lancôme Juicy Tubes,” Zeiler said. “They came back and I kept them in all of my bags. I love presenting in front of my classroom with lip gloss on because I felt as if I was enunciating my words better, and it adds to that glowy makeup look.”
“My favorite lengthening mascara is Lancôme’s Lash Idôle Lash-Lifting & Volumizing Mascara,” she said. “I love the long-lashed look with natural face makeup.”
“I’m into rosy cheeks for school, and one of my favorites is Milk Makeup’s Mini Lip and Cheek Cream Blush Stick,” she said. “It’s perfect to toss in your school bag, too.”