Back-to-school outfits don’t have to mean stiff blazers or uncomfortable sneakers. Manon Bannerman, the 24-year-old Swiss-Ghanaian member of the 2024 girl group KATSEYE, has spent years developing a style that balances boldness with ease—ideal for students moving between classes, libraries, and late-night study sessions.
Six outfits that work for campus and beyond
Bannerman’s approach follows simple rules: begin with a casual base, introduce one unexpected detail, and prioritize comfort. The result feels deliberate without appearing forced.
Her most reliable formula starts with jeans and a tee, though she often reinvents the classic. In Paris last summer, she replaced the usual T-shirt with a black bandeau top, matching it with low-rise jeans and sneakers for a Y2K-inspired update. The same pieces adapt across seasons—swap the bandeau for a long-sleeve shirt or layer a jacket when temperatures drop.
Monochrome looks are another staple. While all-black remains a safe choice, Bannerman’s all-brown Coachella outfit shows how muted tones can still stand out. Texture makes the difference: a baby tee with jeans, or a chunky knit with tailored trousers. A hoodie or cardigan adds warmth for drafty lecture halls, while subtle shade variations create depth without clashing.
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For days when comfort is essential, track pants become a practical choice. She improves them by adding heeled Chelsea boots, creating contrast between sporty and polished. A matching tracksuit jacket keeps the look unified, while a poplin shirt or glittery accessory adds a playful element.
Most students might avoid pairing jorts with a fluffy jacket and boots, but Bannerman makes the combination appear natural. The secret lies in balancing proportions—baggy shorts with a cropped top, or a long coat with slim-fit pants. Textures also play a key role; a sherpa-lined jacket or chunky boots can transform a simple outfit into something striking. This look transitions well from early fall to late spring, when layers remain necessary but heavy coats feel excessive.
What makes Bannerman’s style practical for students isn’t just the individual pieces, but how she assembles them. The approach proves outfits don’t need perfect coordination to succeed—sometimes the best looks emerge from unexpected pairings.
This philosophy offers freedom. Students don’t need to overanalyze choices: select one statement piece and build the rest around comfort. The aim isn’t to mimic a runway look, but to feel confident in clothes that adapt to a busy day of classes, group projects, and last-minute library visits.
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Her outfits also address a common student dilemma: how to appear put-together on minimal sleep. A monochrome look disguises wrinkles; a hoodie doubles as a blanket in chilly lecture halls. The style works with student life’s unpredictability, not against it.
The best aspect? These looks don’t require a large budget. Thrift stores offer band tees, vintage denim, and oversized jackets that fit the same aesthetic. The real secret is confidence—wearing what you enjoy, even if it differs from what others choose. That’s something Bannerman excels at, which explains why her style connects with so many returning students.
As the semester begins, students can adopt her method: select a few versatile basics, add one unexpected detail, and avoid overcomplicating the rest. The outcome won’t be flawless, but it will be comfortable, functional, and distinctly personal.
