As a former teacher and a kid who always enjoyed school, Back-to-School season has always been a special time of year for me. I love everything about it — getting a fresh start, choosing brand new school supplies, and of course shopping for a first day of school outfit! (And now as a mom, shopping with the kids for their first day of school outfits.)

Dr Martens 1460 Combat Boots // Brooks Launch 8 Running Shoe // Lucky Brand Echo Ballet Flats

Since last year was such a challenging time, this year holds an extra special kind of promise. I have one child going off to college for the first time, another one commuting to his college classes (in-person for the first time since March 2020!) and a third going into her sophomore year of high school.

Even though things may not be quite back to normal, I think it’s safe to say that all of us are beyond excited to return to more of a typical school year.

We always start our back-to-school shopping adventures with the shoes, and my girls have always done well finding shoes at DSW. They like the wide range of brands and the on-trend styles.

As I’ve shared before, R loves the current trends, and she fell hard for these white leather Doc Martens. The instant she saw them, she started telling me how she could envision wearing them with ripped mom jeans and a plaid shirt jacket.

I have to admit, I wasn’t sure how that was going to work out, but turns out, it’s super cute on her!

C has a more classic style, and she loves ballet flats. She wears them with her dresses as well as jeans.

These Lucky Brand leather ballet flats are right up her alley, and the corset lacing at the heel is a fun detail. She says they’re very comfortable, but you may want to size up if in between.

And of course, I couldn’t be left out from the back-to-school shopping! I decided to grab a new pair of Brooks running shoes.

I’ve already worn them out to run and also for a strength training workout, and they are very comfortable with plenty of cushion. Plus, I think this grey/pink color way is so pretty.

Not only are they great for workouts, they’re stylish enough to pair with joggers and a t-shirt for daily errands. These run true to size for running shoes; I wear a 9. (My typical boot size is 8 or 8.5, for reference.)

I’d say we’re off to a good start with our back-to-school shopping!

Not only does DSW have a wide selection of on-trend shoes at great prices, they have a large accessories department with lots of backpacks, water bottles, and other back-to-school necessities. I’ve rounded up a big assortment below.

You can also use my exclusive code: JOLYNNE10 to get $10 off your order of $49+ at checkout, now through 7/31 on select items featured! Some exclusions apply; see terms below.

Back-to-School Shoes for Teen Girls

Back-to-School Shoes for Teen Boys

Back-to-School Shoes for Kids

Back-to-School Bags & Accessories

Promo code terms and exclusions: 

Valid July 16–31, 2021. Use offer code JOLYNNE10  to receive $10 off a purchase of $49 or more. Limit 1 per customer. May be combined with VIP benefits and gift-with-purchase offers; may not be combined with any other offers. Not valid toward alcohol, gift cards, select services, past purchases, shipping, delivery, or tax. No cash back. Value may be reused on a same-day exchange only. Void if copied, scanned, altered, or transferred. Cannot be replaced if lost, stolen, or damaged. Brand exclusions apply. Not valid at DSW US stores, DSW Canada, or www.dsw.ca. Other restrictions may apply. See store or dsw.com for exclusions and details. Subject to full terms of use at dsw.com/en/us/legal/web-terms. Terms subject to change without prior notice. Contact shoephoria! Center: 1.866.DSW.SHOES or [email protected] for help.

Additional details: Excludes Birkenstock, Brooks, Columbia, Converse, Crocs, Dr. Martens, Gucci, Hey Dude, HUNTER, Koolaburra by UGG, Michael Michael Kors, New Balance, Nike, ON, OOFOS, Rainbow, Salvatore Ferragamo, See by Chloe, Sorel, Stuart Weitzman, TACKMA, Tory Burch, UGG, and Vionic products, plus select adidas, Caterpillar, Cobian, Cole Haan, Dr. Scholl’s, Franco Sarto, Keen, Lauren Ralph Lauren, Merrell, Minnetonka, Reef, Salomon, Sam Edelman, Skechers, Sperry, Steve Madden, Teva, Timberland, Vans, and Vince Camuto styles. Brand exclusions subject to change.

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photos: Alison Cornell