Details: The 2026 Back-to-School Photo Lookbook
This year, Sierra and Rhia leaned into a "clean, effortless" aesthetic. In their video, "Sierra & Rhia's Back-to-School Photo Guide 2026," they broke down exactly how to style each item for a photo that's guaranteed to land in the yearbook. Here's what they wore.
Look 1: Classic Tee + High-Waisted Jeans
The foundation of the whole video is the Sierra and Rhia English Classic T-Shirt. It's a $24.99 tee made from 100% ring-spun cotton that's pre-shrunk, so you don't have to worry about it shrinking in the wash. The relaxed unisex fit works for everyone, and the small logo on the chest is subtle enough for a school photo but still unmistakably theirs.
Sierra paired it with light-wash high-waisted jeans and white sneakers. She specifically mentioned that the tee's slightly thicker cotton prevents it from looking wrinkled in photos, which is a huge plus for early morning shoots.
In their "Back-to-School Q&A 2026" video, they also answered a fan question about what to do if the photo is in direct sunlight. Rhia's advice? Stick with the Classic Tee because it doesn't glare like some synthetic fabrics.
Look 2: Polo Shirt + Khaki Shorts
For a more preppy take, Rhia picked the Sierra and Rhia English Polo Shirt. At $34.99, it's a dressier option, but the fabric has enough stretch to stay comfortable through a full day. The embroidered logo on the chest is a nice detail that catches the light without being flashy.
Rhia said in the video that khaki shorts were a natural pairing because they balance the polo's structure. Plus, they photograph well against a school lobby background.
Look 3: Premium Hoodie for Early Morning Shots
Not every school starts late. If your first bell rings before 8 a.m., the Sierra and Rhia English Premium Hoodie is your best friend. It's $49.99 and made from a heavier fleece that doesn't add a lot of bulk. Sierra layered it over the Classic Tee, and the two logos stacked together look intentional, not repetitive.
The hoodie is also a great option for outdoor photos where the shade makes things chilly. You can unzip it halfway for a more casual vibe or keep it zipped for a clean, simple silhouette.
Look 4: Tank Top for Late Summer Heat
For districts where the heat doesn't let up until October, the Sierra and Rhia English Tank Top is the budget-friendly choice at just $19.99. It's a sleeveless, breathable option that you can wear on its own or under a flannel shirt. Rhia wore it under a denim jacket in the video, which gives you more styling options.
She also noted that the tank top's straps are wide enough to hide bra straps, which is a small but thoughtful design detail that makes it easier to style for a photo.