The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

What to Wear: Back to School

By Ann Binlot Published August 6, 2021

Yes it’s September and for those of you who are in college, that means you’re probably back to school. We know how tempting it is to just roll out of bed and throw on a hoodie, jeans and a pair of sneakers, but do you think that’s really going to impress that pretty sorority girl in your economics class that you’ve had your eye on? Stop kidding yourself and clean up your look.

First thing’s first, you’ll need a nice backpack to carry around all those gadgets you need for taking notes and keeping up your Instagram, Facebook and Twitter feeds. Oh yeah, and for all those books as well. Then go for a nice yet cool button-up shirt a pair of fall appropriate corduroy pants, slick shoes and a hip jacket. Throw on a watch so you’re not late to class and glasses so you can see the chalkboard.

Now go see if you’ve caught her eye.

Recommended Videos

Biography Wear Bio-Canvas Pack, $80 at karmaloop.com; Nooka Zoo AL Blue Watch, $225 at nooka.com; Minimum Shirt With All Over Pattern, $106.69 at asos.com; Jack Spade Slim Fit Corduroy Pants $195 at shop.nordstrom.com; Macbook Air, starting at $999 at store.apple.com; Drift Eyewear The Caulfield, visit drifteyewear.com; Acne Brando Jacket, $763.14 at farfetch.com; Bass Burlingon Plain Toed Shoes, $84.99 at macys.com

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Ann Binlot is a New York-based freelance writer who contributes to publications like The Economist, Wallpaper*, Monocle…

Fashion & Style

Casio brings back its impossibly small ring watch

Second chance: Casio's miniature ring watch returns to American market

Casio Ring Watch CRW001-1

Casio announced the US restock of its Ring Watch CRW001-1 on July 1st, bringing back the small timepiece that sold out quickly after it came out in America in late 2024. The restock follows successful lottery sales in the UK and Japan, showing that people around the world want this digital watch that goes on a finger.
The Ring Watch CRW001-1 shows Casio's bold way of looking at wearable technology—it shrinks standard digital watch functions into a ring that measures only 25.2mm across and weighs 16 grams. Even though it is small, the timepiece keeps necessary features, including support for two time zones, a stopwatch that measures 1/100th of a second, and hourly flash alerts.
Casio US confirmed the July 1st restock on Instagram, saying the watch would only be available through the brand's online store, not in physical shops. Compared to the lottery systems in other places, American customers will buy the watch in the order they arrive—this might cause a lot of competition among people who collect things and those who like technology.
The small digital screen has a backlight so you can see it in different light. The stainless steel build makes it sturdy, even though it is small. The ring fits size 22 fingers (US 10.5, EU U), and you can adjust it down to size 19 (19mm inner diameter) or size 16 (18mm inner diameter).
The engineering needed to put normal digital watch parts into a ring shape shows how well they made it. The 1/100th second stopwatch is as exact as bigger Casio watches. Travelers who want to check the time without others knowing will like the two-time zone feature.
Casio did not say the exact restock time but told interested customers to sign up for email notifications about when it would be ready. That way may help manage the internet traffic while making sure serious buyers learn about buying chances in time.
The Ring Watch's appeal shows more people are interested in other types of wearable devices, not just ones worn on the wrist. Casio's good result with this unusual approach shows that people want new watch designs that question common ideas about what a watch should look like.
The quick sellout after the US launch, along with international lottery systems, suggests that collectors are very interested and that the watch might sell for more later. Casio has not said anything about more restocks in other places after the July 1st US availability, keeping the watch special.
This restock gives American buyers a second chance to get one of the most noticeable wearable technology releases of the year, bringing together Casio's history with digital watches and its push to make things very small.

Fashion & Style

What you need to know about the newest INVINCIBLE x ASICS sneaker

Asics, Invincible unveil a new sneaker

side view of invincible asics sneaker

There’s no doubt that all of Asics’ designs offer a sense of retro feel in their overall look. Full of designs that pay homage to the 2000s running shoe, the brand knows how to create a chic, nostalgic sneaker with all of the modern features. Now, the brand is taking that retro-ness to another level with the help of INVINCIBLE. Along with the Taiwanese streetwear brand, Asics is reviving a classic digital reminder and transforming it into the next ‘it’ sneaker. Based on the dreaded 404 Error Message, these two brands are bringing the computer language to life in a sneaker that plays on all of the digital nostalgia. And while a “Page Not Found” message might not be your favorite find, these sneakers more than make up for that frustration.

INVINCIBLE x ASICS Gel-Nimbus 10.1 “HTTP 404”

Fashion & Style

JJJJound and Asics are back for yet another stellar collaboration

JJJJound, Asics reveal new collaborative sneaker

pair of JJJJound asics sneakers

Known for their stylish collaborations, JJJJound is back for another partnership with one of their long-term favorites. Along with ASICS, the Canadian brand is once again taking on one of the crowd-favorites from the athletic company. This time around, JJJJound is opting for a sleek and minimalist shoe that’s perfect for anyone looking for the ultimate clean performance sneaker. Fresh off their third collaboration earlier this month, the two brands have announced their latest release, which involves a different silhouette. While many were left without the chance to purchase the last drop, this new launch is the perfect opportunity to get your hands on a design from this partnership.

The JJJJound Asics Gel-Quantum 360 is here