Frat Party What-to-Wear Series: Western/Country/Cowboy Party

College is the time for frat parties. A time when it's okay to wear a skin-tight minidress and five-inch heels. A large proportion of frat parties are "themed", whether it be "80's Dance Party", "Blacklight", "CEOs and Office Hos", or "Catholic School".

In this post, I will present three outfits on what to wear to a frat-favorite theme: The Cowboy/Western/Country Party (AKA Hoedown).

During your school year, there will inevitably be such a themed party. Generally, guys arrive in wifebeaters while girls sport cropped plaid shirts, cutoff minis, and cowboy boots. These parties also involve plenty of hay, potentially even a few farm animals, country music (hello Taylor Swift!) and lots of kegs.

According to my experience, 60% of girls will show up in plaid shirts, maybe another 25% in white tanks, a few in sundresses, and the rest won't dress up for the theme at all. In my opinion, plaid shirts and white tanks are boring. So below are two much more unique outfit ideas and one traditional "country" look.

Southern Belle

Strapless Crochet-Trim Layered Dress, $38 Thrifting in Tulsa Boot, $80 ASOS Nude Feather Clutch, $42 Jungle Bangle Stack, 14 GBP FALLING LEAVES NECKLACE, $17 ROCK 'N ROSE | Contemporary Vintage Jewellery & Headwear, 22 GBP OPI YODEL ME ON MY CELL NAIL LACQUER (15ML), 12 GBP

I'm a girly-girl, so this is definitely my personal favorite out of the three looks. The overall feel is very effortless and pretty with some boho chic mixed in. I absolutely adore breezy, mini-sundresses: they're so very flattering and incredibly versatile. This off-white crochet-trim piece is super cute and very affordable. It can be dressed down for a country themed party or dressed up for frolicking around town on a balmy summer night.

Playing on the earthy theme, I added stacked wooden bangles and a leaf pendant to the outfit along with a monarch butterfly headband - a perfect warm-weather headpiece. Instead of the traditional cowboy boots, I opted for a pair of heeled country-inspired booties. Since the dress is very feminine, the boots add a little bit of edge.

Finally, accessorize with a pink feathered clutch and electric blue nail-polish - a shade that will pop against the light-colored dress.

Classic

Zoe, $49 Acid Wash Frayed Short - Teen Clothing by Wet Seal, $10 Old Navy Womens Slouch Ankle Cowboy Boots, $40 Feather Clutch Bag, 35 GBP Ambra's Gold, Silver & Gunmetal Studded 16 Piece Bangle Set, $48 Green feather drop earrings, 10 GBP Beauty Exclusives - Cosmetics - Nordstrom, $18

This outfit here is the quintessential country-themed frat party look - the outfit that I mentioned is worn by probably 60% of the girls. Actually, I fashion-ized the look a little bit - a lot of girls actually wear the trashy version of this outfit, which consists of stomach-bearing tie-front plaid shirts that are generally sold as Halloween costumes. Although the top and bottom pieces here are pretty classic, what makes this particular outfit stand out are the accessories.

First, start with a plaid shirt, preferably in red-and-navy checkers or dark green-and-navy. Pair them with your favorite worn-in, faded denim cutoffs and some classic cowboy boots.

Now comes the tricks: rather than looking like hundred of other girls that night, don on a pair of eclectic earrings: these blue-green feathered drop earrings are definitely unique yet still goes with the overall look of the outfit. Play on the feathered theme with a black feathered clutch - an accessory that adds some edginess to this all-American look. Glittery blue nail-polish works great against the red shirt and stack on some silver and gun-metal studded bracelets for a tough, cowgirl vibe.

Edgy Cowgirl

Popper Crop Tee, $10 Women's AE Studded Denim Shortie (Light Authentic Indigo), $20 Apt. 9 Jetta Slouch Western Boots, $80 Turquoise 'Mia' studded clutch bag, 21 GBP ASOS Eclectic Wristwear Set With Wooden, Engraved Metal And Colour..., $25 Lauren by Ralph Lauren Multi Bead Long Chain Necklace (Nordstrom..., $25 Amazon.com: OPI Alice in Wonderland Collection Nail Polish, Off With..., $3.18 Torn's Black Leather Long Fringe Vest: Fly or Bye? | Flypaper - Stuck...

This is by far the trendiest outfit choice of the three and is perfect for a girl who likes to stand out from the crowd. It builds off of the wifebeater-and-shorts look but transforms it to a whole new level fit for the runways. The cropped white top was a huge trend this summer and the fringed vest is a big hit for fall.

Start off with a basic white cropped short-sleeved shirt. If you don't own one, you can even create a DIY version by cutting up an old white shirt. Don't cut off too much if you're uncomfortable with revealing your stomach - even a little bit of cropping makes a huge difference. For some extra bonus, fray the ends of the shirt (look up "how to fray fabric" on instructions as to how to do this). Then add some worn-in, faded denim cutoffs, a wardrobe staple for all college girls.

Next up is a fringed vest. They are being sold at high end department stores this fall but can also be found at your local Forever21 and Target. Add some slouchy western boots - preferably with a short heel - for a fashion-forward vibe. Throw on a stack of mixed bangles - metal and gold works wonderfully - and finish off with coral-red nail polish and a contrasting clutch.



Which outfit is your favorite? What do you usually wear to country-themed frat parties?

Back-To-School-Series: What to Wear During Orientation Week

College is an exciting experience. It's about being on your own and trying new things. And when it comes to new things, sometimes we're at a loss as to what to do. When I began my freshmen year, I found myself wondering how to start a checking account, how to pick an insurance policy, etc.

With so much to learn and experience, it can all feel a little overwhelming. You might even be wondering, "What should I wear to my adviser meeting?" "How should I dress for my first frat party?"

Well, stress no more. Here is a comprehensive guide for what to wear for all the events that you'll encounter during your first week of college.

Move-In Day

From elementary school to high school, we all worried about what to wear on that August or September day when school starts. You want your crush to see that you look even hotter with a bronzed tan; you want your frenemy to see that you're with the new tangerine Kate Spade tote and cream Marc Jacobs flat.

In college, dressing to impress is even more essential. We all know that first impressions are important, and when it comes to college, you'll always be seeing people you've never met before, so you're constantly making first impressions.

First impressions begin on move-in day. These are qualities that make a successful first-day outfit:

Comfort - You'll be lugging suitcases up multiple stairs, so no mini skirts or high heels.

Chic - You want to come off immediately as someone who knows how to dress, so no frumpy tees or people will always think of you as someone who doesn't care about her own appearance.

Memorable - Your first day outfit should make you stand out from the crowd. Whether it be a an adorable bright tangerine handbag or just a unique combination of vintage pieces, you want people to notice you on your first day. It will go a long way in making friends during the rest of the year. Oh, and don't bust out the monogrammed designer bag - even if it is an authentic Louis Vuitton. You want to come off as stylish, not as a spoiled little princess.

First Night Out

Unless you've already shimmied your way up the social ladder and befriended upperclassmen and have apartment party invites lined up, chances are your first party will be a frat party. Frats love holding parties during freshmen move-in so they can prey on freshmen girls make you feel welcomed.

For your first party, make sure not to overdress. Frat parties are usually pretty casual, so don't break out the silk top or that cocktail dress. Most frats are also pretty gross and there's going to be drinks spilling all over the place, so avoid white and anything that you would cry over if you got spilled on. Since frat parties get really crowded and hot, you best bets are a feminine top and denim shorts, a casual dress, or a flirty skirt and tank.

Adviser Meeting

College may be fun and all, but the core of college is the education that you will get. At most schools, you will be assigned an adviser who will guide you through the next four years of your academic life. Building a good relationship with your adviser is absolutely essential. Your adviser is the one who will be advising you what classes to take, making sure you meet the graduation requirements, informing you about internships and work opportunities, and writing you letters of recommendation.

While there's no reason to don on a pencil skirt and suit, you should still look professional when meeting with your adviser (and any professor in general). No shoes too high, skirt too short, or shirt too low. Also, show up to your appointment ten minutes early. Being late will not make a good impression.

And if your appointment is before noon, try not to go out the night before. You absolutely should not show up to your appointment hungover. No matter how studious you may be in real life, you adviser will immediately dismiss you as someone who doesn't care at all about school.

Going Downtown

At many small colleges, each dorm holds group trips as a bonding experience. Usually these trips will take you to a nice restaurant or to the bustling downtown if you're in a big city.

These trips are a great way for you to meet more people and familiarize yourself with the surrounding area. It's important to wear comfortable shoes as you will probably be doing quite a bit of walking, but if you're going to the posh areas of town, you should also get slightly dressed up. Since move-in day, this is the best opportunity to showcase your style, so break out that billowy new dress you've been saving for fall and those adorable leather flats!

First Day of Class

It's important to look your best on your first day of class because you never know which hottie might be in the same class as you. You want to look cute yet school-appropriate at the same time.

A stylish yet roomy messenger bag is a must. Backpacks tend to tangle up your hair if you wear your hair down. You can't go wrong with a mid-length skirt, preppy blouse, and flats. Hello miss smart and gorgeous.

Putting in tons of effort to look good for class everyday can get quite exhausting. But the good news is, after about two weeks, people stop switching/transferring classes, so you'll be with the same people. Even though I'm not advising you to do this, I must say it's okay to "slack" (aka just throw on something quick and skip the makeup) if you're going to a class where there are no cute guys (or girls who appreciate fashion).

Back To School Series: Dorm Essentials and Decoration

It's back to school season again, and while that usually means stocking up on school supplies and begging your parents for a new wardrobe, college life requires shopping for a whole new category: dorm supplies.

Below are some dorm essentials that will make your room much more fabulous. After all, a stylish college girl needs a stylish place to call home.

When it comes to things like curtains and wall decal, make sure to discuss things with your roommate first. You don't want to show up with pink curtains and rugs and find out that your roommate hates that color.

Bedding

When it comes to dorm shopping, I'd say the most important thing is your bedding. After all, in a tiny 10x11 dorm shared by two people, there's not much space for much else besides beds and desks.

Most colleges require Twin XL sized bedding, which are actually quite easy to find, especially during back-to-school season. There's no reason to settle for a drab gray set. Plenty of places like Target and PBTeen offer a wide variety of bedding sets. Whether your style is preppy, girly, sporty, or simple, there's sure to be something that fits your liking.

When it comes to bedding, terminology sometimes can get a bit confusing. So here is a quick breakdown:

Flat Sheet - As the name suggests, this is just a plain sheet. The good thing about using a flat sheet instead of a fitted sheet (see below) is that a Twin flat sheet would also work on a Twin XL bed, thus increasing your options. Also used as a layer of separation between you and the comforter to keep the comforter clean.

Fitted Sheet - A sheet with four corners that wrap around the mattress. If you bed is a Twin XL, you must get a twin XL fitted sheet as a Twin fitted sheet would not work. Advantage of them is that a fitted sheet stays in place much better, making it much easier to make your bed.

Comforter - This is the typical "blanket" that you would see on a bed. It's basically a case filled with some type of feather.

Duvet - Technically the same as a comforter, although many people refer to duvets as duvet covers, which is a case over your comforter (much like a pillowcase) that keeps your comforter clean.

Pillow Case - As the name implies, a protective case for your pillows.

Sham - A decorative pillow case.

Mattress Pad - A plain, thin padding that goes over your mattress, making it feel softer to sleep on.

When it comes to selecting a bedding, I would strongly suggest you to stray away from white and black. Both colors stain very easily - white from juices, black from drools (I know, gross) and deodorant. Pick out something colorful like lavender, lemon, pink, or green. Bright colors can brighten your mood and make those gray winter days much less dreary.

Also, invest in a duvet cover to protect your comforter. Trust me, your bed will get dirty. In college, you'll most likely eat in bed, study in bed, friends will come over and sit on your bed, etc. Comforters require dry cleaning, so get a cover for it, which is much easier to wash.

Lastly, get some fluffy decorative pillows. Not only will they be heavenly to sleep on and make your bed look pretty, they'll also come in handy for pillow fights with the girls.

Wall Art

Dorm walls are quite...boring. Since you're not allowed to paint it in your favorite shade, at least put up some wall decor to brighten it up. Below are some ideas:

Small Mirrors - Small, decorative mirrors are great for adding a personal touch to your walls. Since you can't use pins and poke holes in the walls to hang things up, invest in some removable wall tape. Mirrors can make your room appear bigger and are great for makeup and hair touch-ups.

Photos - Go to your local Walgreens and print out your favorite pictures of you and your friends and family. Tape them up near your bed or your desk when you get to college. They'll remind you of the great memories you've had these past several of years when you start missing home.

Hooks - There are tons of decorative hooks that can be attached to your walls using removable wall tape. Not only will they look pretty, they are also very functional for hanging up bags and cardigans.

Posters - This is the stereotypical college decor. Hang up a poster of something that you love or inspires you - whether it's Mozart, a beautiful scenery, or Taylor Lautner's abs.

Wall Decal - Sticky wall decal comes in a wide variety. Decorate your walls with ledger lines that come with customizable music notes or a tree with birds that you can place anywhere to your liking.

Lighting

Lighting fixtures are essential for decorating your dorm. Not only will you need a good desk lamp for studying at night, you should also get some colorful lighting to spice up the space at night.

I personally love the pink iHome lamp from JR.com, which doubles as a lamp, pencil organizer, and iPod player.

For mood lighting, go with colored string lights that you can hang on the walls or a traditional lava lamp. Colored lamp shades also create great lighting, a mini strobe light is perfect for parties, and there are colored light bulbs out there that can make your room glow in a plethora of shades.

Decorative Rugs

Some dorms lack carpeting, so some cushiony throw rugs are essential. After all, who wants to step on cold, hard linoleum during the winter?

Pick out something in a bright or dark color - anything but cream or white - since you're floor will most likely get very dirty. Also, rugs can get kind of expensive. Don't invest in a pricey one as drinks and food will get spilled on it. Get something cheap and invest in a high quality one after you get your own apartment.

Bathroom

This section only applies if you have your own private bathroom (which is such a blessing to have!). You'll definitely want a shower caddy to carry all your shampoo, face wash, and body wash because you're shower is going to be very small, so you can't leave bottles in there. A shower caddy/basket is even more essential if you're sharing a public bathroom since you'll have to carry all your stuff through the halls.

Other bathroom accessories include rugs (which will keep your floors nice and dry), pretty shower curtains to spice up the place, and toothbrush holders (I love these animal ones from Urban Outfitters - they come in a variety of fun shapes like panda and elephant and have suction cups that stick to mirrors and other surfaces!). Also, I find it important to have a brush holder to keep all my makeup brushes clean and organized.

Finally, get a covered trashcan. You can't go wrong with something like the adorable strawberry trash can above. It'll keep dirty tampon applicators out of sight.

Window Treatment

College dorms generally come equipped with standard blinds. These plain, cream colored shades can be quite dull. And of course, being the fashionable college chick that you are, you're room should be anything but drab! Get some frilly curtains in a warm color - pink, tangerine, yellow, or violet. Blinds are easily removable and you can hang up the curtains. When the light shines in, your room will look instantly lovelier.

Just be sure to keep the original blinds and replace them back at the end of the school year. Otherwise you'll be charged a hefty fine for "damaging dorm property", even if it's totally remodeling for the better.

Organizers

Finally, because dorm rooms are so tiny, it's important to utilize every inch of space. Below are some clever space-saving tools that can quadruple your wardrobe and keep things organized.

Cascading Hangers - I absolutely cannot live without these. These hangers come in a wide variety - for pants, skirts, tops, etc. They seriously quadruple the size of your teeny dorm closet.

Bed Risers - These are great for increasing the height of your bed, allowing you to store stuff underneath. At some colleges, the beds themselves can be raised super high, allowing you to fit your desk and chairs underneath, leaving a much bigger open space.

Over-the-Door Organizers - Over the door organizers are hung over your closet door, allowing you to store shoes, jewelry, etc.

Hooks - Hooks can be great space savers. I hang my towels, scarves, belts, and handbags on hooks that stick to the wall.

Finally, most dorms offer a storage room in the basement. So if you have extra out-of-season stuff you don't need, ask your Resident Head if you can use the storage space.

Back To School Series: Social DO's and DON'Ts

DO: Be nice to everyone right from the beginning.

The first day of college is absolutely essential in determining your social life for the rest of the year. Be open and friendly right when you arrive at your dorm to get things started on the right foot. Even if you are tired or grouchy, don't show it. Otherwise you might forever be seen as the bad-tempered girl who thinks she's all that.

DO: Establish ground rules with your roommate.

Obviously, don't do this immediately after you two meet (or you will come off as a a bossy tight-ass), but on day 2 or 3, after the initial, "Oh my gosh we're gonna be such great roommates!", set some ground rules with her.

You two need to establish rules about bring boys over, coming in late in the middle of the night, playing music, etc to avoid conflicts as the school year goes on. Also, set a cleaning schedule so your dorm doesn't become a total pigsty.

DO: Go out on your first nights.

Frats pretty much always throw parties on freshmen move-in day and they're generally free, so take advantage of that. It'll be a lot of curious and inexperienced freshmen - many who are drinking for the first time - so there will be lots of making out and throwing up.

If drinking and partying isn't your scene, check out some school sponsored events. Most schools offer concerts or shows on the first few nights. Some clubs may also host info sessions and social gatherings.

Whatever the case, just make sure that you go out there and socialize during those first couple of days. Don't sit in your room while people are running around and laughing in the halls. Plus, there's nothing worse than realizing that everybody in your dorm seems to have become BFFs overnight while you still don't even know anyone's name.

DON'T: Bring up sensitive topics in conversation.

This includes everything from race to gay marriage to the use of stem cell technology. Don't run the risk of offending someone on your first few days. Since college is a mixpot of people from all kinds of background, something that you discuss with friends back home might make someone at your college very uncomfortable.

DON'T: Use swear words.

This is something that applies for everyday life - a classy girl should never swear. However, we all have our bad habits. If you have a dirty mouth, be sure to watch yourself during those first few days of college. Some people might find swearing very offensive.

Plus, you don't want to come across as having bad manners or a bad upbringing. There are few things worse that a beautiful, well-dressed girl with a sailor's mouth.

DON'T: Be "That Girl" at the party.

The girl that's in stripper heels, layers or eyeliner, and a butt-bracing, low-cut dress. The girl who is dirty dancing on the table flashing everyone with her hot pink underwear. The girl taking shots, shots, shots, shots and then making out with the juiced-up frat guy. The girl who ends up throwing up everywhere.

Yeah, don't be that girl. Drink responsibly and if you don't know your limits, slowly find that limit. For a 120 lb girl, try to have no more than one drink per hour (one drink = 1.5 oz hard liquor or a can of beer). Oftentimes, it takes an hour or two for the alcohol to hit you. Don't get the reputation of the "easy" girl or the one who can't handle her liquor.

Back To School Series: Clothing Essentials

The summer before my freshmen year, I was so stressed by the dilemma of how to get my two-closets-and-six-drawers of clothes and over forty pairs of shoes to fit in my tiny dorm closet. I bought every space-saving tool I could find - from cascading hangers (which I love with my dear live) to air-sucking vacuum bags to over-the-door-shoe-and-jewelry-hangers.

My parents drove me up to my school, so transporting everything wasn't a problem. However, for those of you who are going to college by plane, it's not practical to move your entire wardrobe. But, by the end of my freshmen year, I found that a lot of the stuff I brought I never even wore anyway.

Here is a list of must-haves clothing/shoes for every college girl. Of course, you should be bringing more than these staples, but hypothetically, if you were only allowed one duffel bag of clothes, this is what you should bring.

Casual Tunic Top  

Tunic tops are a godsend; I don't think I would have made it through final exams, late-to-class days, and hungover weekends without them.

When to wear:

1. You're about to take your two-hour economics midterm and you've can barely remember the difference between comparative and absolute advantage. The last thing you need right now is to be bothered by the annoying feeling of your jeans tugging into your hips. Throw on a tunic top and you're good to go. Being completely comfortable when taking an exam will allow you to focus and give your best performance.

2. You just rolled out of bed. It's 8:50. You have a small-group discussion at 9:00. Yikes! Don't worry about finding jeans and a matching top; just throw on a tunic top and belt it for a quick and effortlessly chic look. Now grab your books and get your butt to discussion!

3. Waaaayy too many tequila shots and rounds of beer pong last night. You just woke up and downed two huge glasses of water. Great, now you feel hungover and bloated. But you've gotta get out of bed. There's homework to be done and you're craving an omelet and some greasy pizza. But it's hot in your room and the last thing you want is to put on sweatpants, not to mention jeans. Again, tunic top to the rescue! It'll take you to the dining hall and back to your room to catch up on some unfinished homework.

4. You sleep in your bra and undies. It's 3 a.m. Some annoying person is banging on the door. Ugh. You could greet them in your underwear, or wrap your sheets around yourself Roman-style. But your best bet, throw on a tunic top and then go yell at whoever's knocking. Just hope it's not a cute guy, because you're not wearing makeup and your hair is a mess.

Cocktail Dress 

In college, there are parties all the time (unless you're going to military school). While a lot of parties are themed (e.g. "Wild Wild West", "CEOs and Office Hos"), quite a few of them require fancy attire.

When to Wear

1. Cocktail Night - In a sexy cocktail dress, all those college boys will be fighting to buy you drinks!

2. Rushing a Sorority - For those of you who are planning on going Greek, a fancy cocktail dress is a must. Tons of sorority events require formal attire.

3. Dinner at a Fancy Restaurant - Many housing systems organize house dinners at local restaurants. Especially if you're going to school in a big city like NYC or Chicago, there are a lot of upscale restaurants where you will look out of place in casual attire. Plus, this will come in handy if a guy asks you out to dinner somewhere posh.

Dark Solid Leggings 

An absolute must, especially if you're going anywhere where the temp dips below 50 degrees. I'm a total jeans girl and even I wear leggings all the time over the winter!

When to Wear

Leggings can seriously be worn pretty much anywhere, anytime, and any occasion. The one exception is LEGGINGS ARE NOT PANTS! Check out this post on what to wear with leggings.

Knee-high Boots 

Many people are wary about knee high boots. They think they'll come off as being really trashy or that knee-highs are uncomfortable and hard to walk in. If you are one of those people who believe that, get those assumptions out of your head right now! Knee highs are completely amazing and versatile. I own a flat grey leather pair which I wear to class, dining hall, etc., a pair of skin-tight camel-colored suede wedge ones for when I want to look slightly more dressed up or for country-themed parties, a pair of dark-brown snakeskin platform ones which works for pretty much any party, and a pair of skin-tight black suede ones for cocktail events (I would wear that pair more often because I love it, but they hurt my feet).

When to Wear

Like leggings, knee-length boots are very versatile. Different heel length, color, and material work for different occasions. A flat grey leather pair is perfect for class and walking around (with or without tights, or with skinny jeans tucked in) while a dark platform snakeskin pair is great for going out.
Word of warning: Stray from skinny stiletto heels and super pointy tipped ones as those tend to come off very S&M-ish. Opt for chunky heels with a round of square toe.

Linen/Cotton Square Scarf 

If I were only allowed one accessory for the rest of my life, I would take a scarf. Scarves are magical: they can make a simple white tank look incredible or make an inappropriate low-cut top class-friendly. And a light, square linen scarf (preferably in a neutral colors and a patterned print) that can be worn folded into a triangle is by far the most versatile.

When to Wear

1. You have an appointment with your professor in 30 minutes but you're sporting a major hickey. You're worried your professor is totally going to judge you (which he or she probably will). Rather than tossing on a bulky turtleneck sweater (which hardly ever looks good on anyone), wrap the scarf around your neck and you're good to go!

2. You slept on your hair wet last night and now it's all over the place. Fold your scarf into a strip and use it like a headband, or fold it into a triangle and wear it bandanna-style.

3. You open up your eyes and find yourself in a frat boy's room. Shit. And you've got class in ten minutes! You run to the dirty frat bathroom, stare at yourself in the mirror, and realize oh my that top is way too low for class. So you sprint back to your room, grab a scarf, drape it triangle-style and tie it in the back, and make it safely to class.

4. Winter sucks and the chilling wind is absolutely penetrating. The neck is a very sensitive area. Cover up with a scarf and you'll feel like it's ten degrees warmer.

Rubber Flip Flops 

This probably goes without saying since almost every single girl wears them. But flip flops are so essential in college, especially if you don't have a private bathroom. Dorm bathrooms are not pretty. People throw up in the showers, some even pee in there, and you never know who may have athletes foot. Always shower with a pair of flip flops on! I recommend a pair of Havaianas slims - they're sturdy, comfy, and the slim straps are very stylish.

Belted Pea Coat (Cold Weather Only)

Pea coats are worn by about 85% of the girls on my campus. While I'm not at all a wear-what-everybody-else-wears kind of girl, I do love pea coats, especially a slightly longer one that hits mid-thigh. A good pea coat will not only keep you warm during the cold winter, but it is also very stylish (unlike a lot of down jackets, puffers, and North Face). Plus, a pea coat is one of those classics that never goes out of style, so invest in a designer piece rather than the latest from Forever21.

When to Wear

1. With Jeans.

2. With tights.

3. With boots. Kind of embarrassed to admit it, but I've done the whole boots and just a jacket look many times. Sometimes I'm a little too tipsy to think straight, sometimes I'm just lazy. In either case, my adorable and chic thigh-length belted pea coat has come through for me so many times.

Uggs(Cold Weather Only)

Or similar style boots. I know Uggs are the stereotypical snobby sorority footwear, but in the winter, they're a lifesaver. Not only are they extremely warm and comfortable, I think they actually do look kind of cute.

When to Wear

1. With leggings and a tunic with a pea coat over your top.

2. With skinny jeans tucked in and a puffer vest.

3. With shorts when you're just running to your friend's room three minutes away or if the dinning hall is right outside your dorm. In most other cases, shorts-and-Uggs is a combo that is frowned upon.

Word of Advice: No Uggs when it's warm out! It's just tacky.