What to Wear During Rush Week

The start of the school year also symbolizes the start to sorority recruitment. On campuses all over the nation, sororities are opening their doors to new members with lots of sisterly-bonding activities and mixers. For those of you who are interested in going Greek, here's a quick and easy sorority Rush Guide, and best of luck in getting into the house of your choice!

First, "rush" is a brief period - typically only a week and also known as "formal recruitment" - where potential sorority members ("rushees") visit various houses and get to know the members of each house. At some schools, rushees are required to visit every single house and attend all rush events while at other schools, rushees can choose whichever house(s) they are interested in and attend their events.

The first few days of rush are very casual. After signing up, you will be placed in a "rush group" with a few other rushees. You guys will visit the various houses - most of which will be holding casual parties with food and drinks (non-alcoholic). These are great opportunities to meet new sisters and get a sense of which sorority seems like a good fit for you.

As rush goes on, events get more and more formal. Expect cocktail parties, mixers with fraternities, and one-on-one interviews with active members of the houses. Don't fret though, these aren't like job interviews that you have to do a bunch of prepping for. They'll just consist of questions like "What are your interests?", "What are you studying?", etc. Also, these later rush events are oftentimes invite-only, so it's important to impress at the casual, early rush events so you can secure an invitation to the exclusive events later on.

Finally, rush ends with "bid day" where sororities give out "bids" - or invitations of membership - to girls that they would like in their house. Receiving a bid from a sorority is much like receiving a job offer - you've impressed your employer (in this case the sorority house) and now all the power is in your hands. You can decide which sorority you want to join if you receive multiple bids or you can decide not to join one at all if you realize that Greek life isn't right for you.

While the most important thing is to be yourself while rushing - don't be pressured into doing anything you're uncomfortable with or try to change yourself into what you think the sorority is looking for just to receive a bid - you will also be judged a lot based on your appearance and clothing. After all, put a couple of hundred girls together and you're bound to receive lots of up-and-down outfit glances and hear whispers of "Ugh look at that fake Chanel. So tacky" and screams of "Oh my gosh I love your dress."

Below are some outfit examples and tips on what to wear during the four days that you will typically spend with each sorority.

Day One

Tops and Jackets: Slouch Tee: All Tops | Athleta, $39 DIESEL Mintha Shorts in White at Revolve Clothing - Free Shipping!, $54 Matisse Naples, $15 Turquoise 'Mia' studded clutch bag, 21 GBP Key Stud Earrings, Silvertone, $18 Betsey Johnson 'Under the Sea' Conch Shell Pendant, $50

As I mentioned earlier, the beginning of rush is generally very casual - unless you go to school at universities (particularly ones in the southern states) where Greek life has a huge presence on campus. Since you will be visiting different sorority houses, prepare to do plenty of walking. Therefore you want to dress comfortably - in particular, wear comfortable shoes that have been broken in. You want to focus on meeting the sisters in each house, not on how much that blister on your toe hurts.

Since the weather is still pretty balmy in much of the country during rush week, shorts and sandals are the way to go for the first day of rush. But rather than denim cutoffs, opt for a more fashionable look with white shorts (white is okay even if it's after labor day!). Then throw on a draped tee in a neutral color for a look that's sexy yet not too revealing.

As for shoes, you can't go wrong with a pair of simple sandals. These turquoise ones looks great with the white shorts and gray top. Gladiator sandals would also make a great choice here. I wouldn't recommend flip flops as they may come across as being too casual and leather flats are a bit too formal for day one.

As for accessories, simplicity is key. On this day, you will be shaking lots of hands, so try to stray away from big cocktail rings and dangly bracelets. This exquisite little shell pendant by Betsey Johnson makes the whole outfit pop and is a great conversation piece. You want to stand out from the crowd and be remembered, so along with having a great personality, this unique eye-catching piece might just help you with that.

The studded turquoise clutch plays on the color combination of the sandals and pendant. Finally, put on a pair of small, shiny earrings. Having something that glitters in the light will make you stand out more, but make sure it's small in order to not look tacky and over-the-top.

Day Two

fairtrade shrug, $24 Women's AE Hook & Eye Cami - American Eagle Outfitters, $16 Mid-rise slim-leg jeans, $89 Perry Denim Ballet Flats, $100 Small Quilted Purple Clutch Bag, $40 Giant Vintage Crystal Cocktail Ring (Clear & Sky Blue), 28 GBP Tasha 'Stained Glass' Headband, $28

Day two of rush is a more formal affair although it's still not time to break out a cocktail dress. This day will typically involve some casual sit-down chats at various sorority houses.

Again, you want to look stylish and pretty yet not like you're trying too hard. I think a feminine top and dark, skinny jeans are the way to go. This day is a great time to wear flats since it's a little too early to wear heels yet also too formal for sandals.

I know some people advise against bringing handbags or clutches to rush events as you will be going from place to place and such things can become inconvenient. However, I think a girl's got to have a place to hold her chapstick, phone, and compact, so I've included a clutch in each of the outfits. Look for a clutch with a chain or wristlet - it makes them so much easier to carry.

Since you could end up sitting around in air conditioned houses for quite a while, wear a cardigan if you get cold easily. An icy, frigid hand is not fun to shake. However, if you're someone who gets nervous and sweats easily, then don't wear a cardigan as it can be a hassle to carry around.

As for accessories, headbands are the way to go. They're girly, polished, and chic. Since the top and cardigan here are already very feminine, I looked for metal detailing in the headband rather than floral ones which are very popular in the market today. Wear simple studs or no earrings at all since there's already lots of details going on in this look. Finally, since the arms are busy with the lace cardigan sleeves, I opted for a cocktail ring instead of bracelets. Just make sure to wear the ring on the hand not used for shaking hands.

Day Three

Supertrash Printed Chiffon And Jersey Mix Dress, $54 Steve Madden Womens Daynty Open-Toe Clog, $90 White chunky stud clutch bag, 30 GBP Jessica Simpson - Glam Garden Hoop Leaf Earrings (Silver) - Jewelry, $25 OPI CUCKOO FOR THIS COLOR NAIL LACQUER (15ML), 13 GBP

Now comes the two "fancy" days of rushing. On day three, girls at each house will most likely all be wearing dresses, so you should too! But don't go all-out just yet - rush is not over and since the events get more formal as the days go on, save your fancy dresses for last.

The key for those last few days of rush week is to get that dressed-up look without being too fancy. Sundresses are a little too casual yet cocktail dresses are too formal. So I would recommend fitted or draped jersey dresses, colorful silk frocks, or a pretty floral-print piece. This chiffon-and-jersey mix dress from ASOS is just perfect: the black dress looks elegant and the floral accents makes the piece more lively and unique. Also, be careful about wearing an all-black dress as that can also look too formal. Sorority life is about sisterhood and having fun, so go for some bright colors.

As for shoes, it's also about hitting that perfect balance between formal and casual. I wouldn't recommend dressy pumps but I think clogs are just perfect. These buttery camel-hued ones from Steve Madden are comfortable to walk in and will make your legs look mile-long. Plus, clogs are super trendy this fall, so you should definitely pick up a pair. Other options that work well are wooden wedges, booties, or brown leather boots.

When it comes to accessorizing, keep things simple as usual. These silver hooped-leaf earrings lend a sophisticated touch to the youthful outfit and the white studded clutch is a great investment piece as it can go with pretty much any outfit.

Day Four

Lipsy Beaded Waist Gathered Bust Dress, $74 GYLDA, 49 GBP ASOS Conical Stud Feather Clutch Bag, $25 Grey feather drop earrings, 9 GBP dELiAs > Nail Polish >, $4.50

Day four of rush week is typically Pref Night, a very formal occasion where rushees are invited to learn the ritual aspects of sorority life. It involves ritualistic ceremonies and is usually your last chance to secure a bid before bid day. Therefore it's all the more important to dress to impress!

This is definitely the time to break out that cute little cocktail dress. Remember, cocktail dress, not gowns or prom dresses. While many girls show up in black cocktail dresses, I strongly encourage you readers to think outside of the box. Go for something jewel-toned or pastel, think emerald, amethyst, sapphire, or gold. Not only are these dresses super fun to wear, they'll also make you stand out from the rest of the rushees.

This two-toned silk-finish mini dress from Lipsy is absolutely gorgeous. It's sexy, chic, and not overly revealing. Play on the pastel color palette by pairing the dress with nude-pink pumps and amethyst feather earrings for the ephemeral feel of an angel. Make a bold statement with a dark feather-studded clutch and sky-blue nail polish.

Deals and Steals: $10 Pucci and Smashbox Sephora Finds

Every Wednesday, Sephora releases new specials and puts new items in their "Sale" section. While some week's specials aren't that great, I am a huge fan of what's on sale this week.

Pucci Vivara Rollerball - $10 (Originally $25)

I've never heard of this particular Pucci perfume before so I stopped by my local Sephora to check it out. I was shocked by how much I liked it - it's a fresh, floral scent but it's incredibly crisp, not overly floraly like Juicy Couture's fragrances or Princess by Vera Wang. Plus, it's a good-sized 0.3 oz, bigger than most of Sephora's rollerballs.

Plus, this perfume is normally super expensive - $94 for a 2.7 oz bottle, so get this while you can! I stocked up on four - one for me, my mom, and two to give as gifts.

Smashbox O-Glass - $10( Originally $22)

The O-Gloss has long been a lip-favorite. Infused with tons of antioxidants and Goji-Berry C Complex, this gloss goes on clear and then transforms into your customized shade of pink. On me, it gives a gorgeous berry bed. Plus, it's very moisturizing.

Do not use chapstick or other lip products prior to applying. This way, the gloss gets closest to your lip and the color is more vibrant.

Plus, get a free sample of Ole Henriksen's Truth Revealed Super Creme and Truth Is In the Eyes Peel Concentrate (a $35 value) with any order! Just enter code "TRUTHSERUM" at checkout.

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.

Outfits Under $100: ASOS

ASOS - which stands for "As Seen On Screen" - is one of my favorite online stores. This online Europe-based store carries everything from Alexander McQueen to Betsey Johnson to their very own reasonably priced line.

The clothing selection is incredible (think Forever21, but much more organized), there's always tons of stuff on sale, and they provide videos of models wearing each piece of clothing, allowing shoppers to see exactly how a piece looks and flows.

Plus, they've recently started offering free shipping and returns to the U.S., so now is the perfect time to check out this brand!

Below are some example looks, all for under $100!

Subtle Seduction

Yeah, I Know Van Gogh

Second Data? Of Course!