For those who panic every Saturday night in the search for the perfect outfit, consider this a rescue mission.
With the addition of a few simple and inexpensive staple items, throwing everything you own onto the floor in a frantic search for something to wear, or stealing an outfit from your roommate, will no longer be an issue.
Simply adding a few essentials to every closet can help the busy student take their minds off of what to wear and concentrate on looking fabulous. A small budget doesn't have to equal a small wardrobe either - a few simple wardrobe choices can go a long way.
Item One: Blazers. One of the newest trends in fashion are blazers over everything. From the casual black pants with black jacket look, to wearing one over a T-shirt, a blazer can make any outfit stand out.
For guys, wearing one over your favorite band tee seems to be the new craze. For ladies, wearing one over a tank to your favorite club adds to the "less is more" image, and is a great way to stay warm and still look sexy and sophisticated.
Remember, sticking to classic colors is key. Black blazers can be paired with almost any outfit, but if you insist on vibrant colors, try to pick one that will match your wardrobe.
Best places to look: The Gap is a great place to look for both guys and girls. If you're looking for something without the trendy label and the trendy price to boot, try Old Navy, Target or TJ Maxx.
Item Two: Shoes. Around midnight at every party, I used to be ready to chop my feet off. After prancing around in high heels and open toed stilettos for about a semester, I realized that no one looks at your shoes except for you.
A pair of well fitting clogs are not only a way to keep your feet warm, dry and blister free, but you can wear them with almost every outfit. They're inexpensive, and a good choice as far as keeping your feet and back injury free.
Unless you have a serious height deficiency, clogs are a beneficial addition to any wardrobe. If you've been graced with genes that leave you closer to ground level, try a sturdy pair of boots with heels. Often they're comfortable and not only make you physically taller, but also make your legs look longer.
For the cutest looks for your toes for the cheapest price, try Payless. If you're looking for something of higher quality, DSW offers a wide variety of shoes for both men and women.
Item Three: Flatteringly Cut Jeans. Ladies and gentlemen, it is no longer acceptable to have your butt hanging out of your pants for every occasion. Owning (and actually wearing) a pair of jeans that covers the better part of your hips is a comfortable and often sexier look than the "Ultra, Ultra, Super, Unbelievably Low-Cut Low Riders" you have stored in the back of your closet.
Jeans will always be fashionable, but the "Hi, you can see my butt/underwear/thong/boxers" look is outdated. This doesn't mean that the top of your pants has to double as a bra, either. Jeans that sit on your hips can still look very sexy and put together at the same time, and are appropriate for any occasion.
Jeans only break the bank as much as you let them. Large department stores often have a variety of brands and styles for somewhere between $20 and $30. Old Navy and New York and Company also have a selection of styles at moderately inexpensive prices, if you find them on sale. Otherwise, go straight to the clearance rack.
Item Four: The Perfect Fitting T-Shirt. For college students, it's appropriate to go to class wearing pajamas, sweatpants, or almost anything short of your birthday suit. Professors don't care what you wear; they just care if you're there.
A perfect fitting tee is a cute and sexy look that doesn't require a lot of effort. Appropriate for both class and a night on the town, this is a style that will leave you looking classy and feeling comfortable.
Try mixing a tee with your brand-new blazer and a cute pair of jeans. Find something that expresses your individuality, such as your favorite band, a funny slogan or with a unique decoration. Plain T-shirts can be layered or worn separately, or wear a band T-shirt over a plain long sleeved tee.
Aeropostale has T-shirts for both men and woman at appealing prices. For one that stands out, check Hot Topic or Spencer's for a wider selection.
Item Five: The ribbed tank top. This can be an easy way to put together an ensemble for work, class, or a casual night out with friends. Ribbed tank tops are convenient because they match everything, and can easily be accessorized or worn under another top.
Like a fitted tee, ribbed tanks can be worn with a blazer or jacket. Chunky beaded necklaces worn with white tanks are a new major fashion trend. Layer several different colors for contrast.
The key with this look is to accessorize, and the possibilities are endless! Tanks can be found for low prices at Target or Wal-Mart.
For women: Bras with Changeable Plastic Straps. Changeable straps are often a classier look under a halter-top or tank.
Plastic straps are also a great option for shirts with thin straps, and offer a dressier and more put-together look than visible bra straps. Plastic straps are often a much more comfortable and supportive option than the strapless bra.
Victoria's Secret offers a variety of interchangeable bras with an assortment of straps, but can sometimes be too costly for the average college student. For an inexpensive version of what is basically the same product, JC Penney's and Macy's offer a wide selection of nice and supportive undergarments at decent prices.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
