Big mistake.
Huge.

Look, I can’t change the weather for you, but I can introduce you to one of my wardrobe favs that will keep you feeling cozy, without looking like a slob.

Meet my best friend during cold Canadian winters: the sweater! (OK, so you probably already know about sweaters, but sometimes – like when it’s 9am and we’re staring at a pile of sweats – we all need a little reminder.) We’ve been through a lot of cold winter days when all I want to do is curl up under the covers and sleep until spring. Somehow even in the -40 degrees Celsius weather I occasionally encounter in my hometown, my good friends get me through the brutal cold. If you don’t have a warm, cozy sweater, you should run – not walk – to your nearest clothing store. Any one will do, because cute knitwear is everywhere this year.

There are cardigans and pullovers, nordic prints and solid colors, light knits and chunky knits – really something for everyone and every climate. And on those cold, dreary days, sweaters are the easiest way to dress; just toss one on over a tee or tank, pair with jeans and a pair of boots and – voila! – instant outfit. Every college girl should have at least one (if not ten!) in her wardrobe. I’ve got 15 beauties to introduce you to – and maybe you’ll meet your new, best, winter friend.

[When moving into either a dorm or an off-campus apartment, your wardrobe will face two major challenges: 1. A major lack of funding (to add more to it), and 2. A major lack of storage space. For these two reasons, maximizing what you already own becomes essential. That's why you need to learn to Shop Your Closet. Each week, I’ll show you how to wear 1 item 3 ways – with the stuff you most likely already own! – to get the most out of your purchases.]

Got a case of the Mondays? Having trouble getting dressed after your weekend of Halloween celebrations? Before you roll out of bed and instinctively go for your comfiest sweats and slide your feet into a pair of Uggs, please stop and consider the following:

Do you really have to look sloppy to be comfortable?
The answer: hell-to-the-no.

Chunky knits, Nordic prints and fair isle are all readily available this year. And for good reason. What better way to hit the cold weather and still look cute than in a cozy sweater? For this week’s ‘Shop Your Closet’ I picked a belted short-sleeve fair isle cardigan because it’s perfect for layering, and we all know layering is the college girl’s BFF. But all of these looks could just as easily be worn with a long-sleeve version, another print or any plain, chunky sweater you might already have stored in that Tupperware under your bed.

Say no to the sweats and head to class in style without sacrificing comfort.

Warm and Casual:

Sweater, Jeans, Boots, Tee, Long-sleeve.

The easiest and most obvious way to wear a fair isle sweater is over a pair of jeans. But while you could just throw on a basic solid tee, step up that game a little bit and wear layered tees underneath instead. Grab a graphic t-shirt from your closet, then add an extra layer with a soft long-sleeve tee in a complimentary color. This small change adds some extra fun and depth to the look. Pair that with some skinny jeans and flat boots to even out the bulk from the heavy cardigan.

With a T-Shirt Dress:

Sweater, Dress, Tights, Boots

Jersey dresses are the easiest way to look like you’ve put effort in on a day when all you want to do is stay under the covers. I put a long sleeve tee under the sweater to keep your arms warm. Add tights in a contrasting color (a textured tight would work here as well) for a little fun and your black riding boots and you’re set to go.

Note: If you don’t own a pair of riding boots, any flat, black knee boots would work!

A Little Sass:

Sweater, Skirt, Top, Belt, Boots

If you’re brave enough (or live in a warmer climate) to bare your legs this time of year, then a simple skirt-shirt combo will work under this cardi. Tuck a shirt with detailing that will peak out from the sweater into a basic black skirt, then swap out the tie-belt for something a little tougher (like this skinny belt with studs) and voila, instantly chic. Add feminized work boots to complete the look.

Find out other ways to re-work what you’ve already got.

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And for those of us not living in California, Texas, Florida or any place with a year round temperature of hot and hotter, Fall means crisp cold air, hot caramel apple cider and sweater season!

No?

Anyone?

Well, maybe no one else out there adores Fall as much as me because none of you have seen the fabulous new sweater trends taking over the (cold part of the) country as we speak. Heading back to school means torn up sweatshirts and stuffy sweater sets no more. With my pal Marc Jacobs on the loose setting trends and taking names, curling up on the couch with a warm beverage and a warmer sweater never looked so good.

Inspired by his Fall 2007 collection, designers from Vuitton to the people behind Forever 21 are upping the ante and going all out for Fall. What’s in store (literally!) for you this season?

Belted Sweaters: Nothing says cozy like an over-sized sweater. But, nothing says dowdy like an oversized sweater, either. So, what do we do to make it chic? Belt it! You get the best of both worlds – cozy glamour – for a walk to class or a day at the library. Throw in a sexy camisole and you have the perfect ensemble for a night out with the boy.

Super Chunky Knits: Grandma’s hand knitted sweaters are back with a vengeance. Sure, people used to call you Bubbie for throwing on that chunky sweater and jeans. If only they knew just how fashion forward you were; they will be begging to borrow that guy now.

Fur and Ruffles: For you girly girls out there, this is your sweater season. Designers have made it clear that you don’t have to choose between comfort and frills when getting dressed this year. From fur (real or fake) collars to ruffles (tastefully done, of course) sweaters aren’t just for warmth anymore.

So stop dreading the change of season and start enjoying it. And if fashion doesn’t help, maybe this delicious drink will.