Each week I’ll be putting together a cute and affordable “going out” ensemble guide (that you can tweak to your own personal style and body type, of course) so that maybe that age-old question can be answered a little quicker than usual. And your friends aren’t waiting - for hours - for you to emerge from your room. Just consider me your own (free) personal Rachel Zoe.]

So the holiday buzz has warn off, it’s time to get back to the real world, and on top of all that, it’s frickin’ freezin’ out there! Things may seem bleak right now (the economy sucks, the weather sucks, school sucks; I know how it goes) and there may be nothing you want to do more than climb into bed, pull the covers over your head and attempt to fight off those winter blues by daydreaming of sun-drenched days on the beach, but your chin up, girlfriend!

Get out of bed, pull on a cute outfit and get out there. Just because we’re officially in the dead of winter doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of fun to be had…

This top/cardigan is super sexy (helloooo, cleavage), but the belt will give great definition to your waist and the flowing bottom will cover up any of those unwanted holiday pounds. It’s top perfection.

If you’re not brave enough to wear it solo, you can always put a basic black cami or long sleeved top underneath.

Because the top is more flowy, you are going to want to pair it with a more streamlined and fitted bottom, like a pair of super dark wash skinny jeans.

Since the outfit is pretty simple, add some color with the footwear. Purple is still a popular hue and it goes great with gray. Bonus on these boots: the low heel is much easier to navigate snowy/icy walkways than sky-high stilettos, and they’ll keep your tootsies warm!

You can go a bit bigger with the accessories, so throw on a big bangle and some statement earrings. These hoops are great because they’re fun and big, but the thin wiring makes sure they’re not overbearing. And the bangle? Well, it’s just really cute.

Just don’t forget the essentials to keep you warm when you’re not inside shakin’ your booty on the dance floor: scarf, gloves and a coat are essentials and you can make them fun and stylish as well.