I’ll admit, a few years ago when leggings came back in style, I thought there was no way I’d wear them. In fact, I told everyone I knew that I’d rather “walk around pants-less than try and pass off some leggings as pants.”

Obviously, I’ve since eaten my words. Leggings are now a staple in my wardrobe and I often wonder how I lived without them. They’re versatile, comfortable and affordable. I wear them to the gym, to class, to work and to party. Not even jeans can do that. And there are so. many. different kinds now! Forget those basic blacks, leggings come in all sorts of colors and patterns now, meaning even more opportunities to wear ‘em. Here are a few pairs you can rock out for under $20.

Betsey Johnson is known for her fun, flirty styles and these snakeskin print leggings live up to her reputation.  You can wear these with a graphic tee for daytime or a sexy top and stilettos for night.

Take a walk on the wild side (or pay homage to Peggy Bundy) with these leopard print leggings. Yes, they seem like a lot, but leopard is very big this season and you can easily tone these down by pairing them with an oversized solid top and some basic black flats.

Think of these baby blues like a pair of jeans: they’re neutral and will go with just about anything. My pick: an oversized tee or button down and a pair of sandals or flats.

If you’re not quite ready for a patterned legging but you’re sick of your boring black pair, these are for you. The zippers on the ankles give them just a little extra spunk and they look adorable with flats.

The lace/damask print on these is casual enough to be worn with a plain top for daytime classes, but stylish enough to be paired with heels and a sexy top for a night out with your fabulous friends.

Denim leggings (AKA jeggings) are back for another season and finding this pair at Anthropologie for half-price makes ‘em even sweeter.

So they’re not technically UNDER $20 (they’re exactly $20), but, really, $20 is totally worth it for a pair of adorable, vintage-inspired pedal pushers.

Who says you can’t go bright? The pop of color and classic plaid print is a perfect spring combo. Throw a loose black or white tank on top and you’re done.

Oh yes, the most tried and true wardrobe staple known to man (and woman): jeans.

Jeans are an amazingly versatile little thing: you can dress them up or dress them down; wear them in winter or summer: and find them in a seemingly unlimited variety of cuts, colors and styles.  Denim is ALWAYS in in some form or another, and this season is no exception.

Be on the lookout for denim in all forms: jackets, vests, dresses, and even shoes. Not that you should wear them all together. In fact, please don’t. But throwing in the perfect piece – whether it’s some adorable boyfriend jeans, a sexy mini or a pair of  ballet flats – is always welcome and always works. Especially when you’re dealing with cuteness like this.

Jean jackets were IT in the ’80s and ’90s and they’re makin’ a major comeback in the ’10s. They’re perfect for spring because they fall between a heavy coat and a cardi, so they’ll keep you warm without making you sweat.

It’s hard to go wrong with a shirt dress and a shirt dress in denim?  You’re all set for that first picnic in the park.  Add your own belt for a pop of color or wear it as is with a cute pair of flats or some wedges.

Jean shorts are an American classic and a pair for under 10 bucks?  You can’t really beat that.

A denim mini is a must and this one works because it’s casual enough to wear to the beach, but can also be dressed up for a night out with the chicas.

Denim shirts are huge this season and this one will look adorable worn open over a tank with a great necklace or loads of bangles. Pair it with shorts and some Chuck Taylors or flats for the perfect spring look.

So I’m slightly in love with these darling ballet flats and think they’d be ridiculously cute with a flowy white or pastel sundress.

Denim leggings (or jeggings if you prefer) are back this season and these capri style are perfect for the spring/summer months.

Boyfriend jeans are also here to stay (for this season, at least), and these mix in more than one trend. The light, distressed denim with the railroad stripe print gives them an added little oomph. Perfect for day with a basic tee or rock ‘em at night with a cami and some killer heels.

There isn’t much else to say except, perhaps, “hooray for jeans!”  Really, could we live without ‘em?  I don’t think so. And at prices like these, we definitely don’t have to.

[It's pretty obvious that the average CollegeCandy reader has some very strong opinions. Opinions that she likes to share with everyone on the site.

Ok, it’s no secret that we’re loving the skinny jean (even if it’s not always good for us) and leggings have been a fall go-to for the past several years, but now that the two have combined it’s time to decide how we really feel about this leg-covering love child – jeggings.

Jeans+leggings seems like it would be great idea, what with the era of the super-skinny jean everywhere, and in many ways they are. To start with, the hours of trying on required to find the perfect skinny jean? Gone, thanks to the jegging. They stretch, so you know they’ll fit you – even if you’re a weird in-between size (like me) or you have a “non-typical” body type, like thin but with muscular thighs.

That whole pocket problem (too far apart? too big? too small? too embellished?) is out the window too, since these babies don’t have pockets. And jeggings let you get away with things you probably couldn’t with regular leggings, like shorter tops, because the denim aspect makes them more “pants lite” than “hosiery.”

Of course, the downside of jeggings is all wrapped up in there too. While the stretch helps with fit, it also means that these aren’t near as forgiving as your typical skinny jeans – every curve and bump will be out there for the world to see. The absence of pockets probably isn’t gonna help on that front either, since your booty will have nothing to hide behind. And maybe the biggest problem of the jegging is that it does let you get away with more, meaning short tops – and some serious camel toe – are in our futures.

So are you down with this trend, ladies (and it’s ramifications)? Or is this one of those fads that should be left to die on the side of the road (harem pants, anyone)? Would you be confident enough to rock them? Or should these stay inside the house where it’s safe?

Duke it out, girls. Duke. It. Out.

Denim Leggings (or Jeggings):

The next generation of skinny jeans, the stretchy skin tight denim / legging hybrid looks great paired with boyfriend blazers, tunic tops and chunky knit sweaters. Depending on your style, choose heels, ballet flats, ankle or tall boots, or even Converse sneakers to complete the look.

Denim Jackets:

The classic jean jacket returns as a hot trend to wear with everything from dresses, pants, and yes – even jeans. The secret to wearing your denim jacket with jeans? Make sure one piece is a dark wash and the other a medium or light wash denim.

Motocross Jeans:

This biker-inspired style is the perfect combination of sexy and tough. Wear yours with feminine pieces like a blazer and heels or go edgy with a leather jacket and boots.

Denim or Chambray Shirts:

This early ’90s staple is making a comeback paired with dark skinny jeans or leggings. Check out some new ways to wear this old favorite.

Check out the rest at StyleBakery!

So as I write this, I’m sitting on my lanai (balcony) overlooking the beautiful, blue Maui ocean (yes, I’m on my first “real” vacay in years), which means I’m not particularly keen on scouring the internet for under $20 deals for long periods of time (not to mention, they’re only giving me an hour of free wifi). So where did I head?

The mother of all cheap & trendy spots: Forever 21.

And no, she did not disappoint. Checking out the website or a store near you is a necessity before you head back to school, as there are loads of insanely awesome deals on ridiculously cute clothes.  What are you waiting for?  Read, set, GO!

Here are a few things I know I’ll be grabbing up. You know, when I get back to the mainland.

Denim leggings have been spotted on the likes of Whitney Port and Fergie, and are a big for fall. I know it’s a difficult trend to wrap your mind around (or shove your legs into), but we were all resistant to normal leggings at first, weren’t we? Just give these a shot. I love that they are black (more slimming), will look great with a cute pair of sandals or some sexy booties, and are only $16.90.

Cardigans are definitely a fall necessity and this one is perfection with it’s darling lace details and cropped sleeves. It’ll look great with jeans, a pencil skirt or, if you wanna totally prep it out, a pleated mini.  SO CUTE!

Ballet flats are a wardrobe staple and these ones will liven up any look with their bold color and reptile print.  Tack on the $8.50 price tag and who can say no?

Once school’s back in session and that hottie from O-Chem asks you out, you’ll want a sexy top to wow him and this does the trick, fo sho.  Bustiers always work wonders for the girls and have a great way of slimming the waist as well.  Pair it with a pair of dark jeans and some sassy stilettos and soon you’ll be makin’ your own chemistry.

Simple shirts are so important, especially for those days you overslept and are already 25 minutes late to your review sesh, and there’s something so tomboyish yet sexy about a basic raglan tee. I can’t explain it, but at $5.50 you can grab a few and figure it out for yourself.

I’ve always had a thing for big ass earrings and I love the gold/turquoise combo and the Indian vibe of these.  Just be sure not to go overboard with other accessories or crazy bold prints; these can be a centerpiece on their own.

Belts are such a fantastic accessory: they’re cute, they add some flair, and they give nice definition to your waist.  And this one does all that with an 80′s elastic band and the gorgeous lotus flower deet on the front. Sigh. I’m in lust.

A skirt for under $7, seriously?!?  This is such a versatile piece that can be used to create so many different looks from casual day to girls’ night out. And it comes in 3 great colors (this awesomely bold royal blue, and 2 neutrals; black & grey)! This might be all you’d ever need for a complete wardrobe overhaul.

Seriously now, Forever 21, have I told you lately that I love you? And this isn’t the distance talking; this is real.

While I’m enjoying summer’s warm weather, there is one thing I’m really excited about for fall: cozy, oversized sweaters. I know, I shouldn’t wish away the summer months, but seeing all those fall clothes out on the racks is getting me super pumped for sipping a hot coffee in my fall wardrobe on the way to class.

Sigh.

Luckily, I don’t have to spend all my money on a new wardrobe to enjoy the latest fall trends; I have a few leftover sweaters from last winter that will work perfectly for this one. Here are a few ideas of how to rock those old looks and turn them into hot, chic new ones.

1. Add a few trendy accessories to update this look. For example, this fall studded belts and ankle boots are hot. Pile on the jewelry as well!

Shopping Info: Rampage Double Buckle Studded Stretch Belt, $32; Bebe Logo Mixed Bangle Set, $39; Express Shaker Stitch Cowl-Neck Sweater, $59; Giuseppe Zanottie Design Ankle Boots, $435 at Yoox.

2. Oversized sweaters look great with a pair of leggings and boots, but this year incorporate another fall trend: beyond basic leggings. Try pairing a sweater with liquid leggings, ripped leggings, or denim leggings for a chic yet comfortable combo. (And don’t worry about those liquid leggings, ladies; they look incredibly chic and flattering when paired with a larger and looser top!)

Shopping Info: Plan B Latex Matte Leggings, $75 at Bloomingdale’s; Pure Jill Cowl-Neck Sweater, $79 at J. Jill.