So how do I get my chambray on without rocking the denim tuxedo?
Two words: denim dress.

The denim dress is a fashionable and versatile wardrobe addition. First, it’s a great way to get out of those jeans (that may or may not be giving you muffin top) but still enjoy one of the biggest trends of the season. Second, it’s the ultimate transition piece to take you from summer to fall. Pair it with some wedges or flat sandals now and in two months, rock some tights and a chunky cardigan (or leather coat!) and you’re good to go.

Plus, we all know that dresses in general are the bomb.com because there is so much less thought needed to look cute and put together, and the denim dress is no exception. Throw one on, add cute shoes and a bag and – boom! – you = SO FREAKIN CUTE! Need some help finding the perfect denim frock? I’ve got 8 fun and flattering options right here. No, you don’t need to thank me. I’m just doing my job!

Top Row from left: Forever 21 – $22.80; Levi’s – $59.50; Macy’s – $8.99; Charlotte Russe – $28;
Bottom Row from left: Macy’s – $34.99; Forever 21 – $19.80; Charlotte Russe – $28; Forever 21 – $19.80.

Photo Credits: 1 – Heidi Klum, 2 – Behnaz Sarafpour, 3 – Style Scrapbook via Lookbook

The ’70s are back in a big way, especially in the denim world. If you don’t believe me, check out MK and Ashley’s new denim collection TEXTILE Elizabeth and James (Victoria Beckham is also a flare fan). Skinnies have become the norm (and will probably stay that way), but if you are looking for an alternative to your favorite straight-legged bottoms, this Fashion Challenge is the one for you.

Tips and Tricks for Rocking Flared Pants

Just try it! The best part about this challenge? Flared bottoms are universally flattering: Anyone can pull off this trend and look amazing doing it.
Take advantage of length. Wear your bell-bottoms long with heels to extend your legs for miles, like Heidi Klum does above. (Although it doesn’t hurt that her legs already extend for miles…)
Try a little flare beyond denim. Although it may be easier to find flared denim, the trend works for other bottoms as well. For examples, see the Behnaz Sarafpour slacks in Picture 2, or these gems:

See the looks and get easy and flattering ideas for rocking flared pants right here.

The following post is courtesy of our uber fashionable friends at CollegeFashion.net!

If you’ve read some of my previous posts, you probably already know about my not-so-secret denim addiction. I l o v e the fabric, and always wear it year-round!

Of course, come spring and summer, I tend to ditch my skinny jeans in favor of cooler, girlier styles like the ones featured below. The following four pieces are my spring and summer denim staples. An added bonus? Most of the pieces can be worn year-round with the right combination of layers, and they’re perfect for the awkward pre-season transition phases. Fellow denim lovers, this is for you!

Boyfriend Jeans:

Product Information: Soul Cal Boyfriend Rip & Repair Jeans, Republic. Bluebird Beach Cropped Boyfriend Jeans, Hollister. AG Ex Boyfriend Crop Jeans, Calypso.

Boyfriend jeans first became popular last spring, and the look is here to stay! Luxury denim brands, department stores, and retail chains alike continue to sell out of the popular, relaxed style.

Boyfriend jeans can be hard to pull off, as they can sometimes make you look sloppy or larger on the bottom, but if you pick the right pair they’ll hang off your hips in that effortless California-chic way. As always, it’s important watch your proportions when creating an outfit around a pair of these jeans: pair baggy bottoms with a more fitted top for the most flattering look. Want a more easy-going vibe? Try the jeans with an oversized v-neck.

What are the other 3 denim essentials for spring/summer? Find out right here.

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.

Gap’s new denim line is the bomb. The jeans are comfortable, cute, and, unlike the old Gap jeans, don’t stretch five sizes, giving you a saggy butt after 10 minutes of wear.

And if you haven’t tried on a pair of these babies, this weekend is your chance. Bring in a pair of jeans you aren’t wearing (like those ones that are now three sizes too small or three years out of style) and get 30% (35% if you have a Gap card!) off a new pair.

Since you’ll be rockin’ a new pair of jeans (or a few new pairs, if you’re really ambitious with that closet cleaning), I thought I’d put together a few outfits to highlight you new goods. These are three of my favorite Gap styles, but the whole line is fabu. Whether you’re wearing these jeans to class, out with the beau or – holla!! – on Spring Break, Gap’s new jeans will be perfect for the occasion. 

Casual and Cute:
I love the look and feel of a well-worn pair of jeans, and this loose fitting pair feels like you’ve been working them in for years. The key to working with a jean like this one is to pair it with something softer and more feminine, like this ruffled cami. Add a sparkly bangle and some tough gladiator pumps for a little contrast and you’ve got yourself a look worthy of the magazines. Oh, and if it’s still cold where you are (because it is where I am), toss on a cardigan and go, go, go.

Jeans: Gap, $69.50 (or $50 if you swap!)
Top: Nordstrom, $26
Shoes: Forever 21, $20.80
Bracelet: Forever 21,$9.80

Classy and Chic:
OMG I can’t tell you enough how awesome Gap’s new skinnies are. They fit like a glove… if gloves could make your butt look this good. Obviously you can do a million things with a great pair of black skinny jeans, but I thought I’d take a classy and feminine angle. This look is perfect for dinner with the beau… AND his parents. The top is elegant and chic and the bow on the shoes make it even sweeter. And since the outfit is very black and white, I threw in the burgundy bag to add a pop of color.

Jeans: Gap, $69.50 (or $50!)
Top: Forever 21, $29.80
Shoes: Forever 21, $22.80
Bag: Anique Michelle, $18

Summer (or Spring Break) Style!
This look is a bit more summery, but if you are headed on Spring Break it is a must-pack in your suitcase. If you’re not, well, get some white jeans while they’re on sale and save them for when the snow (finally) melts. White denim is so versatile and just adds a hint of beach beauty to every look. Pair it with some summer neutrals (coffee, brown, gold), but add some color (and nipple exposure protection) with the bright pink bandeau popping out underneath.

Jeans: Gap, $69.50 (you know the deal)
Bandeau: Lulus, $9
Tank: American Apparel, $19
Sunglasses: Lulus, $9
Bracelet: Lulus, $18
Gladiator sandals: Steve Madden Girl (DSW), $39.95

[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.

The recession is bad news for anyone looking to get a job, save some money or sell a house. But it’s great news for fashionistas! Stores that were once dowdy and just screamed “crazy cat lady” are bringing in new designers to create chic lines at lower prices.

Take JC Penney. When was the last time you stopped in there (not counting those post-Starbucks bathroom emergencies)? I know: never. Because their clothes were cheap, outdated and just not cute. Well, that’s not the case anymore! JCP now sells several lines by popular designers (Charlotte Ronson, Nicole Miller, and Allen B. Schwartz, to name a few) and they not only have stuff that is totes cute, it’s totes affordable as well.  I can’t wait to add some of these pieces to my closet…

It’s no secret I am lovin’ all the plaid that’s out right now, and I think this shirt is particularly cute.  Reminiscent of a  lumberjack, with just the right amount of girliness to look feminine and fab.

This skirt is a great addition to your fall wardrobe, as it can be worn bare-legged or with a pair of tights.  Because of the simplicity of the skirt, you can have some fun by amping things up with a funky printed shirt, bold accessories or textured, printed or bold colored tights.

I love the print and details (belted waistline and ruffles) of this dress and, again, it’ll transfer over to colder weather with tights and a cardi or sweater coat.  It’ll look great with flats, boots or a pair of menswear inspired oxfords.

I think this tunic is totally adorable with its cut and flowy chiffon. Or perhaps because I have an affinity for owls thanks to Harry Potter…

Flowy tanks are not only trendy, they’re versatile and they’re great for these transitional months because you can easily layer with ‘em.  This’ll look especially cute with a boyfriend blazer and the bonus is that you can slip it off when you’re in a warm place and still look totally stylin’.

Fall/Winter is all about neutrals, which means grey jeans are a great way to wear denim with a bit of a twist. You can rock grey with black or the popular jewel tones of the season.  And hey, who doesn’t love jeans that are under $15?

Winter is fast-approaching and soon it’ll be time to bust out the scarves, mittens and hats soon.  Houndstooth is a timeless print that translates over for every season and is a great way to add a bit of oomph to your cold weather ensemble without going overboard. And you can get it in four different colors, which makes it that much cooler.

I’m all for wearing an all-black ensemble out to the bar, but only if there is something fun and fabulous to spice it up. Like this bag. Snakeskin, a metal handle, and a hot mixture of gold and black is the perfect combo to add some va-va-voom to your otherwise neutral look.

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!

Before this, I’ve seen some silly pants on guys, but I’ve always kept my mouth shut because who am I to talk? They put up with my hundred-dollar-stiletto cravings, don’t they? (And they carry me home at the end of the night when those hundred-dollar silettos give me hundred-dollar blisters.) But what gets me this time is that this particular pair of jeans retails for about $550. [Yes, I‘m serious! FIVE HUNDRED.]

I don’t get it. Maybe it’s a guy thing, because all I saw when I looked at these was this:

And the more I thought about it, the more I realized how weird some guy trends really are. So now I’d like to interrupt our weekly segment of “What He Really Thinks…” and turn it over to you ladies to judge these pieces of incomprehensible male fashion. But to be fair, I’ve taken some comments from the peanut gallery. You know, to give them a chance to defend themselves see the light:

(Jeans above)
The BF, Rutgers University
BF: “Bah-da-buh-buh-buhh… I’m lovin’ it.” It’s either that or he sat on something.
Me: “Those cost $500.”
BF: For five hundred dollars those jeans better wipe my #$% for me.
Me: ….
BF: … No, seriously? Cause I have some old jeans from that painting job if anyone’s interested. Come see me on eBay.

Photographer, The Art Institute of Houston:
Photog: Hey.. she’s got a pretty nice ass.
Me: “That’s a guy.”
Photog: OHH! OMFG. WTH is wrong with you? Why would you show me that?
Me: “Because YOU’RE wearing a pair of guy skinnies?”
Photog: Yeah, but they’re not that tight. Besides, I started wearing them first. I hate how everyone’s trying to be all ‘avant garde’ now, just because it’s ‘in.’ I did it forever ago.
Me: “Yeah whatever, you just checked out another guy’s ass.”

Premed, NYU:
Pre-doc: WHY IS HE WEARING A PURSE?!
Me: “I don’t know. But what do you think of the jeans? Would you wear these?”
Pre-doc: No.

J., USP: I have purple skinny jeans. That’s just my style. I think they’re cool. They’re a lot more comfortable than you’d think. Just lose the purse. That’s never cool on a guy.

V, Kean University - Haha! Throwback. I used rock my pants like that back in the day. That was the sh*t from grammar school to high school. But then you go to college and you grow out of it. You “Kayne it up,” ya know?

Little Brother, 12:
Me: “You know Mom would never let you leave the house like this, right? Ever.”
Lil bro: Yup.

Ok, so this is just a taste of the dude trends I’m not understanding. I’d love to hear what you girls think of these hot messes.  Leave a comment below!

Denim (not sweatpants) should be the staple go-to in any college girl’s wardrobe. They are the perfect thing to pick up off the floor and pull on when you’re running late for class, you can wait months between washing them (don’t judge – you know you do it, too) and, obvi, they are a much better evening option if you wanna avoid the crotch shots.

With all the fits and washes of jeans out there this year, there’s bound to be at least one pair perfect for your lifestyle, figure and budget. The key to the perfect pair of jeans is to try on pair, after pair, after pair, after… well you get the picture. Each pair – even if it’s the exact same size and style – will fit differently, so patience is most definitely a virtue when it comes to shopping for denim. It’s also important to realize that not every fit will look good on you, so keep trying ’til you find that perfect pair that makes you feel like a million bucks.

Oh, and it’s OK if that pair also costs a million bucks. If there’s one thing worth splurging on, it’s a high quality pair of denim. Just trust me on this one. (Click on the jeans to get all the shopping info.)