It’s everyone’s favorite time of year. No, I’m not referring to finals season. Ew. I’m talking about that magical time of year when the government gives you back your money! Holler! It almost makes having a job worth it.

Almost.

While some of you may feel inclined to stash that money in a savings account somewhere, others of you may be jonesing to spend it all. So why be responsible all the time? We’re showing you the ten best ways to splurge (or, as we like to call it, “stimulate our economy”).

Besides all the glitz, glamour and fancy trends those 100-pound fashion magazines are pushing on you this season, there are eight things you must have in your closet (not counting undies, bras and socks, of course – you still need to wear those).  Things that will always work, no matter what. Things that you can mix and match and dress up or down for any occasion. Things that are just plain cute.

Lucky for all of us, all 8 of those things can be nabbed for under 20 buckaroos!  And what’s more, these key pieces will barely ever putter out of style.  If they do, tuck them back in a dark corner for the season and bring them back out with next season’s Vogue.

The Floral Dress: This cute number is no longer delegated to only spring or summer.  A wispy floral dress looks edgy with a leather jacket or super cozy with a thick knit sweater.  Side Note: Avoid bulky.  Keep it light and classy!

Cargo Skinnies: These great, neutral pants are your new blue jean replacement. You can often see Victoria Beckam making them look totally hot with a black blazer and simple tee. With platform pumps, these cargo pants can look chic!

Cozy Knit: This warm knit makes me want to curl up in front of a fire with some Baileys and hot chocolate. Or in the library with a Stats book and a Five Hour Energy. But it’s not just for snuggle-time. You can drape it over a pair of skinny jeans and boots for the day, or add a belt to cinch the waist for a fancier event.

Cropped Leather Jacket: OK, so maybe this isn’t real, deliciously smelling leather.  BUT, it looks pretty damn close and I’ve never been disappointed by pleather faux leather.  Not to mention, it’s super cheap and would look great with a floral dress, tights and booties. Oh, and it would look even better as you rip it off and swing it over your head on the dance floor.

Leopard Knit Cardigan: Can’t go out with a bang unless you have something leopard. This leopard cardigan is saucy and super soft. And only $12.90 – a great buy! Wear this over a dress, with a pair of jeans or layered under a boyfriend cardigan. However you mix it in, it will make a bold statement. Just remember: when you wear animal print, stick to the same palette and add contrast, not clash.

Full Skirt: This season’s freshest breath of silhouette is most definitely the full skirt. Wear this one with a slimming top to offset the fullness and some patterned tights to bring in the edgy.

Cropped Sweatpant: These are going to be totally in this and next season. And every season till the end of time for college students.  This pair looks seriously soft and perfect for a day-date with the coffee shop and your lecture notes. Cute and super comfy? Sign me up. Twice.

Leather Bottoms: This leather skirt is totally hot.  I understand leather can be mildly scary to slip on (not because it will stick to your legs a la Ross Geller, but because it might give you a case of the slutties), but embrace it. If you pair this with a crisp white tee, tights and pumps, you’ll look just right. Meow.

The following post is courtesy of our gal pals over at CollegeFashion.net. Check them out for all your fashion and beauty needs!

Versatility is everything when it comes to fashion on a budget; when shopping for new clothes in summer, I always look for pieces that will work in hot weather and easily transition into fall.

With the spirit of transitional dressing in mind, I found 3 pieces that are perfect for the warm summer months, but can easily be worn into fall and winter. For each piece, I’ll show you how to wear it “now” (in summer), and “later” (in fall/winter), to help you get some wardrobe bang for your buck.

1. A Floral Dress

Product Information: Dress, Sandals, Long-Sleeve Tee, Tights, Boots

Florals are a perpetual summer trend, but this floral dress is a perfect transition piece because of its black hue. To wear it now, keep your outfit simple by pairing it with a some studded sandals. Once the weather starts to cool, layer a long sleeve tee underneath, throw on some tights and add a pair of tough biker boots for a great fall outfit. If you need a jacket, a motorcycle style is the perfect finishing touch.

Find out how to make jean cut-offs and blazers work now and later RIGHT HERE.

First it was the skinny jeans that seemed like a good idea in my cool apartment, but instantly made the back of my knees sticky when exposed to the 90 degree sauna outside. The next morning I vowed to never make the mistake again and I slipped on a mini skirt. An hour later the hip hugging stretch fabric was making me claustrophobic, not to mention that it kept riding up making me look like the office hooker.

As I felt sweat stains spreading down the back of my white tank the next day I cursed myself and then hit the web in search of some scorching-temperature outfits that could get me through the summer of hell that this is turning out to be.

I stumbled across the Flowers in the Fountain Dress from Modcloth (which is always my go-to site for girly frocks with a vintage vibe) and wished I could have it delivered to me right at my desk.

The strapless top is just what I need, with no uncomfortable straps or restricting high necklines, and the sweetheart shape couldn’t be any more adorable – sexy in a way demure enough for the office. We get the comfort and airiness of a mumu without committing a massive fashion faux pas. Much to the contrary, this dress couldn’t get any cuter. The baby doll shape accents the waistline without feeling too binding as the fabric flows away from the body (giving my legs some much needed breathing room).

Even the pattern makes me feel lighter, with posies channeling a watercolor effect in the cool color palette of blue, grey and white. I’m already thinking of ways to rock this dress to work, without pit stains, flushed cheeks and beads of foundation colored sweat as accessories.

My office is freezing (thank god) so I’ll carry a light grey cardigan or a sheer, white silk scarf to cover my shoulders. Playing up the girliness of the dress’ floral pattern with white flats and a simple, single-strand necklace will make for a perfect summer work outfit. And throwing on a wide black belt, strappy heels and mismatched stacks of bracelets makes it edgy enough to transition to a night out.

What makes me even happier is that this dress totally emulates the Anthropologie vibe at half the cost. The garden party-chic style of my all time favorite store, a price tag I can manage to justify and no sticky-thigh syndrome? I’m totally sold.

If there’s three things you need for summer it’s a cute sundress, a great sandal, and a cute tote. Luckily, I’ve got you covered with four (yes four!) stellar options. From solid to floral, long to short, summer time lends itself to great dresses for all occasions.

And the best news is – they’re a go for any event. Swap the sandals for stilettos and the totes for a totes cute clutch and you’re ready to go from beach/street fair/day drinking to dinner/karaoke bar/night drinking.

So get those closets (and sunscreen ready!). It’s dress season, bitches!

Bright Dress:
Pink and silver is such a cute combo for summer. There’s something about the silver that just jazzes everything up. I’m loving this look over a cute swimsuit for a day at the beach, or for fro yo and window shopping on a sunny Saturday afternoon.

Product Information: Dress – Lulus.com, $36; Sandals – Forever 21, $10.80; Tote – Target, $15.

Floral Dress
Love the vintage feel with the Forever 21 price tag! And thanks to that gorgeous print, you don’t need much to accessorize; sandals, a fun bag and some vintage sunglasses will do. This look is perfect for a Sunday brunch outside. Nothing says summer more than pancakes, iced coffee, a porch and a fabulous yet comfy sundress.

Product Information: Dress – Forever 21, $19.80; Sandals – Lulus.com, $18; Sunglasses – Forever 21, $5.80; Tote – Forever 21, $24.80.

Strapless Dress
The perfect day-to-night ensemble. Throw a black tank under in the day to dress it down even more, and pair with with a cool leather jacket on a cooler summer night. All around greatness.

Product Information: Dress - Nordstrom, $44.50; Bag – Lulus.com, $42; Sandals - Old Navy, $9.50.

Long Dress
For the days you feel like you should look cute but don’t want to put in any effort (read: shave your legs), throw on this tribal look, pull your hair back and look instantly put together.

Product Information: Dress – Charlotte Russe, $28; Sandals – Old Navy, $19.50; Straw Bag – DSW, $34.95.

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1. Keep the rest of the outfit simple. Choose ONE piece of jewelery or a simple belt so that the flowers are the main event.
2. Keep it fun. Aim to keep the look playful, youthful and appropriate for situations other than the 4pm early bird special.
3. Fit is important. Go for fitted dresses, shorter skirts and trendier cuts. Even if the pattern is reminiscent of the drapes at g-ma’s, these things will keep it youthful (and hot).

Here are two floral looks for you to try on for size. One, a bolder and brighter ensemble for those daring ladies, and the other, a softer, more feminine style.

Rocker Florals:
Trust me, this is not your Bubbie’s floral dress (unless your Bubbie is Peggy Bundy). Animal prints are another huge trend and this dress combines the two, mixing both edgy and sweet. Throw on a cropped leather jacket, some bangles and patent flats and out you go. If you want to take this up a notch, throw on some sheer tights and patent pumps, and maybe even some red matte lipstick if you are uber daring.

Dress: Forever 21, $24.80
Bomber: Forever 21, $39.80
Purse: Lulus, $22
Bangles: Forever 21, $6.80
Flats: Forever 21, $19.80 (you can get ‘em in red, too!)

Pretty in Pink Flowers
I love this look. The cropped jacket is very chic and, paired with the burnt out blush tank, it’s sweet and sexy at the same time. I’m also a huge fan of high-waisted jeans (no cracks here!) and the ballerina flats and floral belt really keep the entire look totally flirty.

Jacket: Urban Outfitters, $58
Jeans: Urban Outfitters, $58
Tank: Delia’s, 2 for $20
Belt: Topshop, $30
Ballet Flat: Topshop, $30
Bag: Anique Michelle, $30

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Maybe it’s those killer new sandals you picked up last week or that adorable cropped jacket you haven’t yet had the opportunity to flaunt. Don’t despair! Stylebakery.com has compiled a list of ways to recycle your summer style into the fall months.

My favorite suggestions were the first three on the list.

1. Floral Dress- The fall is a colorful season. Why ditch your floral dress when the leaves turn from green to red? Stylebakery provides a number of options to keep this piece active. The main theme seems to be layer a cardigan on top of your dress and adding on some tights (or leggings!). A few accessories will add even more flare to your ensemble.

2. Bermuda Shorts- Bermuda shorts are versatile, comfortable, and cute. You may want to extend their time of use as they look good with everything from T-shirts to high heels. Slip some tights or leggings under these babies to help them hang in just a bit longer. For an elegant look, you may want to add a patterned or lace tight under your Bermuda shorts. To stay casual stick to opaque tights or jersey leggings.

3. Cropped Short Sleeve Jacket- I just can’t get enough. These adorable jackets seem to be here for the long run. My favorite piece of advice from StyleBakery in reference to this piece is to layer a turtleneck underneath. The turtleneck will keep you warm, but preserve the appeal of the jacket without much interference.

Not only will re-using your summer clothes in the fall months help you appease your reluctance to part with the summer sunshine, it will keep you comfortable. Temperatures fluctuate in the fall. One day may be reminiscent of summer, while another causes you to run towards the heater. Layers are always the best idea, as they allow you to adapt to whatever environment you find yourself in.