On any given day here at OU, I’d bet at least 60% of students are rocking The North Face, Columbia or Patagonia (“Fratagonia”, as some might say) outerwear. Perhaps it’s a southern or midwestern cliche, but literally EVERYONE I know owns a zippered or pull-over fleece jacket. And I’m betting many of you probably own one, too. (Admit it!)

As popular as they are, jackets like these are often negatively associated with “the uniform”, as I like to call it. You know, the Uggs/leggings/oversized V-neck/fleece jacket combo that is popular at countless colleges across the nation. While I’m not saying it’s “wrong” to dress this way, why not challenge yourself to think outside the box and rock a more unique outfit?

There’s a way to rock these babies and still stand out in a crowd. Just because you’re in a situation that requires a warm, tough, and no-frills jacket, it doesn’t mean that you have to give up looking stylish. I hope you find this styling challenge as practical and fun as I did.

Tips and Trick for Making a Fleece Jacket More Stylish

Add a funky scarf. This is the easiest way to dress up a fleece coat. A colorful scarf will catch the eye of people around you. Others will pay attention to the texture, or the unique way it’s tied around your neck.

Wear one with a hat. A slouchy beanie adds a laid-back vibe to any outfit, including one with a plain fleece jacket. Plus, you’ll stay super warm!

If you have to buy a fleece, look for unique styles. I love the plush and fur-lined versions I’ve seen.

Pair one with chic shoes. Fleece jackets go great with riding or motorcycle boots, or those cute lace up ankle boot wedges that are getting popular. They also look fine with oxfords, ballet flats, loafers, and anything casual.

Layer, layer, layer. Wear a striped, floral, or graphic shirt underneath your fleece for interest, or wear your jacket under an ever heavier coat if you’re outside in the bitter cold. Play with vests, zip it up, or leave it unzipped.

Show of your style with pants! To balance out the drab top, pair a fleece jacket with flared or wide leg jeans, a great pair of trousers, or your trusty skinny cargos.

Wear it with moxie. Here at CF, we love the idea of wearing unique, creative outfits every day. But everyone needs a break! A fleece jacket, jeans, and a pair of sneakers can still make a statement if you wear the look with a bit of confidence.

Alright. You’ve got the rules and regulations, now let’s see some inspiration. Chelsea, one of our CollegeFashion experts, has put a few outfits together to get you thinking outside the North Face box. Check em out here!

Now is probably one of the best times of the year to think about buying a winter coat. It’s before the first I’m-so-freaking-cold-why-haven’t-I-bought-a-new-coat day, but after stores have brought out loads of coats – and even marked some down! If you’re in need of a new coat this year (or just want something that doesn’t say North Face on the shoulder), Thanksgiving is the perfect time to pick one up. If you’ve moved to a slightly different climate for school, by now you can probably anticipate what you’re going to need to get your butt to class every day; you’ll be home with your parentals’ moolah; and what better time to buy a coat then when you can get one for cheap (Black Friday, anyone!?)?

There are so many styles of coats (and capes!) to suit your personal style and work with your lifestyle. Whether you only go outside when necessary or you need something to watch Quidditch from the sidelines, there’s a coat out there for you. And, damn girl, they are cute!

[Welcome to Celebrity Chic on the Cheap, where our style guru takes a celebrity look and breaks it down for you, our poor college fashionista. What does that mean? It means that while the celebrities are spending $5,000 on an ensemble (like a sweater and skinny jeans) you don’t have to. All you have to do is click on the goods and - boom - you can buy the entire look. For cheap. Yes, we know - there is a spot for her in heaven.]

Rachel Bilson has lived a charmed life. She made out with Adam Brody as part of her job (sniffle, I still miss The O.C.). She made out with Adam Brody for pleasure. She had a whirlwind engagement to Hayden Christensen. She is going to be starring in an NBC show that was created with her in mind. She has cultivated a reputation for being one of the most consistently stylish and adorable celebrities, she writes a column for one of fashion’s holiest publications (InStyle), and her most recent job title is Eyewear Ambassador for the Sunglass Hut. (I don’t know what that means, but I’m jealous.)

If that’s not enough to make you want to be her, she’s also got some serious personal style.

Rachel’s signature style is a combination of trendy and classic. She constructs awesome outfits by mixing textures, sticking with flattering silhouettes, and choosing eye-catching accessories. And putting them all together flawlessly.

While I may never be able to wake up in Adam Brody’s overly slender arms have her life, I find comfort in knowing I can have Rachel’s style. Even with my meager budget:

Product Information: Jacket – Charlotte Russe, $39.50; Long-sleeve Tee – Target, $10; Jeans – Old Navy, $24.99; Boots – G by Guess, $49.95; Scarf – Ecrater, $9.95.

This outfit is perfect for a low-maintenance but still fashion-conscious lady. Distressed jeans are casual without being sloppy, while the fleece jacket is functional while being adorable (and giving a fabulous nod to Coco Chanel.) While Rachel chooses to roll up the cuffs of her jeans as a different way to show off her booties, tucking your jeans into your boots is far from played out.

And who wouldn’t want to show off those sexy suede ankle booties (for under $50!)?

But the real highlight of this outfit for me is the amazing hybrid animal-print scarf. It’s so offbeat and full of character, and the pashmina-type scarf is still very much in. It also is the easiest (and cheapest) way to turn a basic and boring t-shirt and jeans ensemble into a trendy and stylish look. Throw in the quilted bag from the Hilary Duff ensemble from a few weeks ago, and you’ll look, as Katy Perry so eloquently stated, fine, fresh, and fierce.

Get more celebrity looks for less here.

[While everyone is fabulous in their own right, we thought we should celebrate the campus fashionistas of the world for their continued excellence in not looking like a hot mess for class. So, we started stalking those girls on campus (like Brittany from Northwestern) to get a few pics and get some tips on their personal style.... And maybe a restraining order or two.

But it’s worth it to highlight fresh, unique wardrobe choices that show personality and the courage to wear what you believe in. You think you’ve got some major style? Know someone else who’s always looking ferosh? Think the world needs to see what she can do? Send us an email with some photos and she could be the next fashionista celebrated right here.]

At a school where most girls’ wardrobes are dominated by T-shirts and going-out tops, I always find it refreshing to spot a girl who takes her style seriously. So after seeing Brooklyn roaming around campus on multiple occasions, I just had to stop her. She has the uncanny ability to look effortlessly cool in every situation. Whether she’s heading to class or dressing up for a formal event, she manages to achieve that difficult balance of looking polished but still 100 percent original.

Brooklyn is great at pulling together pieces that fit together without being overly matchy. Her style is all her own, a mix of timeless pieces and funky accessories. It’s a look that’s often imitated but never quite duplicated–because the thing about effortless style is that trying to pull it off just doesn’t work. It has to come naturally. And for Brooklyn, it just does.

Name: Brooklyn
Year: Senior
Major: Magazines

1. Describe your personal style.
I’m really drawn to clothes that look vintage, with a unique cut or embroidery. My personal style isn’t over-the-top, but I like to have fun with details that reflect different eras.

2. Complete this sentence: You can’t leave your house without….
My messenger bag I ordered from an artist on Etsy.com. That thing is with me through class, work, and everything in between.

3. What are your favorite stores to shop at?
My favorite thing is to find an incredibly marked-down item at Anthropologie and then mix it with clothes from Target or somewhere else I can actually afford.

4. What/who is the biggest influence on your style?
Traveling and seeing how women from different cultures dress and the way they carry themselves is always inspiring to me. And it’s refreshing.

5. What’s your favorite trend, past or present?
I love jackets, so I play around with different popular styles. But my favorites sometimes get a spot in my closet for years.

On Brooklyn:
Dress: Ann Taylor Loft
Cardigan: Urban Outfitters
Boots: Macy’s
Beaded bracelet: Gap
Flower bracelet: a store in Siena, Italy

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.

[Most guys we know stay up late dreaming of the day they might end up in a giant orgy with beautiful women. We, however, lie awake at night dreaming of a closet full of beautiful clothes. To the left, a wall of shoes. To the right, shelf upon shelf of delicately handcrafted bags organized by color and size.

Sigh.
We all have our fantasies.

Since guys can turn to the interwebs to get their daily fantasy fix, we thought you should, too! So, we’re bringing you some fashion porn. The best of the best in all things fashionable. Sure, it may be out of your price range, but it’s a fantasy, so live it up in all its delicious glory.]

Sometimes it’s just too cold to go jacketless on a summer night – but that doesn’t mean you have to ruin your perfect summer outfit with a heavy coat, or warm sweater.  While you could chance it, and pray you meet a hot (and chivalrous) man that will keep you warm on those chilly nights, sometimes a girl has to take care of herself.

Fortunately for you take-action girls, there are plenty of cute and cozy coverups that will complete and not clash with your ensemble.  With so many sweaters and jackets, there is a perfect match (or several matches) for every outfit, regardless of your style or budget.  So you don’t have to wait for Prince Charming (because he probably isn’t all that reliable) to keep you warm, because not only can you do it yourself, but you can also look fabulous in the process!

Exposed zippers are hot. As in, “if you unzipped this my outfit would fall off” hot (in theory – most items are actually double-layered so no need to worry about someone unzipping you!). They also make a piece more interesting.

This trend, already embraced by celebrities like Kate Bosworth, is a must-have for your wardrobe as it will be going strong well into spring and summer, according to Joyce Chang, features editor of People StyleWatch.

“Whether you’re going more refined or tougher, there’s a zippered look for every one and every budget,” Chang said. Here are a few ideas:

Adding zippers in an unconventional way gives these jackets a much chicer and more interesting appeal. The left jacket from LF ($192) is a good option for light spring outerwear. The right jacket (Marc by Marc Jacobs, $154.90 at Saks) is also cute and unique.

We all love black leggings for a night on the town, but they get a little drab and boring after awhile. Add some edge to your look with these Live Wire leggings ($30) available at Lulu’s. The added zipper is a small detail that really changes the entire look and feel of the pant.

Add this trend into your wardrobe a little more subtly by wearing zipper embellished shoes, like these from Charlotte Russe ($12.49). Pair them with skinny jeans and a long black tank top and you have yourself a new twist on an evening classic.

Here are some more options and ideas from ShopBop. They aren’t cheap, but they are a great inspiration for different ways designers are using the zipper this season. Click on the image to learn more:

All you have to do is click on the goods and - boom - you can buy the entire ensemble. Yes, we know; there is a spot for her in heaven.]

Sure sure– it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Blah Blah Blah.

Because it’s also the most freezing time of year. You know when your eyes water, then that water freezes and before you know it you are picking iciciles off your eyelashes?

It’s no wonder Santa Clause’s belly is full of jelly – fat keeps you warmer. And with the cold weather, usually all things cute fall by the wayside along with dietary discretion (I mean seriously- hot cocoa and hot cookies all. winter. long. First stop: my thighs! Woot Woot!)

But thankfully, Cameron Diaz gives us another option to stay warm. Not only does it not require us to gain 50 pounds, it’s adorable. Just look at her. Her grey on gery ensemble makes me want to go walk five miles in the cold right now… or hail a cab… or just stand outside and take a cute photo in this outfit.

So with that I bring you this week’s Celebrity Chic on the Cheap: Cameron Makes the Cold Look Cute!

Grey Sweater:

Chunky to keep you warm and Bulky to hide the extra love in case you do go the Santa route to stay warm this winter.

Forever 21 Sweater: $29.80, Gap Sweater: $58.00

Grey Jacket

Here is a lighter weight option, and a puffier, warmer option if you live in the North Pole (or Chicago, like yours truly) where a wool coat just won’t cut it.

Forever 21 Coat-$27.80 , Gap Coat- $79.99 (on sale, baby!)

Black hat – $28.00

Warm, cute, and gives you an extra day of laziness before you really really need to rewash your hair. Saweet.

Jeans – $70.00

These are midrise, which is crucial this time of year to prevent your own belly full of jelly from showing…

Black patent bag – $39.99

It’s big, it’s versatile, it’s super cute. And it’s cheap.

That overly priced piece of fleece has been cramping styles of college chicks nationwide for way too long. Not only is it boring and blah (and yes getting it in bumble-bee yellow still makes it blah) – but its making you that girl. You know who I’m talking about: The one who walks around campus in her big sunglasses, tight stretch pants, boots and… NORTH FACE FLEECE.

I’m not saying it’s horrible to be one of those girls – in fact I think these girls get a bad rap for being bitchy and spoiled when that isn’t the case (note: I was one of them). What I am saying is that if you’re going to spend the money on a piece of outerwear there are so many, MANY cuter, warmer, more original, not fleecy things to buy!

Trust me, I understand the “I’m hungover and want to wear sweats to class” line of thinking, I really do. But at least fool the outside world that you care…even a little… and switch up your NFF for an actual jacket or coat. This fall there are just so many cute styles that it’s simply a waste to not wear one of them!

Here are some options to consider when trading in your beloved North Face Fleece:

The Hooded Bomber Jacket

You can wear this to class or to the bars. Pair it with jeans, leggings, even sweats and it instantly screams “I’m super hot,” and, “Don’t mess with me, yo.”

The Vintage Swing Coat

This Yellow is a must-have color, and it adds color to even the palest, most hungover faces, convincing any professor that you are 100% mentally there.

The Best Bar Jacket

For $29.80 it’s A-OKAY if you lose it, spill on it, get sick on it, forget about it, etc.

When it comes to bar jackets you have to plan ahead; while you won’t want to freeze and NOT wear a coat (a mistake made by freshies nationwide), you also don’t want to wear your favorite Theory jacket only to have it be traded up by some other gal who wore her Forever 21 jacket, saw yours shoved in a corner and grabbed it at the end of the night “by mistake.”

The “I’m going to be presentable” Jacket

This jacket- which comes in a bunch of colors – is great for class OR for meeting your boyfriends great Aunt Jane in. It’s tailored but still youthful and just. so. cute.

The Comfortable Alternative

If you must be comfortable at least be original.

The Military Coat

I love it. I love it. I love it. Enough said.

Jackets already? No thanks.

(Photo courtesy of Urban Outfitters)

It’s hot today in New York. Really. Hot. Even in the air conditioning, I am sweating (ew). Last week, in preparation for some 4th of July swimming, I set off on a mission to find myself a swimsuit. I was looking for a kind of cute, retro one-piece, so I headed to my old standby: Urban Outfitters. When I entered the store, however, I was in shock. Everywhere I looked there were sweaters, long-sleeve plaid shirts and…is that a coat with a wool collar?!

WTF Urban Outfitters?! It’s JULY. I decided to try another store down the street, but was struck with the same thing. Again and again as I made my way down Broadway, I saw Fall clothing up in every window. Yesterday the latest issue of Lucky magazine arrived in my mailbox, chock full of…you guessed it…Fall fashions. I leafed through it while sitting on my bed half-naked trying to cool down in front of my fan. The pages and pages of models in tights and sweaters were not helping.

Look, I know that designers release collections early, I know that Fall fashion week actually showcases Spring looks, etc, etc. But really, chain stores, hast thou forgotten the lowly average customer? We still want to go shopping for swimsuits and sundresses in July! We won’t need sweaters until late September! The thought of trying on a long sleeved ANYTHING when I’m dripping with sweat and nursing a sunburn is enough to make me break down. So please, chain stores, I beg of you. Keep the Summer stuff around for a few more weeks. This is New York, not Antarctica.