Even though we are fully into winter in the North, I’m still enjoying wearing my skirts and dresses out and about. By layering tights, leggings and sweaters, you can pretty much carry your summer wardrobe through the entire year. However, I’ve noticed that I’m lacking in fall and winter dresses. Everything I own is very bright in color and sometimes, especially on a cold day, I just wanted to wear a muted, flowy skirt or dress. I’ve been keeping my eyes peeled for a winter maxi and think I may have found it!

This maxi skirt is a vampy wine color and totally fitting for winter. Despite seeming very formal, you can definitely dress it down and make it casual. Let’s start with evening.

Start by pairing the wine skirt with a lacy, white tank. The contrasting colors and texture of the shirt make for an interesting base. Add a pair of plain black, velvet pumps. The platform and stiletto heel are ultra sexy and pair with loads of outfits. Add chunky bangles and some avant-garde earrings for your accessories. If you’re feeling daring, throw on a super bright lipstick (pink, red or orange – it’s up to you!) and go!

And now daytime.

Start off with another white shirt, but this time keep it casual in a long-sleeve thermal. Add a leopard scarf for some additional color and top with your favorite leather (or pleather) jacket. Tough combat boots pair great with this skirt and make it more “everyday.” Add a black beanie and structured handbag for all of your school essentials!

There you have it – it’s possible to dress down a maxi skirt. If you’re interested in this one, it’s on sale at ASOS right now for about $35!

[The following is a guest post from our gal pals at CollegeFashion.net. These girls know their style. Seriously, if it weren't for them, we'd still be wearing JNCOs.]

Winter is in full swing. Whether you’re dealing with icy wind, slushy streets, or ceaseless snowfall, every college girl knows that winter weather means adjusting our wardrobes.

Bundling up in style, however, can present a variety of challenges – from finding cute and cozy layers, to worst of all, looking lumpy and frumpy. If you’re in need of some guidance on how to layer without looking lumpy or just some extra winter inspiration, consider this your handbook!

1. Wear your socks!
I’ll be the first to admit that I hate wearing socks. Hate it! Icy feet, unfortunately, instantly make the rest of you colder, making socks an absolute winter necessity.

Outside of warm boots, warm, insulating socks are the easiest way to lock in extra heat. For extra cold weather, look for tall socks – the more leg coverage, the better. Thigh-high styles were popular this fall and look adorable scrunched under boots, as do knee-high pairs. Finally, if you’re using your socks as an accessory, look for fun details or patterns for warmth AND style.

Product Information: Short Fair Isle Wool Socks, Toast. B.ella Vivenne Socks, Lori’s Shoes. Cable Knit Knee High Socks, Ruche. X-Ray Thigh High Socks, Nasty Gal. Ribbon Perlerine Knee Socks, Topshop. Argyle Socks, Asos. House of Holland For Pretty Polly Triple Chain Socks, Asos. Corgi Polka Dot Sock, Barneys New York.

2. Pile on thin fabrics!
Cold-weather girls have long been known to layer tights and leggings under the skinniest of pants. (This can be an amazing strategy for surviving below-freezing wind chills!) Opt for dark footless tights or get even warmer with workout tights. Leggings or footless tights are the college girl version of long underwear!

Even though this extra layer is thin, it provides some extra cozy insulation. The same goes for your top: go for spandex tanks to wear under the rest of your wardrobe, the tighter the better. In order to create a streamlined, chic look, these base layers should fit like a second skin.

Good stuff, right? Well, there’s more where that came from. Get the rest the CollegeFashion tips for lumpy-less layering by clicking right here.

Layering is a fine art. It needs to do two things – keep you warm and make you look good. Around August I start flicking through magazines, excited and inspired by the layered looks on the fashion pages. Although in reality, size 2 models look great with some extra bulk. I do not.

The best way to layer- both for warmth and for style – is by using thin layers. I’ve chosen to use the same thin jersey dress for each of these outfits, which can be layered both over and under for extra warmth. Even colder where you are? Add thick socks, boots and a warm winter coat.

Outfit One.

Shopping Deets: Dress – Forever 21, $17.80; Sweater – YesStyle, $15; Over-the-knee socks – Miss Selfridge, $5; Oxfords – Target, $19.99; Belt - Miss Selfridge, $12.

Winter doesn’t have to mean dull, grey colors. I chose to layer a thick, yellow cardigan over this navy blue dress. Belting a cardigan over the top is a great way to highlight your shape while keeping warm and stylish- it’s a style blogger favorite. I chose oxfords and knee socks, but this would look just as good with tights or leggings. And before you get all hot and bothered…YES! You can wear black and navy together.

Outfit Two.

Shopping Deets: Dress – Forever 21, $17.80; Blazer – Target, $24.99; White Tee – Debenham’s, $9; Booties - Forever 21, $24.80; Tights – Metropark, $13.30; Scarf - Bows and Bandits, $14.

Thin, soft blazers are a great way to layer up and keep stylish. Choose a light one that you can easy fit under a winter coat. I’ve also added a long sleeved top here than can be layered underneath the dress and a cute little scarf for extra warmth. This is a bit more of a classy look – it would be great for work but is also a really fun, trendy way to dress up for class.

Outfit Three.

Shopping Deets: Dress – Forever 21, $17.80; Skirt - Miss Selfridge, $22; Sweater – Urban Outfitters, $19.99; Flats – Charlotte Russe, $19.50.

A dress doesn’t always have to be just a dress. Get more mileage out of your wardrobe by wearing your dresses as either tops or skirts. Add a sweater over the top, or like here, wear a high-waisted skirt for a completely different look. This striped cardigan brightens up a simple outfit and you can opt for flats and tights or a hot pair of riding boots to round this look out.

It might just be time to buy some new winter weather accessories to punch up your wardrobe.

Whether you pick up one for yourself as you race around the mall to do your Christmas shopping, or include them in your wish list to Santa, there are a lot of cute and cozy options to choose from. And with options like these, there’s no need to look like a giant marshmallow all winter long. In fact, these are so cute, you might even come to kinda, sorta miss them come spring.

[Click on the images for all the shopping info!]

Boyfriend blazers have been around for several seasons, meaning you probably have one in your closet by now. Like another wardrobe staple, the white oxford shirt, a boyfriend blazer can be worn with anything for any occasion – they can even be worn together! When the temperature starts dropping and you start bracing yourself for a season of thick sweaters and thicker sweatpants, the boyfriend blazer will be your new BFF, allowing you to wear all your favorite things in new and warmer ways.

Learning how to layer under your boyfriend blazer is an important skill for the winter but one that will pay off until the snow starts to thaw in May. I’ve got three fabulous options that require nothing more than some creativity and all the clothes you’ve already got in your closet. With this, there’s no excuse for that shapeless winter wear, ladies!

(Note: Almost any style of blazer will substitute in for these outfits- I just happen to be a huge fan of the boyfriend style as it has a looser fit.)

Outfit 1:

The DL: Blazer, Shirt, Skirt, Tights, Flats.

One of the best things about a blazer is that it can easily make just about anything look more polished. For a versatile look that works day or night, weekday or weekend, fall or winter (or spring and summer if you take out the tights!), take a pretty mini-skirt and a long sleeve button up top (patterned or solid will work). Cute on its own? You betcha, but even cuter when you put the blazer on top and layer on some opaque tights for extra warmth. A pair of flats or boots are the last piece for this simple look that you’ve built out of items you’ve already paid for. Boom.

Outfit 2:

The DL: Blazer, Tee, Long Sleeve, Jeans, Boots, Hat.

Want to wear your favorite graphic tee but don’t want to get all sloppy with that generic tee/hoodie combo? Enter: the blazer. Making that simple swap takes your layered look from “meh” to “magnefique” in two seconds flat. If you need even more toastiness, put a long sleeve shirt underneath your graphic tee and add a cute hat over top. If hats aren’t your thing, a scarf is another cold weather accessory that will do double duty keeping you warm and looking cute.

Outfit 3:

The DL: Blazer, Dress, Tights, Pumps, Ring.

Short party dress + tights + blazer = win. You’ll look hot and get to wear all your favorite sexy dresses without freezing your buns off. Just throw on your favorite black pumps and accessories (I went for a statement ring, but a stack of sparkly bangles with the sleeves on your blazer rolled up will also look HOT) and hit the town in high style.

Find out other ways to re-work what you’ve already got stuffed in that closet of yours.

Whether you’re buying yourself a post-exam present or looking to put something on your list for Santa (with exact color, size and style….you don’t want him to get it wrong, do you?) boots should be high on your list. Temperatures are dropping, the snow is starting to fall and your toes are starting to get cold. Really, boots are a present for your feet, and after a semester of torturing them in communal showers and dancing the night away in high heels, it’s really the least you can do.

If you don’t already have a pair of boots – or yours are long overdue for a replacement – you should look at investing in a pair this season. And yes, I said investing. These babies aren’t always cheap, but can you really put a price on having 10 fully functional toes? Well, as functional as toes really are….

There are boots for all purposes and whether you’re trekking through snow to get to class, looking for something a little warmer than flats for a night out, or some combination of the two, there’s a pair out there for you. They’re great to slip on with a pair of jeans for class (duh), they’re great with a pair of leg warmers for a little extra toastiness on a busy day, and they look HOT with everything from the skinniest jeans to the miniest of skirts (yes, even rain boots!).

Here are 15 pairs I’m totally digging right now to get you started on your shopping.

[When moving into either a dorm or an off-campus apartment, your wardrobe will face two major challenges: 1. A major lack of funding (to add more to it), and 2. A major lack of storage space (for all the crap you've got). For these two reasons, maximizing what you already own becomes essential. That's why you need to learn to Shop Your Closet. Each week, I’ll show you how to wear 1 item 3 ways – with the stuff you most likely already own! – to get the most out of your purchases.]

I’m a huge fan of dresses. They’re feminine, comfortable and instantly make you dressed up, even if you just rolled out of bed. But despite my dress devotion, the colder it gets outside, the less inclined I am to actually wear one. Or at least, that’s how it used to be. Since I learned the art of layering, suddenly almost everything (chunky sweaters are the exception – there’s no way those can be worn in the middle of summer) in my wardrobe can be worn through all four seasons.

Especially the strapless dress.

It’s one of the easiest, most versatile dress styles to layer. Because you don’t have to worry about the awkward layering of different necklines, it’s easy to toss a shirt underneath. And like every other dress in your closet, throwing a cardigan or blazer over top is quick and chic. The other thing I like is that a lot of strapless dresses have more structure to them (in order to hold them up!) which means you can still show off your figure despite being completely covered up and cozy.

Outfit 1:

Dress, Long Sleeve, Scarf, Textured Tights, Boots.

This look is pretty basic, but still way cuter than your traditional jeans and tee. Put on a long sleeve tee and tights (you could also wear a thicker legging) underneath your dress to winterize the look. Then put on your everyday boots (if it’s really cold, add a pair of knee-high socks; they can either peek out of your boots or not). Top with a bright scarf for a pop of color. Instantly chic and easily adjusted depending on the temperature outside. Added bonus of this look – since you have a long sleeve tee on, no need for a strapless bra!

Outfit 2:

Dress, Blazer, Necklace, Tights, Heels.

For a night on the town, rock out your wildest pair of tights. With a basic strapless dress, anything goes when it comes to legwear – leopard print, fishnets, bright purple. Add a pair of gorgeous heels, and a blazer to keep you warm when you’re not dancing up a storm. The final touch is a piece of statement jewelry. I chose to add a great necklace based on the cut of the dress, but you could easily add bangles or a statement ring if that’s more your style.

Outfit 3:

Dress, Cardigan, Belt, Tights, Boots, Necklace.

Belted cardigans over dresses are a favorite look of mine. Toss on a thick open cardigan over your dress, and cinch it together with a skinny belt. I put some subtle leopard tights with this look, as only your knees will be shown between your dress and boots, but you could just as easily wear a solid colored tight with this. Your go-to boots and a necklace complete this everyday, perfect for class look.

Find out other ways to re-work what you’ve already got stuffed in that closet of yours.

[When moving into either a dorm or an off-campus apartment, your wardrobe will face two major challenges: 1. A major lack of funding (to add more to it). 2. A major lack of storage space. For these two reasons alone, maximizing what you do own becomes essential. That's why you need to learn to Shop Your Closet. Each week, I’ll show you how to wear 1 item 3 ways – with the stuff you most likely already own! – to get the most out of your purchases.]

Every year when I start school I get so excited to show off my summer wardrobe (that no one got to see for three months) for a few weeks. But then the leaves start to change, the Halloween stores pop up, and my cute summer clothes get banished to the back of my closet, where they sit taking up precious space for the rest of the year.

It’s a shame, really. I hate forking over cash for cute clothes that I only get to wear for maybe 4 months (and that’s only because of Global Warming….). Not anymore. I’ve started looking at my summer staples in a whole new way, coming up with fun new outfits that let me wear them long into the fall. And the results have been stellar! You want to give your summer goods a little more traction? Just add layers!

Outfit 1: With layers
For those that can still bare their legs for a few weeks, pair your shorts with layers on top for balance (and snuggly warmth). Any layers will do, but nothing says fall like a plaid boyfriend shirt with a cozy sweatshirt on top. Throw on a pair of flats (or some Toms!) and a long necklace for a little extra somethin’ somethin’. And if bare-your-legs weather has already passed you by, just add a pair of black tights and you’re good (and bundled) to go.

Shorts, Plaid Shirt, Sweatshirt, Shoes, Necklace.

Outfit 2: With a Patterned Cardigan
If you need a day off from your favorite skinnies (those thighs have to breath, you know!), put a pair of opaque black tights on under your black shorts for a streamlined look that mimics pants.  Add a pair of black boots and your legs will look miles long.  On top, layer on a trendy piece, like a leopard cardigan, or any bright and funky cardigan you’ve got in that stack in your closet. Top it off with one bright or bold accessory (be it a bag or a stack of bangles) to finish off the perfectly fall look.

Shorts, Tee, Cardigan, Tights, Boots, Bag.

Outfit 3: With a Cocktail
Casual shorts gone dressy? Yup! It’s possible and it’s as easy as dressing up a pair of jeans. All you need is a little glitz (on top) and a whole lot of leg (accentuated by a great heel). You could really make any top work with a pair of shorts, but I highly recommend going for something a bit looser (as opposed to some sparkly cami) to balance things out. Let your jacket to double duty (fashion AND function) by opting for faux leather instead of that boxy North Face fleece you love so much. Then add a bright pair of shoes for a little contrast and a whole lotta fun and hit the dance floor. Hard.

Shorts, Top, Jacket, Pumps.

[Check out the other ways Leah's re-thinking her wardrobe.]

[When moving into either a dorm or an off-campus apartment, your wardrobe will face two major challenges: 1. A major lack of funding (to add more to it). 2. A major lack of storage space.

For these two reasons alone, maximizing what you do own becomes essential. That's why you need to learn to Shop Your Closet. Each week, I’ll show you how to wear 1 item 3 ways – with the stuff you most likely already own! – to get the most out of your purchases.]

As the temperatures stop, drop, and roll (or just drop), we must say goodbye to our favorite summer styles in favor of warmer options. And it’s depressing. Not because we don’t love fall (because, DUH, we do), but because it’s hard to part with best friends and that perfectly worn-in tank, that’s been with you through everything, is the best friend of all.

But what if I told you that you didn’t have to shove your summer staples in a Tupperware box under your bed until next April? What if there was a way to work them into this new, chillier season?

Prepare yourselves, because it’s not only possible, it’s adorable! If you loaded up on  striped shirts this summer and aren’t sure how to wear them into the fall, never fear. I’ve found three ways to extend the life of your summer favorite, without looking out of season.

With Pants

Tank, Cargos, Jean Jacket, Scarf, Flats.

So you thought that striped tank could only look good with a pair of shorty shorts? Wrong. Pair it with the new fall favorite, the military pant, and the jean jacket that’s been sitting in the back of your closet since it was cool in 8th grade. Slip on your favorite flats and – voila! – perfect cool-weather outfit. If you want to go even further and dress it all up a bit, throw on a graphic scarf (yes, mixing prints is OK) and a pair of jewel toned flats.

With a Skirt

Tank, Skirt, Tights, Shoes, Ring.

Dressing up a casual striped top is easy – just add a skirt! Tucking it into any sort of high-waisted skirt you’ve got will do the trick (be it solid or patterned), though I love the ruffle detail on this little number. When accessorizing, keep things simple; you don’t want to have too much going on. Black tights and pumps will elongate your legs and keep the focus on the top, and a statement ring will add the necessary going-out sparkle. And if you need a little something else to keep you warm, a simple boyfriend blazer will do.

With a Dress

Tank, Dress, Sweater, Tights, Boots, Necklace.

Now this is a two-fer. Extend the wear of your tank and your favorite summer dress. Just put them together! This gives new life to that I-love-it-so-much-I-wore-it-every-day summer sundress and, quite frankly, layering tanks under dresses just looks cool. Especially a strapless. Totally underrated. Like the look above, keep the attention on the dress and tank top by keeping everything else totally neutral. Adding on the cardigan, tights and boots makes this look completely fall appropriate and a simple long necklace will top off the look perfectly.

Good news, peeps: red is IN this season. What? Is that cheering I hear? I KNOW! I’m so excited too!

I love red. It’s bold, it’s classy and it’s totally sexy. And if you wear it right (which is pretty easy unless you opt for some sort of pleather body suit) you can really stick out…in a good way. There are so many different ways to work this hue into your wardrobe, whether you want to totally stand out or just spice up a neutral ensemble. And there are many different shades, meaning it can look good on everyone.

So get out there, find the shade of red that matches you and paint the town in it. For under 20 buckeroos.

Now this is a bold statement, but I love it.  You could tone it down with a soft hairstyle (i.e. bun or easy curls) and you can wear it out to sushi with your girlfriends, or to the upcoming (ahem, way upcoming) holiday party. It’s only a measly $16.99, so stock up on your holiday goods now! The bubble hem and Valentine red is too sweet to pass up.

This orangey-red is fun because it goes beautifully with the army green that’s so hot this season.  Pair this girly top with a military jacket or a pair of skinny cargos and you’ve got yourself a fashion A+.

How amazing would this look with a pair of tights and some sexy black or gold pumps? This sweetheart dress is super flattering and super sexy, especially with that exposed gold zipper down the back. It’s perfect for a night (to stick) out with your girlfriends and flaunt your saucy side. Oh, and it’s a modest $13.50. Mine.

If you’re not a fan of brights, this is the perfect way to embrace red. This light and bright top is airy, relaxed and perfect for a casual topper. The short trim is edgy and would go great with a pair of dark (or gray) skinny jeans and bold boots.  Throw on a long, gold necklace and you’ve got yourself an outfit that screams “Yeah, I look this cool without even trying.”

One of my favorite things about fall is layering, so why not keep it bold and sexy with the color red??  This dress would look great over a pair of tights and under a jacket and a scarf. Sans the ray-bans in this photo (I have no idea who thought those were a good choice), I really think this dress has a lot of potential and versatility.

Just like the photo, this comfy sweatshirt looks perfect for a gusty day with a knit hat, gold accessory and dark pants. And it would look even better with your laptop and a venti. Study away, stylish vixen!

I couldn’t do a ‘red’ post without a plaid button up.  I love this.  With a pair of jeggings, this top can be trucked anywhere: the coffee shop, the library, class, while watching Chelsea Lately at midnight, sipping hot chocolate with your cutie. The list goes on and on. In my book, plaid flannel defines a casual and cozy fall, so get your inner red-neck on (hehe, pun intended).

Since I’ve been blabbing about layering with scarves, here is my favorite red scarf of all.  The animal print pattern is totally in this season and I’m loving the lightweight, gauzy texture. It’s a perfect transformation from summer to fall.