[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.

[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.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my new ‘do -  I feel extra sheek and sassy, a little bohemian, and eyes seem to pop out more than Pamela Anderson’s boobies. But after prancing out of the hair salon, life happened and I was graced with the slightly annoying presence of my new bangs.

If you’re chewing on the idea of taking the fringe plunge, I give you a look into a world of bangs:

12:45 P.M. Now that the rest of my hair has been trimmed and styled, my hairstylist finally comes to the melodramatic point of cutting my bangs. I stop her for a moment, take a deep breath. Once I’m mentally ready, I give a slight nod and she comes at me with the scissors. I watch my life (full of good hair days) flash before my eyes as 4 inches of my former layers flutter away to their final resting place on top of my Ugg boot. I hold the arm rest tighter, trying not to make a scene. I make a mental note to Google image ‘celebs with bangs’ when I got home to make myself feel better about this hasty decision.

1:15 P.M. I play with my new hair a little bit in front of the mirror. I look left. I look right. I look at it from the back. “OK,” I think to myself. “It looks good.” I breathe a sigh of relief. After paying the girl at the front desk and hugging my stylist (“OMG thank you!”) I walk home. And look at my reflection in every reflective material: car windows, mirrors, spoons, phones, computer screens. I don’t look twelve, I don’t resemble Justin Bieber, and I have already forgotten to Google image ‘celebs with bangs.’ Things are looking up.

5:00 P.M. I am standing on the treadmill attempting to put my hair up for a much needed jaunt. I check my reflection in the TV:  I look like an adolescent boy with a bowl cut. It’s creepy, not at all cute, and unfair to all people attempting to have a workout free of silent giggles. I try a headband. Bad move; my bangs stick out the back like a Ricky Martin haircut. That would be fine if I was shaking my bon bon on stage for millions of adoring girls, but I’m not. Now I just look ridiculous.

7:00 P.M. My light workout (I lasted 10 minutes before I got frustrated and gave up) has sent my bangs into an uproar.  The pieces that are not sticking up everywhere are plastered to my forehead; I look like I just ran a marathon with Katie Holmes. It’s awful. “Am I going to have to shower ten times a day to make these puppies look presentable?” I have a mild meltdown in front of my mirror.

9:00 P.M. After much primping (and more priming), I am about ready to hit the town, and my bangs…look…good. Like, really good. Although they are hiding some very serious flat-iron burns on my forehead, I managed to put them together nicely. And they make my basic black top and jeans outfit look way more chic. “Yay bangs!”

10:00 P.M. While lurking around the bar awkwardly, I am stopped by many boys commenting on my bangs. Guys. It was quite the honor; I felt like I needed to give some kind of acceptance speech for being so awesome.  When was the last time men commented on anything besides my French Maid costume?  Yeah, they definitely went south once the dancing started (and by “south” I mean “wet, wavy and stuck to my face”), but I had a few emergency bobby pins on hand to fix the problem.

Despite the ups and downs (and one wasted trip to the treadmill), I say bangs are definitely a do. They won’t be easy, but they will definitely be worth it.

Besides, good or bad, you can always grow those suckers out.

(Left to right: 3.1 Philip Lim, D&G, Versace, Diane Von Furstenberg)

[Do you ever feel like you can’t pull something off? Have trendy pieces in your closet that you would never have the courage to actually wear out? Well take those pieces out, shake off the dust, and continue reading!

In this series, I will choose a different piece that can be difficult to incorporate into an outfit and give you ideas on how to wear it. If there’s anything you would like to read about in the future, please leave a comment!]

Warm, comfy, and flattering, a sweaterdress should be in every college girl’s wardrobe this winter. They’re possibly the easiest item to wear, but also one of the most fun to accessorize. Read on to find one that fits your budget and ideas on what to pair it with.

When you’re looking for something cheap, Forever 21 is usually the best place to start. Layering long necklaces over a basic sweaterdress is a good way to make it interesting. Throw on an over-sized bag and a killer pair of boots and you have yourself an easy, chic ensemble.

Dress, $27.80, Boots, $32.80, Bag, 19.80, Forever 21. Necklace, Aldo $15.

This sweater from Arden B is my favorite – the color is fun and the shape is super sexy. It is shown on the model with jeans, but also works with leggings (just make sure they are solid not sheer!). Add a belt – thin or wide – to give the sweaterdress a little shape.

Dress, $58, Arden B. Belt, $6.80, Forever21. Boots, $198, Arturo Chiang Sol at Piperlime. Leggings, $24, Urban Outfitters.

Another way to wear the sweaterdress is layered over a tank (Express – $16.50). This sweater from Express ($59.50) would also look great with a belt, tights, and boots.

Here are some more cute sweaterdresses from Forever 21 (29.50), Express (69.50), and Victoria’s Secret (59.50 and 69).

Or, if you want to splurge (or simply just drool a little), here are a few high-end sweaters. The first one is from Catherine Malandrino available at Saks for $495. I love the cowl neck! The second is by Marc Jacobs and is at Saks for $1500. The ruffle is something different from your basic sweaterdress, so you will definitely stand out. The last sweater dress is by Tibi and is also at Saks for $325. My favorite detail on this one is the sleeves, but I also love the neck.

Here are the hairstyles you can expect to see all over the place this season. There’s something for everyone, with classic styles all the way up to uber-short or super funky cuts.

Pick what you think will best suit your face and personal style, and show off those gorgeous tresses.

The Bob

The Bob is keeping its steam and can be found on celebrities and fashionistas all over the place; Katie Holmes has defined this cut. There are several different versions of the bob, and it’s popular with or without bangs, so go with what makes you the most comfortable and rock out the hottest hairstyle of 2008.

The Crop/Pixie Cut

Short, short hair is back thanks to celebs like Rihanna and Victoria Beckham. If you’ve got the guts to go with this style, you gotta go all the way with a crop that stands out. Whether it’s spikes or sleek bangs, give it something that really pops and tells the world you’re not afraid to take risks.

Bangs/Fringe

Seen on the likes of Heidi Klum, bangs/fringe remains popular and are a great way to add some spunk to a long ‘do. But don’t shy away from em if you have short hair, ladies; and they’re darling on shorter styles as well.

Long Hair: All One Length

Hate trying to grow out layers? Have no fear, the hippie look of flowing tresses all cut to the same length is making a return this season.

Long Hair: Face Framing Layers

But if you’re still into those face-framing layers, you don’t have to grow em out; they’re still as popular as ever.

Messy, High Up-Dos

A fan of the classic look of buns or chignons, but wanna give it a little twist? Wearing them at the crown or even the very top of your head gives it a more fun, fresh and carefree look that was seen all over the runways this season. If you want a more romantic, soft look, let a few strands fall loosely around your face.

Putting a Twist on the Old French Twist

This classic updo is back in a major way, but with a few changes. Putting a modern edge on this feminine look, the new takes on it include disheveled twists, side twists and pseudo-beehive twists worn either sleek or with loose, flirty tendrils. The key to keeping it together is a whole lotta strong-hold hairspray, bobby pins… and patience.

Sleek Hair

Taking a cue from ballerinas: the loose ponies and buns of late are being replaced by sleek, slicked back looks.

Braids

Another throw-back to the 70’s, braids (of all types) are back. One of the most popular is the braid that goes from the front of the head around the side. Celebs from Mary Kate Olsen to Anne Hathaway have been seen in this look. (Note: this is a great way to hide that greasy hair you didn’t have time to wash before class…)

Do you ever feel like you can’t pull something off? Have trendy pieces in your closet that you would never have the courage to actually wear out? Well take those pieces out, shake off the dust, and continue reading!

In this series, I will choose a different piece that can be difficult to incorporate into an outfit and give you ideas on how to wear it. If there’s anything you would like to read about in the future, please leave a comment!

One of my favorite layering pieces this fall is the sweater vest. It’s so versatile – you can wear it with practically anything and anywhere. Sweater vests should no longer be associated with something your grandpa would wear, because this fall they will be everywhere, in all shapes, lengths, colors, and patterns. With so many options available, it gets confusing to pick out the perfect items to pair with your vest.

1. To work: When you head to your job/internship, you can rock a sweater vest the traditional way. Layer a collared blouse underneath and throw on a pair of dress pants. To avoid being boring and librarian-esque, think about playing around with colors too; the under shirt doesn’t have to be white! Here are some sweater vests that are perfect for work (1. Old Navy, 2. Forever 21).

2. When you’re going to class or out shopping for the day, you can get a little more trendy with the sweater vest. Try a cropped style over a basic white top with jeans, or a longer cardigan style vest with leggings. There aren’t really any specific rules on how to wear this look – almost anything will work. The one guideline you should follow is this: if your vest makes a statement on its own (i.e. with an argyle pattern or oversized buttons), keep the layer underneath it simple. If the vest is plain, feel free to pair it with something a little more interesting (like the plaid shirt the model is wearing with this Joie cashmere vest from Nordstrom.

If you don’t own a vest already, get one! There are so many options to choose from right now, so you are bound to find one that fits your personal style. Basic blacks and greys are great for sweater vests, but it’s also fun to add a little color to your outfit. Here are two really cute options from Robert Rodriguez on Bluefly.com (left), and Anthropologie (right).

And if you are on a budget (like me), here are two really cute cardigans from Target (left) and Forever 21 (right) which are both about $20.

But, when said peasants actually look at the Fashion Gods’ pictures, they are whole-heartedly disappointed. All too often, to these arbiters of taste, “curly” means “straight with a very slight artificial wave about half-way down.” Take, for instance, these “natural-looking curls:”

And the peasants cry.

That hair is beautiful, but realistic? Hell no.

But this year, this year, goddammit, it supposedly the year of the curl. Celebrities are donning curls, stylists are throwing away the irons and magazines are telling us to “embrace our natural texture.” Too bad, for many of us, that is far easier said than done.

For a lot of us curlies, our hair has always been the bane of our existence (unless we were around in the 80′s). The 90′ s and most of the 00′s have told us that if our hair is “big,” it’s dated, or out of fashion. Curls are okay…as long as they’re flat. Which, quite frankly, natural curls are not. So, we attempt to flatten and – bottles of gel later – we don’t look fashionable; we look like drowned rats.

But, it is the year of the curl and I am going to let my curls shine, damnit. I am going embrace my natural hair and become one with the wave. As should you.

Don’t know how to tame that mane? Here are a few easy tips for the basic hair types:

Loose, Heavy Curls:

Of the curly types (excluding wavy), this is probably the easiest to deal with. Your biggest help here is a leave-in conditioner and, on humid and rainy days, a little bit of hair creme. Keep it simple and let those lovely locks shine.

Tight Curls

I would KILL for this hair. This is my personal favorite of all the curly types. But I guess the grass is always greener.

Kinky hair (really, really tight curls) is surprisingly delicate. Spritz it through with a light-hold curly spray and then do not touch it. The more you play with it, the more you can damage it. Another tip to keeping this hair healthy: shampoo as infrequently as possible.

Ringlets

Adorable. To keep from looking like Shirley Temple, however, make sure you get a nice adult, up-to-date haircut. Use a light curling mouse to set the curl for the day and you are good to go.

Combination Curls

Most of your hair is out of control curly, but some of it is just wavy (or even straight), and all of it is wirey.

This is what I have. The miracle secret I found is a curl mousse called Got2B Kinky. Seriously. It keeps it from frizzing and it makes it all more uniform, without changing your actual texture. I also recommend cutting serious layers into your hair to avoid the evil, Triangle Head.

Fine Curls

Pump up the volume of your angel-fine curly hair with a volume-specific mousse. Scrunch a little, grabbing the hair from the bottom and gently pressing it up. And always airdry–you don’t want to scatter (and ruin!) your curls with a huge blast of air.

And remember, for all curly hair, shampoo as little as possible (once or twice a week). Condition every other day. And never, EVER try to brush it. Trust me.

[Images courtesy of www.consumer.schwarzkopf.com, www.freshlookhair.com, www.naturallycurly.com]