[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.

If you’ve grown a bit sea sick from all the nautical-inspired clothes you’ve been sporting this summer, why not return to dry land and go more utilitarian with the military-inspired pieces dominating stores?  These pieces have a harder look, with cargo pockets, neutral colors and grommet detailing.  Though many of these pieces are quite masculine, the neutral coloring means they can easily be softened with feminine pieces such as floral dresses.  Think combat boots with tights, a floral mini dress and cardigan.  So cute!

The best thing about this style? While military inspired pieces have been pretty trendy for a few seasons now, the utilitarian coats are a classic investment piece that can stay in your wardrobe for years to come. And they’ll come in handy if, you know, you ever need to go on an incognito stalking mission. What, just me?

I can’t believe summer is half drained and we only have one month to flaunt our tanned legs and toned, golden arms (that look just as perfect as those of Madonna and Michelle Obama, obvskies). With such little time, we have no choice but to put our “show off my body” fashion into overdrive, and what better way to show off that ripped, bronze, celeb bod than with the threads Tarzan and Jane flaunted in the lush, tropical jungle (sans camel skin crotch flap)?

So let us put aside the stripes and anchors for a night or two and cordially invite everyone’s favorite jungle duo in all their animal print/crocodile skin glory into our wardrobes. It’s fun, it’s sassy, it goes perfectly with our gorgeous suntans and, yes, it’s all under 20 buckaroos.

What did Tarzan always yell after a sale when he swung on the vines of the rain forest…”Oohhhh ahhhh ohhhhh”

That’s what I was going to say bro.

I’m loving these crisp (subtly pleated along the waistline) boyfriend pants.  They are a classy Urban Outfitters find at a smashing price of $4.99! This is like stealing!  Imagine them paired with a chestnut colored pair of wedgies, a loose fitting army green shirt and wooden bangles.  Sold.

For some silly reason, I fell in love with this immediately. The  silk woven fabric of the dress will keep you cool and the panel strips will keep you sexy.  The shadowed polka dots resemble that of cheetah spots.  And at  $16.99 for such a plentiful dress, I’m giving this lovely number a second glance…in my closet.

This leather stretch bow belt is safari vintage and only $14.99.  I. Love. It.  How great with this look with any outfit? It’s versatile and could cinch your waist into a curvy and svelte dream in anything from a t-shirt to an LBD.

This high-waisted skirt is both swingy and silhouette-hugging.  The color makes it a little more casual, but the material adds a dash of after-five. I would love this with a pair of strappy summer heels and a calm, earthy colored top.  Oh, and it has pockets. The perk of the century.

A sleeveless swoop-neck zebra print dress? Tight? Short? I’ll take it.  Of course, it’s perfect for a night out of the town and sizzling just as hot and steamy as the rain forest.

This looks something right off of the runway for a Ralph Lauren show.  The short sleeve dress with a flirty bubble hem (with a smooth satin lining below the waste) will keep you cool for the rest of the summer.  It looks like you could nab it right off the racks of Nordstorm, but lookie here: it’s only $18.80.   The frock also comes in gray and olive.

This top would look adorable dressed up tucked into a high-waisted pencil skirt or paired with sexy skinny jeans and daring heals for the club.  (Note: the tank also comes in blue/black and pink/black.) Betty Flinstone would have dove head first into the sale rack for this one at only $9.50.

This is another one from Etsy.com, my new favorite online hangout (replacing those old AOL chatrooms I spent so much time in in the ’90s). It is so cute and only $15.00; how could you pass it up!?  Unbuttoned with a white or olive green tank, this would look casual and chic with a golden kiss of sun.  I love the Safari.

I am a firm believer that everyone should be able to wear sailor-inspired clothing even if they haven’t been on a boat once this entire summer (which just so happens to be the story for this girl). Nautical style is so crisp and outdoorsy; a total breath of fresh sea air. And when you’re on a boat, there’s nothing better than nautical duds with your flippy floppies.

It’s no wonder whenever I see a simplistic dress dipped in royal blues, crimson reds and whites I can barely keep it from eating up my credit card bills. But if you (like my dear self) are tired of digging in the diminishing sale racks in J-Crew for the key-nautical piece, CollegeCandy has scrounged up some prime pieces to accompany you in your next Christopher Columbus excursion this summer.  I mean, boat cruise. Or, you know, just brunch….

This sleeveless striped dress keeps things light and easy for summer.  It looks comfortable and essential for a easy-peesie day against the comfy leather seats of your boat.

These shorts are perfect for a naughty-cal summer. The breezy pintuck pleating and sailor style button waste will look flattering and sharp.  It would look great with any tucked in button up and oh-so-sweet flats.

You can take nautical to the club with this a-symmetrical neckline zexy number.  Blue looks so fab on everyone and the (cheap) cost of hugging your curves? $10.50.  You are going to need caution tape to keep dudes from dropping to their knees when they see you and getting your dress dirty.

Casual. Comfortable. Crisp.  Three c-words I can’t see passing up.  This short-sleeve knit dress with a finished bubble hem is just that.  And with the removable tie belt, it’s totally versatile. Woo-wee!

Two things about this dress that will have you typing your VISA card number on your keyboard frantically:
1. How adorable.
2. It’s $7.99. I repeat, $7.99!

At a modest price of $14.99 this potential swimsuit cover-up looks comfy, fashionable and vintage nautical.  Wear over your swimsuit on a windy day and you have yourself an outfit! I love the unique button design near the neck and the crisp, white cuffs. Get at it.

Already folks, another cute pair of shorts and another removable (faux leather) belt.  These shorts look nicely tailored and would look great with a striped shirt and a summer scarf.

I understand rompers can be a little scary, but this one is too adorbz to turn your nose up at.  It’s $14.99, casual and ideal for county fair season. I can see a foot-long (hot dog, sicko) in my hands already.

This year’s fashion trends range from the ranch to the yacht, and stripes are one of the perfect ways to look seaworthy this summer.

The easiest way to incorporate nautical elements into your wardrobe is with stripes.  With so many super cute ways to wear stripes how can you not have something striped (or something striped for every day of the week!) in your wardrobe?  Summer items are starting to hit clearance racks, so you can pick something up to wear now with shorts, or later with jeans without breaking the bank.  While the longer sleeved breton-striped tops will keep you warm if you’re outside on a summer night, some of the striped dresses are perfect to toss over a bathing suit at the beach.

If you’re pinching pennies for a summer vacay, stripes are a recurring fashion trend (just look back to Coco Chanel and Audrey Hepburn!) so you may even luck out finding an adorable top at the thrift store.  Just don’t be afraid to check the men’s (or boys if you’re petite) departments as this unisex trend looks even cuter when it’s loose and laid back.

But where July 4th does get my panties in a knot is when it starts bleeding over into fashion. The amount of horrendous American flag pants, t-shirts, scrunchies (yes, scrunchies) and even themed nail art that has passed me by on the street is ridiculous. And although red, white and blue really isn’t a color palate I dress in often, seeing all of these proud Americans struggling to express their love for America in an outfit that is just plain wrong, is just plain wrong. So this year I vowed that I could find something just as appropriate for the day (and the entire season) without sacrificing my dignity or style.

The winner? The Madison Marcus Infinite Striped Jacket. It was included in a July 4th inspired slideshow on Shopbop but when I saw it all concept of a holiday celebration outfit flew out the door. Instead I had flashes of all the places I would walk into looking incredibly chic in my white cotton blazer with the criss-crossed navy stripes.

The jacket is so smart that it’s almost unbelievable. It’s channeling the nautical theme which gives it a crisp, preppy feel, but the detailing is so modern that other nautical inspired wear comes nowhere close to being as wearably chic. The combination of the laid-back rolled cuffs and the sophisticated tuxedo color give the jacket this uniquely casual “oh this thing? I just threw it on” vibe, while the one-sided pocket and asymmetrical stripes and buttons make a huge fashion statement.

At this point, I have forgotten July 4th (sorry USA!) which is the whole reason I went in search of the piece in the first place. Instead I can see myself rocking this all summer, with a crisp white tank and a pair of jean shorts for weekends or casual dinners with friends, and paired with a white pencil skirt and a navy tank for a clean, streamlined work look.

And the jacket doesn’t even have to stay at home when I go out. I can slip it on over a beach cover-up and wear it with a messy bun and flip flops for dinner by the shore and by channeling the tuxedo details and pairing it with a pair of slim-cut black jeans and strappy heels I will be the best dressed girl in any bar or restaurant – simply by slipping on this one jacket.

Gotta love it.

No, you’re not in the middle of some sorta funny movie where you’ve suddenly hopped into a hot tub with a few of your friends and were instantly transported back to 1989. (And all the funny parts were shown in the previews.)

But yes, crop tops are back. In a big way.

This summer we are taking a cue from Girls Just Want to Have Fun. Ditch the Lycra leotards (please tell me you’ve done so a long, LONG time ago) but hang on to those crop tops, because this summer, we will be rocking them. Hard.

Of course, there is a right way and a wrong way to rock the crop top.

Right Way: Done casual with jean shorts and a bathing suit, or over a tank with some high waisted shorts.
Right Way: Over a fitted, high-waisted skirt or a nice pair of jeans.
Wrong Way: Like this.

Really, it all comes down to pairing the right crop top with the right bottom and, of course, wearing your hot ’80s inspired ‘fit with an extra dose of confidence. Not quite sure how to pull this off? Here are a few ideas to get you through the summer months.

Cropped Yet Covered
This is a great option for those who would really rather not show off their recent finals binge in a crop top but still want a similar look. It’s loose throughout and a bit longer in back but still has that cropped feel. Pair with a pair of fitted jeans (it’s always important to keep the bottoms fitted when the top is loose!) and I’m loving these blue/wood shoes paired with the yellow. Plus those heels? Ferosh.

Product Information: Top – Lulus.com, $25; Jeans – Gap, $69.50; Shoes – Forever 21, $25.80.

I’m (Cropped) on a Mother F**king Boat
Yet another reason to love primary colors: this outfit. The red crop top with the navy high waisted shorts and yellow boat shoes is perfect for a summer day… on a boat. If red isn’t your color, Navy and hot pink are totally adorbs, too, and for $15 a shirt, why not get two?

Product Information: Top – American Apparel, $15;  Shorts – American Apparel, $38; Shoes – Forever 21, $19.80.

Beach Cropped
My favorite of all the crop top looks, take the vintage looking tee and a pair of tattered jean shorts, throw ‘em over your bathsuit, grab your Walkman and scrunchies and hit the beach! I love the total ’80s throwback of this outfit. Minus the Walkman part. I mean, you can still look adorably ’80s and rock out to your iPod, right?

Product Information: Shirt – Top Shop, $28;  Bikini Top – Forever 21, $10.80;  Bikini Bottom - Forever 21,  $9.80; Shorts – Delia’s, $37.50; Shoes – Charlotte Russe, $7.

It’s that time of year again: The season of the skirt. In all honesty, shorts really aren’t my thing. Sometimes they squeeze in all the wrong love handles places and give me some serious wedgie dilemmas. That is why I have a great relationship with all of the skirts out there. They are girly, breathable, comfortable and wedgie-free. What more could a girl ask for?

One of my favorite things about summer is slapping on some sunscreen, shoving a towel and a Nicolas Sparks novel in my beach bag and throwing on a skirt and a tee. Then, come evening, all I have to do is slather some aloe on my arms, exchange the flip flops for some comfy wedges and hit the town for some summer lovin’. Care to join me/rub sunscreen on my back? First, take a lookie at these pretty numbers.  I promise they will not disappoint.

[Click on the skirt to get all the shopping info.]

I love the intricate bohemian detail on this colorful skirt from Target. It is casual and stylish but would look amazing with a sassy pair of wedges and a cute date.

Stripes are a big deal this season and I happen to be obsessed with them.  So lucky for me (and all of the stripes-lovin’ ladies out there) that this skirt exists. It’s cute and casual, and paired with a red or yellow top, is perfectly nautical.

I know American Apparel can get pretty wild at times, but this simple terry cloth miniskirt is great. With an elastic band it would be easy to throw on with your swimsuit and hit the beach, it comes in tons of pastel/earthy colors, and looks super comfy.

What a fabulous find! This beautiful and flowing skirt does not look its price tag at $12.50. Our utmost skirt-prayers have been answered with this day-to-night favorite.

As this skirt is only $9.80 I am completely smitten. It is sweet as candy and the polka dots would make you look youthful and playful. This would look really great with some light brown flats and a simple white tee.

I’m loving all of the denim out there this season. This skirt would look fabulous paired with some cute studded gladiator sandals and any color tank.

I love going out in the summer and sometimes I can’t figure out how to put together a hot summer outfit. This sexy skirt will definitely help. It screams summer-vixen and looks cool and classy. Oh, and it’s only $13.99. Yeehaw!

Last but not least, this versatile skirt from Express will go great with day and night, swimsuit or sexy top, beach or dance floor. I have a feeling this skirt will hug faboosh curves and look sleek on a slim figure. It is just for everybody and perfect for summer.

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

The nautical look is one of those ageless trends that seems to come back into fashion every few years. And with good reason! The look is classic and flattering; it’s about adding flair to your style. This spring, nautical fashions have been all over runways–Derek Lam and Marc Jacobs have both added nautical accents to their recent collections. Want a taste of their style? Use my fact sheet as a guide!

How to Rock The Nautical Look: A Spring/Summer 2010 Fact Sheet

Key colors:
The most important nautical colors are navy, white, and red-orange. These three colors are notably nautical, and when paired together, the look will be unmistakable. Denim can also have a nautical feel!

Product Information: Patchwork Stripe Cardigan, Asos. Distressed Ivory Denim Skirt, Fred Flare. Leather Strap Fair Trade Sandals, Fashion Conscience. Nautical Check Scarf, Peacocks.

Patterns and Shape:
The nautical trend is all about stripes and structure. With patterns, try to create some balance for a streamlined sailor look: if you’re wearing a striped shirt, wear a solid bottom. Afraid of stripes? Don’t be! The thin, horizontal variety are slimming. When wearing wider stripes, try to define your shape with a belt or, try a boyfriend blazer to hint at the trend and highlight your fashion sense!

Product Information: Button Nautical Dress, AX Paris.  Miso Nautical Jacket, Republic. Striped Sweater Top, Forever 21. Contrast Dress, Bardot Fashion.

Still not sure what’s a nautical do or don’t? Finish reading right here.

Ah yes, that time of year has arrived once again: shorts weather. You may love it, you may dread it, you may be torn between the two, but you can’t deny it’s upon us. And it’s time to shave your legs.

Even if you’re hating your pasty white, unworked-out legs these days, there will come a time in the near future that you’ll be so hot you’ll have no choice but to put on some shorts. And when that day comes, you’ll want to be prepared. Good thing there are tons of adorable shorts out there right now that will not only keep you cool this summer, but they’ll keep your wallet full, too. Below, 8 of my favorites.