It’s time to bare those forearms and ankles, show a little skin, and soak up the sun! And what goes best with that bright, glowing orb in the sky? Bright colors, of course. Lucky for all of us, stores are overflowing with the brightest of brights that will be perfect for that beachside cocktail in Mexico or that late-spring study sesh when you (unfortunately) have to return to campus. From dresses to shoes, solids to patterns, bags to bangles, the brights are here and it’s time we turn up the volume in our closets.

So run, don’t walk, to the nearest store and stock up some color to kick those winter blues (and greys).  Not only will you feel more energized, but a bright color might make it easier for your friends (or cute males!) to spot you on that crowded Spring Break beach.

And nothing screams spring like an itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka dot bikini… or any polka dot bathing suit, really.

Polka dots are one of those prints that never really goes out of style.  Every year, retailers roll out a new set of items with this adorable print – and this year is no different.  Polka dots come in many sizes and arrangements, and on pretty much any type of clothing or accessory.  So whether you’re looking for something to wear in the sun, an accessory to liven up your pre-Spring wardrobe or a pair of boots to fight the slush, there’s something polka dotted – and totally adorable -  for you!

Until the sun is shining and the temperature rises enough to expose the tops of my feet, I’m left admiring the plethora of flats retailers have to offer this year.  With most shops carrying inexpensive options, it’s easy to stock up on styles that fit with (and add some style to) all your favorite outfits.  Flats are one of those items that can be worn to subtly incorporate a season’s hottest trends, and there’s so much goodness out there you don’t have to kill your feet in 5 inch heels to look good.

With flats in everyone’s price range, it’s hard to resist these adorable shoes, making it easy to buy one (or ten) pairs to add to your wardrobe.  And hey, if you’re from a colder region like myself, they may even be on sale by the time you can FINALLY wear them.

Chambray – a less structured version of denim – is lightweight, often light colored, and totally ’90s.  Though it is more popular for the spring (which is coming…in 5 weeks), it can easily be worked into that winter wardrobe.  And this season, it’s everywhere, in every form and at every price point.

Just be careful what you pair this stuff with; chambray-on-denim is just as difficult to pull off as its ugly sibling, denim-on-denim. You don’t want to channel Britney and Justin circa 2001. But, if done right, it can set yourself apart from the crowd (and maybe even get you stalked by a CC writer).

Ready for some chambray? Here are a few of my faves:

There are a million different stilettos, combining every trend imaginable.  For the trend-shy gal with impeccable balance, wearing a stiletto with instantly add flair to an outfit.  And for everyone else, stilettos are the easiest way to spice up an otherwise ho-hum ‘fit, as well as experiment with different trends.  And though they are not practical for everyday wear (unless you’re Posh Spice), they are always little pieces of art. Seriously, when I’m not wearing them, my shoes double as beautiful bookends. Now that’s what I call multipurpose!

With so many gorgeous possibilities there truly is a pair of stilettos for everyone (or every outfit). Here are a few pairs that have recently left me drooling. I want, I want, I want!

As anyone will know, scarves come in every color and pattern imaginable, as well as a variety of different textures. There is literally something out there for everyone. And now they’re so versatile! The hot new infinity scarf can be worn a variety of ways, including as a hood/scarf to keep you toasty.  Or, if you have its American Apparel circle scarf counterpart, you can also wear it as a skirt… or a cape.

Scarves are available in pretty much every clothing store, meaning there are ample opportunities to pick up one (or twenty) for yourself this season.  As there are scarves in every price point, and every style possible, they also make for the perfect gift for anyone and everyone on your Christmas list. I mean, really, who doesn’t like a scarf??

Need a dress to go with that headband?

We all know that NYE is the most over-hyped, overpriced, overdressed night of the year. While we are stressed figuring out what slutty halloween costume to wear, we also have to stress over where to go 2 months later. I swear every year two things happen: Christmas music and New Year’s Eve plans come earlier and earlier. And frankly I’m not a fan of either. My drunkcapades are exciting enough without having to pay upwards of $100 to go to a crowded club just to dance to Lady Gaga. I do that in my underwear for free in my apartment…

What I do love, however, is the excuse to wear a fun party dress. It almost makes the expensive price tag of the night worth it. And this year, there are so many great options. Lace, sequins, low cut, conservative-yet-sexy, bright colors, flapper inspired, the list goes on. And the best part is that it’s easier than Heidi Montag to find it for under $100. There are even some killer options for under $50.

So throw back some shots and put on some tights apparel because, hate this overpriced night or love it, you know you will look damn good when those pics are posted on Facebook come January 1.

All you need to do is find the style that screams “that’s SO me” click, purchase and rock that bad boy! Here are just a few of my absolute faves.

But gloves are. Designers have really pulled out all the stops on gloves/mittens this year. They’ve incorporated all the latest trends (studs, ruffles, animal print, color) and made them fully functional for women of the 21st century. Meaning, fingerless/thumbless options so you don’t have to risk frostbite to check your News Feed.

And the best part: you can get them for cheap. You don’t need to spend $30 on something that you know you’re gonna lose (because you will and you know it).  Just stock up on the cheapies or, even better, grab a pair with strings. It worked in pre-school, so why not now? While your friends may mock you, you’ll be the one laughing when they tear off a mitten to return a text and lose it somewhere between here and that lecture hall across campus.

Here are some of the best of the best in hand and wrist warmers. Click on them for more info. Stay warm out there!

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.

I’ve known Meagan since elementary school, and she’s always been one of the happiest people I know (she’s a cheerleader so she has to be, I guess). Her clothing choices are always full of color and spunk, and she is the definition of cute: a tiny body with a big personality that shines through her outfits. She doesn’t sacrifice comfort for fashion, however, because she believes that fashion is not necessarily about looking good, but feeling good. And that is the most inspiring thing I’ve heard about fashion in a long, long time.

Name: Meagan
Year: 2012
Major: mechanical engineering
Meagan in 3 words: levelheaded, nerdy, friendly

1) Describe your personal style.
Casual and comfortable, but definitely cute. Most days you’ll see me in a nice top with jeans and flats. I’m very down to earth, not overly girly with lots of make-up or anything dramatic. Just comfy and cute.

2) You can’t leave your house without your ________.
Cell phone.

3) What is your favorite store to shop at?
Nordstrom – they have everything you need from outerwear to underwear.

4) What/who is the biggest influence on your style?
I don’t idolize a celebrity or a specific designer or anything. I’m influenced the most by my friends, and usually I just wear what’s most comfortable. For me fashion isn’t about looking your best, it’s about feeling your best.

5) What’s your favorite trend, past or present?
Skinny jeans.

Featured clothes:
Dress – Forever21
Belt – Nordstrom
Leggings – Nordstrom
Flip-flops – surf shop in San Louis Obispo, CA

With a hat.

Yes, while you always listened to your mother when she told you to zip up that jacket, you probably tuned her out when she started nagging you about a hat. “You lose most of your body heat through your head,” she’d yell behind you. Not that you cared; you’d rather lose body heat than look dorky and mess up that hair you just spent 30 minutes straightening.

But not anymore. Hats are all the rage (just ask The Budget Stylista) and I’ve got 16 right here that will make your mama proud. They not only serve the ever-functional purpose of keeping you warm, but they also add a whole new layer of cool to your winter ensembles. Oh, and did I mention how wonderful they are for covering up an unfortunate hair day? Because bad hair days happen.  Especially if you’re doing a walk of shame across campus.  But no one will know if you throw a little cap on top.

And don’t tell me you’re not a “hat person.” Everyone can be a hat person, especially with the variety of styles. Just take a gander and you’re sure to find one that you love and that loves you back.