It’s officially brrrr-it’s-so-cold-I-can-feel-it-inside outside, at least where I am. When I got dressed this morning, I piled on tights, leggings, thick socks and legwarmers before heading out the door – and that was just for my legs. Really, I just wanted to dive back under the covers and hibernate. For the next three months.

I don’t know about you, but when the temperature drops, I’d like people to think that I’m all about layering and looking cute, but in reality I want nothing more than to lounge about the house in my pajamas, feeling cozy and warm.

So if you have a day off, or it’s the weekend, I say take advantage of the time not spent finding enough clothes to layer on to keep you warm in the great outdoors and lounge around in your warm jammies. Toss on your warm slippers, throw on the matching pajama set “Santa” brought you for Christmas, and just enjoy the fact you are not outside. Whether you spend the day catching up on class reading, or catching up on those TV shows everyone’s always talking about, do so in comfort. Because come Monday when you need to spend 30 minutes layering up just to face the cold, you’ll be thankful for those two glorious days you spent in warm, cozy comfort.

And if you don’t have enough lounge wear (I said “lounge,” meaning you shall not leave the house in any of this, no matter how tempting it may be!), you’ve got a whole weekend ahead of you to kick back in your bed and shop for some new favorites. Here are 15 of my new favorites to give you a head start.

Now that it’s winter break, you’re likely spending most of your time sitting around your parents’ house in your PJ’s, right? I don’t blame you — if you don’t have to go to work or school, you might as well be comfortable, right?

But “comfortable” doesn’t have to mean “sloppy.” There are plenty of comfortable lounge clothes that are also cute! They’re also useful beyond winter break — loungewear is perfect for hanging out in the dorms! These clothes will make sure you look cute and stay comfortable, whether you’re studying, watching a movie with friends, or napping… and they’re all just $20 or less!

[Click on any image to see the comfy goods.]

You’ve got your mattress cover, your mini-fridge, your XL twin sheets, and lots of garbage bags, but there is a whole category of dorm room essentials you are skipping out on.  DORMWEAR.  Because, if you’re like me, no matter how hard you try and fight the stereotypical college student walking round in pajamas and sweats thang, there are times you will break down.

I by no means encourage you to wear your sweats and pajamas out in public EVER, but a dorm is a whole other realm of the world.  Having cozy loungewear comes in handy when you want to fist-pump with the rest of your floor while catching the newest Jersey Shore episode.  It’s also handy when you need to do the L in GTL – because everything else you own is stuffed inside that hamper.

But don’t be fooled. Just because you’re lounging doesn’t mean you need to look like a slob. There are so many cute and cozy items out there for you to lounge around in.

And they’re perfect for sleepy time, too. If you’re sharing a bedroom, the person 10-feet away from you will appreciate you wearing pajamas to bed.  And if you’re a sleep-in-a-shirt and underwear kind of girl, try keeping a few of these pieces near your bed in case someone pulls the fire alarm in the middle of the night.  You’ll thank me for this advice later.  Trust me.

But why does it always have to be about the men? It was made for women to wear, you know, and there’s no label on the tag that says “For sexual encounters only.” So why do us girls feel like the only time we should wear it or purchase it is when we have a sexual prospect in the near future, only to wrap it up and hide it in the bottom drawer until the next opportunity arises?

Is there a problem with wearing it for your guy? Of course not! I’m all for spicing up the bedroom; add some heels and a whip if that’s what your into. But why can’t we also wear it for ourselves? I think us girls deserve to feel beautiful, we deserve to feel comfortable, and once in a while why not throw on a slinky satin baby doll instead of your brother’s old sweatshirt and some bleach stained shorts? (Although I think I’ll always return to that as my default. There’s just something about a worn-in, holey sweatshirt).

Perhaps if you’re dorming with a roommate you should hold off on your proclamation of femininity in the bedroom (it could be weird to come home to someone lounging around in a lacy thong), but if you’re lucky enough to have a single room, go out and buy yourself some cute, flirty nightwear. You might be surprised at how refreshing it is.

Don’t know where or what to buy? Here are a few of our favorite sites:

Yandy.com: Sure, some of the stuff on this site is a wee bit sexified for lounging around your room (not sure your nips need to be exposed while you’re watching TV), but that’s only the beginning of this awesome online lingerie emporium. They have tons of really cute, really girly pieces that will let you feel sexy without feeling boom boom sexy time. This is by far the best place to pop your lingerie cherry due to its selection, prices and high quality products.

Forever 21: You go here for the latest in trendy tops and dresses, but did you know they also carry super cute lingerie? This stuff is beautiful, classy, and sure to make feel good when you’re dancing around your room.

Lingerie.com: This site has a huge selection of stuff. It’s a bit pricier than some other places, but it does offer plus size options for those of us with a little extra junk in our trunk. Because we deserve to feel super fabulous, too.

1. Lots of people are going to be seeing these things (and I’m not talking about the people you bring home…), so it’s time to toss out the ratty high school t-shirts and invest in something cute.
2. Lots of people are going to see you, so if you tend to sleep in the buff I’m pretty sure your roomie would much prefer to see you in some jammies than, well, see your naked butt. Factor in the unexpected fire alarms/friends barging in at all hours of the night, and you’re going to want to have something to toss on even if you have a room to yourself.

Lucky for all of us, there are tons of options when it comes to cute and cozy PJs. No matter how much or how little you’ve slept in in the past, there’s something (or lots of somethings for those 6 week runs between laundry days) super adorable for you.  And if you feel like channeling your inner Holly Golightly while your roommate studies 10-feet from your face, there’s a mask for you, too.

There are so many difficult choices in life (do we love or hate tequila??), so we thought we'd sort through 'em right here. Every week we will discuss another issue we are torn up about. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section!]

You’ve heard it all before…

“Uggs are so cute and comfy!” Girl with Uggs on.

“Uggs put the ‘ug’ in ugly.” Guy giving the girl a strange look.

I can see both sides and I’m completely torn:

Love Em:

Uggs are definitely one of the most comfortable types of shoes out there. And unlike the apparantly comfy-but-ugly Crocs (gag!), they actually match your outfit, and can be a cute addition to your winter wardrobe. Uggs come in lots of different colors and patterns, and although they’re a little on the expensive side, they last FOR.E.VER. (OK, maybe not forever, but I’ve had mine for 3 years and they’re as ridiculously soft as ever.)

Loathe Em?

They are a bit clunky and awkwardly-shaped. (But it’s all for good reason, right? Why so chunky, my dear Uggs? To hold all the warm and fuzzy fur inside, of course!) They also look eerily similar to the bedroom-slipper your mom might wear, due to the sheepskin outer layer. (But that’s what makes them warm!) And, obviously, they add quite a bit of unflattering mass to the calves, making even the skinniest leg look a little chunky.

It’s a love/hate relationship between me and my (4 pairs of) Uggs, but that doesn’t seem to stop me from buying and wearing them 6 months out of the year. Still, I have to wonder if the warmth and comfiness is really worth it all….and why on earth girls wear them with mini skirts.

Many people don’t realize that after walking around campus breaking in those new skinny jeans or working hard at that killer internship that the first thing you’ll want to do is throw on something comfortable upon dorm/apartment arrival. Here is a guide of what to look for while shopping for new loungewear.

PJ’s: Do not, I repeat DO NOT wear your pajamas to class! No matter how cute/expensive they are, nothing screams “I don’t give a sh*t about how I look” more than rocking a pair of ‘jammies to your Chem lecture. This may be acceptable for some of you who have super early (Read: 8 am) classes and labs, but try to wear them sparingly (and absolutely NO P.J.’s of any kind after noon); it’s kind of hard for your professor to take you seriously when your bottoms are covered in violet tiaras and have the word “Princess” inscribed on the butt in fuschia fabric glitter.

Wearing your pajamas are definitely okay in your dorm, since very few people will see you in them (and if they do, they will also be wearin’ em). Just remember to be smart about your pajama options, since you never know what you’ll have on when fire alarm inevitably goes off at 3 a.m. (Note: racy lingerie will not keep you warm as you sit outside for an hour). Victoria’s Secret’s PINK line is pretty much the official wardrobe of most college girls, but American Eagle’s Aerie collection also offers pajamas in simple plaid and polka dot patterns in soft, but not too girly, colors.

Sweats: Sweats are a college staple, but these should also be used sparingly, since sweats can go from ho-hum to homeless in mere seconds. They are perfect for class, studying, lounging, eating, errands…and the occassional low key night of drinking. These can be bought pretty much anywhere and come in all different styles and colors. The comfiest pair of sweats I own actually are a couple sizes too big and came from a sporting goods store, so keep your eye out for a reliable pair of sweats during all shopping excursions.

Yoga Pants: Usually reserved for the gym/yoga and pilates classes, these babies are starting a become a campus norm. I must admit that these are my longewear favorite; I feel my absolute sexiest in a pair of yoga pants and basic fitted tee in an attention grabbing color. A good pair of yoga pants can outline your curves without cutting off your circulation, so make sure you try them on before buying them. So Low pants are a college girl classic, but this type of pant can easily be purchased in the Ladies’ Sportswear section of your local Target or Walmart store for a more reasonable price.

Hoodies: Hoodies are pretty much a part of the required college kid wardrobe. They can easily be be paired with sweats and pants and can be bought from just about anywhere. Other than collegiate licensed hoodies, VS PINK and Delia’s both offer hoodies of various colors and prints.(Note: VS PINK now has Collegiate Collection of hoodies and sweats paired with logos of certain well known schools. Check to see if your school is included here)

Have a little fun with your loungewear shopping; make a day trip out of it with your girls and don’t forget to shop around for different styles and budget friendly prices. Still need a little guidance? Briana of College Fashion has selected a few of her loungewear favorites.

Just beware: the Freshman 15 doesn’t feel so bad when you are only donning elastic waist pants. Try throwing jeans and other real clothes into the mix to avoid getting too comfortable.

So on most weekends when all of you are out clubbing or hitting up the bar while hitting on hot guys, I’m curled up on my couch in my pajamas, watching the Olympics or reading a really dorky book and eating a cookie (or three).

It doesn’t bother me. In fact, I LOVE it.

Perhaps you’re intrigued by my reclusive lifestyle. Maybe you even want to take your own Introventure on an upcoming Saturday night, but you’re just not sure how to even begin. Well, you’re in luck! Look no further than this handy-dandy…

Introvert’s Guide to a Saturday Night in:

6 p.m. Put on pajamas. Why not? You’re not going out, and it just feels great to wear those soft, comfortable clothes.

6:15 p.m. Feel a little hungry. Decide to make one-serving eggplant parmesan.

6:30 p.m. Realize you are missing a key ingredient (the eggplant). Run to the store.

6:50 p.m. Ah, that’s better.

8 p.m. Oh, God. This is delicious. Who needs bad rap music and hot guys?

8:15 p.m. Do the dishes. Or don’t. It’s your night! You’re in control!

8:30 p.m. Decide to watch the Olympics.

8:45 p.m. Bob Costas is showing highlights of Michael Phelps for the millionth time, but it’s still not enough for you. You could watch those rippling abs for days…

9 p.m. Wipe drool off the couch.

9:15 p.m. Get bored with the Olympics. Pop in a DVD of The X-Files. The new movie reminded you of the great chemistry between Mulder and Scully and how you wish you were Scully during all the scenes when she kisses Mulder.

10 p.m. Wonder if the truth is really out there. If so, where?

10:05 p.m. Pick up David Sedaris’s new book, When You Are Engulfed in Flames. Read about how he bought a $400 cashmere sweater with intentional ripping and distressing in it. Wonder if that is ever excusable. Think about your own most expensive item of clothing and how it is a) worth so much less than $400 and b) sitting in your closet unworn while you are lying around in pajamas.

10:30 p.m. Start to get tired. Ponder that all the parties around town are just starting to heat up and that you are obviously a grandmother for wanting to go to sleep before midnight.

10:35 p.m. Time to eat some chocolate.

10:45 p.m. Think about brushing your teeth. Obviously, you have to do it, but could anyone really blame you for wanting to keep that chocolate taste in your mouth? How bad would it be to refrain from brushing your teeth for just one night, really? Totally permissible.

11 p.m. Suddenly a glaring light arrives from nowhere. Oh. It’s just the overhead light, and you’ve fallen asleep. Go to turn it off and get in bed.

1 a.m. Best friend drunk dials you, jarring you out of a dream that involved both Michael Phelps and Mulder at the same time. You curse her out and put away the phone. How can other people actually have social lives, anyway?!

[Photo courtesy of flickr.com.]

So, the last thing you have time to do is pick out a cute little outfit to wear to class. I know, I understand.

But think about it this way…your pajamas are ugly.

Huge cotton pants with Care Bears all over them are cute when you’re watching TV at 10 PM…not so cute when you’re fetching coffee at 10 AM.

And as the day goes on pajamas scream “I didn’t take a shower today!” louder and louder until it’s 3 PM and (one would hope) you feel utterly silly.

So, I’m taking the time to beg all of you: Don’t wear pajamas to class! Unfortunately, this PJ trend is picking up a bit of steam and while I’m no fashion guru, I am so disappointed!

How difficult is it to throw on some jeans an a t-shirt? Put on an old hoodie!

Geez, I’d even allow UGGS if it meant you didn’t wear slippers. I mean, even those are picking up steam as totally trendy!

Dignity is something to be valued…and if it’s one of those days where you feel the urge to wear PJ’s to class, you’re going to need all the dignity you can get.

This messy, painful, powerful addiction.

The addiction to wearing pajamas to class.

Some of you had to get up as early as 5:30 AM to get to high school, and while wearing pj’s may have been a slight temptation, you never actually went and did it.

No, you pulled on some jeans, found a shirt somewhere, made sure your face wasn’t frightening, and then hopped into the car while the sun was still coming up.

But then college happens, and for some reason, everything changes. Almost no one has class earlier than 8:30 (a whole hour later than 12th grade), school is usually no more than a 10-15 minute walk from your bed, and breakfast is already made for you. It should be easier to resist the urge to wear those dancing dog pj’s your grandma got you to class…right?

Nope.

Just doing it once, just one taste of the sweet, sweet laziness that is literally throwing a jacket over pajamas is enough to turn some people in pajajay junkies for life (or at least the duration of the college career).

But I am here to beg and plead for us to break this ugly cycle. Dressing to the nines for Biology 101 is not what I’m calling for, only a simple upgrade from “I slept in this last night” to “this is comfy enough that I could fall asleep in it later”.

Why?

Because it not only looks lazy, it makes you lazy. Resisting the urge to fall asleep in class is hard enough sometimes, and wearing pj’s just adds butane to the fire. Plus, if you’re already planning on sleeping during class before you get there, why go in the first place? Save everyone the embarrassment of your drool and snoring and just stay in bed.

We’re not in college to constantly impress everyone around us (well, some of us aren’t), but if our professors have enough energy to look decent and put-together, shouldn’t we do the same? At least most of the time? Out of respect for the sheer amount of cash it takes to even be there? Maybe? Don’t you think? Do I hear an Amen?

Even if you can’t ditch the pajayjays for fashion or respect’s sake, I urge you to do your best to resist them for sanity’s sake. Because breaking a comfort addiction is painful, and there’s no wearing baggy sweats and giant sweatshirts to real world jobs.

…unless you’re a celebrity who’s just too rich to figure out what to wear.