'Tis the season for cute, yet comfortable clothes that capture your aesthetic and portray pieces of your personality. It can be hard to avoid looking basic, but here are a few tips that you can use as a guide to creating your own style.

1. Sweaters

Whether fuzzy, crisp, comfy, cropped, brittle, long, or soft, anyone can find a sweater that matches their style. Sweaters are my personal favorite piece of clothing, because they are comfortable, and have the ability to capture the exact style you’re going for at a college student budget.

2. Socks

Don’t walk all over the idea of socks. Socks can transform any dull outfit into a grunge, preppy, or causal outfit. There are so many things that they can be used for, let alone there are tons of designs and textures that it’s nearly impossible to not find one suitable to your style.

3. Boots

I’m not talking about the typical UGG boots, but riding boots and even bean boots make an outfit look cute. Up north you don’t really see many people rocking the bean boots until the snow comes. But, one thing I’ve learned since adapting to the southern lifestyle is that any overcast, drop in temperature, or rainy day is an excuse for the bean boots to come out of hiding.

4. Hats

Hats aren’t just for bad hair days. So many brands are making different hat designs that they have become a more popular accessory. It’s very rare that I walk around campus and not see someone wearing a hat. It’s an easy way to advertise Greek life, clubs, hometowns, and brands.

5. Scarfs

What outfit doesn’t look good without a scarf? The thing I love most about scarfs is that they can make a plain colored t-shirt interesting. Like the other options mentioned, above scarfs come in many textures, patterns, and colors. They act as an easy way to make an outfit look less boring and less forced.

6. Jewelry

Unlike most, I absolutely dread wearing jewelry, but it helped my style so I had to give in. If you go to college in the south then you’re already used to seeing girls wearing pearls on game days. But, in my opinion, diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Diamond necklaces and earrings are always my go-to addition. Whether I’m wearing just a plain dress or a plain blouse, diamonds never fail to do the job.

7. Leggings

In some cases, leggings might be a less dressy option, but you’d be surprised with what a girl can do with her favorite pair of leggings. Personally, I love dresses and I hate that once it gets cold the season for dresses is over. I choose to ignore that stigma. When one of my favorite dresses or skirts gets too short, I’m quick to wear them with leggings. It’s an acquired style, but it does the job and lets me keep a few of my favorite pieces a little longer.