Fall colors for the end of summer

When the school year begins, most people enjoy taking those extra 20 minutes in the morning to actually shower and wear a matching outfit in hopes of impressing the hottie sitting in the back of their Psych class. However, as the third week rolls around, I've noticed that I'm not the only one resorting to the wrinkled jeans on my floor and fraternity T-shirts. Classes are becoming more demanding and illness is spreading like the plague, but luckily I've found a solution to dressing well: Choosing fashionable colors and patterns can make you stand out with little effort. Here are some looks that will work throughout hot days and make an impression on cool nights.

Before you know it, the colors of the leaves will begin to change, and so should the colors of your clothes. Throughout the summer, you can get away with bright pinks and greens as you throw the football around in your backyard or vacation at the beach, but now that it's September, it's time to retire those obnoxious neons for some cooler blues and grays.

Ladies, sweaters can be your best friend at this time of the year because they work with blue jeans, skirts and shorts. Ralph Lauren's gray Blue Label "Cable Sweater" comes in both short-sleeved ($145) and long-sleeved ($198) styles. Use it as an alternative to the sweatshirt you've been throwing on every morning before class for the last five days, and no one will know that you were up until 4 a.m. writing a paper.

While it's important not to look like you've been attacked by a high-lighter, cutting brights doesn't mean discarding all lighter colors. Light blue or cream layered with darker colors brings freshness to the increasing hours spent indoors during the changing season. Guys, try a gray sweater vest such as Express's "Marino Vest" ($39.50) with a pale blue Oxford for a preppy look, or throw on American Eagle's "Off-campus Henley" ($29.50) with a light undershirt. Just remember: Simple looks can make the biggest impressions.

OK, so now some of you are probably a) mad that I took up your time just talking about colors, or b) thanking me as you put away the bright pink polo you had chosen to wear this weekend. Colors really are an important part of social perceptions, but patterns can make you look like you actually know something about fashion. Once, a friend asked, "Why do you have diamond shapes all over your sweater?" I feared for him. "It's argyle, thank you," was all I could say back.

Luckily, I have been pleasantly surprised to see other fashion-conscience individuals wearing patterns such as argyle and polka dots on sweaters and dresses. Argyle sweaters for men and women are easily accessible. Consider Banana Republic ($88) or J.Crew ($65) sweaters that come in various argyle colors. When picking polka dots, stick to smaller dots that do not stand out too prominently. Ladies, use polka dots to add a little life to shirts and dresses, and guys, polka dotted ties show you're not lame when dressing up.

Remember, colors and patterns are an enhancement to your wardrobe that can make simple outfits stand out. So the next time you go to your closet in a hurry, grab a striped sweater instead of a boring T-shirt. Trust me, it'll make a huge difference.