As a college Freshman, I, along with every other girl, went shopping weeks before “Welcome Week” for “going out” clothes, aka the trendiest clothing you could find for your college debut. Of course, you probably have your party outfit formulas down, and those cute party outfit themes set aside, waiting anxiously for a party to wear them to, but little did I know…

College is the only place where you plan your outfits to go out in without considering the chilly temperatures or weather in general. All seasons of the year, ladies still find a way to show skin and forget about the possibility of frostbite. Reckless? Probably, but that’s college. For example, I’ve found myself wearing jean shorts and cowboy boots in January for a Hoedown Throwdown (thank you, Hannah Montana) party.

Whether it is “Flannel Friday” or “Jersday Thursday,” there always seems to be a college theme party going on – no matter what time of the year it is.

Parties are fun in the first place, but party themes can make or break your time at the party. The themes are typically announced just a day or two ahead of time, and between that time and the party, us girls are scrambling for costumes like the Hunger Games. We all want to show up looking fashion-forward and the best we can, but how do you dress fashionably and take part in the theme (without overdoing it)?

Here is my take on themed-parties and how to remain stylish while participating.

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There are so many possible college costume party outfit themes that it would be impossible to name them all! I’ve seen Gatsby parties, Dress as Your Favorite Movie parties, Halloween costume parties and so much more. I love the Mean Girls costume above – it would be so much fun to go with your friends as the Plastics.

Pajama Party

Nothing beats a pajama party in terms of comfortable outfits for themed parties! Whether you opt for a cute coordinated set or a hilarious onesie, you seriously can’t go wrong here. In particular, I love this satin set from Lulus – so cute, I can hardly believe it’s pajamas.