Classic clothing pieces that work for everyone

As I pack for New York Fashion Week, an event at which American designers showcase their collections, I have realized I want to pack lightly. I absolutely can't stand to carry a lot of baggage around no matter where I go, and when I go to Fashion Week, this can become a challenge. I always want to look fabulous, and between seeing my family, working, studying and going out, I want to look put-together without looking like I tried too hard. I have made a list of clothing items all college students must have in order to look put-together when away from home. \nFirst, a pea coat is essential when looking polished and it can be worn absolutely anywhere. It can look classic and dressed-up or they can be worn with a pair of sweats and still be acceptable. Though I am a big fan of color, I would stay away from the rainbow with this one. When you are investing in a pea coat, try a neutral color like brown, white, black, navy or gray. These colors can be easily matched with any outfit and look good year-round. \nNext, a nice pair of dark-colored jeans is essential when away from home on a trip or at college. Jeans are versatile and can be worn with sneakers and a sweatshirt or dress shoes, a turtleneck and blazer. When shopping for jeans, look for dark blue jeans with gold edge stitching. I am very partial to blue jeans with gold stitching because they tend to be a heavier denim and better cut. For guys, straight-leg jeans are a better investment because they aren't trendy and can be worn with just about anything -- like a button-down shirt, blazer and loafers. Black jeans are OK but they tend to fade. Blue edge stitched denim tends to fade before the thread, which tends to show wear. \nThird, button-down shirts from Banana Republic, Eddie Bauer, Target or The Limited can help pull any wardrobe together. You can wear them with any style of pants and they will always look good. When buying button-down shirts, go for classic cuts and first invest in white. After buying a white button-down invest in a button-down with stripes in blue or red. Striped button-down shirts go with just about anything and can add versatility to your wardrobe. \nIf anyone has ever watched an '80s brat pack movie, they would know the collegiate look is symbolized by the blazer. For guy and girls, the blazer not only represents iconic style but is also a classic look. The blazer made its way back on runways on the backs of rappers and frat boys alike. Now blazers are available in tweed, denim, velvet and wool, and are acceptable at both the bar and at work. Women can pair a blazer with a camisole underneath and jeans or khakis for a great look. The blazer also works with the circle skirts that are back in style for spring. \nGuys can also wear blazers over hoodies, with jeans and with sneakers, to look collegiate but casual. If you seek a dressed-up look, pair a blazer with jeans, a turtleneck and loafers. Both genders can pair the blazer with a trendy T-shirt, jeans and sneakers and be ready to party. \nFinally, my favorite piece of the travel wardrobe is the black pant. I love my black pants because out of all the items mentioned above, these can really be worn with anything and look good. Pair black pants with a potato sack and it works. Pair black pants with a hoodie and it works. Pair black pants with a sparkled halter top, hat and heels and go the club and it works. Black pants are like the savior of any wardrobe. Guys can wear them with button-down shirts and if they want to look very Ryan Phillipe in "Cruel Intentions," a black turtleneck and black pea coat look sexy and strong. Black pants give men a look of sophistication they don't even know they have until they actually put them on. Plus black pants make both sexes look 10 pounds lighter, which always works. \nNow everyone knows at least some of the things I will be sporting in the tents this weekend in New York. For more information on the shows during fashion week, visit www.aquafina.com/fashion.html.