"What am I going to wear?!?"

Girls' Life, Oct-Nov, 2003 by Ariella Leve

THE EVENT The Freshman Fall Dance

THE DILEMMA You want to stand out--but not by towering over all the crush-worthy guys!

It's enough of a challenge to wake up every morning and try to pull together something cute and adorable for school. Then you glance over at your calendar, and you've got a hayride Friday night, your cousin's Saturday afternoon wedding and your BFF's big birthday bash on Sunday. Oh, and did we mention next week's football game, school dance and free-dress day? Aaarrgghhh ... It's enough to give a girl fashion anxiety! But fear not. We're here to make sure you always have the most slammin' look. Step away from the closet, and stop dialing your BFF's number. We're hooking you up with the perfect outfit for every big event.

THE SOLUTION Trendy pointy-toed flats will keep you closer to his level when that bottle from homeroom asks for a slow dance. And bonus! The bag doubles as a bracelet so you don't have to worry about looking like a dork dancing around with your purse.

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THE EVENT Your BFF's Birthday Bash (aka the soiree of the season)

THE DILEMMA How to dress to impress without looking like you tried

THE SOLUTION An embroidered top with sequined jeans is a killer combo. Just be sure to keep your hair and makeup simple--you don't want to compete with yourself!

THIS PAGE: T-shirt, $28, Dollhouse. Jeans, $45, gojane.com. Crystal drop earrings, $18, Alex& Ani for Bebe, Bracelets, $24, Adia Kibur. PREVIOUS PAGE: Double-layer top, $29, kikgirl.com. Zipper mini, $40, Speechless. Thigh-highs, $15, Leg Resource. Pink leather cuff, Alex & Ani. Hello Kitty wristlet bag, $525, sanrio.com. Guitar pick earrings, $24 for six pairs, fredflare.com. Leather flats, $59, Seycllelles.

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THE EVENT Saturday's Big Football Game

THE DILEMMA Picking an outfit that will get you noticed from the field but still keep you warm in fall's unpredictable weather

THE SOLUTION Cargo pants are super-trendy this season, yet casual enough for a cheering session from the bleachers. Add your favorite knitted accessory for color and coziness.

Shirt, $15, Joe Boxer for Kmart. Sweater, $24, Rocket 898. Pants, $69, JLo by Jennifer Lopez, Scarf, $19.50, American Eagle Outfitters. Cap with grommets, $18, Amici Accessories. Watch, $29, Armitron. Wrist cuffs, $12, Hecht's. Shoes, $48, BC Footwear.

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THE EVENT Your Cousin's Afternoon Wedding

THE DILEMMA To give off an air of sophistication without being mistaken for a bridesmaid

THE SOLUTION You'll never go wrong with a floral print dress in an elegant, flowing fabric. Accessorize with vintage-style shoes for a trendy twist.

THIS PAGE: Dress $49, H&M, Choker, $4, girlprops.com. Necklace (worn as a bracelet), $13, girlprops.com T-strap leather heels, $62, Hot kiss.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Poncho, $59, Tommy Jeans. Sweater, $24, Rocket 898. Jeans $31, gojane.com. Pony holders, $12 each, Head Dress. Earrings, $10, and rings $4. Adia Kibur. Watch, $30, gojane.com.

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THE EVENT Octoberfest!

THE DILEMMA Something cute but casual enough that you won't mind your outfit getting dirty since you'll be running through a corn maze, picking pumpkins and hitching a hayride

THE SOLUTION Whip out your most favorite pair of jeans (you know, the ones with the frays and holes in just the right places), then add a funky knitted poncho to spice up the look.

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THE EVENT Free-Dress Day at School

THE DILEMMA

Looking trendy for your friends but covered up for teachers on the rare occasion you get to forgo your daily for some real clothes

THE SOLUTION Start with a fun T-shirt that expresses your personality, and build from there. A little shrug and leg warmers will keep you covered up for the classroom, while a cargo mini and funky shoes will make you the official class fashionista.

Dr Seuss glitter T-shirt, $16, Sears. Black cotton shrug, $38, Harmonie Knitwear. Skirt, $401, American Eagle Outfitters. Leg warmers, $16, Hecht's. Soccer ball print ribbon hair accessory, $4.50, Claire's. Earrings, $22, ZAD. Charm bracelet, $22, Blue J. Beaded belt, $20, Designs by Skaffles. Sports watch and carrying case, $85, Puma. Heels, $25, Soda Shoes.

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THE EVENT A Saturday Night Chill Session

THE DILEMMA To look cool yet laid-back--your secret crush is coming, so the pressure's on!

THE SOLUTION Mix a vintage-style top with feminine pants. This oh-so-trendy combo will impress your friends without freaking him out. Sparkly accessory (read: conversation starter), optional.

Sweater, $42, and chinos with bow detail, $44, hotkiss.com Scarf, $17, Harmonie Knitwear. Keychain on pants, $20, elissabloom.com. Bag, $14, sanrio.com. Crochet flower pony holder, $16, Designs by Skaffles.

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