Designated frat shoes and other wise words for weekend wear

At Hopkins, it's easy to spend your weekends in the depths of the library, limiting your social interactions to what appears on your Facebook newsfeed.

However, every now and then, we must ditch the books and live it up a little.

Whatever your weekend plans, you should leave the Hopkins hoodie in your dorm and opt to upgrade your look.

Let's say you want to hit up the biggest frat party of the weekend. Of course, you want to look good, but you also want a low-maintenance outfit. Who wants to worry about the strong possibility of getting a drink spilled on your favorite shirt?

If you go out often, you should garner a collection of pieces that you don't mind getting a bit dirty. Also, stick to darker colors—they'll be less prone to being stained. I learned the hard way that wearing white jeans is a bad idea.

We all know how hot frat basements can get. To keep relatively cool, wear breathable fabrics (read: not cotton) in looser-fitting cuts. Tight clothes will make you sweat more, and may, perish the thought, hinder your dancing abilities.

Perhaps you question the cleanliness of a frat's floors. If not, next time you go out, take a peek at your soles. It won't be pretty.

To minimize casualties, I have a dedicated pair of frat shoes. They aren't exactly chic, but let's be honest: Who is really paying attention to your shoes at a frat?

This probably goes without saying, but don't be tempted to bring along your gold hoops or Cartier watch when you go out. We're in a city. Enough said.

Maybe you're shooting for something a little more low-key this weekend. Perhaps a date with that boy or girl you've had your eye on? Don't dress up too much—it will probably come off as inauthentic, or even worse, desperate.

Yet incorporating particular pieces into your outfit can add a bit of class and help you score that second date.

Guys, don't be afraid of a blazer. Worn correctly, they can add a lot of maturity to an outfit without looking like you thought about it too much.

For now, stick with navy, preferably with a slim cut. It's worth investing in quality—it'll be one of your most versatile pieces.

Along with your blazer, pick up a slim (not high school hipster, super-skinny) tie in a simple pattern. Put care into tying it—a sloppy knot can ruin even the nicest tie.

Dark-wash, slim-fitting jeans are always a good bet. However, if you want to mix it up a bit, try out a pair of cords. They'll add a lot of texture to your outfit.

Dark grey is a safe color, although I'm personally digging the current merlot trend. Top off your trousers with a plaited leather belt.

Don't keep too much stuff in your pockets, or the line of your pants will look sloppy. Stash your cell, wallet, and whatever else you might have in your jacket instead.

Switching up your shoes is one of the simplest ways to upgrade your style. After all, your shoes are the literal foundation of any outfit. Invest a quality, timeless pair, and take care of them. Don't be afraid to use polish and shoetrees.

First, get a pair of dark brown or black leather oxfords. Then expand your repertoire to wingtips, loafers and monk straps. As much as we all love sneakers and boating shoes, it's good to have a variety of options.

Be adventurous with your sock selection. Long black socks are terribly uninteresting.

If you don't have an iron and ironing board by now, it's time to make a trip to Target. Wrinkled clothes give off an air of sloppiness, which may be acceptable for your 9 a.m. econ class, but not for a date.

Ultimately, you have no excuse for not putting your fashion foot forward during the weekends.

Whether you're just hanging out with friends, or with that someone special, you can use fashion to reflect your personality while simultaneously upgrading your look. You'll naturally be more confident, and they say nothing is sexier than confidence.

Have fun, be safe and don't let your education get in the way of college.

Although you have permission to forget about your midterms this Friday night, don't forget about being fashionable.