By Christina Bivona, News Staff

With winter quickly approaching and the temperature frantically dropping, most students feel the need to hide under their homemade cocoon of boring sweaters, school sweatshirts and North Face jackets. But just because it’s gotten a little chilly outside doesn’t mean we need to throw all our fashion senses out the window – and that goes for gentlemen too.

So listen up men, in the words of Barney Stinson from “How I Met Your Mother”: “suit up!”

Okay, so wearing an actual suit to class might be a little much (unless you’re giving a presentation or running off to a co-op interview). But, don’t think for a second that every one of us ladies don’t swoon the moment you walk through the door in a navy blue blazer, tailored button down shirt and some nice khaki pants. It is a known fact that a well-dressed man is an easy way to any woman’s heart.

The No.1 rule when it comes to men’s fashion is keeping it classy. So that means all those ripped jeans, hanging out boxers and t-shirts professing your love for Zelda or the new Halo game need to go – right now. And don’t even think about walking out the door in pajama pants or you’ll be giving Andy Stitzer a run for his title of “the 40-year-old virgin.”

I know what you’re thinking, “I dress fine. I’m a guy, I don’t do fashion. I look good without clothes.” Whether that is the case or not, every man should know how to dress properly, not only to work the playing field, but also to get ahead in the business world.

It is no secret that any man who looks put together is going to be taken more seriously than the guy wearing the tube socks and white sneakers with too-short pants. Although Steve Jobs was a genius, he was no fashion icon.

Now I’m not saying get rid of all the clothes in your closet – there is nothing wrong with a plain crisp tee or a flannel shirt, as long as they’re not laced with holes and sporting week-old ketchup stains on the collar. But, you should also not be the kid that walks into class every day in the same outfit. Do yourself a favor, pick up another sweater and leave the grungy t-shirt for a night with the boys.

The best solutions for any man’s wardrobe are a few signature pieces. A pair of dark jeans, a brown leather jacket and some nice kicks can go a long way if styled correctly. Many guys also forget that accessories are a great way to complement any outfit. A classic wristwatch is any easy way to dress up your look with a timeless piece.

So stick with the basics: nice zip-up hoodies layered with vests, pea coats, blazers, Timberlands and Sperry’s. Try getting clothes at stores like The Gap, Urban Outfitters, J.Crew or H&M. And for sportswear, try brands like Nike or Under Armor because unless you’re on the beach in California, walking around in bathing suit bottoms are not appropriate in November.

So if you follow some of these tips and take initiative this winter with your wardrobe rather than waiting for mom to buy you a new set of clothes – in the words of the Men’s Warehouse commercial, “You’re gonna like the way you look, I guarantee it.”