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Whether you're dressing it down for class or dressing it up for an interview, a gray cashmere sweater can be a very versatile piece in your wardrobe.

You're roaming the aisles of your favourite store. You're in the mood to make a purchase. Then you hear it, the siren's call. That luxurious heather grey cashmereblend sweater is shouting your name, and you, sadly, have no power to resist. This sweater represents a gaping hole in your wardrobe and you can't imagine how you ever made do without it. You can no longer hold off and you make the impulse purchase. Once you have possessed this majestic item, you have the joy of working it into the well-oiled machine that is your wardrobe rotation.

You want the piece to stand out and be memorable, but you don't want to be the subject of the question, "Does she wear that every day?" By working it into different outfits for various events, you can make the same piece look unique and suit many different purposes. The key to this is to consider your head-to-toe look and make sure that all of the elements of your look go together. All of the pieces must be appropriate for the same event. For example, pairing a job interview-friendly blouse with a pair of gold lamé booty shorts will surely raise a few eyebrows.

Using the cashmere sweater as an example, we can put together a few different looks for some typical occasions that we, as students, face on a regular basis. For a dayto- day look that you might wear to school, to work or out on a coffee date, you must keep in mind practicality, comfort and what you are doing that day. Typically, flats are best for daily commuting to and from school and everywhere your life takes you. For fall and winter this year, there are many fashionable options for flat footwear that include (but are not limited to) lace-front oxfords, ballet flats, riding boots, combat boots and simple Toms, Keds or Converse All Stars. For students, jeans are the easiest and best option for bottoms on a daily basis, so pick your favourite pair and work 'em. Top it off with a military-inspired jacket, a graphic print scarf and your go-to tote bag and you're ready to go.

To take that outfit up a notch for a night on the town, amp up the allure of your look by exchanging your daily denim for a leather-look legging or short black skirt. Swap out your flat riding boots or oxfords for some heels (wedges are all the rage right now and are super easy to wear), and add some bolder accessories and more dramatic eye makeup.

Transitioning into a more formal occasion — say, a job interview — it is important to appear more conservative and polished than you would at your 8 a.m. class on Monday. However, since you are what you wear, try not to go too far out of your comfort zone for an important meeting, as you don't want to come off as stiff or nervous. If you would typically wear jeans, ankle boots, an oversized cardigan and layers of scarves, take the main concepts of your look and make them more workappropriate by upgrading some elements. Trade your ordinary denim for a pair of silky printed trousers. They are still easy to wear and comfortable but make you look much more professional. Another key to looking professional is the fit and structure of your garments. Looser and less shapely clothing items have a tendency to come off sloppier and less refined. To create a tailored silhouette, pop on a black, structured, well-fitting blazer over your cashmere sweater and trousers. Finally, you can slip on a pair of heels (only if you are confident walking in them) or wedges, as long as they don't have a heel higher than four inches or any sequins or studs… unless you're interviewing with Vogue, in which case, throw the rules out the window and go for broke.

That sweater (or pair of boots, or trench coat) is a very versatile piece, and you are very clever for spotting it. Take this as a lesson in wardrobe-building. If you can make a piece work for different events on your social calendar, transition it from day to evening, and from school to work and beyond, then it is a good investment and one that you won't likely regret.