Global warming may have delayed winter in St. Louis through the second week of November, but there is no denying that the frigid season is fast approaching. For those of you still donning shorts and T-shirts in hopes of warm weather forever, it is time to hang up your usual gear and embrace winter fashion. Check out the suggestions below for how to build a runway-caliber winter wardrobe on a college student’s budget.

Courtesy of Forever 21, Style.com

Trend: Brocade
Runway: Marchesa Fall 2012
College Look: Forever 21 Floral Brocade Skirt
Price: $19.80

This season, brocade has swiftly transitioned from covering your grandmother’s couch to spotlighting on the catwalk. Thanks to designers such as Marchesa, it’s now the perfect winter pattern for your next holiday party. Since the patterns on this woven fabric can often be pretty busy on their own, make sure to keep the rest of your outfit clean and simple. I recommend pairing this Forever 21 skirt with a cream pullover sweater and some golden pumps. In terms of jewelry, mimic the brocade theme with a pair of sparkling gold earrings.

Courtesy of Asos.com, Style.com

Trend: Leather dress
Runway: Givenchy Fall 2012
College Look: ASOS Oasis Faux Leather Skater Dress
Price: $105.54

Want to be a little edgy this season? Try this faux leather dress from ASOS. Instead of going all out like this Givenchy ensemble to the right, I would shy away from any number that includes a leather dress paired with leather boots and leather gloves—chic for the runway but awkwardly reminiscent of Catwoman and inappropriate for your dad’s holiday office party. Take the edgy feel of the ASOS dress even further by accessorizing with gold-chained necklaces and bracelets along with black booties, or go the classic route and pair this dress with small silver stud earrings and strappy dark blue sandals.

Courtesy of H&M, Style.com

Trend: Fur Collar
Runway: Vionnet Fall 2012
College Look: H&M Faux Fur Collar
Price: $17.95

Are you a little afraid that your friends might mistake you for a bear if you wear a fur coat this winter? Or that PETA might hunt you down? Same. Instead, try accenting your outfit with a cute fur collar, like this one from H&M. This collar can be easily worn to a holiday event (or on the Vionnet runway) with a simple sweater, skirt and heels, or you can spice up the school day by pairing the collar with a cozy sweater, jeans and ballet flats.

Courtesy of Forever 21, Style.com

Trend: Galaxy Top
Runway: Balenciaga Fall 2012
College Look: Forever 21 Relaxed Cosmic Lightning Top
Price: $15.80

The Balenciaga galaxy prints have been a favorite of street-style bloggers this season. If you are searching for a surefire way to earn street cred, slap on a T-shirt like the one above from Forever 21. Wear this T-shirt for a night out on the town with a leather jacket and black skinny jeans or pair it with a chunky gray sweater, boyfriend jeans and Keds as you take care of some errands in your neighborhood. However you choose to sport this T-shirt, please do not wear it with those metallic jeans that are shown in the picture—going too far with the futuristic theme is never a good idea.

Courtesy of Urban Outfitters, Style.com

Trend: Velvet Wrap Dress
Runway Designer: Gucci Fall 2012
College Look: Urban Outfitters Urban Renewal Velvet Surplice Dress
Price: $69.00

This season on the Gucci runway, the typical velvet holiday dress made an appearance—but with a twist. Trending as a wrap dress this year, this velvet number is popping up on and off the runway. As seen in the picture, this Urban Outfitters version looks great with metallic jewelry and tights. Take a note from Gucci and also pair it with black leather booties to update this classic look even further. Although a fairly new trend, I can see this almost universally flattering type of dress as a go-to staple, pulled from your closet winter after winter for years to come.