Author: Jess T. – Columbia University

I love tights. They not only keep me warm during the winter, but they’re also a fun way to express my personal style and give my outfit a little extra pizzazz.

Tights have been pretty popular for a few seasons now (thank god – no one wants to wear their annoying sister, hose, during the cold months) and there are tons of different styles out there ranging from funky to sexy to feminine. The surprising news is, tights can get really pricey. I’m not sure how something that rips so easily can cost so much, but I am not the one making the rules. Luckily, there are plenty of affordable options that don’t skimp on the style, and here are a few choices that will look fab without hurting your wallet.

If you’re tired of boring black tights but aren’t quite ready to make the plunge into something bright (see below) these tights from Forever 21 are perfect. They have subtle designs that add just the right amount of interest to your basic look. You can wear them with pumps, over-the-knee boots and everything in between.

These tights, from an awesome website dedicated to tights and only tights, are a total statement piece. Throw them on with your LBD and you’ve got yourself one hot (and easy) outfit!

It’s hard to stand out in the drab blacks and grays that come with this dreary season. But for less than $7, you can slip these babies on and instantly add a little heat to those cold, winter nights.

Unless you’re Britney at the Grammys (seriously, who is her stylist?!), fishnets look hot. And this pair of tights that only looks like fishnets gives you the hot and the classy all in one. It is possible!

If you need a little something to keep you warm, these cable-knit tights are perfect. They are thick and fuzzy (like a sweater for your legs) and opaque (so you don’t have to shave ‘em).

I just love these. L-O-V-E. The only thing I love more than these fun and funky tights is the website where I found ‘em. We Love Colors has a massive selection of tights in all different patterns, colors and styles.

I’ll be honest, I’m not sure how these would look on most people. I am sure, however, that anyone who can pull these off would look really, really awesome.

Though grossly under-rated, hair accessories might be one of the best ways to spice up an outfit and add a special flair. Cheaper than a hot pair of shoes and more practical than a bunch of bangles, headbands and hairpins do double duty: they accessorize and pull that hair out of your face.

Whether you’re looking for something rocker chic, vintage, boho or classic, there are adorable hair pieces out there at super cheap prices. So instead of spending $30 on a shirt you will really only wear once, why not spend $20 and load up on some hair accessories that will enhance the stuff you’ve already got hanging in that closet?

The pearls and feathers make this head piece look luxe enough to be seen on a red carpet and glam enough to make even that my-hair-is-so-so-greasy ponytail look chic.

I love how ethereal this metal leaf headband is. It’s so simple yet it could totally make an outfit.

An easy way to work the sequins, this headband definitely makes a statement. And that statement is: I know how to make a boring jeans-and-tee-outfit look damn good.

Another twist on the bow headband, this one is perfect for the preppie girl with a love of pearls.

This rhinestone rose clip can dress up your everyday look, or be the perfect dose of old school glam for that LBD you’re sporting on V-Day.

Animal print is huge right now, but if you’re worried it will make you a little too Snooki, adding it in small doses is the way to go. Unless you use these clips to hold up that giant pouf…

If you want to rock the embellished headbands but aren’t quite ready for the giant bow, these two headbands are the perfect medium. And, let me just say, they are the best accessory when you know you can’t wear your hair down (because you’re going to a sweaty frat party), but don’t want to look like you just came from the gym.