The days are getting shorter, the weather is turning cooler, and everyone has received their owl from Hogwarts signaling the start of a new term. By now, I'm sure most everyone has gone to Diagon Alley and purchased some items on the Official School List. I mean, a cauldron is a cauldron; there's not too much of a choice in the matter. The same goes for the scales for your potion ingredients. How fancy do you really need those? As long as it's balanced, you've got it made.

But your uniform, now that's a whole different subject. Even as a First Year, I knew right off the bat that this uniform they tell us we have to wear needs a lot of help. The battleship grey color was a sure give-away that help was in desperate need, but no matter how many letters I owled to the Headmaster, insisting that something had to be done about the uniform, he stood firm on the traditional grey color.

So that is why picking out accessories is crucial.

Now basically the color schemes are easy to understand. If you are in Hufflepuff, you go with yellow and/or black; Ravenclaw, blue and/or bronze; Gryffindor, scarlet and/or gold; and Slytherin, green and/or silver. It can't get any simpler than that.

The choice of material, though, is plentiful — just go with what you like. The choices for your sweaters can range from cotton to wool and, to my personal favorite, cashmere. It might be a good idea to have a variety of sweaters in your wardrobe. After all, you will not be wearing a cashmere sweater down in to the dungeons to Potions class to get that ruined when a classmate's potion goes afoul.

As far as the pleated skirt for the girls and pants for the guys, I suggest just get something that fits well and feels comfortable. We don't have much choice in this one. As with the plain white shirt, or white blouse for the ladies, go for something basic.

Now here's where the fun starts: the accessories. As you can see from the outfits I created for this article, there can be some fun involved with putting together a school look. Guys, go for a comfortable pair of loafers and leave the oxfords in the closet for some dressy occasion; remember, you will be walking from one end of the castle to the other all day long. I'm sad to say that's about it for the guys, other than make sure your tie shows off your House colors.

The girls have the chance to really have fun, as you can see from the outfits I put together. Remember how I told the guys to go for comfort in their shoes? Well, forget it. This is our chance to show off the latest styles of footwear. I, myself, picked out this lovely pair of yellow heels and as far as walking all over the castle... I'll get to class when I get there, since there will be no running in these heels. I'm not much of a tie-for-girls type of person, so I think any combination of jewelry to match your House's colors is good to go. You can't go wrong with a necklace, earrings and bracelet in your House colors. Anyone will be able to spot which House you are from.

There are some things that you do have to bring, such as quills, ink, parchment, scales and cauldrons, so just stick to the basics there. Whatever you like, go for it. There are a couple of optional items you can bring along. Some students just have to have a broom. Go to the Quidditch store and choose whatever is good for your level of flying. As far as pets go, cats are so blasé; they keep you for a pet more than the other way around. Toads? Do I really have to go into this one? What purpose other than trying to search for it when it gets lost does a toad serve? The only pet that is functional is the owl; can you see yourself trying to send a letter with either of the other two "pets"? No, I think not.

These are just a few suggestions for you to spice up that plain, dull grey attire they would have us wear each day. So the next time you're in Diagon Alley or Hogmeade, stroll around Gladrags or Madam Malkin's and see what you can find to bring a little color to that uniform of yours.