Even after spending almost an entire year at Mizzou, I’m still discovering new things every day. New places to eat, new places to study, new places to shop and most recently, new places to go exploring. Mid-Missouri has some great places to go camping/hiking/wandering, and since the sun has finally started shining again there’s no better time than the present to check them out.

Now for someone as fashion-crazed as I am, hiking and camping always pose a problem. How do I dress appropriately while still looking somewhat presentable? It’s so easy to just grab whatever old T-shirt I have lying around and head out the door. But if I take the time to select one of my more personalized T-shirts, I automatically feel a little more put together.

One of the easiest and best ways to put your own spin on a plain white T-shirt is with tie-dye. Tie-dye T-shirts are the perfect hiking or exploring top: they’re easy to move around in, and they only look better the more you wear them. Plus, since you usually only spend about $5 making one, you can afford to get them dirty or ruined. Almost any art-supply store will have everything you need to tie-dye so grab your friends on a nice day, spend some time tie-dyeing and then head out to your local park for a day full of adventure.

When it comes to accessories, the last thing you’ll want when going hiking or camping is to be bogged down by intricate jewelry or a huge handbag. Instead, focus on your hair if you’re still in the mood to accessorize your outfit. Some sleek French braids keep your hair out of your face while also adding a special touch to an overall look. You can also take a bandana, fold it up and use it as a makeshift headband. I’ve found that these bandanas are perfect for keeping hair out of the eyes. They also give you that perfect girl-next-door vibe when worn with a ponytail or messy bun.

Hats are also a great option if it’s an exceptionally sunny day or if you’re if in a particularly wooded area and want to protect yourself from creepy-crawlers. A simple baseball hat will do the trick and keep you safe and fashion-savvy.

For some of the other pieces of your outfit (i.e. shoes, backpack, shorts), I’d say just go practical. I’ve seen girls wear jean shorts and sandals on three-hour long hiking trips and let’s just say they were not happy campers. Invest in some supportive shoes (or at least wear a decent pair of sneakers) and put on some athletic, breathable shorts.

And if your trip requires you to bring a backpack along, opt for one with a built-in water pouch (the CamelBak ones are awesome) so that you can stay hydrated all day long.

I know that a hiking trail, campsite or park might not always be the best place to show off just how well you can rock stilettos and a miniskirt, but that doesn’t mean that you have to throw away your fashion senses completely. If there’s anything this semester of fashion writing has taught me, it’s that inspiration can come from anywhere, even a Missouri state park. And no matter where you are, you can always express yourself through what you choose to wear.

So maybe when you’re done tie-dyeing, you decide to cut a V-neck into your tee to give it a little more individuality. Or maybe you still decide to wear the old T-shirt at the bottom of your drawer but you’re also sporting some vintage, retro sunglasses.

But no matter what you choose to wear, you better be out there hiking/camping/exploring this weekend. You have no idea what you’re missing.