Your 'Big Brother' Fashion Survival Guide

After 16 seasons of Big Brother USA, I have come to realize that there are various similarities throughout the seasons of the show. Time and time again we see house guests enter the house with the same items as previous house guests. Of course there are the essential pieces needed to survive a possible three months in isolation with cameras on you 24 hours a day, but there are also items you would never think would come in handy. Since the show has gone through so many seasons, wannabe house guests have been able to take notes over time to decide what they would need to bring in to house.

When packing items for the big show it isn't always as simple as finding the best dress to wear if you happen to be nominated on eviction night. It also means a series of strategically selected items that will ensure both a trendy appearance, and an athletic suit that will stand the test of any endurance competition. Contestants usually start off the series in their best outfits, but after a few weeks when the boredom and laziness sets in, those same contestants can often only be found in sweatpants and a tee. Do they forget the cameras are still on them? Or have they arrived at the point where they just don't care what we think?

I have put together a quick observation of what it would take to survive in the Big Brother house from a fashion stand point. It is not always glamorous, but it could mean the difference between win or lose.

1. A GREAT PAIR OF RUNNING SHOES

Sure, this may seem like an obvious item to pack, but not any old shoe will do. Those runners are about to go through weeks of hell and insane tests of endurance. They will get wet, scratched, scrunched, and stained. You will need to bring a pair that are of good quality, and perhaps recently purchased to ensure they do not have any battle wounds already.

2. SOMETHING PATRIOTIC

Big Brother keeps you locked up in a house during the summer seasons and that means the possibility of missing forth of July celebrations. Make it a point to bring an item that shows the pride you have for your country. You may score extra points if you are willing to share with the other house guests.

3. A PERSONAL TOUCH

Jocasta's bow tie this season is pure brilliance. Seriously, this woman is never seen without her bow tie. Even when she is not physically around the bow tie STILL is. If you are a clever house guest you will know to bring a signature item that will make you stand out in the crowd and be remembered.

4. CASUAL WEAR

It is important to bring the best of the best when it comes to your comfy clothes and casual wear. Avoid the jogging pants with holes in them and opt for a nice, sleek pair of pants and a hoodie that are ready to be worn out in three months. House guests have a nasty habit of lounging in these items until the live episodes are being taped, so make it count!

5. CUTE AND TRENDY SWIM SUITS

Bikinis are a staple of Big Brother wardrobes. Some of your first promotional photos will be taken in your swim wear so make sure you chose not only the most flattering, but your favorites as well. Between the pool and sun bathing, your swim suit is going to be all over national TV and the internet, make sure you shop around and bring more than one option.

6. ITEMS YOU DON'T MIND GETTING DESTROYED

You will want to have a suitcase full of your best fashionable items, but also keep in mind that Big Brother is full of surprises and some of your most treasured pieces could end up in the trash by way of any competition. Bring back up items or items you wouldn't mind getting ruined.

7. HATS, HEAD WRAPS, OR ANY OTHER HAIR ACCESSORY

Another BB staple is the all important hat. Every house guest should practice the importance of sun care. These items also come in hand for days you don't want to wash, brush, or style your hair.

8. MULTI-PURPOSE ITEMS

When in doubt, always pack an item that you know can be used for more than one thing. Caleb for example has found multiple articles of clothing to wrap around his head. Take notes BB fans!

9. A LARGE ENOUGH SUITCASE

At some point you will have to leave the BB house, so make sure you don't over pack from the get-go. Treat this competition like a vacation. You may bring more out of the house versus what you brought in, so bring a suitcase that has room for any items you may collect while playing.

10. TRENDY ACCESSORIES

Bring as many accessories as you can into the house. You are bound to get bored with your outfits after a while so spice things up with some added glitz and glam. Who knows, providing those items to others may help you build strong alliances, or at the very least, friendships.

11. ATHLETIC GEAR

Even if you are not in to sports or working out, chances are you are going to find yourself doing some form of group activity. So, bring your best yoga pants and embrace your inner athlete.

12. SOMETHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY

Some of the best BB moments occur when house guests think outside the box. Pack some items that you know other house guests will be into. You never know when the mood will strike to play a little dress up.

13. THE PERFECT EXIT OUTFIT

Whether too early, or right at the end, at some point you WILL have to make that long walk toward Julie Chen. The world will be watching and a live audience will be directly in front of you, so make sure you put a lot of extra thought into the outfit you will wear on eviction night, or better yet, finale night!

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