But before you rush out to buy acid-wash jeans, hot pink scrunchies and don mullet haircuts, take note that this time, the bold style has been reinvented — and some might even call it classy. But some items, like those previously mentioned, just didn't make the cut a second time around.

"In the '80s, we saw shoulder pads and the skinny pant, and now it's more comfortable, more soft, in the fact that you're not really getting the ice-cream cone silhouette," said Christina Desmet, an apparel and textile design senior. "The '80s was matchy-matchy, like with socks matching your sweatshirt. This is more unique — very with the time and society."

She said the latest mood is about being comfortable and layering, but in a sophisticated fashion.

Outfit staples

While acid-wash jeans aren't filling retail stores, leggings can be found everywhere. Tight, skinny pants are taking the place of bell bottoms and also can be seen in the form of cigarette, tapered and straight-leg jeans. Wear these form-fitting styles with an empire waist or an oversized tunic top to create a balanced silhouette. Think structure on the bottom, volume on the top.

Knit and shift dresses also work well over leggings and skinny jeans, as they hide flaws magnified by the body-hugging pants.

"Tunic tops are very forgiving, so a lot of times you can throw those on," said Carol Beard, an apparel and textile design instructor and Student Apparel Design Association, or SADA, adviser. "It's the contrast of that flowy top with leggings. Leggings are such a defined look, so you have to have a softness on top."

But be careful that the dress or top isn't too long, Beard said. The length of the legging should not be the same length as the dress.

Along with the skinny-jean trend, men's pants have downsized.

Substitute loose, baggy, down-to-your-knees jeans for a straighter style. Pants should fit this season.

"Sloppy-looking is not the style right now," said Heather Pahl, a sales leader at Express Men at Meridian Mall. "The cleaner look is definitely what's in. Guys think it's not going to be as comfortable ? then they say, 'I really like how this fits now.'"

Striped, solid-colored and plaid button-down shirts complete the sleek appearance of the fall's western and collegiate trends.

"For fall, a lot of designers did big stripes for guys and lots of jackets with crests on them to make it look like an academy," said Desmet, who interned for designer Rebecca Taylor in New York City this past summer. "It's a sleek, simple monotone — simple but not understated. The one we'll see here at (MSU) is the collegiate one because that's what most boys have in their closets, like striped polos."

Fitted track jackets worn over graphic tees also are versatile looks that comply with the layering trend.

"A lot of guys are layering with nice shirts, like button-downs," said Jenny Lerczak, an apparel and textile design senior and president of SADA. "Even a blazer — as extreme as that may be for some guys — still looks good."

Shoes

Equestrian boots, ankle boots, stacked heels, T-strap heels or any kind of flat — take your pick, as these are all on fall's fashionable list.

Equestrian boots are best worn with skinny jeans tucked into them, as they elongate legs without creating the ice-cream cone effect.

Stacked heels also can create an even silhouette. Look for trend-of-the-moment chunky heels in suede with wooden soles.

Ankle boots are trendy when worn with skinny jeans, leggings, knit and shift dresses — but wear them with caution, as these mini-boots can make legs appear shorter.

The flat is a foolproof shoe — it can be worn with anything. Whether basic black, embellished, metallic, patent leather, animal print or jeweled, all styles are popular for fall. Brightly colored and patterned flats can punch up jeans and a T-shirt.

"Flats are really bringing back a great sophistication because you can wear them with skirts or leggings — everything," Desmet said. "I lived in New York all summer, and I lived in flats. It was more comfortable, and you didn't feel like you were dressed down. Especially walking around campus, some girls think they have to wear heels to look cute."

For men, brown leather shoes are a versatile, classy option that can pull together any outfit. A classic black dress shoe also is timeless.

"I would say shoes are a huge deal," Desmet said. "Girls look at shoes before anything. Try to get away from the tennis shoe. Steve Madden and Diesel have great brown shoes that lace up. They're not your shiny shoes you wear out to prom, but just brown leather that's a little more sophisticated."

If athletic shoes are a must, try wearing a flat Converse style such as Chuck Taylors, instead of high-top Reeboks or Nikes, as they can be worn with jeans or slacks.

Accessories

Although fall's somber color palette consists of earth tones, blacks, grays and deep plums, bright accessories can liven up any outfit. Red is a popular accent tone.

"There's a lot of color-blocking done this season," Desmet said, "like black tops with a bright yellow or a bright color for the hem of a dress."

Military-style buttons and intricate embellishments also add dimension. Eighteenth century-inspired, ruffled blouses worn with '80s-style skinny jeans create an eclectic pair.

"There's a lot of 18th-century influence because of Sofia Coppola's film, 'Marie Antoinette,'" Desmet said. "Military jackets, big brass buttons, Napoleon-style clothing. Not just on accessories, but brocades for fabrics are really seen a lot this fall. Anything that's embellished — things that have detailed beadwork or intricate buttons are very in."

Incorporate metallic shades into outfits with accessories such as structured, buckled purses. Waist-cinching belts also can punch up an outfit and can be worn over sweaters, tunics and coats. A red belt creates an hourglass figure amid oversized layers.

Capes, cropped military jackets, belted coats, structured trench coats, fur-trimmed coats, long fur coats, patterned coats and fur vests are fall staples. Throwing a coat over an outfit instantly creates a chic look.

A structured trench coat is essential for men. Wearing a khaki trench over slacks and a button-down shirt can construct a tasteful appearance.

Although they're not cinched at the waist, belts also are a stylish accessory for men. Try investing in a multipurpose belt with black on one side for dressy occasions and brown on the other for casual wear.

Putting it all together

So there are the leggings, tunics, belts, flats, boots, coats, knits, purses, fur and an array of patterns and colors — but what to make of it all?

It's not pertinent to follow every trend. Indulge in favorite trends and shun the disliked.

"Just go with things you're comfortable in," Desmet said. "Don't wear skinny jeans if you're self-conscious. Pick the trends that are still true to your own style. Wear leggings and flats one day and a military jacket and straight-leg jeans the next. You don't have to do every trend to be trendy."

Skinny jeans can flatter different body shapes by wearing straight-leg jeans that aren't as skintight as cigarette styles. Trouser jeans are always classic and complement all figures.

Also still chic are pencil skirts worn with voluminous tops, cropped blazers, big sunglasses, bubble skirts, cuffed shorts and shirt dresses.

"All of the things we wore in spring, like white eyelet dresses and tops, can still be worn in the fall by layering," Desmet said. "What else is huge for fall is wearing summer dresses, but layering it with a T-shirt with a little puffed sleeve.

"Overt sexiness is no longer. It's subtle sexy. It's a cozy, layering feeling. If you're going to wear shorts for fall, do it with opaque tights and a fully covered top like a long-sleeved top — not like shorts and a tank."

Chunky and brightly colored beads, bohemian and peasant ensembles and extreme bell bottoms might look dated.

Men should resist baggy pants with holes, cargo pants and oversized T-shirts. The new clean, dark look can be taken from day to night with subtle changes.

"During the day, I'd recommend some of the darker denim, and depending on if a guy likes to layer, a graphic tee with a track jacket, or ? a long-sleeved graphic with a polo," Pahl said. "Both of those are great outfits for wearing around campus. It's more of a casual look.

"And then wearing a graphic tee under a woven top, you're ready to go to the club. You can also take off the woven if you get hot and still look great all night."

Looking ahead

While spring is two long seasons away, you can forecast new trends by examining how fashion evolves.

"White was huge this past season, but I don't think it's going to be in spring," Desmet said. "There will be a lot of embellishments for spring."

Also, as this week is New York Fashion Week, go to www.style.com to take a peek at designers' spring creations.

Elizabeth Swanson can be reached at swans130@msu.edu.