“I almost feel like with fashion nowadays, anything goes,” apparel and textile design senior Ashlae Belisle said. Some things are more trendy than others and there are few things that are out of fashion, but mostly anything goes.”

Although many involved in the world of fashion are holding to this mantra, there still are some staples that would be considered a necessity for the upcoming season.

“I think we’re going to get back to some of the basic neutrals — we haven’t seen navy in a while and we’re seeing it,” apparel and textile instructor Carol Beard said.

Alex Reifenberg, store manager of American Apparel, 115 E. Grand River Ave., agrees. Reifenberg said neutrals are going to be big, mixed with brighter accents.

“Like old-school style mixed with new-school trends,”
Reifenberg said.

As a season that infamously brings back very classic looks that seem to return every year, there is a touch of class that isn’t as obvious as others. Elements such as peacoats, long-sleeved button-up shirts and cardigans help this image,
Reifenberg said.

“A lot of people are going for a casually elegant look,” Reifenberg said. “A lot of people have been wearing
Oxford collared shirts — casual elegance with functionality, as
well.”

These fall defaults are being mixed up as well, with many stores showcasing classic pieces in daring fabrics such as leather — which is expected to be a big part of the season.

“I see a lot more (leather) elements in clothes,” Beard said. “I think they’ll see what the response is to that and then take it either way.”

Reifenberg said customers are also straying away from the basics and taking chances with little things, with many people mixing up their
color palette.

“A lot of people will come in and buy shirts that they wouldn’t normally buy because they love the colors,” Reifenberg said.

Although some fall trends simply carry over from previous seasons, their staying power still surprises some.

“There are some interesting silhouettes that I almost feel are very unflattering,” Belisle said. “Like the heavy-on-top sort of look with the skinny jean on the bottom.”

Although there are certain pieces that quickly become a signature of the generation, some picks have withstood ultimate tests of time.

“Little black dresses,” Beard said. “Everyone’s got to have one, it’s really a must in your wardrobe. It’s always been around but it’s really, really strong this season.”

Necessities such as boots, scarves and other cold weather must-haves also are not about to lose their spotlight, with many people looking forward to the crisper weather for the opportunity to change how they put their style together.

The chilly weather also lends itself as an excuse to go ahead and revamp a wardrobe that you may have otherwise left alone.

“It’s hard to avoid buying warmer clothing when it’s getting colder out,” Reifenberg said. “I hope to see a lot of layering, (it’s) cool and gives you options — basics are always good but I think it’s cool
when people throw a little class into them.”

There’s a variety of options a fashionista can sport while daring to break the boundaries of the fashion norm. Feather headbands, which can be found for less than $5 at Forever 21, 3017 Preyde Blvd., in Lansing, look dashing when paired with a fierce leather jacket. This season’s
apparel is all about balance, while taking risks and thinking outside of the box.

With all the freedom coming up in the fall season, there really are no limits to what you can put together to create a unique look and people are excited for not only the clothes, but the industry as well. The originality has made some
clothes lovers forsee a shift in a new direction for an industry that often draws
inspiration from previous lines.

“Maybe we’ll see some steps forward instead of always reverting back to
past styles,” Belisle said.