Be fashion forward on a college budget

Many women at the University of Southern Mississippi are looking forward to this season’s new trends, such baroque patterns, chunky knits, riding boots and studded collar blouses.

“My favorite fall/winter trend is color and shimmer,” said Jason LeViere, co-owner of Click Boutique & Gallery in downtown Hattiesburg. “I felt like last year was very dark, and fall is an exciting time.”

Megan Bagwell, an employee at Fetiche Shoe Boutique, said the biggest trends this fall are leather shorts and pants, wine colored jeans, collar embellishments and oversize sweaters with lots of design and color.

 However, as a college student, money is limited, and compromises must be made. Most people simply cannot buy a Marc Jacobs dress and a pair of black patent Louboutin heels. However, allows people to be creative and buy clothes they actually need.

One aspect of fall fashion is layering. Only a few unique pieces are needed to layer over or under garments already in the closet. New glamorous pieces to look for are chunky scarves, wool blazers and knit berets. It is possible to find quality clothes and accessories without spending everything on one piece of clothing. It is also helpful to incorporate pieces from summer and spring, such as high-waisted shorts, which pair well with black tights and colored sleeveless button-downs paired with a sweater cardigan.

Click offers all the latest fall trends, such as peplum dresses, chic blazers and sequin collared tops. Its sister store, Twelve Oaks Accessory Garden, provides comfy, stylish loafers, top-handle bags and heels for every occasion. Fetiche and Material Girls offer classy clothes with a twist, such as oversize sweaters and edgy oxford wedges.

Sometimes retail therapy can be a reward for making a good grade on a test. It is important to “splurge” out of our price range but in moderation.

“The two pieces that would be splurge-worthy for fall 2012 would be a lightweight blazer and a good pair of boots,” Le Viere said. 

This fall season is all about the person wearing the clothes and how to express individuality through personal style. See right on how to dress for less and for prices from higher-end retailers compared to local Hattiesburg boutiques.