Put away your shorts and tank tops because fall fashion is here.
Fall 2007 is going to be about bright, fun clothing with a hint of sophistication. Get ready for bright neon colors, blazers and wide-legged jeans.
The employees at Metro, 320 E. College Ave, are already excited for fall fashion to start hitting the racks.
"Cardigans are still in," said Courtney Scott, an employee at Metro. "And you are going to see a lot of browns, mustards and blacks. Whites will still be in, but as a top and not as a bottom."
Scott said wide-legged jeans will be in style as well as high-waisted skirts and pants.
"People are going to incorporate dresses into their wardrobe with high boots or leggings and a jacket or cardigan," she said. "You'll be seeing a lot of that in the fall."
When your closet gets too full of all that Penn State attire, clothing shops downtown have all the latest fashions. One of the newest changes this fall is the little grey dress, which has replaced the staple little black dress.
When it comes to jewelry, anything studded is in. Whether you're willing to pay $10 for an item or $500, the stores downtown have a wide variety of everything that is in right now.
Shoes are all about comfort this fall. Flat shoes, often called "ballerina flats," can be worn casual with a pair of jeans or dressy with a loosely fitted dress. If you're going out, and you feel flat shoes aren't dressy enough for your outfit, then try a pair of patent leather high heels. The hottest colors for these pumps are the traditional black or red. Patent leather has been around in previous seasons, but is here to stay this fall.
Going out? Dresses this season are all about the "glam" look. These dresses will be in colors like royal blues and reds, which will make you stand out more at a party. "Glam" dresses are formfitting and fun. There are several styles of these dresses, and they're hard not to fall in love with.
Sick of that ratty Jansport backpack that follows you everywhere? Oversized bags are all the rage in downtown State College. Although students are used to backpacks, oversized bags come in all styles and colors to choose from, plus, they keep the room to fit all of your books while making a fashion statement.
Connections, 130 S. Allen St., is a store that features several bits of fall fashion. The biggest "hit" is a more sophisticated look for women.
"Menswear for women will be in style," said Abbey Zembower, an employee at Connections. "[You'll also have] your typical fall colors like military green, black and gray."
Zembower said wide-legged jeans and trousers will be "in" and besides the traditional colors, bright neon colors will be a go this fall.
Jessica Hessler, another employee at Connections, said she likes the old school vibe this season is going to bring.
"Designers are going back to the classics," Hessler said, "and vests will still be in."
While the women are going glam, men's fashion will continue to be the sophisticated casual look. Polo shirts, dress shirts and graphic tees will all still be around this season.
Abercrombie and Fitch, 138 S. Allen Street, will promote the casual-luxury look this fall.
"We'll be pushing flannel shirts and tighter fitting jeans [for men]," Ben Werpheim, an employee at the store, said. He added that flannels would be big this season.
Most fashion stores downtown are for women, but men can always sport the well-known just-got-out-of-the-gym look with Penn State gear. Men, whatever your style, there's always something in the stores for you.
Fashion stores all over downtown State College are eager to help you find what you are looking for when it comes to fall fashion styles.
Just remember that the colors are bright, the shoes are shiny and the bags are big.
