As fall descends upon Athens the weekend outfit becomes a uniform. Anyone wearing red, black or white can’t go wrong. The only problem with this seasonal outbreak of school spirit is that it goes against one of the defining characteristics of Athens style – a deep desire for individualism.

Well, contrary to popular belief, there’s more to fall than Saturdays. There are six other days of the week when one can indulge in personal style, and there are plenty of new fall trends to express it with.

“Plaid for men and women is very in right now,” said Kristen Gee, a fashion merchandising major from Thomasville, Ga. “Plaid button-up sweaters are becoming more accessible, and high-waisted skirts still have a very strong presence.”

Plaid flannels and high- waisted skirts tend to be a fashion staple for most University students; so keeping pace with this fall fad should require very little cash. Those looking to invest in new pieces, though, have an unexpected option.

“The tougher biker look has definitely hit the fall fashion scene,” said fashion merchandising major Victor Pivetta of Houston, Tex. “It includes a lot more studs and zipper details. Designers are also mixing in a lot of color.”

Eighties glamour also has a strong influence on this season’s fashion trends. Rather than Jane Fonda sweats and headbands, think of vibrant colors, layers and oversized tops akin to the dressier styles of Molly Ringwald and Madonna.

Gee noted that in Athens specifically, scarves have increased in popularity this school year.

“I see more people around campus wearing scarves everyday, and they’re wearing them in more creative ways,” she said. “I’ve noticed more people with scarves around their heads or on their bags.”

Athens and college campuses in general have slightly different fashion tendencies than other areas of the country.

“College students are unique in that they’re trying to mix fashionable things with a comfortable look,” Pivetta said. “Younger people have the ability to be very fashionable, but here trendy looks are very much built off of comfort and convenience.”

Students’ wardrobes are also influenced by their income and lifestyle.

“Trends in college towns move slower, because we don’t have that much money,” Gee said.

Boots, plaids and vintage-inspired looks are fashionable across the board – a perk for thrifty college students. Even better, game day looks are trendier and less homogenous than one might think.

“In terms of this season’s fall colors,” Gee said, “red is very in.”