By Julia Gall

Back to school means back to 8 a.m. classes for some students.

This may seem like an excuse for dressing down, but sweatpants are strictly for lounging. Trends are leaning toward a more mature and put-together look, with tailored denim, ladylike coats, thick-knitted accessories and a sassy, short “bootie” worn with textured tights.

The season’s trends may look incredible on the runways, but they are sometimes impractical for everyday wears. They are often paired with denim, an established staple in today’s fashion.

Alison Barnard, owner of Injeanious boutique, said a great pair of jeans is as important as ever before this season.

Barnard said there are many trends in denim for the season including the wide leg, the skinny jean – one that is tight all the way down to the ankle – and the straight leg.

Coats are a key component for the cooler seasons. They’ll come in a wide variety of shapes and styles this fall. Sleeves range from a wider, 3/4-length sleeve to a longer sleeve, banded at the bottom to emphasize volume. Lengths of jackets themselves differ as well, according to a Neiman Marcus press release.

Cropped jackets layered on long sleeves and a trouser and longer, dress-like coats on top of dresses paired with tights are also in style, according to Vogue magazine.

“Given the climate around here, jackets are really important. A leather or suede jacket is great for fall,” Barnard said. “Twill 22, a line we carry [at Injeanious] makes a lot of great jackets that hit at the hip and also have details like a detachable hood and ruffles that are really cute.”

Men’s jackets are maintaining the recent tailored trend for both sexes, with slim-fitting styles, according to Vogue. From trench coats to military-style utility jackets in wool and leather, dressy is overruling sporty.

“I really want a trench coat, in a light beige, something very classic and Burberry-inspired,” said Danny Najar, a junior international business major.

Najar also said he is interested in the slim-fitting suit separates like those at H’M.

“I’m still looking for a vest, but it has to fit perfect,” he said. “Everything I’ve been trying has been either too big or too tight.”

Like coats, knitwear accessories seem to be a gender-neutral trend. Long and heavy scarves and thick-knitted beanies and berets have been advertised for both women and men, according to Vogue.

Colors like beige, brown and gray can be paired with bright hues like yellow and electric blue, but also berry-like shades of fuschia and purple, according to the Neiman Marcus press release.

Barnard said bright colors aren’t just strictly for warmer seasons and add another dimension to fall neutrals.

“I think later in fall you’ll see more jewel tones and brighter colors, but [neutral colors are] still very ‘fall’ and still dark and crisp,” she said.

Shoes will include trends from last year, like patent leather and platforms. One in particular is menswear-inspired “Oxford”-style pumps, with ornate leather detailing and laces on the front.

High-end styles of this shoe by designers like Miu Miu and Marc Jacobs have inspired more affordable options by MICHAEL Michael Kors and Guess. According to Neiman Marcus’ list of top 10 trends, boots are big this season. But a shorter, ankle-length “bootie” style is becoming a “must-have,” and has been shown with a covered leg on many major runway shows.

Barnard said the clean, simplistic styles of this season are evidence of how easy it will be to get dressed up.

“You’re really not seeing anything too over the top and there’s nothing here you can’t repeat,” Barnard said.