The loudest question in the minds of students is not about what their class schedules will be like or what to expect from their prospective professors. Instead the infamous and often rhetorical question of “what am I going to wear?” seems to hold fast in the hearts of many UTM students this fall.

Regardless of whether a person is an incoming freshmen or a returning student, the back-to-school shopping experience is a common thread that binds the student population together. With much effort and deep research, the latest trends are exposed to help you recognize the must-haves for this season and shop accordingly.

According to a MSN shopping search, the most important color for every woman to have in their wardrobe this season is black. Now, please understand that pink, orange or brown are no longer the “new black.” Instead, black has returned to the rightful position as the must-have color for the fall fashion season.

So whenever the task of shopping arises, buy black items that will coordinate with other black hues like “midnight” and “mystery black” because they are essential for formal attire as well as everyday business dress, according to MSN shopping. A Merle Norman Cosmetics television ad campaign suggests that women pair this look with makeup deemed “mod.” All mod really refers to is dark eyes, pale lips, and rosy but lightly pink cheeks. This make-up style is great for those formal occasions as well as sweater-worthy weather.

Now that the color for all dress attire has been covered as well as the appropriate make-up for this season, what about the must-have item in jeans? Well for those of us who can remember dressing ourselves in the ‘80s, all those acid-wash and straight-legged jeans are making a drastic return, which is much to the dismay of fashion critics everywhere. Heather Hannan, public relations manager for Macy’s, said that the reason for the 80’s revival is because many of the younger consumers believe these trends to be new to them, which prompts their desire for these fashions. “Back-to-school fashion this year is really about the ‘80s revival -- leggings, layers, chunky jewelry, oversized sweaters and skinny bottoms,” says Hannan.

Not only are the straight-legged or “skinny” jeans making an appearance on the fashion runways this season, but stores that cater to the young and hip are bringing these back with a vengeance. Old Navy and The Gap have been advertising these jeans as the new hot item for everyone to own this season. To keep in fashion with these jeans, critics say that a nice pair of pointy heels will make anyone look as if they came straight out of a retro MTV video.

As if there wasn’t enough of a ‘80s trend return, in an ABC News report featuring the editor-in-chief of Seventeen magazine, Atoosa Rubenstein, the suspender is also deemed as an essential purchase for back-to-school shoppers. This fashion accessory is not just for pairing with jeans, it can be extended for pairing with skirts and shorts. Rubenstein also recommends that any layering done with suspenders should be done with the emphasis being on the suspenders.

With the straight-legged jeans making a return to the fashion industry, keep in mind that all the denim jackets and skirts are also still fashionable. Pencil skirts, which can be made out of denim or any other material, are still seen as being flattering to most every body type as long as the look is paired with fashion kept in mind. Pairing a pencil skirt with a plain sheer shirt covered with a corduroy blazer or denim jacket that hits at the hips will keep you looking like a fashion “do” instead of a fashion “don’t,” according to Rubenstein. With such a simple look, keep the accessories simple but noticeable with the emphasis on everything above the skirt, which is complimentary to every body type.

Tunics are everywhere this season so expect to have at least a couple in your wardrobe for this semester. Not only does pairing the tunic with the low-rise jeans help flatter most everyone, but it also draws attention to the areas that are being covered up. This look allows for more modesty without being covered up in a Victorian-era wardrobe. If you can pull off a shorter skirt, Rubenstein says you should pair it with a longer tunic to help balance out the look. Belts worn low and asymmetric with tunics are also hot this season and critics suggest bigger, bulkier belts to accent the figure.

Another fashion accessory to include in your wardrobe is a set of leggings. Keep in mind that the best way to wear leggings is to keep them underneath a shorter skirt or a pair of short, cropped pants. Hannan suggests that leggings should be worn to contrast the overall color scheme of the outfit and are an excellent compliment to any light or dark- washed denim miniskirt. Keep stripes with bold colors in mind when shopping for leggings.

With so much emphasis placed on the latest trends for the ladies, what can be expected of men for this school year? Well, for starters, men should buy polos or rugby shirts with contrasting color schemes. Not only are these shirts visually appealing but they accent an individual’s personality with the color choices offering so much variation. Guys should expect to pair these shirts with jeans that also reflect an ‘80s influence. Bleach wash, dark wash, and even black washed jeans are going to be everywhere, so expect to have a few pairs in your closets, guys.

Also, plaid is in, thanks to a “British Invasion,” according to Lisa Strubel from The Children’s Place. Plaid will be in various colors to cater to the individual tastes of the men out there. Also, Strubel recommends pairing these plaids with cargo jeans or trousers for a more rugged look.

Anything preppy in your closet is still appropriate for this season because many retailers are recognizing the consumers’ focus on the collegiate type of look. Shirts with buttons as well as the “varsity-inspired” color schemes are a must-have for any collegiate gentleman this season, according to Strubel. Guys need to layer their polos or rugby shirts with softer undershirts to pull off the layered look that is fashionable for men. The graphic tee is a must have for any male closet because it offers a simple shirt to be layered with a contrasting over shirt.

Regardless of your age or gender, the best way to prepare for the back to school shopping is to find someone from the ‘80s and rummage through their closet. Not only do the looks from this time seem quite fashionable, but many looks are dealing with the comfort of the consumers. Buy clothes appropriate to your body type and you will always be seen as fashionable because the emphasis on skin is becoming a fashion faux pau. Instead, show off your figure by accessorizing with belts at the hip or more straight-legged jeans. Layering is an essential fashion trend that everyone must follow in order to revive the look from the “Back to the Future” movies of yesteryear.