MISSISSIPPI STATE – Creativity and self-awareness are the foundation for personal style, and fashion experts at Mississippi State University say fall clothing trends can be incorporated into anyone’s wardrobe with minimal expense.

“The top trend this fall is polka dots,” said Charles Freeman, instructor in MSU’s Apparel, Textiles and Merchandising department. “Any size, any shape, just be sure to match the size of the polka dots to your body type. Scarves are a minimal investment, so you could wear a black and white polka-dot scarf with a black top and black pants, and you’ll look like you’re wearing a polka-dot blouse but you’ve only spent $15 to $20.”

Developing a personal style means being honest about both budget and body type, as not every style works for every person’s height, build, daily activities and taste, Freeman said.

“Create a wardrobe plan, make a look book filled with styles you like that will work for you, and keep a list of what you want to have to avoid impulse shopping,” he said. “Focus on pieces that will transition from year to year rather than trying to buy all new clothes each season.”

While Freeman stays current with what is happening on the runways in New York, Paris and London, he understands that developing a personal look means adapting elements of haute couture to fit the real world and shopping for bargains.

“I shop at thrift stores and yard sales, and it’s like treasure hunting,” he said. “I’ve gotten a vintage 1920s Elsa Schiaparelli pocket scarf for a dollar, Frank Lloyd Wright vintage cuff links that were shoved in a tin – people don’t know what they have.”

When bargain hunting, shoppers need to be prepared to come home empty-handed.

“I may spend an entire day going to nine or 10 thrift stores or yard sales and not find anything I like,” Freeman said. “But you’d be surprised at the quality items that can be found. For my apparel analysis class, I asked my wife to go to the thrift store and grab some white men’s dress shirts off the rack. She came home with three Gap brand shirts and a Valentino for $1.75 each.”

Phyllis Miller, professor in apparels, textiles and merchandising in MSU’s School of Human Sciences, said international politics and cultures influence fashion trends, too.

“Charles gets up and checks on runway trends, and I listen to the news,” she said. “Budget consciousness is big in politics, and it’s big in fashion. Vintage styles are big, ’70s and ’80s styles, which makes shopping at thrift stores fashionable. World trade is a big issue, and people can find clothing and accessories from all over the globe to mix and match.”

Miller has practical tips for budget-conscious shoppers, including asking for a discount.

“You can bargain,” she said. “Times are tough. It can’t hurt to ask, and people want to make a sale. Don’t avoid expensive stores. Train your eye to know what quality looks like, and often you’ll find better bargains on higher quality merchandise with more helpful staff in a nicer department store or specialty store.”

Freeman and Miller agreed on the most important piece of fashion advice for any season: self-awareness.

“Be honest about who you are and what you look like,” Freeman said. “If you’re not happy with who you are, change your clothes or your lifestyle. I recommend you change your lifestyle for your health, but you can more easily change your clothes and feel good about how you look.”

Miller, who insisted she is not the “fashion police,” advocated taking time to put together a variety of outfits with what is already in the closet.

“Dress the body you have, not the one you wish you had,” Miller said. “Whoever you are is who you are. Ask if the outfit will look good for your body type, not if it’s part of a fashion trend. Play with your clothes and come up with new outfits. With a little time, effort and creativity, you can always be well-dressed.”