As the mercury drops, some ISU students may find it difficult to balance fashion and warmth for Iowa’s harsh winters.

Andrea Breckenridge, senior in apparel merchandising, design and production, says there are usually four or five trends that come through each season. She says the current trends include a winterized version of fall’s preppy and romantic look.

“It’s a touch of romance that brings a softer, more feminine, look to an outfit,” Breckenridge says.

Thomas Brown, junior in apparel merchandising, design and production, says men should pay attention to what they are wearing as well.

“If you want to impress anyone, you have to look presentable,” he said. “Guys should take two minutes to do a quick look in the mirror before going out.”

Here’s a quick look at this season’s current fashion trends.

The look: Wrap up in winter’s must-have accessory. Scarves in rich fabrics, touchable textures and long lengths are blowing in the wind this season. Stay warm and fashionable with the perfect scarf this fall.

How to wear it: Scarves can be found in many patterns. Large strips and solid scarves in soft, neutral colors or jewel tones are in this season, Breckenridge says. Accents of fur are also big this fall, she adds.

She says the length of the scarf also matters.

“Scarves this season are longer in length,” she says. “They should fall around the waistline.”

Breckenridge says a great scarf is made out of good fabric, such as cashmere.

“Cashmere scarves are durable and warm,” she says. “But unfortunately, they are usually more expensive.”

Where to wear it: Breckenridge says lightweight scarves in silky fabrics are also in this season. They are perfect to dress up an outfit when going out at night.

What they’re saying: Brown says guys can wear scarves to complete an outfit.

“If you have got on a great sweater, shoes and coat,” he says, “a scarf completes the outfit, making it an overall nice package.”

The look: This season, women’s tops will make them feel ultra-sexy and comfortable with off-the-shoulder necklines and accents of lace, velvet and beads. For men, they’ll look ready to rush down a slope or cozy up with someone special by a roaring fire in this season’s classic sweaters.

How to wear it: Breckenridge says a romantic outfit that has a softer and more feminine top will make any woman feel instantly comfortable and sexy. She says the tops can be found in soft, neutral colors or jeweled-colored tones.

Brown says crew, roll and V-neck sweaters can be found in current men’s fashion lines. He says men’s sweaters can be found in earth tones, like dark red, orange and brown.

“They are comfortable and classic styles that never go out of style,” he says.

Where to wear it: This season’s tops are so versatile, wear one to class, out on a date or to dinner with the parents.

What they’re saying: Breckenridge says to layer a jacket over a sweater to make an outfit complete. Jackets in denim, leather and corduroy are great fabrics to dress up a dull sweater.

“For guys, layering really makes an outfit,” Brown says. “It’s a classic way to really make a statement.”

The look: Button up and leave your fashion worries at the doorstep. This season’s classic wool coats, with a good length and fit, will make anyone feel stylish while bundled from head to toe and trekking across campus.

How to wear it: Brown says the one thing a guy must have this season is a great coat.

“A guy needs to have a good, standard coat,” he says. “Gray and blue pea coats are always in style.”

Breckenridge says brighter colors are in this season and classic, knee-length coats never go out of style.

Where to wear it: Breckenridge says to wear a warmer, longer coat when trekking across campus. Have more than one coat — one that is durable and useful and another coat you can have fun in.

“Make sure your choice of coats are versatile,” Breckenridge says. “Have your basic black or brown coat and then go for something with more character.”

What they’re saying: Breckenridge says the one thing to buy this season is a durable coat.

“A good, fitted leather coat is a great choice,” Breckenridge says. “It’s a classic item.”

Brown says a guy’s coat must have a good cut and fit.

“If you have a bad fitting coat, it makes you look frumpy.”

The look: If the shoe fits, wear it — just make sure it’s a boot.

This season, make every step count in a boot that is sexy, modern and comfortable. Fall’s attention-grabbing boots are stomping their way into season.

How to wear it: Pointed and rounded toes are the current trend.

“Boots with rounded and narrow toes are both sophisticated and modern,” Breckenridge adds.

She says to watch for the details on the shoes this season. Buckles can be found on many boots this winter.

Brown says guy’s shoes this season are a mix.

“Flat-front loafers are in and patent leather is coming back,” he says.

Where to wear it: Breckenridge says every woman should have black or brown mid-calf boots this season.

“Boots can go from dressy to casual very easily,” she says.

What they’re saying: Breckenridge says to make sure the boots are not only fashionable but also comfortable.

“Even if they are stylish,” Breckenridge says, “if they’re not comfortable, you won’t ever wear them.”

Brown admits to wearing fashionable shoes despite the pain.

“If they look good with the outfit, I’ll wear them,” he says. “I may hurt the next day, but at least I looked good the night before.”