The start of school heralds a new season full of changes. With changes in friends, classes and even majors, fall is a transition from old to new.

Fashion both follows and flourishes by this rule. Fresh trends grace halls and classes, and all have a distinct autumn flair. With everything from coats to sweaters to accessories and even shoes, the season’s newest looks have one thing in common: color.

Andrea Peterson likes a pea coat with a splash of color, stating it makes her wardrobe fresh and fun without going overboard.

“I love the way a red coat complements a neutral outfit,” she said. “It gives it that fall feeling, which is the perfect motivation to go [to] class in the morning.”

Red, black and winter-white are all great colors for a pea coat. Purple is huge this season, convenient for Huskies trying to incorporate a little school spirit into everyday attire.

A trip to H&M in University Village yields great examples of current styles. Prices there are reasonable for many college budgets ­— a nice fall/winter coat costs about $50. The store is a great place for autumn basics.

Crossroads Trading Company, located on the Ave, is a prime place to buy and sell gently used designer clothing. Since its opening in February 2008, the store has seen many students incorporate one-of-a-kind finds into their personal wardrobes.

Kellie Stoffel, Crossroads manager, noticed a few prominent trends.

“Bags are huge this season it seems, with the darker, larger ones coming in and going out just as quickly,” she said. “Riding-inspired boots, as well as cowboy boots, are also very popular.”

Sweaters, from the basic to the downright bizarre, have also been a favorite, Stoffel said. She and her customers, like Peterson, are drawn to color.

“I personally enjoy the darker hues of brighter colors, like the reds to burgundies, the bright oranges to the burnt oranges, and the greens to hunter greens,” she said. “It reminds me of the colors of the leaves, which of course is what autumn is.”

Stoffel and her staff are trained to identify trends while assessing the quality of apparel and accessories sold.

“We like our customers to get their money’s worth on the items they purchase here,” she said.

With names ranging from Old Navy to Marc Jacobs and prices ranging from a few dollars for a pair of tights to $70 for a Cole Haan designer handbag, Crossroads Trading Company offers plenty of fashion diversity.

Crossroads also offers an extensive selection of up-to-date menswear, with everything from jeans to coats, all at affordable prices. Senior Chris Maynard likes to look snappy, which makes polo shirts and jeans great staples.

“You can dress up or down with polos,” he said. “And jeans always look sharp, no matter who you are.”

Men should also throw in a color or two to break up the monotony.

“Blues, reds and greens are pretty safe bets for any guy,” Maynard said. “They seem to look good on just about anyone.”

Jackets are equally important. A fleece by The North Face will keep men looking stylish and warm, Maynard said.

“You really can’t go wrong with a North Face,” he said. “It’s very versatile, and is great for the sometimes unpredictable weather we can experience.”

Beloved fashions that were popular a few years ago are showing up again, Stoffel said.

“Fashion repeats itself. What was popular a little while ago will inevitably become popular again, and what is popular now will probably resurface again in another couple of years.”

Reach reporter Stephanie Small at arts@dailyuw.com.