FRIGHTENING Fashion

Blinding colors, creepy shoes and piles of prints are just a few of the current trends that can scare away any jeans and T-shirt wearing college student. Between running from class to class and trying to stay awake in lecture hall, trends can sometimes be the last thing on your pre-occupied mind. The trick to these eccentric looks is to tone them down, and fit them accordingly to your style – and, most importantly, make sure they don't make others shriek.

One unavoidable trend this fall is the overly-done print on print look. This refers to the use of excessive amounts of animal and floral prints, sometimes unnecessarily combined, in one look. It's enough to turn anyone away from prints for the next few seasons to come. The way to take on this trend is by sticking to one print and wearing it in moderation – a key to all trends, frightening or not. So next time, try a leopard blouse with a pair of leopard flats, like the trendy lace-up canvas shoes from Keds.

You may have seen examples of color blocking printed all over magazines with images of models wearing every color of the rainbow. Though the thought of all these bright colors may seem scary, I assure you, it's not as bad as it looks. It's a great way to get away with mix-matching solid colors. If you want to try this trend, you can tone it down with neutral colors such as browns, beiges and baby pinks. Instead of pairing a bright top with neon bottoms and colorful shoes, try neutralizing the look with tan or taupe-colored trousers.

For those afraid of color, there is an alternative. Try pairing a grey shirt with burgundy pants and a black sweater or cardigan. The trick is to choose colors that complement each other but also stand out on their own. As long as three or more colors are incorporated in your outfit, you're color blocking. If you're not good at putting colors together, try buying an item that is already color blocked for you.  You can find a handful of fashionable color-blocked dresses online at Asos.com.

Palazzo pants are the latest trouser trend to hit stores.  They're frighteningly wide-legged formal trousers that dominate blogs and runways around the globe. From the looks of it, these pants are big enough to fit one person in each pant leg. It's very chic and all, but no one wants to fear tripping over their pants. Step into H&M where you can find more functional wide-legged options that will better suit your wardrobe.

Creeper shoes, otherwise known as "brother creepers", have been a gothic fashion trend for quite some time now. They recently creeped their way into mainstream fashion, once again. Prada put them on the runway earlier this year for their Spring/Summer 2011 line and fashionistas are now adding creepers to their wardrobe for their own personalized fall look. This designer version is a cross between Oxfords and Espadrilles. They appear to weigh a ton and altogether seem like odd pieces of footwear.

If you are a little afraid of this trend, try a traditional oxford with a little color. Oxfords with a small, arched wedge is a great substitution to the complicated platform. Urban Outfitters and Forever21 have options that will stand out. These alternatives will save you sideways glances and keep you right on trend.

Remember, you don't have walk around dressed like a giant bag of skittles or a human parachute. You shouldn't be too afraid of these looks. Every season, "frightening" trends come and go, it's up to you to be creative and make it work.