While fashion trends for male students remain pretty much the same from summer to summer, the fashion trends for females change faster than the time it takes to start sweating in the sweltering Louisiana heat.To keep cool, maxi dresses, floral prints and gladiator sandals were among the biggest trends last summer, and they remain in style this summer as well. “Because of the economy, people don’t produce fashion forward stuff [right now],” said Jordan Gremillion, assistant manager of Vertigo Clothing on Lee Drive. “[The trends of last year] were mass produced for this year. Vendors are staying with what’s safe.”The economy has affected the fashion industry in many ways, and with clothing stores stocking the same styles as last summer, a good way to make a new outfit is through accessorizing.”When it comes to spending less money, it seems people are spending more money on accessories to mix up their traditional clothing more,” said Lisa McRoberts, human ecology assistant professor of apparel design. “Instead of having a specific look, you have more of a personalized look. That’s what everyone’s moving toward, a more personalized expression of themselves. The more unique, the better.”Simple styles like jean shorts or a colorful knit dress can be revamped with statement necklaces, floral or feathered headbands, scarves on handbags, straw fedora hats and bright shoes.”We are seeing a lot of gladiator sandals this summer, especially with fringes on them,” Lisette Lemarie, Lacoste Visual Merchandiser at 24Seven Talent, said in an e-mail. “Fringes on anything is actually a big trend.”With the weight of the economy pressing hard on consumers’ shoulders, the on-going trend of light fabrics is at least keeping students cool.”For summer, we have a lot of cotton sun-dresses,” said Victoria Simoneaux, marketing junior and sales associate at Tattle Tales Clothing and Accessories on Highland Road. “We go for cooler stuff considering the climate … sleeveless, strapless, tank tops, cotton and knit, nothing too heavy.” McRoberts said natural fabrics such as cotton or linen will keep students cool. Alternatives like rayon, microfiber and COOLMAX will also keep people cool because they trap and repel sweat.For men, McRoberts said she has seen a return to the nautical style, but in a different way. She said men’s clothing is marketing a look in between dressy and casual, but that this look is not likely to come to the South.”I wear this [T-shirt and black jeans] in winter and summer,” said Ryan Gautreaux, electrical engineering senior. “I don’t let [trends] affect me.”Styles for women, such as high-waisted skirts, knit dresses, gladiator sandals and rompers of every color, can be found in many of the boutiques around the University’s campus and on University students.”I wear dresses during the summer,” said Julie Howard, studio art senior. “Whatever’s comfortable and cool.”—-Contact Mary Walker Baus at [email protected]