American fashion is getting back to its roots by taking inspiration from the nation's first inhabitants.
Tribal patterns, suede and Native American-inspired fringes can be found in stores from general outlets like Target and Walmart to more high fashion stores like Rue21 and Ellie.
Fringe boots and tribal patterns, especially on dresses, have become popular in Auburn around campus and on gameday.
Quinley Ethredge, manager at Ellie Clothing Boutique on South College Street, said she thinks the trend toward Native American-inspired clothing has to do with the Bohemian, earthy-style movement that has been taking place over the past few years.
"I think people like it because it's casual, but chic," Ethredge said. "You can pair a tribal sweater with heels. It's just a really cute print."
Ethredge said the vintage styles were popular in late summer and early fall, but she has even seen late fall and winter clothing arriving that follows the same trend.
Ethredge said winter patterns are deviating away from the traditional brown and orange and trending toward shades more suited for the season.
"(Tribal patterns) sold really well," she said. "I've seen a lot for fall come in in different colors ... like blues and whites and grays."
The tribal trend has become so popular, Ethredge said, it has progressed from tops and dresses to include other articles of clothing.
"I've seen these patterns on shirts and jewelry and sweaters and now even shoes," she said. "People seem to really love feathers, too, which kind of goes along with it."
Tiffany Clayton, assistant manager at Rue21 in Tiger Town, said she also sees the trend growing in popularity.
"I have noticed it came back," Clayton said. "I think these old styles tend to roll back around."
Clayton said Rue 21 carries many different articles of Native American-inspired clothing, but the tribal styles tend to sell better than suede, leather and fringed items.
"Most of it ends up on clearance marked down to like $3," Clayton said. "We do sell more of the patterns ... I don't think fringe is very popular."
Clayton said Rue21 has sold one fringed item--a crop top with a tribal pattern and fringed bottom--fairly consistently, but she still thinks the tribal pattern is much more popular.
Natalie Williams, also an assistant manager at Rue21, said the tribal and Native American styles tend to be more high-fashion and seem to be most popular among college students.
"We have more high school-age kids buying fashion tops," Williams said. "I think the other stuff is more popular among younger, college-age people. College kids are just more into fashion."
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