As the saying goes, “Out with the old and in with the new.” So, it’s always about purging last year’s fashion mistakes (like those awful impulse purchases) and, instead, choosing what to get to update your look for 2014.
From the new skirt lengths to prints and various textures, there’s a multitude of styles to fit every personality. Aside from the abundance of florals and pastels, here are some of the strongest trends we’ll be seeing:
The new ‘It’ bags
Embellishment, fringe and artistry have returned to bags, as seen in Prada’s totes in retro hibiscus prints, Louis Vuitton’s embellished and fringed Extraordinaire Prima Donna PM bag, and Dior’s reinvented Lady Dior bags with embroidery and graded leather.
Pleats
The corrugated design, popularized by Issey Miyake’s Pleats Please line, is perhaps the “star” buy for S/S2014. The runways were full of them in every length and variation. Proenza Schouler’s version, in particular, was bonded with bronze and silver foil for a metallic sheen.
The hand cuff
Last year was about the assortment of “hand parties” with multiple bracelets, cuffs, rings and knuckle rings, as well as ear cuffs.
This year, check out the hand cuff, a bracelet that’s not worn on your wrist, but slipped in the palm of your hand—just like you’re holding the clasp of a clutch. Pretty inconvenient, if you ask me, especially when one will need to take down notes and such.
Mules
Mules were the rage more than a decade ago, thanks to Manolo Blahnik’s kitten heel versions seen on “Sex and the City.” The style is making a comeback this year, but with a less dainty look, as seen at Altuzarra and, yes, even Manolo updated his version to a mid-heel style at Victoria Beckham.
The shower slides
Last year was likewise about the return of Birkenstocks, thanks to Celine’s fur-lined luxe version. But aside from athletic-style apparel on the runways like sweatsuits and running shorts,
you’ll see Teva-inspired sandals and footwear inspired by shower slides that hark back to the 1990s, when they were worn by “It” girls Kim Gordon and Chloe Sevigny.
The style plays perfectly with slouchy, mannish separates on weekends and lazy days. But workwise? Perhaps not.
Midi skirts
Longer skirt lengths started popping up in stores last year, and they’re sticking around through 2014. From full skirt shapes to pencil-straight, they come in a range of fabrics, patterns and cuts. If you have the guts (and abs), wear with a cropped top for a more youthful take on the trend.
Orange lips
We all loved the dark, wine-stained, vampy lips that were so huge last year, even if they were quite high maintenance to wear in real life. But this year, the beauty experts recommend orange.
A bit tricky to pull off, but you can always start sheer with a gloss, and if you really like red lips, try a coral-red shade instead.
Wide-leg trousers
Billowy wide-leg trousers made a huge showing in the collections of major designers, and you can still wear this style even if you’re not super-tall.
Just look for a pair with a leaner flare and a bit high on the waist to elongate your frame.
Fashion as art
While most insiders will argue that fashion is, indeed, art (the only difference is you wear them), designers upped it by a notch, providing painterly museum-worthy prints at Prada and Jil Sander.
Sheer polish
Matte polish is still popular, but we’re seeing a return to sheer pastels such as pale white and pink.
Another variation of the trend, done in subtle ombre, is another option for those who prefer a more playful look.