The best fashion trend tips for 2014

Let's talk about what to be on the lookout for, now that it's 2014.

As you know me by now, I don't expect everyone or anyone to go out and buy all of my suggestions that I've written about in past columns. I only expect you to go out and buy half of it (just kidding). I'm a fashion columnist who enjoys writing about something that's reflective on who we are, and how we can always be amused by the trends, topics and excitement it brings.

For this week's column, I share with you some of the trends for 2014 that I'm most thrilled for. Some trends have already been around, while others will be breaking news (in my own fashion world mind). Hope you enjoy these influences that, if anything, just help make you feel more educated on the fashion world.

• Men's style lace-up shoes. These shoes, also known as Oxfords, have been around for quite some time, but now for 2014, they've come with a spin. Lace ups with a high wedge, platform or fluorescent block color for the sole are what you'll be seeing more of. Some of my favorites being from Oliver & Clark oliverclarknyc.com, they have shoes and boots made only for the tough-hearted.

• Midi-skirts. Break out your skirt influences from the '90s because the "just below the knee" length is back. Make sure to find a skirt with volume and flare so that you don't look like a pioneer. Lace, sheer, leather or brocade are the ways to go.

• Cropped jackets. Pair up your jeans or wide trousers with a top and a cropped jacket. Cropped blazers, cropped tweed jackets and even your own makeshift DIY version are great ways to fit in for this fashion.

• Crop tops. No, I don't support showing off the midriff. I think more coverage in that area is more elegant. However, since fashion is always so versatile, you can wear your crop tops with ultra-high-waisted jeans, or my favorite way, with a pencil skirt. It breaks up the lines and gives you some movement and makes for a new style.          

• Pastels! These are all over for the coming year. Yes, even while it's still winter! Take advantage of the beautiful lilac, rose or peach textiles when you can, they may not stay here forever.

• Statement pieces. You may have seen many styles hit the ground running this year like monogrammed sweatshirts from Old Navy or dresses and skirts with novel writings. The most intriguing influences I've found have been in "Nylon Magazine." It's fun to express your attitude, likes or hobbies written on your body. This may seem a thing of the past, but it's back in action, so express yourself. This is also a very simple thing you could do to a piece of your current clothing with fabric paint, stencils and your own creative genius.

Hope this gets you excited for this upcoming year. Fashion never ceases to amaze me with the brilliance of expressing yourself through a million different ways, whether it's the choice of textile, length, color or the way you pair it with a loud mix of patterns. Fashion is about having fun, not for constant flattery.

• The Wasatch Wardrobe is written by Lindsey Shores, a Utah personal fashion stylist, who's helped clients succeed with higher confidence, better dating lives and their most important events. She exudes the best in everyone by bringing out the personalities they have on the inside without knowing how to represent them on the outside. Lindsey gained expertise in the fashion industry by styling some of Hollywood's A-list celebrities for their red carpet events, and is passionate about bringing that allure to Utah. Lindsey also does the wardrobe costuming for commercials, music videos and television. To see what other stars she's worked with or to schedule time with Lindsey yourself, contact her at [email protected] or visit her website at www.lindseyshores.com.

For January, I'll be doing 31 days of nitty gritty, real, fashion talk called "Forward Fashion". Find me on Facebook Lindsey Shores Styling to follow it and find many of your style questions answered. If you want to participate, I'd love to hear from you. Shoot me over any vogue question and if I don't have an answer to it, I'll find an expert guest who does! Send your email to [email protected].