Here are the noisemakers you need to know about to fashion a fabulous 2014.

 

By Maureen Mancini Amaturo

Here are the noisemakers you need to know about to fashion a fabulous 2014.

 

Color is the New Black

The Color for 2014, according to Pantone Color Institute, is Radiant Orchid.  Neither pink nor purple, this complex color goes with our complex times. Radiant Orchid is an Asian/fusion hue and hints at the Asian influence on the fashion front. Purple is the color of creativity, and Radiant Orchid’s rise to stardom represents society’s yearning for new ideas and creative solutions. (Yes, color trending is related to the emotional state of society.)

Radiant Orchid also tips its hat to femininity on the horizon. You’ll be seeing it, and several of its variations from mauve to plum, in everything from coats and clutches to men’s ties, and even housewares (Keurig coffee makers, for one).

Combine it and its sister shades with gray, taupe, beige, off-white, pure white, and definitely with navy and black. For an unexpected pairing, wear it with chocolate brown.

The other colors in the news are: Placid Blue, Cobalt, Subtle Orange (“Celosia”), and Violet Tulip. Gray is the new black. And green and blue are the new neutrals.   

(BTW, Pantone has been naming a color of the year since 2000. Previous colors of the year: 2013, Emerald; 2012, Tangerine; 2011, Honeysuckle.

 

In the Fashion Forecast

>Flower Power: everything from beaded Victorian and Hawaiian-looking florals to fantasy vine patterns.

>Tea-length Hemlines: mid-calf to upper ankle, between midi and maxi. This ladylike length is one sign that femininity is back. Balance out tea-length skirts with a cropped top or jacket. Add a little sexy to a tea-length dress by keeping arms bare or try a bare shoulder.   

>Giant Pearls: á la Chanel. They are already on three top fashion mag covers this year.

 >Shimmer and Shine: lamé and liquid-like satins and silks.  

>Light & Lacy: crochet, Chantilly, and laser-cut leather.

>Strategic See-Through: sheer sleeves, lacy cutouts. Styles created with eyelet and crochet fabrics for a peep of skin. Another reflection of updated femininity.

>Hint of Sport: mesh trims, tennis sweaters, bomber jackets with colorful prints, textures, and fabrics. Layer these pieces and make your fashion statement. The bomber is ultra versatile and can play villain to girly dresses or befriend a chic, sporty look. This year’s version of sporty is to keep it modern and refined: streamlined silhouettes, use of white, and pants with a pullover (not button-down) top.  

>Embellishments: fringe, global culture touches like primal prints.    

>Pleated skirts: especially in the 2014 tea-length. Also watch for pleated detailing on collars, sleeves, and scarves.

>Boxy, cropped jackets: perfect for the longer skirts.

>Contrast-color collars: watch for that placid blue appearing on shirts and blouses with ivory or crisp white collars, black collars on blue blouses, or white or Radiant Orchid on black and vice versa.

> Wide-leg trousers: better for tall fashionistas, but shorter stylistas can pull them off with high espadrilles or heels.