The end of the year is in sight, so the hot or not lists are popping up at the same pace as the breast rubbing of Kanye West sounds. For us fashionistas, it’s of course a beet because we are very capable of thinking about what we want and what we like, but admit it, it remains entertaining reading material.

In all those years that I have been writing about fashion, people always ask me that one question. Why do you find fashion so important? The most obvious answer - we just have to wear clothes - is usually not satisfying enough, so I try to explain that fashion is so much more. For some, it’s an art form, for others, a religion. For most, it’s a way to show something of your own personality through accessories, hair, clothing, makeup. Fashion has the power to transform or emphasize an image, to seduce or make a social statement.

“Even if you say you don’t care about fashion and don’t dress to make a statement, you are making a statement” is a well-known saying that I can really relate to. That’s why I choose to use fashion simply to present myself at my best as a ‘most me’. Quite nice, right? 

“Even if you say you don’t care about FASHION and don’t dress to make a statement, you are making a STATEMENT”

To understand how those do and don’t lists come about, we first need to look at how a trend comes into being.

It all starts with the designers. The clothing, hair, and makeup that we spot on the catwalk during fashion weeks are often way over the top. It’s good to realize that these shows are part of a total marketing concept. Media and consumers need to be stimulated, so everything, from the entourage to the location to the music, is thrown into the creative battle to attract attention. Then it’s the fashion journalists and bloggers who report and from the clothing (which is called the runway pieces) fashion productions are made in the atmosphere of a particular magazine. Additionally, it’s the buyers from stores and department stores who place their orders and ultimately determine what will hang in the store.

Celebrities (on the red carpet) and influential fashionistas (street style) often lead the way when it comes to a new trend. This way, we, the general public, can get a little used to what is coming. Designers are often willing to lend or give their clothing if it leads to a bit of attention. Just think of the Oscar ceremony.

But ultimately, you and I (the consumer) are the ones who determine what takes off. I’ll go ahead and make a personal what’s hot top 5 preview for 2014.

• Wordplay. 2013 was already the year of logos. Statements on clothing will only increase, and thus fashion is once again used to show where you stand in life.
• Button up. Sounds incredibly posh, but it’s actually very sexy. Buy a preppy blouse, button the top button, and... leave the rest open. So unfortunately, the abs remain in sight.
• Cowgirl chic. Wonderful trend as far as I’m concerned. Think of the Guess campaigns for the feel and add a hefty dose of Tommy Hilfiger preppiness.
• Fringes. This fits perfectly with the cowgirl chic trend but can also give a very casual chic look an edge. Think of the latest collection from Frida Gianini for Gucci.
• Calf-length skirt. It’s a tricky length, but with the right fabric, perfect shoe, and simple top, you’ll be the 2014 interpretation of Audrey Hepburn. I’ll tell you later how exactly to do that.