Hot Flash: Saks announces Spring 2014 trends

In case you were at a loss for what to wear this season, no need to worry — Saks Fifth Avenue has announced the trends for Spring 2014.

If you were keeping up with New York Fashion Week, the “effortless elegance” Saks has embraced this season was evident in all the new fashions. From Marc Jacobs to Wes Gordon, effortless is the look. In the midst of social season, effortless sounds good to me.

But let’s not forget the “elegance” part — artful accents, embellishments, sequins, metallic jacquards and brocades complete this look.

After falling in love with every look from the Saks Fifth Avenue runway show at the Sarasota Women’s Cancer Awareness Luncheon "Cure on the Runway" last week, I had to find out more about what’s trending this season.

So what are the most compelling trends and key items this spring? I stopped into Saks Fifth Avenue Sarasota to get the scoop. Marketing Coordinator Christina Sadler walked me through the top trends, showing examples of each.

The Sporty Spring Jacket
This Akris Punto spring jacket with removable mesh detail is versatile and lightweight — reflecting the lightness of the season.

The Relaxed Shirt
Ralph Lauren Blue Label (exclusive to Saks Fifth Avenue) — menswear inspired with feminine fabrics

The Crop Top
The crop top is best paired with a high-waisted skirt or when layered under a jacket or vest.

Below-the-Knee Length
A voluminous below-the-knee skirt by Pauw — The skirt has adjustable snaps, so the length of the skirt can be adjusted depending on if the skirt is worn on the waist or the hips.

The Jumpsuit
BCBG Max Azaria

Loving Rose
Jo Malone Red Roses fragrance. All rose everything — that’s what spring is about.

Christina’s pick for the season: Alice + Olivia floral maxi dress
According to the Saks trend release, floral motifs are trending as the weather warms. “You can dress this up or down and it looks awesome paired with Stephanie Kantis gold jewelry,” says Sadler.