The folks over at Pantone know a thing or two about color (understatement of the century). So when they choose their annual Color of the Year, we -- along with everyone else from Sephora to Sears -- listen.

Emerald had its moment in 2013, but this year is all about Radiant Orchid, and we've already started stockpiling everything from eye shadow to nail polish in this pretty purple shade.

Midi skirts started popping up this fall, and they're sticking around through next year. From floral brocades to solid satins and full shapes to pencil-straight, they come in a range of fabrics, patterns and cuts. Wear one and suddenly any too-short mini in your closet feels completely inappropriate.

We all loved the dark, wine-stained, vampy lips that were so huge for fall -- even if they were almost impossible to wear in real life. This year's must-try lip shade is orange. And while it's still tricky to pull off, we promise you'll feel a lot less Goth when you give it a go.

Ombré has been on its way out for years, but it still held on through most of 2013. If you've been itching for a new hair color trend, here it is: something celebrity hair colorist Beth Minardi calls "lit-from-within" color. "Ombré's done," says Minarid. "With lit-from-within, I take the entire underneath of the hair and make it a much different color from the body of the hair. When you move your head, you see these wisps coming through." She recommends choosing a lighter color for the underneath, and sectioning the hair from the backs of the ears down. Now, get thee to a salon.

Forget broadcasting your favorite designer all over your handbag. The trendiest bags right now are simple totes in classic colors made with seriously high-end materials. Take Masur Gavriel for example: the fashion community is practically arm-wrestling over their beautifully constructed totes and bucket bags.