However, she noted, older shoppers gravitate towards pastel colors, while younger groups go for brighter versions.

"Color-wise, we are seeing neon come back with the younger generation at stores like Pac Sun and Quiksilver, as part of the '80s trend," she said.

Matt Monson, owner of local boutique Model Citizen, said that the bright-colors trend has even extended to footwear. A specific, bright, locally-made brand of shoes is one item the store can hardly keep in stock.

"We've had a lot of success with Lake of Salt canvas shoes," he said. "A local artist, Patrick Munger, makes these plain canvas shoes in really vibrant colors with really bright laces using a lot of different dye processes … We fly through those."

Monson's store caters to a trend he hopes will last longer than just this season. Starting in January, the store began stocking and selling only locally made products.

"I was seeing how the economy was going and … I wanted to switch it up, and I got as creative as I could to stay in business," Monson said. "So we've gone from a mixed boutique to all locally produced gifts, clothing and accessories."

Monson said that the move to all local items gives the wearer the access to rare pieces, especially in a city with "a pretty creative community when it comes to style."

"I think another trend coming around is the whole idea of locally made, cut-and-sew clothing in whatever variety that appeals to the buyer," he said. "There may be a local artist that makes six or so of a certain tie, and that gives you a unique advantage."

Another local shop owner, Bonnie Whitaker of the Flower Basket Boutique in Provo, also said that even though certain colors may be more popular, fashion is becoming more about the individual.

"Every year, the fashion is more and more diverse," Whitaker said. "Anything goes, as long as it looks good and fits your personality."

The Flower Basket Boutique is seen as a haven for shoppers who are looking for nice pieces that are a little less mainstream, Whitaker said.

"The name of the game is to set ourselves apart from the malls, so it's not the same old, same old," she said. "It has a European feel. I have people come in all the time and say: 'I feel like I am in a different state or even a different country.' "

While the days of big, specific trends are out, there is always a market for beautiful, functional clothing, Whitaker said.

"I always look for high-quality pieces, but priced a little lower, not-too trendy, a little more basic," she said. "People are still spending money on clothes. They are just being more careful."

E-mail: emorgan@desnews.com