by Aisling Ash

Created on: August 14, 2009   Last Updated: August 18, 2009

It can be tempting to jump on the trend train without thinking twice about it. After all, if everyone is doing it then it must be ok, right? Wrong! Remember all those videos they showed you in middle school about not giving in to peer pressure? Well, they apply to fashion too. Wearing something just because you see it everywhere isn't a good enough reason.

But does that mean that all trends are simply silly and superficial and not worth our time? Not necessarily. Incorporating trends into your wardrobe can help you look current and put-together. There's something to be said of novelty; we like to change things up now and then, even if our change-ups are just repeats from a few decades ago.

So how do you decide which trends to rock and which to avoid? The decision should come less from what magazines and teenagers wear than from what you like, and what looks good on you. If something is completely ridiculous but you love it, then by all means wear it with confidence. Here are a few tips to identify the trends that you should pick up, and those you should leave by the side of the road.

You should ignore a fashion fad if:

[1.] It doesn't flatter your body type.
So you've got full hips and a curvy butt? Great! There are lots of ways to show it off, but skinny jeans are not one of them. Their tapered nature means that you'll create an upside-down triangle shape on your bottom half - not something you want. Unless you have a straight body type, wait patiently while this trend passes by.

[2.] You find it ridiculous.
Do you wrinkle your nose every time you see someone walk by in Ugg boots? If you're put off by something, it's an obvious reason to let it be. No amount of popularity is worth spending money on something you don't like that will most likely be out of style soon anyway.

[3.] It sends the wrong message.
Yes, there has been a growing trend of people wearing Crocs in public, but that doesn't mean you should. Think about what your clothes and trends say about you; often your outfit is the first impression you give people before you even open your mouth. If you're wearing pajama pants and plastic garden clogs, you're probably not sending the best message possible.

[4.] It's impractical.
Gray jeans? No problem. It's easy to see that they're a cute, normal trend that can be a great addition to your wardrobe. '70's style maxi dress in an odd headscarf pattern that brushes the floor? Hmm. There might not be as many places you can wear that one. If a trend doesn't fit in with your lifestyle, it's really just a waste of money to invest in it. You might wear it once or twice before it goes out of style, but is it worth it?

So what trends should you pick? If you see something and you like it, and it's something that will work for you and your lifestyle, then go for it! A good way to incorporate trends is to do it subtly. For example, a growing trend right now is studs. If you buy a handbag covered in studs, it's going to be out of style next season. But if you get one that has a few studs as details, you'll be able to carry it for seasons to come. Pick the trends you like, and don't take fashion too seriously. Have fun!

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