by Dashmini Parasuraman

Created on: February 07, 2008

Trends change in relation to the times, seasons or as a result of a major event. It can even represent the current mood of the public. For instance, concerns over the troubled U.S. economy prompted the designers to create more high quality clothes, so that people can feel like they're getting more for their dollar. Some trends transcend time like the little black dress while some trends fade faster than a bad hair color. Remember the ponchos anyone?

Trends start as a result of someone's creativity and spreads to the masses and suddenly everyone's sporting that "must have" piece of clothing or accessory. While we see some great trends, whether they originate from the streets or the runway, there are some trends that are better left on the racks.

1. Bubble skirts: While this trend was actually from the last season, it still makes an appearance from time to time via a misguided fashionista. Even on the most sveltest of figures, it can look rather odd. Why, oh why, would you want to sport this fancy potato sack?

2. High-waisted pants: It started off in retaliation to the "bare as you dare and fall victim to the plumber's butt syndrome" jeans. After the shameless and unattractive dispays thongs, waistline kept creeping up until it hit just below the rib cage. This look is said to help legs look longer. However it cuts your torso in half. Anything that makes you appear disproportionate should be avoided. Instead go for the more flattering mid-rise waist which hits just below your natural waistline.

3. See through clothes: Your grandmother was right when she said "please wear a slip". Believe me ladies, not everyone wants to know the color of your underwear. So, do invest in a slip or a camisole to wear under that "lingerie inspired" top or dress.

4. Too much jewelry: Accessories can make or break an outfit. Jewelry should be worn like a little icing on the cake. Too much of it all at once- the long dangling earnings, layers of long beaded necklaces and stacks of chunky bracelets-will make you look cheap and tawdry. If you ever find yourself falling in a body of water, you will sink like a stone.

5. Uggs: Yes they're comfortable. Yes they keep your feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer, but they've been long out of fashion for sometime. Unless you are trekking through the snow in the midst of a bad winter storm, it's time to give them a rest.

6. Animal Prints: The leopard print only looks good......well on the leopard! If you have one of these, or a zebra print, or anything that looks like it came from an animal, faux or real, please put it way back in your closet. Better yet, burn it before PETA comes looking for you.

In any event, no one should be judged based on their appearance. Although that's not the case in the world in which we live. Even the most fashionable celebrities have been fashion victims from time to time. Fashion is subjective because it's an expression of a person's individuality. Even fashion critics don't all share the same views. While some critics may rave about a particular trend another might trash the very same thing. Fashion is a reflection of who you are, so have fun with it.

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