Fashion: The best and worst of 2009

Best Trends of 2009

Built-in Platform Sky High Heels — We cannot tell you how happy we were to say goodbye to dancewear inspired ballet flats and hello to fun sexy, sky high heels.

Bold, Chunky Jewelry — What first started in all the major runway shows has now hit stores like H&M, making this signature couture look available for all non-millionaires like us! These fun, over-sized pieces are great to match with a plain white shirt or any dress for an instant outfit uplift.

Stockings — Stockings are one of the best trends this season because it has allowed us to carry some of our great summer pieces into the fall and winter. Whether you’re wearing a tunic, long tee, chunky knit sweater or even under seasonal party dresses, stockings instantly glam-up any look!

Over-the-Knee Boots — There’s no denying this phenomenon of over-the-knee in 2009. All major retailers have jumped on this bandwagon, and with good reason! OTK Boots are great to wear over jeans, leggings or stockings. For an instant evening look, try a pair on with this season’s party dresses.

Celebrity Collaborations — We’re not saying all celebrity collaborations were great this season (we’re still recovering from the Lindsay Lohan/Ungaro disaster), but the ones that were done right were amazing! (Thanks, Kate Moss/Top Shop, Jimmy Choo/H&M!)

Worst trends of 2009

Fringed Heels — Fringe is best left on other accessories: dresses great, Moccasins awesome, boots fine, jackets OK, but stilettos? Some things are better left untouched.

Harem Pants — There’s only one thing to say about this MC Hammer inspired trend: “Can’t touch this.”

Guys in Low V-neck Tees — We have American Apparel to thank (or curse?) for this trend. We’re sorry, but some things are just left best to the imagination (even if you are Ed Westwick).

Ed Hardy/Affliction Shirts — Every time someone mentions Ed Hardy or Affliction, an image of Jon Gosselin enters our mind ... or of some over-tanned idiot in the club getting drunk.

Thigh-High Boots — Over-the-knee boots are great, thigh highs ... not so much. Unless you’re Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, you should leave this look to the ladies of the night.