Six Trends to Avoid

According to O magazine's Creative Director, Adam Glassman

Trend: Shoulder Pads Shoulder pads appear right after harem pants on Adam's list of don'ts. "Avoid that sort of Dynasty Nolan Miller look!" he says. It's extremely severe and masculine." Here to Stay: The Oversized Blazer "The slouchy jacket is having a moment," says Adam, "but I like it because you don't think about it. You just throw it over a cocktail dress, or over pants and a shirt. It's not so severe that you can't wear it in future seasons."

Trend: Harem Pants "We say no to the MC Hammer-pant look at all costs," Adam says. "I've seen people—tall, young, skinny people—look really chic in them, but the droopy drawers are tricky to pull off for most real women." Here to Stay: The Classic KhakiTake a basic trouser into '09 with a colorful bag and coat.

Trend: Acid Wash/Tye-Dyed/Ripped Jeans "These '80s styles are so right-now, but new jeans that are made to look old aren't worth the money," says Adam. Denim trends have a tendency to come and go quickly, so if you're going to spend the money, aim for a more sophisticated style with staying power. Here to Stay: Boyfriend Jeans Loose, cuffed, cinched jeans that sit low on the hips are wearable at any age.

Trend: Short Poofy Ruffles "It's Madonna at the Costume Institute," Adam says. "This trend is a costume. It's over the top." Here to Stay: Feminine Frills The key to ruffles is moderation. A touch here and there is demure and sensuous.

Trend: Sky-High Shoes "You can avoid the crazy stiletto and platform spikes," Adam says. Here to Stay: Ankle Boots The bootie made its first appearance in stores last fall, and it's back again this season in even more shapes and sizes. Plus, the heels come in an array of trendy-yet-comfortable heights.

Trend: Stirrup Pants. "The legging is a very easy look to do," Adam says. But if you choose the stirrup version or wear them as pants, with tops that are too short or high heels, you run the risk of looking like a character in a John Hughes movie. "If you wore it the first go-around, it's safe to say you really don't want to wear it the second time around," he says. Here to Stay: Leggings as Layering Pieces"I like a legging with sophisticated layering pieces," he says. "Wear them underneath a tunic, short dress, or with a longer jacket."

(O magazine)



Hmmmm.....Well, I do agree with him on the "80's" shoulder pads, the poofy ruffles (I don't even think this look is good on a child, let alone an adult)and the stirrup pants. I remember the last time stirrup pants were out, and it wasn't pretty. I think the mistake that some people make, is that maybe they don't take the time to find just the right fit for their body or the right top to create a more "pulled together" look.