Trends are the ebb and flow of the fashion pool. They arrive in huge, abrupt waves and wash out just as quickly. Most are sported by the likes of stylish celebrities, and some are created right here on campus.
But just because something is a trend doesn't always mean it's fashionable.
In fact, the term "trend" implies something that will peak and then cease to be popular once the masses of people who are buying and wearing the trend realize it's not so hot any more - or that it never was to begin with.
While every trend will eventually meet its maker, a couple of them should have never existed in the first place.
I'm usually an advocate of trends. Trends keep things fresh and interesting, and they tend to catch on for a good reason. In my opinion, going with the flow of the fashion industry does not make you a sellout or conformist, simply an enthusiast.
Every once in a while though, cringe-worthy trends spread like raging, ugly wildfire.
In an attempt to extinguish the tacky flame, here are a few friendly warnings of what to avoid wearing this summer if you'd like to keep your fashion dignity and not get burned.
No. 1 on the offending list is latex leggings. These skintight, shiny black leggings are an offense to their cotton counterparts.
No clothing that is made out of the same material as medical gloves and condoms should ever be worn. Also, the fabric choice of dominatrices and fetish club-goers should not be catching on in everyday wear.
From Rihanna to Ashley Olsen to Heidi Klum, celebrities are making the unfortunate choice of putting these hideous leggings on and passing them off as acceptable day wear.
Try not to follow in their fashion footsteps and stick to cotton leggings.
Also tainting the trendy waters are maxidresses.
If you haven't yet heard this term, I promise that you will by summer's end. These are unflattering, floor-length dresses usually in some type of floral print.
They're catching on all over the place. From the red carpet to resort wear to casual wear, the maxi is replacing the minidress, one shapeless blob at a time. The length and draping of the dress make any physique look its worst.
Steer clear of this trend, ladies. You should be flaunting your figure, not hiding it. Choose a dress that's curve-hugging and form-flattering, not something that's got enough material to make drapery.
Head scarves are another formidably flawed fashion trend. Celebrities like Nicole Richie and Mischa Barton have been tying them on in an attempt to channel their inner hippies lately, and now an abundance of them are availabe in retail stores so we can all do the same.
Leave the head scarf trend to Axl Rose circa 1980s and save yourself the embarrassment of sporting this trend.
There is a saving grace, though. While Richie and Barton like to tie the head scarf around the circumference of their head, moving it back five inches boosts its style potential.
To put it simply, wearing a head scarf like you would a headband can be a very cute way to accessorize your hair. Wearing it around your forehead is a fashion mishap.
Not all trends are good trends. Every once in a while, what's popular is not what's stylish and should be avoided at all costs. While these three don't cover all the dangerously unstylish trends out there, it's a start.
Keep your eyes open and make your fashion choices wisely, and hopefully you won't fall into the tacky-trend trap.
