11 Fashion Trends that Need to Go Away

Put a little spring in your wardrobe by ditching the runway trends designers have been trying to foist on us for years. The fact of the matter is, you simply don't need a pair of fur-lined sandals.

1. Dresses Over Pants
That's right! I said it! This is one of those trends fashion people love to say they are into, but rarely, if ever, actually wear themselves because it's a lot of look to pull off.

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If you're really, legitimately into this look and actually wearing it out, then fine, rock on with your bad self, but a dress neither needs nor wants a pair of pants underneath it.

Try this instead: If you want your legs covered under a dress, don't overthink it; just go for tights or leggings

2. Mullet Dresses
It has "mullet" in the name; that should have been a red flag for everyone from the very beginning.

Try this instead: If you're still hankering for a little high-low action, try front-tucking a longer top into a pencil skirt or jeans. It's a similar look, but it's slouchier and feels cooler.

3. Flatforms
Flats? Great. Platforms? Love 'em! But some good things should not be combined.

Try this instead: Just choose a platform or a flat. Most people really won't notice your height difference.

4. Long, Baggy Shorts
Designers keep trying to make these long shorts happen, but how often do you actually see anyone wearing them? Knee-length skirt? Wonderful. But knee length shorts? It's not that they can't look good. It's just that they so rarely do.

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Try this instead: If you're really not feeling short shorts, that's fine, but go for something that hits mid-thigh, instead of going all the way down to the knee, and make sure they are fitted through the leg.

5. Pun Clothing
It was clever at first, and even kind of chic when you saw street style stars walking around in their parody "Ain't Laurent Without Yves" T-shirts and their genuine Saint Laurent bags. But at this point, it's like hearing your boyfriend's dad tell the same joke for the millionth time.

Try this instead: There's always going to be some sort of graphic tee or top trending at any given moment. For spring 2014 it's all about the pop-art print - big, colorful faces; brush strokes; mixtures of geometric and abstract prints - and, of course, you can never go wrong with a great vintage band tee. Never.

6. Word Jewelry
Lanvin's "Love" and "Help" jewelry hit fast-fashion retailers like Lulus and Forever21 faster than it hit Lanvin. It was cool for a minute, but once we saw it on so many fast fashion racks it became clear: jewelry doesn't need to be read.

Try this instead: Read a book, not a necklace. Let's give all words on clothing and accessories a break for a while.

7. Super Expensive, Birkenstock-Inspired Shoes
Street-style people love an ironic high-fashion Birkenstock. At least, I think it's ironic.

Try this instead: Since no one can afford real fur-lined sandals anyway, pick yourself up a pair of shearling slippers. Or just get actual Birkenstocks. You'll look cool when you pull them off even if they don't have a fur sole.

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8. Harem Pants
Harem pants feel like the natural extension of fashion's continued, but waning, interest in silk pajama pants. But who looks good in these things? Leave them to 1980s MC Hammer.

Try this instead: If you want sweats, go for sweats. If you want pajama pants, go for pajama pants. But leave these saggy-crotched things out of it.

9. Bat Wing Tops
No one needs that much volume under their arms. They just don't. It's the fashion equivalent of webbed fingers.

Try this instead: Just go for an oversized top. It's a similar shape and has the same casual feel, but it won't make you look you've got a flying squirrel hidden somewhere in your family tree.

10. Pointy Studs
They've had a good run, but it's time for a new embellishment to step into the spotlight.

Try this instead: Grommets seem ready to have a real moment. They've got the same tough edge as studs, but without the annoying, skin-abrading spikiness.

11. This bag (and anything that looks like it).

It's been knocked off by everyone - wouldn't it be fun to move on to something different?

Try this instead: If you're looking for a status bag, why not carry a plastic shopping bag and tell people it's from some really obscure French designer they've never heard of? If you're pulling off Birkenstocks, they're especially likely to believe you.


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