The good, the bad, and the ugly: 2010 fashion in review

With 2011 right around the corner, it's time to say goodbye to the old trends of the year and look to fashion runway shows to get a glimpse of what will be stylish in spring. Before we do that, though, let's reminisce about the styles that 2010 offered, including all the hot looks, as well as the fads you'll wish you hadn't followed while browsing through an old photo album 10 years down the road.

The Good 

    Lace
   

Lace is always elegant and feminine, whether it is classic white lace or, or for a bolder look, colored lace.

Sheer tops

This year, the rule "never let your bra show through your shirt" was thrown out the window. What once was a tacky fashion faux pas has now been reinvented into a stylish trend. Dark, sheer patterned tops were complemented with dark bras for an edgy look.

Cut-out dresses

Cut-out dresses hit the fashion scene in a big way in 2010. Dresses with unique, cut-out geometric patterns of all shapes and sizes created an artistic twist to the typical style of dress.

 

Cropped tops

Cropped tops are fun, a little edgy, and très stylish. A pair of skinny jeans and pumps complete the look.

Military-inspired apparel

Beyonce, Rihanna, and Nicole Richie were just three of the many celebrities sporting a military jacket this year. These jackets paired with dark skinny jeans and knee-high boots create a head-turning rocker glam look.

Oversized "grandma" sweaters

For this look, a trip to the mall is unnecessary - only a trip to grandma's closet. Fashion trends work in cycles, as the experts say, and in 2010, vintage sweaters in a variety of prints and patterns came back into style. These sweaters are chic, trendy, and not to mention, cozy.  

The Bad

One-shoulder top flops

The one-shoulder look was everywhere this year, and nearly every store had a bare-shouldered mannequin revealing this latest trend. At first glance, one-shouldered tops appear to be trendy and unique, but after this trend became so overexposed, it began to look like what it truly is: an unfinished garment. Overrated? You decide.

Furry friend caps

Don't get me wrong, animal hats are rather adorable ... for the 2-10 age group. There is just something a little odd about seeing antlers and ears protruding from an adult head. Just stick with the beanies and fedoras, hipsters.

Miniature hat headbands

Unless you're the mad hatter, it's difficult to pull of this top hat trend without looking absurd. This would be a fantastic accessory for a costume, but for everyday wear, it might be a little over the top.

 Jeggings

Jeggings: the horrible spawn of leggings and jeans. Even the name itself sounds tacky, but what else can be expected of spandex with fake pockets? Although some people pull off jeggings better than Conan, this trend is still one to avoid.

The Ugly

 

Ankle Socks

Although grandma sweaters are quite popular, it isn't necessary to replicate her outfit entirely, especially when it comes to footwear. It doesn't matter how cute the dress you're wearing is. If you're revealing your fluorescent-colored ankle socks, it ruins the entire outfit.

Pan collar dresses

This trend had potential to be cute. If the dresses were colorful with lively prints, it would have completely transformed this trend into a fashionably vintage style. But instead, most of the pan collar dresses appearing online and in stores have been drab and dreary, and many resemble pilgrim dresses. This is perfect for a Thanksgiving play, but not for a trendy ensemble.

 

Borderline trends

Oxford shoes

 

Oxford shoes were a huge sensation this year, but not everyone favored this classic look. Oxfords truly are a "love it or hate it" fad, and I can understand why. Unless you are performing a tap dance routine to "Putting on the Ritz," the black and white oxfords are tacky and difficult to incorporate into a trendy outfit.  

But on the other hand, oxford heels and oxfords in solid colors are much more trendy and are sure to stand out in a positive way. It's all about finding the right color and style.

Overall, 2010 was a great year for fashion, and I will be excited to see what 2011 has to offer. What do you think were the best and worst trends of 2010?