The Best and Worst Fashion Trends of 2008

JANUARY - Worst
Bright Tights: There was a time when we were convinced that candy-colored hosiery looked good on grownups. That time has passed.

FEBRUARY - Best
Resortwear: Marc by Marc Jacobs's colorful collection of graphic-print tunics and tops was enough to stave off S.A.D. until spring.

FEBRUARY - Worst
Leggings: Worn as tights: fine. Worn as pants, '80s-style: like, gag us with a spoon.

MARCH - Best
Lotsa layered bangles and bracelets: Burberry, Oscar de la Renta, Lacroix, Pucci. If you could still raise your arm, you weren't wearing enough!

MARCH - Worst
Pockets on shoes: People, have we learned nothing from cargo pants?!

APRIL - Best
Sheer: Fashion's elegant minimalism - soft-edge architectural shapes in textured silks and barely there colors. Very zen.

APRIL - Worst
Architectural Heels: So cute, but so deadly. A woman should only have to learn how to walk in heels once in her life.

MAY - Best
The Maxi Dress: The full length '70s style sundress was the new staple for the girls on the go this spring. It was the perfect outfit for any occasion and we saw it paired with everything from sexy sandals to causal flipflops.

MAY - Worst
The arts & crafts couture trend: Skirts and dresses covered in feathers and mirrors: pretty, Sitting down in one: not pretty.

JUNE - Best
Ruffles: An emblem of both girl power and retro glam-rock, ruffles ruled! Whether froufrou for evening or formidable for work, ruffles look modern in black or barely-there shades.

JUNE - Worst
Knee-High Gladiator Sandals: Cute on the runway? Yes. But, this trend is just too much for the sidewalk. Opt for the ankle length unless you're on your way to the Colosseum to slay a few tigers.

JULY - Best
Blooms Day: Designers were on fertile ground and in a garden state of mind with these lush colorful looks of vibrant flowers and retro shapes.

JULY - Worst
Dark Fashion: Black bob, black lipstick? Why not just get a T-shirt that says, "I hate my parents."

AUGUST - Best
Fall's IT coats arrived in stores in August: Smart girls swung by the mall on their way home from the beach - there's nothing like cashmere and Coppertone working together.

AUGUST - Worst
High Tops: We can all understand the need for some extra ankle support at the gym. But when it comes to street wear, this retro revival should have been left in the '80s.

SEPTEMBER - Best
Menswear: We loved seeing pants strut their stuff on the runway. This year's styles have assumed mythic proportions, with big buttons, giant cuffs, and full-blown pleats.

SEPTEMBER - Worst
Extreme Details: Sculptural styles are a definite do but, worrying about de-puffing your sleeves, collar, waist or anything else during your morning commute - no thank you.

OCTOBER - Best
Ultra Violet: Forget power red. The hues making all the news were every shade of purple.

OCTOBER - Worst
It's Halloween - and we all love to dress up. But the ultimate fashion don't this month is any Halloween costume that begins with the word "naughty" as in: naughty nurse, naughty bunny, naughty nun, naughty secretary.

NOVEMBER - Best
Lace: Frilly yet fearless. From boudoir to boardroom to dance floor, lace was the connecting thread.

NOVEMBER - Worst
Yes, Nov. 1st may have been the Mexican holiday The Day of the Dead but skull fashion is so out.

DECEMBER - Best
Flash Your Brights: Baby it's cold outside but that's no reason to dress drab. Get precious with gem-toned trend.

DECEMBER - Worst
Huge Hats: We love the hat trend but sometimes there is a such a thing as too much of a good trend. This December, keep hats fab, functional and frill-free.