The Worst Fashion Trends of 2014 ...

This was undeniably one of the worst fashion trends of 2014, and, well, ever. Not only do they look very strange, regardless of color or pattern or style, but they don’t suit anyone. Not even the amazingly beautiful can pull off a bucket hat without it looking a little weird. Bucket hats definitely shouldn’t have come back into fashion – this shouldn’t be allowed to happen again!

We’re blaming celebs for this one. Sure, if you’re working out all the time and you’ve got a washboard stomach to die for, you probably want to show it off. Some crop tops can look nice, if worn well. You don’t just need a great body, though, you need a great outfit. And when shops start selling crop hoodies, it’s gone too far. That’s not to mention all of the really unflattering styles… give them a miss.

This is a baffling trend, really. Typically, you’ll only opt to wear sleeves if it’s pretty chilly out, and you need the coverage. So why would you choose sleeves with a huge hole at the shoulders?! Not only that, but most tops with a cut out shoulder look more like the seams have split than you’re making a fashion statement. I’m not even sure that it’s possible to get this look right.

Timberlands seemed to be everywhere this year, in a true '90s revival. Even Beyonce was snapped rocking a pair! That doesn’t mean you should be, though. That iconic tan shoe might be able to protect your toes from falling building debris, but it’s a bit too construction site for everyday life, and they do tend to make your feet look big. Give the builders back their shoes and let's rock kitten heels, Converse and boots instead.

Fluffy things are everywhere this year. I’m not against fluff, by the way. I have some beautiful knee-high boots which are lined with fluff, and oh-so-comfortable to slip on. Fluff lined sandals are a step too far, though – and don’t get me started on t-shirts complete with fur. Not only does it give you a really strange figure, but it looks like you’re mid transformation into a werewolf. Or a bunny rabbit.

Unless you’re furiously dancing to Cotton Eye Joe, you’re fringing should probably be subtle and understated. It looks great along hemlines or sleeves, or even decorating bags and accessories, but it shouldn’t cover every visible inch of your clothing. Aggressive fringing makes it look like you got lost in a charity shop for old-time rodeos. Less is more.

Alright, so this will be the most controversial of the worst fashion trends of 2014. We know that pleather leggings can look hot. If you’ve got the right figure, it’s an unbeatable outfit, and it’s warm, too. Get it slightly wrong, though, and it’s a recipe for disaster. They can also be really uncomfortable, and having seen a friends pleather explode at the seams, unpredictable. Save yourself some dignity and opt for something more flattering, unless you’re Kate Moss.

Every year has its moments, but the worst fashion trends of 2014 are something else. We probably should have learnt the first time! Did you spot any horrid trends during 2014? Have you bought something that makes you recoil in horror when you remember it? Let me know what your worst fashion trends are!