BEST

1. Patterned rain boots: For Seattleites, fashionable rain boots seem like a gift sent from the fashion gods. The colorful boots come in every print and were the only colorful part of an otherwise gray day.

2. Bare Escentuals makeup: The 2006 explosion of Bare Escentuals' all-mineral powder foundation kissed goodbye the days of cakey, thick liquid foundation. Thank goodness real skin is actually visible again.

3. Skinny jeans: Skinny jeans, the overwhelming denim trend of the year, were a nice alternative to the unflattering, ultra low-rise jeans. Though tough to pull off for short legs, a pair tucked into knee or thigh-high boots was foolproof and added sophistication to any outfit.

4. The retro look: Last year re-introduced red lips, polka dots and headbands. Every season needs a bit of nostalgia, and a polka-dot halter dress with a wide headband was the perfect throwback.

5. Layering: One of the best things about layering is that there is something flattering for every body type. Layering jazzed up basics and took favorite tops from one season to the next.

6. Big necklaces: This summer, fashion finally gave earlobes a break and instead, opted for necklaces. These necklaces were often large, long and contained colored or wooden beads. One necklace was all anyone needed to accessorize an outfit and look chic.

7. Gold jewelry: There were big changes for jewelry in 2006. The year tossed in the towel on silver and re-introduced gold as not-just-for-moms. Gold appeared on earrings, necklaces and every accessory imaginable, re-creating itself as the perfect dress-up metal and a nice contrast to the tired black and silver combination.

8. Blazers worn casually: This year, men's blazers went casual. The range of casual blazers expanded, paired with casual shirts, T-shirts, hoodies and denim jeans. What a way to make a formal classic an everyday option.

9. Hobo bags: Big was the buzzword in bags this year. The biggest trick was picking out a bag that was proportional to one's own body. The most popular shape, the hobo bag, came in enough sizes to find the perfect fit for every body

10. Black and white: White was the predominant spring/summer color and black for autumn/winter. A white linen eyelet dress in the summer with a colorful accessory created a season-perfect palette.

WORST

1. Crocs: The first time I saw these brightly colored rubber shoes with holes, only one word came to mind: why? The defense from Croc-wearers: "They're really comfortable!" It doesn't matter ...Crocs are uglier than the old neighbor lady's gardening shoes. Just stop with the bright green rubber — they're not shoes!

2. Uggs: My dearest hope was that Uggs would not have to make this list because they would not be back for yet another winter season. These shoes are rarely flattering, because the thickness makes legs look stumpy. They're called Uggs for a reason: They're "ugg"ly.

3. No panties: Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears did it, which is enough reason not to try it. Undergarments were made for a reason. Just like no one wanted to see your thong sticking out two years ago, no one needs to see your bare ass in public.

4. Black tights with everything: Black tights can polish off many outfits, but not everything. This year black hosiery was seen with dresses and skirts of every color. Read ladies: Stick with dark colors and sheer black hosiery.

5. Sweatpants: The same people show up in sweatpants, everyday in class They just woke up, and haven't showered yet, and it's just class. Well the day has begun, so stop having "just woken up" five days a week.

6. Juicy Couture: Juicy Couture exploded this year, expanding its line into handbags, perfume and accessories for children and dogs. Just in case the bright yellow terry pants with "JUICY" planted on the back weren't bad enough, now one can top it off with a bright green terry shoulder bag and an even tackier velour hoodie for his or her dog. Enough said.

7. Tanning: Every week, hordes of women (and some men) run to the tanning salon to give themselves another shot at cancer. Who convinced people that looking unlike their natural skin tone — and developing a deadly disease — makes one "healthier?"

8. '80's-style jewelry: This year, a crop of plastic, brightly colored striped jewelry reappeared and in the form of earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Hard plastic is for children's dress up and the '80's — not college students circa 2006.

9. Plaid shorts: Men's plaid shorts appeared everywhere this summer, and each was more hideous than the next. Maybe they were supposed to bring preppy back, but men looked confused with plaid shorts paired with a ratty T-shirt and nowhere near a golf course.

10. Clothes that don't fit properly: Clothing that doesn't fit properly is a classic 'don't,' and yet it is repeated over and over again. A key aspect of fashion is finding things that make you look good. This does not include too-tight jeans that are especially obvious at the mid-section. Buy the right size. Nothing, no matter how trendy, looks good if it doesn't accentuate what you already have.

— Ninette Cheng

ninettecheng@thedaily.washington.edu