Source: Dolce & Gabbana

For most accounts 2014 has been an exciting and reinvigorating time for contemporary fashion. There has been a range of new trends that rethink and repurpose old styles. Quality fashion has become increasingly accessible, with more people having the opportunity to access international trends than ever before.

Yet, our mates in the fashion world have supported some daring resurgents and inflated some awful styles. With so many people accessing fashion for fashions sake, designers have a MORAL duty to ensure bad fashion is not mass produced.

So what were the 5 Best and Worst Fashion trends for 2014?

WORST

5. Birkenstocks

Source: Overstock

Comfort is one thing but Birkenstocks have for generations been the hidden secret of people over the age of 70. They are angry and are coming for all you 20 something’s who have slipped into this trend. In this battle pensioners should win!

4. Norm-Core

Source: Herworldplus.com

Norm-core is defined as “unpretentious, average looking clothing” and the definition itself highlights the problems with this trend. Fashion should be bold and daring; it should push barriers and incite beauty. Fashion should bring the great out of the average. Norm-core is a trend that hipsters have jumped on but mass producing clothing aspiring to be ‘average’ deserves no praise.

BE BOLD KIDS!

3. Flares

Source: Brokeandchic

Burn them and move on. For more information please refer to our article ‘Why Flared Jeans Must Burn In The Fiery Pits of Hell They Came From‘.

2. Crop-tops

Source: Wheretogetit.com

Are we really back here already? Another resurgence that would have been better left in the past! As summer heats up, I can already see the return of crop tops for another season. Crop tops really are hit or miss, when too short they look generic or when too bright one could assume you’re on your way to Stereosonic. But when worn correctly with a small gap of skin, crop tops can be a bearable fashion piece.

1. Denim Cut-offs

Source: Popsugar

Sweet Jesus. Nothing is worse than denim cut-offs when matched with a crop top. This latest denim resurgence has seen the mass production of frayed and badly cut shorts questioning the skills of fashion designers everywhere. I am calling it, the denim cut-off has become the tracksuit pant of 2014. Take what you will from that.

BEST

5. SportsLuxe

Source: Witchery

Sportsluxe is the normalisation of sportswear in everyday fashion.

I adore this trend. Not only does it support an active lifestyle and gives me an excuse to wear my running shorts to work, it is a bold fashion move. You wouldn’t think that sports clothing would become a central trend for 2014, but there is something about designers creating new and innovative styles and blending them with sportsgear. The opening up of this fashion niche has expanded the way the everyday John or Janet thinks about exercise and fashion.

4. Leopard Print

Source: Burberry

This is a timeless trend. Leopard print is a fun little pattern that can be transposed to almost any garment or accessory. I don’t suggest you try and wear a full leopard outfit, but adding one or two items will give your look an animal edge. You too can feel like you’re living in Katy Perry’s Roar music video.

3. Midi Skirts

Source: Vanitycitybuzz.com

A season favourite of mine, midi skirts add elegance to a casual look. This summer has seen the rise of the midi, and boy am I glad to see it. With trends such as denim cut-offs and mini skirts being so popular in 2013/2014, midi skirts add a breath of fresh fashion.

2. Sheer Panels

Source: Store Envy

Sheer panelling was a must have staple for shirts, skirts and dresses this year adding flare to tired designs. The great thing about this sheer style is that it can mix with almost any other trend.

1. Culottes

Source: Foxnews

No, no, no, we aren’t in revolutionary France, it’s 2014 and this trend has killed more than the guillotine. Culottes are a unique and classy look for any season. Perhaps the best new trend of 2014, culottes mix elegance and practicality together to create a bold look that our fashion leader Rachel Zoe would approve of.

Whatever your style is, the take away message from 2014 is to be daring and remember that fashion is meant to turn heads, not blend in to the background.