Just because you can... doesn't mean you should. And it also means you might not agree with me, but here are the eight fashion trends of the year that made me gag every time I saw them. True story.

Gladiator Boots/Sandals

Do I really have to justify myself here? Sandals and "boots" just shouldn't be that complicated.

Metallic Leggings

First of all, let the above picture be a warning to you: leggings should never be worn as pants. I don't need to see your hipbones, the jiggle on your booty, or your cameltoe, ladies. Second, metallic leggings are best left to rockstars who are too old to care what they wear, like Mick Jagger. And if you're even 2 pounds overweight, they are going to flatter you even less.

Skinny Jeans

Sigh. I really really really wish this trend would disappear, or at least only surface on the very few girls who have the body type to pull them off. A tapered silhouette only looks classy on a skirt, not in the form of jeans. And if you're bootylicious or the least bit curvy, these pants will make your bottom look bigger and give you the dreaded muffin top. Stick with bootleg or straightlegs, and you'll be one hot force to reckon with.

High-Waisted Pants

Remember how empire dresses sorta made you look pregnant? These are the pants equivalent. These pants are best left to fashion dorks like Urkel.

Overalls/Shortalls

If you want to look like you didn't try at all and the effect you were goin' for was "sloppy and ensembl-y challenged," slip into a pair of these.

Maxi Dresses

I wanted to like the maxi trend, really, I did. In theory, they're versatile, forgiving, and trendy. In practice, they're unflattering and loud. They make short girls look shorter, skinny girls look chubby, chubby gals look chubbier, and beg the return of a mini. While some ladies could rock this, it was not the trend for most people.

The Bob-Turned-Pixie

For girls who rocked the bob long before Rihanna, this was a nightmare as long-haired ladies shed their locks. Rihanna, Posh, and Katie Holmes made this the go-to cut for far too long - then all turned to the pixie. Good luck growing it back, gals; you'll need it.

Wayfarers

I believe that when you buy a pair of sunglasses, you should buy a pair that looks good on you. Don't just buy what's trendy, 'cause you'll end up lookin' a mess. Opt for a pair that accentuates the shape of your face - for me, that means the Nicole Richie oversized sunglasses, and I'm okay with that.

What do you think? What do you consider the worst trends of this past year?