The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

For the most part, 2009's trends didn't shake out too poorly. We've definitely seen far worse years. For instance, the year entire families decided to rock Crocs together on vacations. Or, the year skunk stripe highlights stunk up the beauty industry. That's not to say the past year didn't see some horrifying looks. Sure, we had some bad ones, but the list of good trends far outweighs it.

Without further ado, here's a look back at the best and worst fashion and beauty trends of 2009.

BEST

Red Lips: You more than likely shrugged this trend off, claiming you don't do red lipstick, and then found yourself leaving your Louboutin red lip print on every tissue, envelope and sticky note in sight. We don't blame you. Sex appeal in a tube of lipstick is hard to resist.

The Biker Look: Admit it. The studly studs, motorcycle jackets and boots had you contemplating whether or not to wear a helmet just so you could shake your hair out for the full effect. Who cares if you drive a sedan.

Rihanna's 'Do: The long front section and layered back put this hairstyle dangerously close to the Kate Gosselin. But, if your stylist nailed it, you undoubtedly walked out of the salon with a new swagger. It takes moxie to pull this one off.

Thigh-High Boots: Sure, they conjure images of a young Julia Roberts leaning over a Lotus Esprit that "corners like it's on rails," but isn't that part of what's great about them?

Sock Sandals: Sandals got intense ankle treatment this spring, but the sock look won us over. If you think these got placed on the wrong list, think back to your first impression of gladiator sandals. Now count how many pair are in your closet. We rest our case.

Mad Men Look: We love the fitted frocks, A-line skirts and pretty brooches this '60s-set AMC TV series made trendy again. If for nothing else, the fact you swear you can hear a burlesque horn when you slip them on, despite the fact each piece is as prim and proper as ever.

Straw Fedora: You wore it poolside, running errands and to the club. It did more for you this summer than that cut-out swimsuit ever could. The straw fedora makes the best trends cut for its reliability.

Moroccanoil: You went so ga-ga over this oil treatment that we heard it referred to as "crack for hair." So long as you don't pawn Grandma's heirlooms to afford the $39 bottle, we'd call it a healthy addiction.

Shoulder Pads: For the past two years, fashion critics have been trying to tell us the '80s were back. But, until this trend came back to life we weren't convinced. Are only question is, when can we start hairspraying wings into our hair again?

Clarisonic: Yes, we realize it's been around for years and even made Oprah's Favorite Things in '07, but for some reason, this skin care contraption became a must-have in 2009. It's kind of like putting a giant electric toothbrush to your face, except your left with skin that goes "ding!" not teeth.

Side Braids: Braids got going a couple years ago, but when Jennifer Aniston rolled to the Oscars with the side french braid, you swallowed the trend whole and then asked for seconds. The style is quick, but attention-grabbing, much like Aniston's relationships.

Boyfriend's Clothes: Designers got a little lazy this year and went rummaging through your boyfriends' closets for inspiration. Lucky for us it birthed both the boyfriend blazer and boyfriend jeans. As long as his shoes aren't next, we're digging this pattern.

Worst

Ed Hardy Digs: There's a reason the brand has become synonymous with a certain feminine hygiene product. If you still don't get it, this should help you: The cast of "Jersey Shore" loves them some Ed Hardy. That's your cue to take a lighter to every skull and rose-laden garment you own.

Kate Gosselin's Cut: You used to think the mullet was the worst hairdo ever created. And then this woman decided to wear the mullet backward. So innovative.

Beyoncé's Leotards: We were diggin' the first, second and third ones, but she donned them so much this past year it's shocking she didn't serenade the Obamas in one of these. "At Last," give it a rest.

Harem Pants: The more obvious name for these saggy diaper replicas would be Hammer pants. Unfortunately for the designers, we're obsessed with the '80s right now, not the early '90s.

Partially Shaved Heads: Cassie and Carmen Electra should take a tip from Britney Spears. You either go all the way with the shaved head or you don't go at all.