Hottest Fashion Trends? You Judge

Which style statements are a must – and which are a bust? Vote in our poll, then look for the results in PEOPLE's Best & Worst Dressed issue, on sale Sept. 9. By Serena Kappes
By People Staff
Updated August 16, 2005 02:20 PM

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OVERSIZED SUNGLASSES

Credit: Splash;Simon Hammond/Splash; Anthony Dixon/LFI

"Some people think they're fun and funky and some people think they're over-the-top and ridiculous," says PEOPLE style director Susan Kaufman of the ultra-large shades (as seen on Jennifer Lopez, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie). "The whole idea is they're super-exaggerated."

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STRAW COWBOY HATS

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This summer, cowboy hats have been popping up on the beach – and the street. The look is "about a messed up straw hat that's a little bit oversized," says Kaufman about the chapeau worn by actress Kelly Hu, Beyoncé and Cindy Crawford.

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STREET-SWEEPING SKIRTS

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The floor-length variety of the peasant skirt (as seen on Jessica Simpson, Jessica Alba and Britney Spears) has a "very early-'70s feel," says Kaufman. But would-be fashionistas beware: There's the possibility of "tripping over your skirt."

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DISTRESSED JEANS

Credit: L.Guerra-S.Baez/Ramey; H.Wise/Shooting Star; Bill Davila/StarTraks

Don't be fooled by the tattered denim worn by Jennifer Lopez, Rachel Bilson and Kate Hudson: There's nothing cheap about it. Despite their rips, holes and fading, "they're very expensive jeans," says Kaufman of these examples that can set you back $175-250.

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WALKING SHORTS

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Celebrities including Gwyneth Paltrow, Eva Longoria and Hilary Duff have embraced walking shorts. "It's usually a very casual look with sneakers or flip flops, but you can wear the knee-length trouser short with high heels," says Kaufman.

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MINI BRAIDS

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Delicate plaits are an "organic trend that Gwen Stefani did in a very severe way at the Oscars and it sort of loosened up by summer," says Kaufman. Ashley Olsen and Jessica and Ashlee Simpson have all adorned their tresses with such braids.

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JEANS TUCKED IN BOOTS

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"With celebrities, this is a big trend," says Kaufman of tucking boots into jeans (as seen on Elle MacPherson, Nicky Hilton and One Tree Hill star Sophia Bush). "It can be hard to pull off."

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LEGGINGS

Credit: Michael Loccisano/Filmmagic; Matrix/Bauer-Griffin;Matt Symons/Pacifc Coast News

"The '80s are back," says Kaufman of the resurgence of leggings (worn by Rachel McAdams, Sienna Miller and Mischa Barton). "The newest way people are wearing them is layered with a dress or shorts over them."

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SUMMER BOOTS

Credit: Stefan-Diaz/X17; Andrew Sharaf/Pacific Coast News; Jonathan Friolo/IHp/Splash

"Last summer it was all about UGG boots," says Kaufman. "This year it was all about heavy leather boots." Lindsay Lohan, Ashley Olsen and Kimberly Stewart pair the footwear with light summer dresses.

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DAISY DUKE SHORTS

Credit: Sam Wordley/Pacific Coast News; John Smith/Startraks; Tom Marvin

Jessica Simpson (center) sports 'em in The Dukes of Hazzard and has even taken to wearing her Daisy Dukes off-camera. She's not alone: Kate Moss and Eva Longoria have also donned the short shorts.

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