I often get asked “what are some of the trends you can’t stand?” or “what are the ones that you love and are here to stay?” Well, I present The Stylish Eye Top 5 Love ‘Em or Leave ‘Em just in time for summer. You be the judge.

Love ‘Em.

5. Wrap belts.

Belts have been, and continue to be, a huge trend for summer. A favorite of mine that emerged last fall is the wrap belt. Think of it as Karate Kid meets high fashion. A wrap belt is great because it can transform an

outfit in an instant and can be found for a steal. I bought a muted gold faux-leather wrap belt at H&M in the Fall for $15. It is almost like an obi and wraps twice and is finished with tassels. (Tassels are also huge this summer.) I also love that wrap belts come in a variety of fabrics and colors so you can really change-up an outfit in an instant. There’s also no pesky belt notches and they typically come one size fits all and can be loosened or tightened depending on your shape and how high/low you wear it. Must-have accessorty for Summer and Fall.

4. Wedged sandals.

I am a HUGE fan of the wedge. I recently had a client who had major foot problems. She wanted to wear heels but comfort was key. The wedge is a stylish and comfortable solution for a hip and sassy summer sandal. I love the platform wedges, which give you more height (I can use it) but the platform evens things out and you feel more balanced than teetering on the balls of your feet. I bought a few pairs of wedges last summer and am glad to see they are still here to stay. I encourage a bright color – perhaps a vibrant coral, or maybe a cobalt blue. Mix it up and try a new texture or color and see how it can make a simple white or black skirt really pop.

3. Short denim.

We’re talking hot denim skirts, shorts and even cropped jeans that will turn Luke Duke’s head! I’m loving a short, white denim skirt for summer. Perfect for everything from a day at the park to a trip to the Vineyard.

Pair it with a simple black or navy tank for a more urban look or perhaps a pink or orange tee or kaftan for more of a laid-back island look. The one trick to buying a great denim skirt is to ALWAYS, my dear fashionista, ALWAYS sit before you buy. Sit down on a bench in the fitting room. Make sure you’re comfortable with the length – denim can be a tricky fit. Length can be deceiving and no one wants to see your bloomers when you’re getting up from the picnic table at the family reunion. I’m also a big fan on denim shorts – make your own from an old pair of jeans that have seen better days. Cropped jeans are a great, almost year-round, staple for your wardrobe. Just be sure they are not to wide at the bottom or they can look more like culottes and…well, those are another blog post, indeed.

2. Maxi dresses.

MaryKate & Ashley started this trend years ago. The bohemian look gone wild. Maxi dresses really hit the scene this summer and they are a great staple for your wardrobe. CAUTION: The wrong dress will make you look like a) you borrowed one of the Golden Girl’s mumus b) you’re Cher’s other lovechild or 3) you’ve been eating too many cheeseburgers for lunch. The key to the maxi dress is the fit. They can be super-flowy, which is part of the appeal, but too much flow can make you look like you’re on the grow (get my drift?). Look for cuts that are either cinched or fitted at the waist or can be belted, or are more drapey and form-fitting. Also, length is important. I prefer to the ground, can’t see my toes when I am standing still. But, that can be a challenge to walk it. Do what you’re comfortable with, but longer is better. I also prefer flats to heels with maxis. Take that Bohemian Rhapsody to it’s maxi!

1. White shirts.

Nothing says summer more than a classic white shirt. I own lots of white. White t-shirts, tank

tops, button downs – my new fave western-inspired shirt in white polka dots. White is classic, sexy and looks great with a little color during the summer. You can pair white with anything, including white. A white linen or cotton button-down does double-duty as a great day shirt or as a fun change to the usual sweater over a strapless top or dress at night. Again, fit here is key. Everyday, I watch women walk around the city in shirts that are too big: HINT: If you can take your shirt off over your head without unbuttoning it, it is too big. A more fitted style shows your curves and contours and can often take off 10lbs.

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Leave ‘Em.

5. Boat shoes.

If you are not on a boat, forget the boat shoes. I honestly never really understood this “fashion” trend. Boat shoes are HUGE in Europe and I often see Europeans who are visiting here in Boston wearing them around town. I try to give them a free pass because they are European typically have great fashions sense but, the boat shoes are so awful! Please, pass on the boat shoes unless your manning the deck or steering the boat, ahoy matey.

4. Harem pants.

Worst. Fashion trend. Ever. These pants look good on no one! Even 6ft tall super models look like they’re ready to break down some MC Hammer. Why would you want to wear pants that are super baggy around your hips and thighs? Did it in the 80′s. Pass.

3. Crop tops.

No one needs to see your belly hanging out. I don’t care if there’s a 6-pack of abs under that little shirt. The

only way these tops are acceptable are with a tank top underneath – but they are not for everyone. The reason longer tops often work better is because they create an optical illusion. They make your torso appear longer than it is, which gives you longer slimmer legs. Crop tops cut your midriff in half and can make you look short and stumpy – who wants that? I say skip this fad.

2. Leggings.

I see them everywhere. They make me nuts! First off, leggings are NOT pants. Say it with me now. I continue to see women wearing leggings as pants and they look awful. You are basically wearing a pair of tights (sometimes even thinner material) and every bump, crinkle and crease is there for all the world to see. Walking down the street in the City the other day I was behind a rather curvaceous woman who was wearing white leggings and a crop top. It was all I could do from going right up to her and pulling a Fashion Emergency on her legging wearing backside. Ladies, please pass on this excuse for wearing a properly fitting dress or shirt. Thanks.

1. Crocs.

Foam clogs? Enough said. See my blog post and please don’t let me catch you sporting these around town. I’m watching.

So, what’s on your fashion do/don’t list? Seen any fashion disasters lately? Would love to hear from you. Until then, love ‘em or leave ‘em.