4 ways to find clothes you'll wear year after year.

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How can you tell if an item is too trendy to buy? Staying on top of the trends always presents a dilemma: You want to be of-the-moment, but the moments (and their fashions) pass so quickly, you run the risk of looking outdated before you even tried the trend. A case in point? Ugg boots. Last year, they were new and hip -- and nearly impossible to find -- or afford! This year, they're everywhere, in knockoff versions that everyone can acquire, but according to fashionistas, they're over. What's a woman to do?

Luckily, you can stay stylish and hip if you tune in to the trends that have staying power. Here are some tips to separate the stylish from the super trendy:

• Consider the silhouette. The more classic the overall look, the longer the trend will stick around. Outrageous silhouettes, on the other hand, have a decidedly shorter shelf life. For instance, fall's fitted blazers still look great in wintry weather; that's because their nipped-in waists and skinny arms carry enough classic style to stretch beyond one season. The super-skinny pants, micro mini skirts, and oversized trucker hats of seasons past, on the other hand, have all but disappeared, thanks to their over-the-top silhouettes.
• Check the fabric. Overly ornate or impractical fabrics look dated quickly; think of the crushed-velvet jackets or jacquard pants you tried in the '80s. You probably wouldn't think of wearing them now! But classic fabrics -- cashmere, silk, wool crepe, even corduroy -- look good for a long time, even when they're cut into trendier styles.
• Think of the effect. Is the trend a variation on a classic theme, like a circle skirt that hits the knee or a puffed-sleeve blouse? If so, it will look good for several seasons. But if the trend borders on costume, it'll be out before you know it.
• Above all: Go with your tastes. The rule that trumps all others, in trends and fashion in general, is to go with what you love. So what if Uggs are considered "out" by Madison Avenue snobs? If you love them for their comfiness, their snow-bunny look, or their practicality, wear them. You always look good when you feel great in your clothes, trendy or not!