Shell shockers and fashion crimes

Once they were everywhere. Queuing at airports, lounging at the cinema or rushing around the shops. They were even spotted jogging in the park.

Both men and women succumbed to the practicality and comfort of the shell suit.

But today, its flimsy material and garish colours have been consigned to the back of the wardrobe or more likely, the charity shop bargain bin.

And it's hardly surprising. Yesterday shell suits were voted the number one fashion faux pas in a poll for the BBC's new What To Wear magazine.

The tracksuit-style outfit that no one could resist throughout the Eighties is now something no one would be seen dead in.

Apart from the occasional hip-hopper that is, who accessorises with heavy gold chains and a sun visor.

The nasty nylon got the definitive thumbs down in a survey of 600 fashion fans.

Puffball skirts, another Eighties trend, introduced by designer Christian Lacroix, also fell flat with the voters.

It was regarded as the second-worst fashion felony.

They were followed by leggings, the skintight trousers that reveal every bump and bulge and became a staple for slipping down to the shops under a baggy shirt. Despite general scorn, they are still often spotted at gyms and on cyclists.

Stilettos were ranked the fourth worst fashion disaster, despite the fact that they are supposed to be teetering back into fashion this summer.

Next were those bodysuits with poppers that nearly everyone wore under suits, skirts and trousers throughout the Eighties.

A hybrid of the leotard, they were the invention of New York designer Donna Karan, known today for her understated elegance.

Other style horrors included the razor- sharp shoulder pads that Linda Evans and Joan Collins could have fought duels with in the Eighties soap opera Dynasty. String vests, also said to be making a comeback this summer, were voted number eight in the top ten fashion mistakes.

They were followed by stonewashed jeans, dungarees and jumpsuits.

'Everyone has at least one fashion catastrophe hidden in their wardrobes,' said What To Wear editor-inchief Jane Bruton.

'But this list of style nonos highlight those that should never see the light of day again - for the good of the nation.'

Just failing to make the top ten were those fingerless gloves that Madonna wore in many of her pop videos. Style gurus Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine will be dispensing fashion advice in the magazine.

The pair made themselves household names in their BBC2 style advice show, What Not To Wear.

They also have a regular advice column in the Daily Mail.

But their no-nonsense approach and candid comments about those in need of a makeover have not enamoured every fashionconscious beauty.

Denise Van Outen, whose home county Essex is known to be partial to white stilettos, has declared that she would never take their advice.