Printed Ruffled Top ($29.00)

Rating: Buy It Never

Fit: So this great if you really want to look like a bird of paradise. It’s probably not slutty enough for Halloween so it can be used just on normal costumey days should you have such days. The weirdest part about this dress might be the back that is also decked out in ruffles. This is perfect because from the side with crazy ruffles in the front and back, you’ll look twice as bulky as usual and who doesn’t want to look like that? Well done, designers.

Versatility: Tiki night? It would make an acceptable alternative to a Hawaiian shirt.

Trend: Whatever the look is they’re going for here, it’s not for fall. That much I know.

Demographic: Nobody

Side Sequin Trim Top ($24.80)

Rating: Wear it forever (or at least till the beads fall off)

Fit: Amidst sequin overload, I discovered this beaded top that looked like it could easily have come from J. Crew, where embellished tees can cost you over $100. Unlike some of the tops I’ve tried at Michelle Obama’s favorite store, Forever 21’s polished beads were light enough that they didn’t weigh down the extremely soft shirt. I’m not promising the beads will stay on, but while they do, they look expensive.

Versatility: Since the shirt is so thin, I wouldn’t recommend wearing it tucked out over a pair of jeans. Luckily, it’s leggings season.

Trend Factor: Both gray and nude are in for fall—as are embellishments. But since the beadwork isn’t so in your face as other sequined tops, this one is more of a classic. Just something a little fancier than your average t-shirt.

Demographic: Everyone

Mesh And Stone Trim Tee ($32.00)

Rating: Buy It Maybe

Fit: This is one of those long, tight rayon shirts that hugs every sort of fat roll you may have no matter how small. Things like this are really just made for the mannequins. I mean, look how that shirt looks on that plastic, flawless body. On a normal person it’s going to look more like this. Of course you can always just tuck it into a high-waisted skirt and problem solved, but this brings me to the next problem with this top. The embellished mesh top is oddly shaped. If it were either a bit less wide or more low cut, it would be more flattering.

Versatility: Unless you’re mannequin perfect, this is going to work best tucked into something high wasited. Otherwise, it’ll work with jeans and leggings.

Trend Factor: The embellished top it like a built-in statement necklace.

Demographic: Teens

Military Tipped Sweater ($32.00)

Rating: Trendy For Now

Fit: These military inspired cardigans were looking so supercute on the mannequins in the Twelve by Twelve section they were almost sold out. Just one large in gray was left. I was like, “Of course I’ll try a large on” because I thought it was a no-brainer I would love it. I love cardigans, I’m kind of into this military trend happening right now and I love things decked out in gaudy grandma embellishments like the pearl buttons. Turns out there were actually too many pearl buttons that this just wasn’t working for me. But, considering it was all sold out, it must work for someone.

Versatility: Definitely looks better all buttoned up, so pair with jeans or a skirt.

Trendy Factory: The name says it all: Military.

Demographic: Everyone

Satin Woven Tunic ($22.80)

Rating: Buy It Maybe

Fit: I don’t know if buttoned-down shirts really require much reviewing. Like, we’re all pretty aware of how they fit, right? It’s really not that hard to mess them up. Like this one, it’s fine. It’s blousey and a nice, rich color. It has this weird tie that–if you’re an old lady like me–is going to cut across your muffin top and then you’re going to wonder, “Why does Forever 21 insist on doing this to these things they call tunics?” And then you’ll remember, “Oh right. This is a store for teenagers. That is why a teenager (or anyone else without a muffin top) can wear this with a pair of leggings or whatever the kids are wearing and it will be cute. Duh.” That was sums up my experience with this particular button top, anyway. Of course it’s possible to remove the tie and belt it around the waist but they had to go and put belt loops on it.

Versatility: Schoooooool!

Trend Factor: Just a good ol’ classic

Demographic: Teens, 20s

Tie Back Sweater ($19.00)

Rating: Wear It Forever

Fit: The ribbing on the sweater is extremely slimming, as it draws attention to your chest while creating a narrower midsection (though busty women, you might want to steer clear). The pearl beaded posies look just as nice as any 50+ J. Crew embellishments and the lavender, taupe and black are equally pretty, making it difficult to choose which color to buy.

Versatility: The only reason I didn’t purchase the sweater is a) I’ve been spending way too much during my Forever21Report research shopping trips and b) I rarely wear pants. The ribbed empire waist would look weird tucked into my ubiquitous pencil skirts at work. But if you’re a slacks girl, go for it!

Trend Factor: The embellishments tie-in with fall’s lady-like looks but the sweater overall is simple enough to wear year after year.

Demographic: 20s, Sophisticated

Architectural Zip Top ($29)

Rating: Buy It Never

Fit: I was initially drawn to the color. Very Michelle Obama lemongrass. But zippers are supposed to be edgy and structured. Unfortunately, the hardware design up top loses its cool factor when the loops flop over as you walk.

Versatility: If you’re a DIY-er, you could probably get the zippers to stay in place. But if you’re that crafty, I’m guessing you’ve already made a zipper top on your own.

Trend Factor: While the color makes the top different then all the other exposed zippers lining clothing across the board, I’d still go with the Zipper Spiral Trim Top ($17.80). It’s basic black but the design stays in place.

Demographic: Nobody

Blurred Floral Bustier Top ($17.80)

Rating: Buy It Maybe

Fit: Finally! A corset style top at Forever 21 without that tacky elastic back. Granted, the quality wasn’t perfect. I could already see the sticking unraveling at the bust. But the print is pretty and a zipper is better than elastic any day unless you’re preggers.

Versatility: Wear it over jeans with a blazer or tucked into a high-waist skirt.

Trend Factor: Artistic prints and florals are perfect for transitioning from summer into fall.

Demographic: 20s, Sophisticated

Abstract Print Satin Top ($17.80)

Rating: Buy It Never

Fit: I love, love, love this print. It’s a pity then that the bosom of this top has to have that awful foam padding that is a instant ghettoizer. One day, when Forever 21 contacts us and yells at us for copyright infringement or whatever, I’m just going to ask them one question. What the eff is with all the foam?! They’ll probably just tell me to shut up and stop using their logo but at least I tried.

Versatility: The reason I’m so angry at the foam is this top could have been great with jeans and worked everywhere.

Trend: It’s all about that crazy print.

Demographic: Everyone

Velvet Bubble Hem Tunic ($22.80)

Rating: Buy it Never

Fit: Bubble hems are the bain of my existence. They make butts look larger and hips look fuller. And I’m all for velvet—just not when it’s shiny and looks like it belongs on the seat of a barstool at a strip club. It’s really too bad, too. You can’t tell online but the color of this top is gorgeous.

Versatility: Cut it in half and you have a tacky table runner.

Trend Factor: Velvet is huge for fall. Just not this polyester mix.

Demographic: Nobody