Dangers: The obvious medical problems ("countless sprains and fractures," Time reported); the sole below the toe was often cut on a wedge, giving the wearer a tendency to pitch forward uncontrollably; heels made of cork and other cheap materials were very unstable and could snap; very difficult to walk in and made you look stupid.

---

TOE SOCKS A "novelty" sock item demanded by the prominence of open-toe shoes, these socks (usually striped in vibrant colors) had a little slot for each toe -- mittens for your feet.

Dangers: The knitted toe slots were generally all the same size, leaving your little toe all smooshed up against a wad of acrylic yarn and your big toe strangled.

---

ENORMOUS METAL BELT BUCKLES The best were as large as a man's fist and sported raised lettering or a 3-D image (a Harley biker, the peace sign, a zodiac sign, a beer logo). Generally worn on thick hand-tooled leather belts.

Dangers: When you sat down, they dug into your soft white underbelly; you could catch your old lady's crocheted vest on them; someone who hit you in the stomach could hurt a hand.

---

CHOKERS While they have made a '90s comeback, there were many more variations of the choker necklace in the '70s, when both men and women wore them -- leather, beads, fabric, macrame, puka shells.

Dangers: You should never wear anything called a "choker." Long hair was especially vulnerable around puka shells.

Reprinted From Thrift Score, Spring 1994.