Well ..... it's important to note that what constitutes "taste" or "bad taste or "good taste" can vary depending on cultural and social norms, as well as personal taste. What may be considered fashionable or stylish in one context may be seen as tasteless or inappropriate in another. Did you ever consider why clothing comes in sooooo many patterns shapes and colors? Most of it I find repelling ... yet other people love it.
To make a long story short ..... it's not about taste. It's about personal style and preference.
That said about your last comment, I'll add something about the outfit I called to vote upon. It's Reese Witherspoon wearing that dress. Reese Witherspoon is a very short woman. In the picture you posted she's trying to implement the trick of wearing a maxi dress with a defined waist to create the appearance illusion of longer legs ... it's not successful in the particular occasion. She still looks short and additionally she looks out of proportion. It doesn't matter if the dress looks good ... she doesn't