https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/those-shopping-mistakes-lurking-in-the-closet Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:28:28 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/those-shopping-mistakes-lurking-in-the-closet/page/2#post-2312538 Tue, 07 Mar 2023 21:19:01 +0000 Style Fan 2312538@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I try to look for pieces that work well with my small wardrobe.&nbsp; Last year I made several shopping mistakes.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>1/&nbsp; Camel oversized turtle neck sweater from Artitizia&nbsp;<br />This is a lovely sweater, but the colour is wrong for me.&nbsp; The camel colour and my hair look unattractive together.&nbsp; I thought camel would be an excellent colour to introduce to my wardrobe.&nbsp; Wrong!&nbsp; I will probably try to sell it.</p> <p>2/&nbsp; Orange oversized turtle sweater Zaket &amp; Plover<br />I love the colour, but I don't do oversized.&nbsp; It just doesn't work for me.&nbsp; :(<br />I will probably try to sell it.</p> <p>3/&nbsp; Burnt orange wide-legged cropped pants Lululemon<br />These started as winners but were uncomfortable after I cut the tags.&nbsp; Donated.</p> <p>4/&nbsp; Olive joggers Lululemon<br />These looked so good that I ignored how much I disliked the feel of the material on my skin.&nbsp; Donated.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/those-shopping-mistakes-lurking-in-the-closet/page/2#post-2312523 Tue, 07 Mar 2023 18:55:26 +0000 Lesley 2312523@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Most memorably shoes for me too, including one just this Christmas! Got some new Birkenstock Bostons as house shoes, not realizing that the style I chose was a men's style and thus the default is a wide rather than a narrow, whereas when you buy a woman's style they default to narrow? (Super confusing, I would not classify my feet as narrow, but apparently every Birkenstock I have ever worn was a narrow without my realizing it.) So I tried them on in my size, 38, they felt great (I also have sort of new arthritis in one big toe &amp; knuckle, so the roominess was welcome) and so I threw out the box and everything. Within about a week I was starting to worry that they were so loose that I would lose them! I decided to keep wearing them and they didn't continue to get looser and looser as I worried, although they are quite loose. I had a friend who works in leather punch some new holes in the straps so I can tighten them up if I need to, but I have just generally felt dumb that I didn't examine the whole thing more closely in the beginning. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/those-shopping-mistakes-lurking-in-the-closet/page/2#post-2312521 Tue, 07 Mar 2023 18:36:44 +0000 Carla 2312521@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Trying&nbsp;<i>sooo&nbsp;</i>hard to be picky and careful, but still…. Last year I wanted a pair of Blundstones so badly! &nbsp;It seems like&nbsp;<i>everyone&nbsp;</i>wears them here, and they do look so cool. &nbsp;Well, I think the popular style has a narrower toe box than I could wear (bunions), so I opted for a round toe version. &nbsp;They worked okay style-wise with my skinny’s for fall through winter to spring, but I find them so heavy and clunky looking! &nbsp;:-( &nbsp;Now with skinnies edited from my closet, they are tougher to style. &nbsp;Don’t work with crops at all, and only one pair of full length jeans. &nbsp;I think I’ll set them aside for gardening (heavy spade/shovel work) and keep my eyes open for a lighter looking, more refined Chelsea boot. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/those-shopping-mistakes-lurking-in-the-closet#post-2312513 Tue, 07 Mar 2023 17:05:24 +0000 Dee 2312513@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I see that many mentioned mistakes occurring while focusing mostly on a colour or pattern but not noticing the cut or shape of the garment as much.<br /><b>Brooklyn</b>&nbsp;-so true, it seems we no sooner cut the tags on the “almost” perfect we settled for, and then shortly later find exactly what we really wanted.<br />And its definitely <b>SHOES that seem to be the number 1 mistake purchase for so many of us.</b> It just usually takes awhile to finally realize they aren’t going to work in the long run. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/those-shopping-mistakes-lurking-in-the-closet#post-2312463 Tue, 07 Mar 2023 12:41:10 +0000 Anonymous 2312463@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Half my wardrobe it feel like! Right now, blouses have been especially problematic, due to the shapes.<br /> These 2- I love the prints, and the second matches a pair of pants that I have. But both are short and wide. I am wearing them, but wish they were a little longer and narrower.<br /> So...I threw more $ at them. Tried to rein in the volume with a clip, but the first blouse has more volume in front. Fail. Then I bought the vest. May try the 2 matching pieces with it, to make it less visible pattern- but a dressier vest would be better. Or Being Pickier About Fit In The Dressing Room And Not Being Seduced By Pattern. </p> <p>One more...though I have many others. The wedge sandals. They were comfortable in the shop and seemed easy to walk in. I like the velcro to make them narrow enough for my feel. Dark brown sandals were a HEWI. </p> <p>Then I walked up a flight of steps with them. FAIL. Though I was gonna fall. Now TBH, most buildings in my area have only 1 floor, but still. I'm much more cautious now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/those-shopping-mistakes-lurking-in-the-closet#post-2312452 Tue, 07 Mar 2023 10:39:31 +0000 Zaeobi 2312452@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We all have them, don't feel bad! Mine are usually like Brooklyn's - I overlook one 'small' detail in the spirit of compromise, but never wear it as a result. Just sorted a few midrise trousers, for example (I'll keep trying to hike them up to my natural waist instead of admitting that I prefer high-rise pants, lol!) &amp; also 2 tops named 'khaki' online but are actually anything but IRL! </p> <p>The shoe fit issue is especially frustrating when buying leather ones - because you don't know whether to wait &amp; see if the leather 'softening up' with use will fix the fit issue, or whether it never will! </p> <p>I'm wondering whether I should stick some of my 'new' fails (either New with Tags or with the tags cut off but never actually worn) up on the Style Exchange section of YLF? Though I suspect no one will want to ship a garment from HK lol - those of you in the US will probably have more luck with it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/those-shopping-mistakes-lurking-in-the-closet#post-2312449 Tue, 07 Mar 2023 08:23:37 +0000 Minaminu 2312449@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting read! I have been making the same mistake on a couple of occasions, buying a piece online and selecting my size without checking the size guide. The Cos white dress was too big on me and the M&amp;S periwinkle dress was a bit too big and nowadays shapeless. </p> <p>I now check size guides for each purchase, even if it is one of my safe brands! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/those-shopping-mistakes-lurking-in-the-closet#post-2312439 Tue, 07 Mar 2023 06:02:07 +0000 Brooklyn 2312439@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes. Sigh! Despite my best efforts, they keep happening. Usually its about comfort or fit (especially shoes). I hate it when shoes feel fine for a few wears and THEN start to hurt. Why is that? My other common mistake is finding something that I've wanted for a while and is '"almost" perfect. I then talk myself into keeping it even though it's not exactly what I wanted. Usually that turns out to be a fatal flaw. Also, the perfect item tends to show up about 2 weeks after I cut the tags on the almost perfect one.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/those-shopping-mistakes-lurking-in-the-closet#post-2312417 Tue, 07 Mar 2023 02:24:45 +0000 Jessikams 2312417@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another common mistake for me: blah necklines (too scooped, too wide, floppy collar with no gumption) or banded sleeves (I can’t stand not being able to push up my sleeves! But for some reason I often miss this detail when shopping online.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/those-shopping-mistakes-lurking-in-the-closet#post-2312416 Tue, 07 Mar 2023 02:20:42 +0000 Jessikams 2312416@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooof, good topic. I have been cleaning out my closet and definitely finding some mistakes in there! One theme is: I buy because the color is great, and only realize later that the garment cut or size is not quite right…. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/those-shopping-mistakes-lurking-in-the-closet#post-2312409 Tue, 07 Mar 2023 02:12:58 +0000 Jaime 2312409@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So few of my purchase are returnable that I really treat everything I bring in as a keep or sell proposition. And truthfully it is a good thing, because I really can't tell about many things until I wear them a full day. Shoes may only become uncomfortable after 4000 steps, jeans may only bag out toward the end of the day, sweaters may become unbearably itchy only after several hours, and so on.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/those-shopping-mistakes-lurking-in-the-closet#post-2312400 Tue, 07 Mar 2023 01:37:42 +0000 Anonymous 2312400@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shoes are also my biggest shopping mistake because they may be comfortable in the store be not for a long stint after you buy them. Lately it has also buying things that stretch out and are too big… hard to predict. I find reading reviews is often helpful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/those-shopping-mistakes-lurking-in-the-closet#post-2312398 Tue, 07 Mar 2023 01:28:59 +0000 Dee 2312398@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ouu... Really happy to hear that Sal! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/those-shopping-mistakes-lurking-in-the-closet#post-2312386 Tue, 07 Mar 2023 00:14:23 +0000 Sal 2312386@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for this thread Dee - I am wearing (and enjoying) my blouse in a different way today.&nbsp; It was a good prompt to get it out! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/those-shopping-mistakes-lurking-in-the-closet#post-2312367 Mon, 06 Mar 2023 23:12:31 +0000 Tanya 2312367@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have made and am still making several types of mistakes.</p> <p>One that was already mentioned is with shoes, that take a couple of&nbsp; wears before it is obvious that they are not going to work.</p> <p>Another is buying final sale items online - I take calculated risks for that, and about 90% of the time things work out, but sometimes they do not.&nbsp; Similarly, confusing the return policy of one store vs. the other and ending up being too late with a return.</p> <p>The third common group is buying items I am on the fence for fit/style reasons.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;During my recent closet edit, I edited a couple of items that were new with tags, which were summer tops that were never worn and I am going to try to consign. An example is below: eyelet and wraps are very much me, and I don't mind occasional ruffle or puffy sleeve.&nbsp; However, together it was all too much - the very opposite of sleek, and I couldn't see myself wearing it, ever. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/those-shopping-mistakes-lurking-in-the-closet#post-2312365 Mon, 06 Mar 2023 22:55:15 +0000 Sloper 2312365@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think my typical shopping mistake is buying for a size that I am not. &nbsp;And I think that’s a big drawback of online shopping, at least for me. &nbsp;I can get a bit wishful ha ha. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/those-shopping-mistakes-lurking-in-the-closet#post-2312354 Mon, 06 Mar 2023 22:17:10 +0000 Angie 2312354@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been caught out a few times with items that were FINAL SALE, and I didn't know it! Even though I would have retuned the items if I could - I end up enjoying them anyway :)</p> <p>SHOES are where I make my biggest shopping mistakes. Currently, these blue Naturalizers are not as comfy as I had hoped. My ECCOS and Chucks are much more comfy! As <b>Cardiff Girl </b>mentioned - you only know after several road tests despite being very decerning upfront. But, I'm going to give them another go this Spring and Summer. Who knows! Maybe they will feel better.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/those-shopping-mistakes-lurking-in-the-closet#post-2312352 Mon, 06 Mar 2023 22:09:59 +0000 rachylou 2312352@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I bought a bunch of faux front tied, long sleeved tops for work. I’m short waisted so I thought they’d work, but they still ride up. However, I continue wearing them because 1) I forget all about the problem once they’re off and 2) aprons cover a myriad of sins, so actually the forgetting starts as soon as the apron goes on, lol </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/those-shopping-mistakes-lurking-in-the-closet#post-2312347 Mon, 06 Mar 2023 22:01:16 +0000 Dee 2312347@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It’s difficult sometimes to admit to the error and we often try so hard to make it work. justifying its worth whatever way we can until its too late to take it back.<b></p> <p>ChristeJ -&nbsp;</b>Too funny about the jean dilemma, and yes sometimes we end up buying something thinking it’s great when really it was just the best of a lousy lot.<br />&nbsp;<br /><b>Cardiff girl- </b>Too bad those pants were so deceptive for you.&nbsp;</p> <p><b></b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/those-shopping-mistakes-lurking-in-the-closet#post-2312319 Mon, 06 Mar 2023 19:43:30 +0000 Olive Green 2312319@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just culled 4 button downs in nylon tech type fabrics. I really tried to like them, they are so good for travel, etc, but they make me look…I dunno, too mainstream? And the kicker is, they feel just awful next to my skin. Slick and sticky? Fortunately, I bought 3 of them at thrift, so not pricy. I just kept thinking, utility, but the happiness factor was quite absent.&nbsp;<br />Two of them have been hanging around for about 4 years. Two of them for 2 years. “But they are so practical!”&nbsp;<br />That pretty much does me for items that are not natural fabrics, except for outerwear, where they really shine.&nbsp;<br />Right.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/those-shopping-mistakes-lurking-in-the-closet#post-2312302 Mon, 06 Mar 2023 18:51:47 +0000 ChristelJ 2312302@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I do have a few mistakes at any given time, often jeans.&nbsp; I frequently have a pair of different-for-me jeans I thought looked great in the store but later wonder what I was thinking. Turns out that I am a sucker for comfort that often reads later as just shapeless, and conversely, I am a sucker for very fitted jeans that are too tight to be comfy.&nbsp; Also, if I've looked at a lot of terrible items when shopping and then find one less terrible, it can read as terrific in that moment! When it's in my closet, the refusal to admit how wrong I was makes me try very hard to make it work, until it's too late to return. Wow, that's a lot of delusion and denial on my part! <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/those-shopping-mistakes-lurking-in-the-closet#post-2312289 Mon, 06 Mar 2023 18:12:35 +0000 Cardiff girl 2312289@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How long have you got?Iam getting better but in reality l think that it is impossible to never have a mistake just because some things do not become apparent until we have worn them for a while and therefore cannot return them.l am thinking of a pair of black ,slim fitting trousers from toast,lovely until l went to the theatre in them and couldn’t stop itching when l was sat in them fora few hours.They were fine unless l sat for a while.So don’t be too hard on yourself and don’t buy things in sales unless you ve been stalking them from full price,it’s never a good idea! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/those-shopping-mistakes-lurking-in-the-closet#post-2312285 Mon, 06 Mar 2023 18:09:38 +0000 Sal 2312285@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It’s super frustrating. Maybe do a WIW or outfit lab with the cords Dee?</p> <p>My pieces that I don’t know about are these two. The sweater is a bit boxy abd a bit itchy. I will see again when I pull it out of storage- I loved the colour!</p> <p>This blouse is a lovely piece. I plan to keep it. But I only wear it with slim black pants. I should do an outfit lab and try some options to make it work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/those-shopping-mistakes-lurking-in-the-closet#post-2312281 Mon, 06 Mar 2023 17:51:16 +0000 Dee 2312281@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Looks like I'm in good company on this.</p> <p>It's interesting how we often override our own instincts that caution us not to make that purchase.</p> <p>And yes <b>Irina</b>, those final sales offer no buffer when it turns out to be a mistake in the end. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/those-shopping-mistakes-lurking-in-the-closet#post-2312276 Mon, 06 Mar 2023 17:04:24 +0000 Sisi 2312276@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear you! I still have a lot of mistakes in the garage, waiting for me to&nbsp; decide what to do with them. Generally it takes 2-3 wears for realizing it is a mistake. It's almost all impulse purchases, made without thinking of my real lifestyle or taste. And it's incredible, despite all my "Do not buy" lists, I continue to make mistakes! In fact&nbsp;I've just done a few.<br />A couple weeks ago it was freezing cold so I hastily&nbsp; bought two&nbsp; shapeless sweaters, a taupe scarf and a taupe hat, thinking I might try a new color. I completely forgot two of my rules! 1) don't buy boxy tops and 2) don't buy colors you don't like. Now what? I'm mad at myself.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/those-shopping-mistakes-lurking-in-the-closet#post-2312271 Mon, 06 Mar 2023 16:56:59 +0000 cat2 2312271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I keep falling for sweaters with impractical sleeves. My last round of mistakes were bell sleeves; this round was wide sleeves. I had the bell part of the sleeves removed and wore those sweaters out. I am stumped with what to do with the wide sleeves. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/those-shopping-mistakes-lurking-in-the-closet#post-2312265 Mon, 06 Mar 2023 16:28:35 +0000 Roberta 2312265@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yup, these BR Factory khaki joggers are leaving the house in the next Goodwill bag. The fabric is stiff and the color is blah and I just can't like them. I like the jogger style, but the textile ruins them for me. They are the first of last year's purchases to be weeded.</p> <p>The good news is that BR has a similar style in Tencel, and I'm going to have a look at those today. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/those-shopping-mistakes-lurking-in-the-closet#post-2312263 Mon, 06 Mar 2023 16:17:05 +0000 rebekahphoto 2312263@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A couple come to mind right away....</p> <p>A while back I was thinking I needed a Gold shearling jacket, because doesn't everyone? It's a statement, and in reality is too warm for me, and so it sits waiting in a big pile to list on ebay.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also bought a gorgeous Furla pebbled leather crossbody satchel. Only to notice it is nearly identical to another bag I have. I realized I don't change out bags much, so now I just need to sell it so someone else can love it&nbsp;</p> <p>I have shoe mistakes like many... Luckily I have several coworkers who share my size &amp; style preferences, so Ive been gifting to make some room in the closet. These copper metallic Pumas are a mistake purchase that are unworn in their box, I always wear a different pair that are more comfortable&nbsp;</p> <p>Oh I also bought this Zara jacket last fall, except I've lost weight and it doesn't fit now, and is past the return window!&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/those-shopping-mistakes-lurking-in-the-closet#post-2312259 Mon, 06 Mar 2023 16:05:52 +0000 Irina 2312259@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I made about 4 mistakes last year. One is not typical for me - I liked a COS sweater so much that I bought it in only size available which was too big for me. Fortunately, it found a better home.&nbsp;<div>Mistakes that are in my closet are mostly because I bought something on final sale. Usually I’m quick to identify a mistake and return it but once in a while I get careless. My mistakes are often a wrong color, not often - wrong size or not my style.&nbsp;<br />Photo 1. 2022 purchase. Right item, wrong color, final sale - wear it even it’s not terribly exciting&nbsp;<br />Photo2. 2022 purchase. Wrong size and color, final sale - still deciding, probably will donate<br />Photo 3. 2020. Great fit, beautiful quality, wrong color - tried to convince myself to wear it, hope to sell</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/those-shopping-mistakes-lurking-in-the-closet#post-2312258 Mon, 06 Mar 2023 16:00:33 +0000 Star (Lise) 2312258@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My mistakes are nearly always shoes.&nbsp; Comfort - the lack of!&nbsp; An annoying one more recently is a red pair of lug sole loafers.&nbsp; Besides being uncomfortable, in the shop I had warning bells.&nbsp; I asked the SA if they looked clown-ish and she replied that she likes different shoes.&nbsp; Well I felt like Ronald of McDonalds fame with sore feet when I wore them all of three times in one year.&nbsp; I love the idea of lug sole loafers.&nbsp; Lesson, listen to your instinctive initial thoughts.&nbsp; I should donate them as they are new.&nbsp; Someone else may feel fab in them.</p>