Yes, Penny, I totally get it. Every once in a while an item that was over pondered works out. But not usually.

I like your white top, but the sheer back coupled with opaque front would be a deal-breaker for me, so I understand your hesitation.

As far as telling the difference between "good enough" and "really good" items: you are on the right track if you find you want to wear it right away. The other trick I use is to say to myself, "if in doubt, go without". If I have any doubts at all, I don't buy it.

This is different, however, from buying something new -- a new silhouette, say -- as an experiment. Sometimes I like the idea of something, but I'm not sure it'll work for me. Sometimes the only way to know is to try it. I'll use the example of cropped, raw-hem, higher-rise jeans. I liked the look on other people, but I knew from past experience that higher rises weren't my favourite. The combination of cropped length with higher rise made it look more current to me, though, so what I did was go out and find a pair of relatively inexpensive jeans as a gamble, and cropped them myself. I was prepared for failure ahead of time.

Aziraphale - I like your quote of "if in doubt, go without". And also agree with new silhouettes need a little more time to step in. It makes sense to try it at a low cost entry to test things out.

It's contrary to the general opinion here, but I think the white top looks great on you - it has this effortless vibe... But I agree that how you feel in it is just as important.
On the other hand, to my eye, the sweater would look better if it were slightly longer and a bit more relaxed. The color is very flattering.

Thanks Olen. I also would like a longer sweater - almost a boyfriend style in its relaxed shape, but not too sloppy. The sweater is actually a tall too - I think it ran a bit short. I have forbidden myself from any more cold weather purchasing. It has been in the 70s here, so I definitely need to focus on spring/summer. Maybe next fall I will find one. I have to stick to cotton - I see lots of cute sweaters I don't need in fabrics that are nice but too hot.

It sounds like we have the same climate. I like the white top on you but I would also treat that as a winter item (maybe late Autumn). I think if you are not hoping for an opportunity to wear it as soon as possible, it's not the one.
The sweater is gorgeous on you.

I also thought the white top is big on you and the other top looks wonderful. I would wear a tank under the sheer, which might ruin the look anyway.
My problem is often mirrors - why does everything look great in some mirrors and horrid in others ?

Brooklyn - I agree this is the time of year to wear this. The fact that I'm not is saying something. And sometimes, it's hard to convey an item in a picture. I often judge sheerness by how visible my tattoo is. It's pretty sheer.

Shevia - I want the lighting from Anthropologie or similar to follow me as I walk around all day. Is that asking too much?

I'm with Aziraphale: if I have the slightest doubt about something, I leave it on the rack. Something that niggles in the dressing room will just continue to bother you once you get it home.

I buy what I instantly love or that is a needed wardrobe basic. If I have to talk myself into wearing something, then I won't buy it because I know it will just hang in the closet and never see the light of day.

delurked - Sorry I have not had a chance to read the responses. Just wanted to chime in on the "almost" problem. I get all my clothes by mail, no time to shop. If I can rebox the item it's not perfect. If I take the item immediately into protective custody, can't imagine letting it near the box and would wrestle you to the death to keep it safe, then I know it's pretty perfect or at least I love it!! If you can put it in the bag, in the car for return, it should probably go back or if you can walk out of the store without it same.

I also struggle with " almost right". Since I have enough things to wear, I am really working on one- in/ 2- out this year with much less total in to start with. I have trouble focusing on letting something go when it's " almost right" because I start rationalizing.