Puffy sleeves
empire waist
turtleneck
very low scoop or v neck
high collars
big flashy logos
low rise (7")

- Shoes with a platform over a half inch
- Paisley prints
- Other complex/multi-colour prints
- Visible logos that aren't sarcastic

Actually, I love looking at things that I know wouldn't work on me - unfortunately I end up talking myself into an item or two and then it sits in my closet as an orphan. Just yesterday I was in a boutique (the one that I am applying for a job for!) and they had the cutest, baggy-legged shorts - but they were short - not short-shorts per say, but short. I was imagining how much fun they would be to wear with tights - but then I reminded myself of my age and walked away from them - but they were so cute!

Items that I probably would not buy include:

turtlenecks - they've never looked good on me. Whenever I see Diane Keaton wearing a turtleneck I just want to grab that thing and stretch it out so that its got a bit of a scoop to it - she doesn't need to cover up her neck!!!!!

empire waists make me look too much like a little girl

colored animal prints - something about them bothers me

crewnecks - not flattering on me.

anything beige, orange or tomato red that would be worn next to my face

There are probably more - I just can't think of them

Oh - one more - flat sandals - make my feet look like I'm wearing snowshoes - not a flattering look!

Oh, another one - anything dangling like snaggy fringe or beads which I will be sure to ruin.

And collared rugby or polo shirts.

I love this thread. So fun!
-- logos.
-- lots of ruffles.
-- clothing that require specialty bras.
-- heels over 3".

For fun, here are things that used to be on the list but have changed as I grew more comfortable in my own skin and style:
-- any heel at all
-- saturated colors (I cringe when I look at dull dull dull pictures of me in college)
-- "accessories meant for ornamentation" (eg, fashion scarves and belts vs their functional equivalents).

anything that I can't wear a regular bra with
halters/cut-in necklines
polo/golf shirts
turtlenecks, and crew/high necks except for layering
anything in pale pink
heels over 2 1/2"
pleated skirts
acrylic and 'fuzzy' sweaters, and while I'm at it, most wool - it itches and it's usually dry clean only, and it's not like I need the warmth in my current climate
dry clean only items for everyday wear
I'm very particular about the kinds of prints I like and don't like, but I don't know how to articulate my criteria...

I used to avoid all khaki and tan colors, but eventually gave that up as impractical. I also used to never wear navy but recently I've been wearing it a lot.

I've got quite the list:

pastel colors
neon
bright white
heels over 3.5”
cap sleeves, flutter sleeves, poofy sleeves
any details on top of the shoulders
glitter, rhinestones, or sequins
obvious logo(s)
words on it
animal prints
shoulder pads that can’t be easily removed
feathers
fur
itchy
looks really fuzzy
drop waists
cheap-looking
flat shoes without arch support
shoes that aren’t comfortable
distressed jeans (or anything else distressed)
lots of bows
¾ sleeved tops that can’t easily be layered over
asymmetrical shoulders/sleeves
polo shirts
several types of collars that make my neck look shorter
many types of prints (paisley, plaid, most floral, very bold)

That's a great list for me too, Kate!

Rae...I hear you on the elastic and drawstring waists! No thanks!

Mine are very similar to the other ladies :

pastel
heels over 2 1/4 in.
a lot of ruffles or bows or "sweetness"

ETA

for everyday wear, if it is "dry clean only", I move on.

Charmian, are you saying you're not a fan of the cheap, cardboard-y belts that often come with shirts, dresses, and jackets? The ones that usually have a big crease in the "leather" from when the garment was folded?

Surprising.

heels over 2.5 inches
wool (I'm allergic), including cashmere, angora etc.
elastic waistband (except for exercise gear)
curduroy
bleached denim
gold hardware
horizontal stripes
dry-clean only (except for business pants/jackets or fancy dresses)
pastels
big logos

I can think of lots more but most require too many qualifiers... Fun thread!

@April, lol. Air-quotes "leather" describes the genre perfectly!

Off the top of my head:

Pumps
Patent leather
fake leather shoes
Any spikey type heel
Sparse patterns made up of little teensy things, like flowers, or whatever. if the things are small I want them profuse!
Drop waists
Skirts that hit more than an inch below the knee
No pants that aren't PPL that hit more than 1' below the knee

I'm starting to turn off "boob curtains". That is, things that dangle off the bust, and for a B cup you wouldn't think that was an issue but I have a couple of tops that, having seen photos of myself in them, I may have to rethink for future purposes.

I'm weening myself off of low-rise jeans/slacks. I'll keep what I have but am only buying mid or high waist now.

I could borrow from several of your lists:
*Anything that shows much chest or requires curves to fill it out
*Most jersey knits, especially if thin or clingy
*skirts and dresses with a front vent
*any frocks that are less than 22 inches from waist to hem
*neon, most pastels, fushia and bluish pinks
* Anything with Juicy on it
*Heels over 2.5 inches
*polo shirts
*wide short sleeves, puffy sleeves
*Anything poorly made, thin fabric, too stiff, ill-fitting
*Anything scratchy
*Too much embellishment
*Drop waists
*belts over 2.5 inches wide
*short shorts and bermudas
*Any pants that hit between an inch below the knee and just above the ground.
*Colored tights
*tops that are large in the arm hole area
*Jeans with glitzy back pockets
*Anything with skulls
That's a start, anyway.

Guess I'm in the minority that I look at everything (*waves to Celia and Marley*). I don't rule anything out right off the bat, but I do avoid candy pink, ruffles, bling, and logos. But I never say never to all the other stuff

Interesting lists! For efficient shopping my guidelines are no:

Very bright colors
Large scale patterns
Crewnecks on button-up cardigans
Crewnecks + sleeveless
Wrap tops and dresses
Shoes with leather covered heels
Dry clean only blouses

Oh goodness! My list could go on and on and on. Mine are:

Tube tops
Heels under 4 inches
Pastels
Logos
Khaki
Fake leather anything
Drop waists, sack dresses and anything that doesn't define my waist
Mini skirts and short shorts
Corduroy (I just said that to myself so many times that the word lost all meaning)
Elastic waisted pants

Then there's the whole issue of colors. I change my hair color somewhat frequently, so I tend to shop with that in mind. Right now, I'm not buying anything orange. But once I go blonde, it's going to become my best friend.

I also have a list of things that used to steer clear of, but have weaseled their way into my wardrobe, as well as my heart.

Pinks of any kind
Light wash denim
Brown shoes (I know... How is this even possible?!)

I'm excited to read more responses

Wow -- abundant loathing of dropped waists...

Ooo, fun. I love lists! I don't think I have many *complete* non-starters, but here the ones I can think of:

- puffed sleeves (looks like that's a popular dislike) -- looks bad on me but cute on others
- pussybow blouses -- look bad on me in particular, but I'm not a fan of them period
- shiny spandex (except on bathing suits) -- looks bad on everyone
- anything magenta -- nothing wrong with it, I just don't like it
- anything with animal print -- same thing, looks good on others, I just don't like it
- vinyl and imitation leather -- looks cheap
- gold lame -- looks both cheap and tacky

There are lots of things that aren't exactly my style, but that I wouldn't say no to trying on -- because sometimes, things look way better on the body than they do on the hanger, and it's rarely a bad idea to try new things (in fashion and in life!).

ETA: RandomThought: just read what you wrote about "boob curtains". I know exactly what you mean (I call it the "boob shelf") but I can't always tell if a top will give me a boob shelf until I try it on!

bland colours (beige, ghastly light-blue or pink pastel, or indeed any pastel)
short skirts/dresses
shorts (HATE shorts of any kind!)
wool (too itchy)
ankle-length anything
cap sleeves
mum jeans
elasticated waists
tweed
most polyester, unless I love it

I am the sort who looks at most everything and will try on anything, even if I think it's not my "style" if there is something about it, I like. I am surprised sometimes by what looks good on me! As for what I buy? That's a different story.

I tend to avoid -

Pastel, yellow and orange (I don't think I have EVER owned anything orange, it's my least favorite color)
Cap sleeves
Heels (bad back, no heels, no platforms, etc AT ALL)
Strapless, but I will wear sleeveless cause I almost always wear a 3rd layer
Velour
Logos
Collared shirts, polo style shirts
Anything too big, too bulky, too warm
Shorts
Too short skirts
I hate pants that have to be hemmed, but as I am only 5'2" I have a good tailor, I have found a few brands that don't usually need hemming and I thank the powers that be for them. I tend to wear my pants till they fall apart and more often replace blouses and tops.

... two huge pockets right on the chest!

Thanks for the reminder tarzy.

In my case, no-no is pockets on the hips - there was gorgeous coral dress last summer, but I ended up looking like a sack when I tried it on.

1) Buttons. Unless it's a dress shirt. Or a trench coat. Other than that; no buttons.
2) Low necklines.
3) Bling
4) Animal prints
5) Fur. Unless it's outerwear. Or made from only ugly animals.
6) Big brands, especially on purses.
7) Pockets on the chest.
8) Ruffles on the chest.
9) Stupid slogans/sayings ... Especially those with double meanings.
10) Things that are already falling apart. On the hanger.
11) Things that are pilling on the hanger.
12) "DO NOT WASH" on the tag. Do not wash? SERIOUSLY?

Anything where bralessness is a prerequisite, and fur.

For shoes:
Heels higher than 3.5" or 3" without a platform
Fake leather shoes (or lining)

For clothes :
Hemlines shorter than say 3" above the knee
Acrylic as main ingredient in knits
Scratchy polyester
Harem pants
Animal print not in accessories or shoes
Poor quality (or 'cheap' looking) anything
Shiny leggings or skinnies
Leather bottoms of any description - pants, skirts, shorts

Oh yes, adding acrylic items to the list. No polyester in summer dresses.

Yeah, acrylic tends to go sort of matted after a couple of goes on the delicate cycle of my washing machine, so it's gone on the banned list. Makes it a lot harder to find nice cardis though....

For me the list goes like this
Animal print anything ( except zebra on accessories)
Cheap Bling
Logo Purses, Vinyl Purses, Cheap "Patent" Purses, Grey Boring Sensible Purses, Over-sized Purses ( can you say i'm picky about my purses?)
Any pastel that looks like a unicorn could have puked that color ( those pastels that look worn and over-washed) - ( I know girls who sport the colours well, they don't suit me)
Cheap Black Unlined Pants. The stretchy vpl-giving, waitresses and young corporates share( I own one pair, but learned from my mistake).
And Rose, the universe makes fun of us ! I love pencil skirts that taper to the knees ( and find just ones that drop straight/