Those Shopping Mistakes Lurking in the Closet - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Shopping

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Those Shopping Mistakes Lurking in the Closet

Dee

Veteran

Its so disappointing making shopping mistakes, and although I do my best to try and avoid them, somehow they persist even with my best intentions. Some I'll catch right away and return promptly but others end up lurking in my closet way past the return window, a constant reminder of my fashion fail.

I'm not sure why I hung on to them, some were visions of moving to a new silhouette that somehow fizzled, some looked promising but eventually started to feel too itchy, stiff, or I just couldn't make them work as well as I thought I could.

Sadly I have a number of mistakes, but I can think of 2 shopping mistakes recently that I wished I'd returned or never purchased.

1) The pink shaker sweater from ON. Loved it in the store, and it does work with so much in my closet but now it just feels too loose, not crazy about the neckline on me and it feels a bit itchy after awhile. It probably took me a month or so to realize that it wasn't something I really wanted to wear anymore.

2) The other mistake is a pair of Muji corduroy pants. They seemed to look good when I tried them on that day, and they are very well made, durable and practical, but instead of casual/cool, they now feel frumpy and the colour doesn't really go well with most of what I have. I had bought them while on a trip but it took me number of weeks to figure out they weren't going to work, so I couldn't return them. I've decided I'll just wear them for working around the house.

Alas, that's a couple of my errors confessed, but how about you?

Are there many shopping mistakes still lurking in your closet?

Why did you keep them?

How long did it take before you realized they were a mistake ?

Cozy Shaker-Stitch Pullover Sweater for Women

View Info

Top Pick

0

Shopping

32 replies

Latest reply was from Style Fan

Christina F.

Veteran

I bought a scoopneck sweater recently that just didn't fit right - it kept sliding down past my bra straps, since my shoulders are rather slight for my size. I had kept it because it was a pretty color, but after trying to wear it for one hour I threw it on the donation/resell pile. I felt bad about doing it so quickly but I figured that's where it would just end up even if I kept it in my closet. No reason to delay the inevitable. I will release it into the world for someone else to enjoy.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ugh. Last spring I bought a lightweight cashmere sweater, mainly intended for my lounge capsule. I knew instantly it was a poorly thought out purchase -- it was too drapey for me, and also, it was itchy! The colour was lovely and so was the light weight. But it just wasn't right. The problem? I had bought it from Bloomingdale's. I got it at a decent price on sale but it would cost me to return it and because i really liked the pale grey and the lightweight, I pretended it would work. Meanwhile, it quickly developed a small hole in the sleeve! I finally made the decision last night to donate it.

Another mistake -- my fuchsia indoor flats from Ecco. Perhaps I shouldn't count them as a mistake, per se, because I have kept them since 2019 and (occasionally) worn them around the house. But like all ballet flats, over time (after my initial test wearings) they refused to stay on my feet or offer enough support, so they are soon to go.

C By Bloomingdale's Cashmere Open Front Cashmere Cardigan - 100% Exclusive

View Info

Top Pick

2

Ecco Women's Anine Ballerina Ballet Flat

View Info

Top Pick

19

Star

Veteran

My mistakes are nearly always shoes. Comfort - the lack of! An annoying one more recently is a red pair of lug sole loafers. Besides being uncomfortable, in the shop I had warning bells. I asked the SA if they looked clown-ish and she replied that she likes different shoes. Well I felt like Ronald of McDonalds fame with sore feet when I wore them all of three times in one year. I love the idea of lug sole loafers. Lesson, listen to your instinctive initial thoughts. I should donate them as they are new. Someone else may feel fab in them.

Irina

Veteran

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.

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.
Photo 1. 2022 purchase. Right item, wrong color, final sale - wear it even it’s not terribly exciting
Photo2. 2022 purchase. Wrong size and color, final sale - still deciding, probably will donate
Photo 3. 2020. Great fit, beautiful quality, wrong color - tried to convince myself to wear it, hope to sell

This post has 3 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

rebekahphoto

Veteran

A couple come to mind right away....

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.

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

I have shoe mistakes like many... Luckily I have several coworkers who share my size & 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

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!

by rebekahphoto

View Info

Sherpa biker jacket

View Info

Top Pick

5

PUMA Women's Basket Classic Citi Metallic Wn's Fashion Sneaker

View Info

Top Pick

4

Kaia X Zara Coated Jacket

View Info

Top Pick

5

Roberta

Veteran

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.

The good news is that BR has a similar style in Tencel, and I'm going to have a look at those today.

Banana Republic

Utility Chino Jogger

View Info

Top Pick

3

cat2

Veteran

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.

Sisi

Veteran

I hear you! I still have a lot of mistakes in the garage, waiting for me to 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 I've just done a few.
A couple weeks ago it was freezing cold so I hastily bought two 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.

Dee

Veteran

Looks like I'm in good company on this.

It's interesting how we often override our own instincts that caution us not to make that purchase.

And yes Irina, those final sales offer no buffer when it turns out to be a mistake in the end.

Sal

Veteran

It’s super frustrating. Maybe do a WIW or outfit lab with the cords Dee?

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!

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.

View Info

Cardiff girl

Veteran

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!

ChristelJ

Veteran

I do have a few mistakes at any given time, often jeans. 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. 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!

Olive Green

Veteran

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.
Two of them have been hanging around for about 4 years. Two of them for 2 years. “But they are so practical!”
That pretty much does me for items that are not natural fabrics, except for outerwear, where they really shine.
Right.

Dee

Veteran

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.

ChristeJ - 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.

Cardiff girl- Too bad those pants were so deceptive for you.

rachylou

Veteran

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

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

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

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 Cardiff Girl 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.

Naturalizer True Colors Astara Sneaker

View Info

Top Pick

7

Sloper

Veteran

I think my typical shopping mistake is buying for a size that I am not. And I think that’s a big drawback of online shopping, at least for me. I can get a bit wishful ha ha.

Tanya

Veteran

I have made and am still making several types of mistakes.

One that was already mentioned is with shoes, that take a couple of wears before it is obvious that they are not going to work.

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. Similarly, confusing the return policy of one store vs. the other and ending up being too late with a return.

The third common group is buying items I am on the fence for fit/style reasons. 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. However, together it was all too much - the very opposite of sleek, and I couldn't see myself wearing it, ever.

View Info

Sal

Veteran

Thanks for this thread Dee - I am wearing (and enjoying) my blouse in a different way today. It was a good prompt to get it out!

Dee

Veteran

Ouu... Really happy to hear that Sal!

Joy

Veteran

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.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

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.

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

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….

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

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.)

Brooklyn

Veteran

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.

Minaminu

Veteran

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&S periwinkle dress was a bit too big and nowadays shapeless.

I now check size guides for each purchase, even if it is one of my safe brands!

View Info

View Info

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

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!) & also 2 tops named 'khaki' online but are actually anything but IRL!

The shoe fit issue is especially frustrating when buying leather ones - because you don't know whether to wait & see if the leather 'softening up' with use will fix the fit issue, or whether it never will!

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!

Anonymous

Half my wardrobe it feel like! Right now, blouses have been especially problematic, due to the shapes.
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.
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.

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.

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.

Liverpool Long Sleeve Tie Front Popover Blouse

View Info

Top Pick

2

View Info

Eric Michael Lily

View Info

Top Pick

2

Dee

Veteran

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.
Brooklyn -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.
And its definitely SHOES that seem to be the number 1 mistake purchase for so many of us. It just usually takes awhile to finally realize they aren’t going to work in the long run.

12