Okay, friends! Today, I’m bringing you a fan-favorite post—my most regrettable fashion purchases of the year. These are the items I bought with high hopes but didn’t wear as much as I expected, and ultimately, they didn’t earn a lasting spot in my wardrobe.
Before I dive in, I like to add a quick disclaimer. If you bought any of these based on my recommendation, please don’t feel duped. These aren’t bad products! They just didn’t work for my personal style, lifestyle, or the rest of my wardrobe—but they might still be great for you. Without further ado, let’s dive in!
My 13 Most Regrettable Fashion Purchases of 2024
#1. Pistola Monroe High Waist Crop Cigarette Jeans
also wearing: Faherty Golden Hour Pullover Sweater (S) // similar P448 John (39) // Tom Ford sunnies
My hunt for a pair of straight ankle jeans to rotate with my beloved MOTHER Dazzler continues. I thought this pair could be the one. I purchased them during the #NSale in July, but I put on a few pounds this fall, and it all went to my middle. Now the waist is too snug, which makes them dreadfully uncomfortable. I tried sizing up, but they were too big everywhere else and looked dumpy.
I could keep them, in hopes that I drop a few pounds in the new year, but I learned long ago that leaving too-small jeans in my closet doesn’t motivate me to cut out carbs and train for a half marathon; it’s just the opposite. It makes me want to give up and eat bonbons all day. So I’ll pass them on so someone else can enjoy them and focus on filling my closet with clothes that fit and feel good on the body I have now.
#2. Evereve Yara Midi Skirt
also wearing: KUT from the Kloth Kara (also a regrettable purchase…) // Michael Stars tank (O/S) // Carolina slide sandals (8)
I loved the colors in this skirt and bought it as a way to break out of my denim rut. But the length just didn’t do me any favors—it hit my legs at an awkward spot. After wearing it once or twice, I found myself reaching for summer dresses instead when I wanted a non-denim option. By the end of the season, it was in the donation pile.
That said, I don’t really regret this purchase. It wasn’t a costly “mistake,” and I’m all for trying new things. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t—but if you never try, it’s easy to get stuck in a style rut.
#3. Vince Smocked Dress
Now, this dress was a costly mistake. My goodness, looking at this picture, I can’t believe I thought this dress looked good. Body-con dresses are tough, but some have a way of skimming the body without clinging, and this one… does not.
I wore it once to go out to dinner with friends (that is when I took this photo.) I felt a little self-conscious, but I had paid a lot for it, and I love the texture and the square neckline. I told myself I was overthinking it and being too hard on myself. A few weeks later, I put it on again to go to a college orientation event, and I asked my husband how it looked, and he was like, “Uh… you have other things that look better.”
That was all I needed to hear. I wish I’d asked him before I took the tags off and wore it the first time! And now, looking at that picture up there, I don’t know how I ever thought it looked good. I think my days of wearing body-con dresses are over, sadly.
#4. Frame Le Slim Raw Fray Hem Palazzo Jeans
also wearing: AllSaints bomber jacket (S) (budget option) // Sam Edelman Usha Booties (8) // Hammitt VIP
This one pains me. I want to love these jeans. The black wash is perfection, and I’ve seen them look amazing on other women. But every time I put them on, I feel…dumpy. Even in these photos (which I thought I’d love), they didn’t look quite the way I envisioned.
Wide-leg jeans can be tricky, and I think the length is part of the problem—I think I look better in more cropped styles. The outfit concept is solid, but I’d be better off finding a pair of flares in this wash instead.
#5. PAIGE Anessa Raw Hem High Waist Crop Wide Leg Utility Jeans in Tonal Ecru
also wearing: Michael Stars Nara Mock Neck Top (M) // Vionic Merlot (7.5) // Dragon Diffusion Santa Croce Tote
Speaking of a cropped pair… I almost didn’t include these jeans in this post because, honestly, I don’t hate them. In fact, I set them aside to reconsider next spring. I have this style in the Rock Show Distressed wash (which, by the way, is on sale!) and really like them.
But white denim is tricky. I wore this pair once and felt okay in them, but I didn’t reach for them again. I think I just prefer other styles when it comes to white and off-white washes. The jury’s still out, but since I only wore them once, I figured they earned a spot on this list.
#6. bobi Utility Tee
also wearing: PAIGE Anessa Utility in Tonal Ecru (29) // Sam Edelman raffia slides (8)
Ugh, those jeans again.. Yeah, I think they need to go. So this top, I actually really like, but I think I only wore it once. I can’t even tell you why. Every time I passed by it in my closet, it didn’t see to fit my mood or go with the bottoms I wanted to wear.
I feel like it’s the color more than the style. I love olive, but I rarely wear it with blue jeans. It looks good with white (and this ecru) and black, but I didn’t find myself wearing a lot of white or black jeans this summer. So yeah, this top just sat. And this fall, when it might have looked more seasonal with washed black jeans, I never reached for it either. Sometimes, that’s just the way it is, I guess! I just had other things I liked more.
#7. RAILS Easton Wool Blend Jacket
also wearing: Jenni Kayne sweater (S) // MOTHER Weekender in Teaming Up (30) // Veronica Beard Lada Boots (8.5)
Someone asked about this jacket a few days ago, and I was like, Oh, yeah, I still have it! Still love it and can’t wait to wear it! So why haven’t I? Well, I did wear it once, and I didn’t like it with the chunky sweater. Also, these jeans have a mid-rise, and the jacket is cropped, so I think it would work better with higher rise jeans.
I liked it better the way I styled it HERE with the high rise wide leg crop jeans and a thin crewneck tee, so I think I need to try that again.
The other issue I’m having with jackets like this is, we had a very warm fall, and a wool jacket seemed too heavy most days. Then it suddenly got verrrrrrry cold, and I’m wearing long puffer jackets and teddy coats. Sometimes we experience a mild January and I end up wearing things like this more after the holidays, so we shall see… I’m not getting rid of it, but as of right now, I haven’t gotten the wear out of it that I’d hoped.
#8. Vince Women’s Oasis-w Oxford Shoes
also wearing: Evereve Ella Stripe Tee (S) // AG Mari (29)
This is another item I debated including because they are a newer purchase, and I haven’t decided to part with them yet. (You hear the but coming, right?) I just don’t find myself wearing these sneakers as much as I thought I would, and when I see photos of myself wearing them, I’m not really feeling it. When I want to wear a non-white sneaker, I’m more likely to grab my brown adidas Spezial instead.
And while we’re here, I’m adding the Evereve Ella Stripe Tee as a bonus mention. It’s a cute tee, but when I tried wearing it “in real life,” it just didn’t feel right. Something about the stripes reads a little juvenile to me—not quite in line with my personal style. Speaking of which…
#9. Jordyn Stripe Hoodie
Realizing the Ella Stripe Tee wasn’t for me made me take a second look at the Jordyn Stripe Hoodie. I’d tried wearing it a few times, but it never felt authentic. I’ve come to realize that I prefer a more elevated, luxe look—even in my casual wear.
If I’m going to wear a casual hoodie that’s not a sweater, I prefer something sleek and simple, like the Zoey Rib Inset Hoodie. The solid black color and slim fit make it feel more aligned with my style guideposts: modern, polished, and understated.
As frustrating as it is to part with perfectly good clothes, I’m taking this as a lesson for next year. Going forward, I’m going to try to be more mindful about weighing every purchase against those style guideposts to avoid more regrettable buys.
#9. KUT from the Kloth Zinnia Jacket
also wearing: Wit & Wisdom Itty Bitty Bootcut Jeans (8) // Dolce Vita Azalea Booties (8) // The Reset Too Good Tank (S)
I wore this jacket once, and it just didn’t excite me. It’s on the shorter, thinner side, which makes it feel a little “skimpy” for lack of a better word. The chocolate brown color was also harder to style than I expected. This outfit feels plain to me—and I’m a self-proclaimed Plain Jane! But I still didn’t love it.
Part of the issue is the dark wash jeans. I’ve tried, but I just don’t like them. They feel stuffy and dated to me, even though I know they’re trending. I did try the jacket with lighter jeans, but even then, it didn’t do much for me.
Granted, it was basically the same outfit formula with different pieces, so maybe a fresh combo would have helped. But since I never reached for it again, I decided it was time to let it go.
#10. Rails Alma Cotton Blend Jacket
also wearing: Vince Smocked Shrunken Shirt (M) // MOTHER The Hustler Roller Skimp (29) // Matisse McCarthy Mule (8.5)
Yes, another jacket—and this one pains me. I mean, it’s Rails! It’s a beautiful jacket and was a bit of an “investment” back in July. I thought I’d wear it constantly since I love lightweight jackets for summer and fall, and black is always versatile.
I think what holds me back from reaching for this one is that mandarin collar. It just doesn’t flatter me the way a more open collar does, and it looks bulky when worn with crewneck tops, such as the one I’m wearing above. Plus, this jacket just isn’t very soft and comfortable, which it should be for that price.
On top of that, I already have a similar black jacket in my closet that I do love and wear often. Naturally, I reached for that one instead. The lesson here? Don’t buy something that serves the same purpose as something you already own, because chances are, you’ll always reach for your favorite.
#11. KUT from the Kloth Sienna Wide Cuff Jeans
I realize this is the fourth pair of jeans on this list and the third wide-leg style—and yes, I know that wide leg jeans aren’t as flattering on me as other denim silhouettes. But sometimes I want to wear something different, and wide leg jeans are fun and comfortable. I just have to be more selective, and unfortunately, this pair didn’t make the cut. The oversized cuff didn’t do me any favors, although I loved this pair…
I guess it all comes down to subtle details like the fit and the wash. Plus, I think wide leg jeans look better with sandals and more open footwear. Live and learn!
#12. KUT from the Kloth Brea Long Skirt
also wearing: Reese Stripe Tank (S) // similar slides
I thought this denim skirt would be a nice alternative to shorts and jeans in the summer, but I just didn’t find myself wearing it much. I think it works okay with this sweater tank, but I didn’t have a whole lot of luck styling it with other items.
Long skirts can be tricky, and I know a lot of people flat-out hate them. I don’t, but I’m also willing to admit they’re probably not the best fit for my body type—at least at this stage of life. Maybe back when I still had a waist, lol!
I feel like this wash is better suited to summer, so I put this away and I’ll revisit it next spring. I didn’t want to give up on it yet, but I definitely did not get a good cost per wear out of it so far.
#13. Michael Kors Sonny Suede Hobo
Finally, I love this bag—but I’ve only carried it once. It sits in my bedroom mocking me. I’m not sure why, since I wear plenty of outfits that work with brown. I even have a pair of chocolate brown boots that get lots of wear. But whenever I need a brown bag, I always seem to reach for a smaller one instead.
I’m not ready to give up on it just yet, but so far, it’s been a bit of a dud.
How about you? Any regrettable purchases this year? And are there any lessons you’ll be taking with you into 2025?
