Nothing like closing out the year with a blog post on regrettable fashion purchases, lol! But I certainly don’t want to take these regrets with me into the new year, so I’d rather share them today. On January 1 I like to turn over a new leaf. Are you like that? So let’s plow through these most regrettable fashion purchases in 2025 and I’ll share the lessons I learned from them along the way. Then you can let me know if you have anything hanging in your closet that didn’t work out for you, too.
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You’ll notice that most if not all of these regrettable purchases are indeed things I shared here on Dressed for My Day. The good news is that I still stand behind all of them. These are, without exception, beautiful garments and accessories, well-made and stylish. But they simply turned out to be items that didn’t work well for me. I’ll share a little more about each item and why I regret purchasing it, but please understand that I am not saying that any of these are “bad.” They just weren’t my wisest purchases.
Velvet Pants
Velvet has been so on trend this holiday season, and I think we’ll continue to see it take center stage into February. And these inky burgundy velvet Stella pants from J.Crew are indeed gorgeous. The problem? I just have too many other pants I enjoyed wearing during the holidays and I don’t find myself reaching for these.
Who knows? James and I are going away for a quick wedding anniversary trip this weekend. Maybe I’ll wear this outfit for our dinner out. But so far I haven’t worn them. I didn’t really have any dressy parties or gatherings to attend this year, so I ended up wearing my plaid pants from Talbots more. This regrettable purchase was a lesson in excess and lifestyle.
Half Zip Top
Truth be told, this half zip top wasn’t really a purchase. Like a lot of my clothes this year, this beautiful, comfortable half zip top from Spartina449 was gifted to me. But I did bring it into my wardrobe with the intention of wearing it.
But after a few weeks I realized I wasn’t reaching for it because it’s just not warm enough for where I live. This regrettable “purchase” reminded me that we have to be realistic about where we live and the clothes required for that climate. I’ve already gifted this top to someone who lives in a more southern climate so they can enjoy it more than I could. But I do love the top and I can see myself wearing a similar one this spring.
Mock Neck Sweater
I purchased this Ann Taylor mock neck sweater with the idea of brightening up my wardrobe a bit. I tend to wear mostly solids and neutrals. So I figured I “needed” to add a top that brought more life to the party.
I actually love the outfit pictured above. I think it looks smart and modern. But I just don’t reach for it. I’m never in the mood for this top, even when I try to talk myself into wearing it. I put it on not too long ago and ended up changing before I left my bedroom. So this regrettable purchase is a reminder that I don’t need to buy things to “make myself” wear things that don’t really resonate with my personal style.
Berkley Shoulder Bag
I purchased this beautiful suede Berkeley shoulder bag when I was in J.Crew one day. It was a last minute purchase as I headed to the checkout counter. I was wanting a brown suede bag and hadn’t been able to find the right one yet. This shoulder bag was the size and silhouette I wanted…but it wasn’t the color. I gave into the “this will do” attitude and purchased it.
But I don’t think I ever carried it, other than for this photo shoot. It just doesn’t work that great with anything in my wardrobe. I have a lot of true chocolate or espresso brown in my closet, but not this softer color. The lesson here is twofold. I need to be more mindful of my wardrobe colors when purchasing accessories. And I need to STOP making last minute, hasty, “this will do” purchases altogether. I don’t do that very often, but I succumbed here.
Trim Detail Blouse
This regrettable purchase is a matter of details. I purchased this trim detail blouse from Me+Em and also a pretty lavender cheesecloth blouse in an effort to add some tops to my summer wardrobe that featured color and pretty details. (You can see the lavender cheesecloth blouse here. It worked nicely and I wore it frequently.) Tops with nice details can keep your simple pairings more interesting. So the goal was a good one. But…
I forgot one important detail. Just because a top has pretty details doesn’t mean it’s the best option for you. You also want pieces that fit and flatter. After purchasing this top, modeling it and adding it to my closet with good intentions, I realized I never wanted to wear it because the color is not my best and the cut is not very flattering. I preferred the lavender top which had a nice collar and a less fussy look. I ended up reselling this top at a local resale boutique. But of course I made pennies on the dollar.
Lace-Up Short Sleeve Tee
Honestly, I’m not completely sure why I never wore this lace-up short sleeve tee again after modeling it. I certainly meant to. I added it to my wardrobe thinking it would be a nice top to wear under jackets or by itself. But I never did either.
Maybe it was the pale pink color? Maybe it was the close to the body fit, although I intentionally got a size that didn’t cling to me. And maybe it was the lace-up feature at the neckline, which seemed like such a smart choice at the time. It turns out it just never appealed to me again. Any thoughts?
Eileen Fisher Ponte Pants
I could call this regrettable purchase too much of a good thing. I have several pairs of ponte pants from Eileen Fisher that I enjoy wearing in the summer, mainly around the house. So when I came across these polished ponte pants in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, I just knew they were a smart purchase for me.
But that was in July and I haven’t worn them a single time. They’re still in my closet…I think. And looking at this photo, I like the look of them. But shortly after I got these I got the Ayr High Hopes ponte pants, and I LOVE those. They’re longer, a little fuller in the legs and frankly more modern. So I wear those frequently. Once again, this regrettable purchase reminds me that you can have too much – or too many – of a good thing. I don’t need several pairs of black ponte pants, just one will do.
Button Down Top & Skirt
I’d call this regrettable purchase “too late.” I purchased it late in the summer and wore it one time. Then fall came and I never wore it again. It was on sale and I thought I’d love having something fresh in my wardrobe. But it ended up being a waste of money.
Now if I weren’t a fashion blogger and didn’t earn my income by showing available clothes, I’d probably have kept this button down top and skirt to wear next summer. But, due to my job, I pretty much get a new wardrobe each season. That’s not what I suggest or even my personal preference, by the way. It’s just the way it is. So I moved this button down top and skirt on out of my wardrobe. Cost per wear was not a bargain. That’s something to consider when you buy “good deals” at the end of the season.
High Waist Contour Pants
This investment piece turned out to be a wash. Yeah, these high waist contour pants are probably my most expensive regrettable fashion purchase of 2025, and I’m not proud of it. Not only did I pay a pretty penny for these pants, but I paid to have them hemmed up, too. I love the color and the fabric. And I love the look of them…in theory.
But every time I put them on, so excited to wear them, I took them off because I realized they did something “funny” at the crotch. I never could figure out what it was, to tell you the truth. I tried them with different shoes, with tops tucked and untucked, with different belts, you name it. But I just couldn’t get them to stop scrunching up at the most awkward place. I guess I didn’t notice that when I tried them on initially. Or maybe I did, but I assumed that having them hemmed would fix the problem. That’s probably what it was. Still, I just couldn’t wear them. So I moved them on out…a little poorer for it.
Wide Leg Ankle Pants
This final regret is a matter of real lifestyle. Or maybe I should just chalk this purchase up to a blog investment that never should have been a permanent addition to my wardrobe. I did buy them to share as a good work place outfit piece. But I also intended to wear them in more casual ways in my wardrobe.
That just never happened. I do love the look of these pants. And if I worked in an office where I needed to make more elevated outfit choices on a daily basis, I think these wide leg ankle pants could potentially see a lot of play time in my rotation. But that just didn’t happen in my real lifestyle.
So those are my most regrettable purchases of 2025. Some of them were quite costly, others didn’t hurt quite as badly. But I learned a little something from all of them. I’m not one to live with regrets, but I do like to gain a little wisdom from them. So I’ll move on into 2026 a little wiser…hopefully.
Before I close out I do want to reiterate that none of these items were bad. I actually like them all. They just didn’t work out for me in my personal wardrobe. If you purchased any of these I hope you don’t feel duped. Your trust is important to me, and I try to only recommend items I can stand behind 100%. But at the end of the day…or the end of the season…I’m just a woman trying to get dressed for her day the same way you are. And sometimes my good intentions turn into regrettable purchases. Let me know if you learned any lessons along the way about your own fashion purchasing habits. Have a great day and a happy new year!
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Blessed for My Day
There’s nothing wrong with “taking stock” occasionally, but the Bible warns us against dwelling too long on the past. When we focus too much or too frequently on days gone by, we set ourselves up for disappointment and discontentment. We also risk missing what God is doing now and in the future.
Whether your temptation is to look back with regret or to cling to the good ol’ days with longing, I’d like to encourage you to turn your focus forward. Notice today what God is doing in your midst. If you want to take stock, consider how He is working right now in your life and in the lives of those you love. It may not all be pretty right now – construction zones generally aren’t. But God is at work even now doing something that you don’t want to miss.
This is what the Lord says,
He who makes a way through the sea
And a path through the mighty waters…
“Do not call to mind the former things,
Or consider things of the past.
Behold, I am going to do something new,
Now it will spring up;
Will you not be aware of it?
I will even make a roadway in the wilderness,
Rivers in the desert. ~ Isaiah 43:16,18-19
My aha moment of 2025…..I realized I do not enjoy buying and wearing separates to mix and match. If I buy a complete outfit, I feel polished and put together. With separates, I feel like I just threw something on and went with it. Total reversal of my previous way of shopping.
THANK YOU for this blog! I’m guilty of making poor purchases. I live in a rear round warm climate and have a very casual lifestyle now that I’m retired. I love cotton sweaters, but rarely get to wear them. Six months ago, I tied a red string on my hangers. If I wore the item, I removed the red string. Now I am looking at all the red string items and purging. I place the items in a large shopping bag for awhile before donating them. Sometimes I remember I already have the item when I thinking about purchasing something, like finding a pair of beige linen pants I already own!
Hi Kay, Love this post. It’s SO helpful to know that even you sometimes regret a purchase! I find myself with a closet full of sweaters for the winter. I absolutely LOVE sweaters but living in Hilton Head I hardly ever get the chance to wear them – it’s in the 50’s today and the past few days but it’ll be in the 70’s again next week so it’s not realistic to fill my HUGE closet with things I love but won’t get a chance to wear.
Your Blessing for the Day resonates with me as well – I’m releasing what doesn’t serve me any longer to make room for changes that will improve my life! Unhealthy habits, household clutter, and clothes I don’t need, like, or wear!
Happy Anniversary and Happy New Year! I always enjoy your posts, your You Tube videos and your Instagram videos.
Linda
Linda, by any chance does the name Indiana Zeta ring a bell with you?
All of my clothes are in boxes, in piles, etc. as we moved, and we are having our master closet “done” mid January. I am planning on intentionally filling the new closet, thinking about each piece before I decide if I will keep it. I have to be more focussed when I purchase something new, thinking about my lifestyle. I am retired, and I wear mostly workout clothes since that is great incentive for me to workout first thing each morning, and then go for a walk with the dog. I don’t need very many other clothes. I want them, but we don’t go out very often (by choice), so I don’t need much besides workout clothes. If I concentrate on that, I can justify buying what I will really wear and enjoy.
Happy New Year!
Kay, thank you for this post. I have purchased so many items of clothing that I have regretted later. I feel so bad when I think about the money I’ve wasted on clothes. I can only try to do better and purchase things that I think I will get use out of. It makes me feel better to know you have made purchases you regret too. I wish you and James a happy anniversary and a blessed New Year!
Thanks so much for this post. I feel better already! Almost without fail my regret purchases have been on sale, and I was sure I was getting a bargain. Two of my favorite purchases are jackets–a Scottish tweed I bought probably 20 years ago and an Irish tweed purchased 15 years ago. They were full price and still look as great as the day I bought them. You’d think I’d remember that! I’m going to try to be much more thoughtful, direct and intentional this year.
I wish you and every one of your followers Happy New Year.
I like this post. I can apply your reasoning to myself when making a purchase I later regret.
Thank you, Kay for reminding us to be more mindful when we purchase garments. My biggest regrets are buying tops that I love the look of and the potential for frequent wear, only to realize that it will not flatter my particular body type. Most frequent regrettable purchase are tops that are smocked or detailed in some way at the chest and has a straight drop from there. With a DD silhouette, the “drop” sticks out in a way that I appear pregnant, yikes! Same problem with button up blouses/shirts. Having trouble finding the brand and size that is flattering, buttons up well, and does not appear too big. But thanks to you, I am making fewer bad (for me) purchases.
Same here!! The DD struggle is real!!
I actually purchased the Ann Taylor mock neck top after seeing it in your original blog post. I have received numerous compliments when wearing the top.
I was surprised that it was a regrettable purchase as it looked quite nice on you.
Well, you certainly got our attention with that caption! Glad to know we all have those “what was I thinking?” purchases. I once told my dentist I was worried my daughter would have regrets about a move she was going to make and he stopped mid-exam, took his glasses off and said, “Everyone has regrets!” I think of that often! Happy New Year to you and all your family – hopefully one that somehow miraculously does not hold regret, or not much of it!
I like the velvet pants, but I can see why most of the other garments did not work out for you. Wear those velvet pants!
Here’s what didn’t work out for me. This summer I bought several pairs of sale jeans from a label that I normally love and wore them on a two-week road trip with my two dogs. They looked great when I tried them on, but after less than an hour of wear, they became very baggy. Fortunately, I did not pay a lot for them.
Thank you for this post as I also add regrettable purchases. I bought the Burgundy velvet pants and top after seeing them in your original post.
I have not worn them yet but plan to tonight at a neighbor’s party. I hope I still love them! I also bought the colorful sweater top. I love how soft it is but it fits big (even tho I sized down). I’ve worn it out twice and no one has complemented so I think it’s a stay at home comfy top!
I was surprised at your regrettable purchase of the velvet pants. They look so classy as an outfit with the burgundy cashmere sweater. I think you should keep them and wear this weekend for Anniversary dinner. Very classy. Also would look good for a casual Winter Wedding in the future or winter funeral, a winter wedding shower. I thought about purchasing them I thought about purchasing them but have a blazer and pants in red velvet. Bought the cashmere sweater though. Still thinking about the pants For next year. The other items I can see why you regretted buying them. I am going to try to make wiser decisions in 2026. I too have regretted too many purchased items this year.
Thanks as always for your candid and interesting advice and feedback! I love your posts. I loved the holiday mock neck top picture so much I immediately went out and purchased it for the holidays. I have worn it to so many parties and received lots of compliments! Two people went out and bought it for themselves and I ended up buying a blue/gold version to wear this spring. So thank you for sharing even if it didn’t work for you!
Understand about the high waist contour pants – I find that when the pleats face inward they often don’t sit right…
Lastly – your scripture quotation was in our wedding program – so nice to bring back such a special memory.
Hi Kay, I so appreciate this post. It’s comforting to know that even an expert (and human!) like you makes regrettable wardrobe purchases sometimes. With your help I am learning to be more discerning in my fashion purchases, especially avoiding things that are uncomfortable or that I have to “fight” with (ie constantly adjust). Interestingly, I bought the Eileen Fisher ponte pants you mentioned. I almost returned them, but decided to keep them and I am loving them! I have dressed them up and down. The leg is a bit wide on me, but not too wide. Just right. And they are as comfy as sweatpants. For reference, I am the same pants size as you, but 4” shorter and size L on top. So even items that don’t work out for you can still be great for your readers. Thank you for all you do. You take the “overwhelm” out of clothes shopping for me!
PS I thought of you yesterday as I had lunch at Chicken Salad Chick in FL. 😎
Kay,
This was a good post. It’s important to think about what you have worn and you thought you would wear, but just have not.
The wine colored Velvet pants and cardigan is my favorite outfit you modeled this year! I love that on you. I have a curvy body so J.Crew pants do not work on me, but I think that it is gorgeous on you.!
I really appreciate this annual post. I have learned so much from you, Kay, and it’s another learning experience to know what didn’t work for you, and why. My regretted purchases most often are things that seemed to fill a particular need in my wardrobe, but somehow just didn’t work – usually because they didn’t fit well or looked just “meh” on me. Or, they were impulse sale purchases that also seemed perfect, but again didn’t look right on me. I just need to be more selective and make sure the item really, really works in my wardrobe and fits well. Happy New Year, Kay!
Really enjoyed this blog Kay I think we all have fashion regrets! I have learned so much from you and your YouTube videos. I purchased a pair of beautiful wide leg, brown corduroy pants, and like you paid to have them hemmed. Tried them on again with different sweaters, etc. and realized that I won’t ever wear them. Going into the donation bin with some other lovely items, someone will truly appreciate them.😊
Happy New Year to you and your loved ones. I really enjoyed reading this post to learn from your regrets. I don’t have too many I can think of this year other than some cheap T-shirts. I bought the pink tie front T when you showed it. I wore it once too. I like it but it’s a bit body con. I lost a few pounds so maybe in spring I will wear it again. I did donate a lot of my wardrobe not because of regret but color. Since my hair is now white silver, I don’t look good with warm colors anymore. I still have to work on buying for the life I’m living. This year I was better but jackets/blazers are a challenge. I love jackets.
I know what you mean. I love jackets and blazer too.
Don’t give up on the velvet pants. They look lovely and are so flattering on you! Classy and classic.
Hi Kay Don’t apologize for deciding against a certain item or outfit. Heaven knows, we have all done it. I have had things in my closet I hung onto for a long time because by gum, I bought it, I’m not tossing it but never wore it! Ha Ha. Good for you that you can make those decisions quickly. It’s fun to hear your take on what you buy also. Have a great New Year.
I love this post, Kay! I, too, bought the cute lace up tee after seeing you model it but I’ve never worn it. I think each time I thought of wearing it, I felt it was just a little too much for the rest of my outfit. Maybe I’ll try wearing it with jeans and a very plain denim jacket. Or maybe it will go directly into the donation bag. As you also mentioned, I don’t need (or wear) 4 pair of black Ponte pants like I currently have in my closet. Sigh. Finally, I must mention that I loved the Ann Taylor mock neck sweater on you. A top 5 favorite on you, imo. I don’t wear pink or it’d be hanging in my closet right now!
Thanks for all you do to help us stay current and fresh!! You’ve made a difference in my life.
Kay
Thank you for this post! It’s nice to see others have purchasing regrets that are ‘simply’ that you never wore it or it didn’t fit your daily life in spite of your intentions!
My biggest regrets tho are pants and jeans. I have a hard time finding pants that fit and are comfy – and I can’t stand it when they pull funny at the crotch as you mentioned with one of your regrets. I’ll try them on and I’m they will be comfortable – until I have them on for 30/60 mins and they start bothering me.
And when I find a pair that fits I buy way more of them than I need too!
Anyway I found this to be a very informative post and hope you will do it again!!
Oh my Lord I thought I was the only one that did what you have written! So many clothes that I thought were for me never got worn or got put on, just to take them off. Now if I do that I let go of these clothes and donate them. My resolution is to absolutely love what I wear and not be slave to what I THINK will do. Thank you for bringing this to all of our attention and have a Blessed and Healthy New Year.
I like the pink lace up shirt. I’d save it and add to your Spring time line up. I like the different lace up for something different. Pink is so “in” right now, so I’d keep it.
I haven’t accessed my regrets yet but I’ve found I tend to buy things at the end of the season too late and then the weather changes on me too soon. Usually I can wear it the following season and it works as I don’t get a whole new wardrobe each season but add things. I like shoes so usually add those for sure. I look forward to reading your blog and watching more video next year. ( 5 more hours where I live) Feels so strange to be headed hours tomorrow to my daughters to do our Christmas with all our kids and grands. We first planned late due to my sons work shift but it’s worked out for the best as everyone been sick and just now starting to feel better. Hard to get 12 of us together well.
PS Love you in the velvet pant outfit. I’d keep it for your anniversary trip and to wear next Holiday. So pretty on you.
You look so pretty in the velvet pants outfit. I hope you find somewhere to wear them.
I love the velvet pants outfit on you. We all purchase things we regret. It’s nice to know we are not alone.
Happy New Year!
I love this post because it’s so evaluative. It nudges me to be honest about my wardrobe. I am most guilty of “it will do “ & then disliking it & not wearing it. I get impatient or in a pinch for an urgent wardrobe need.
This is one of your most helpful posts—gave me the confidence to admit that some of my purchases just don’t work for me and to donate them. Thanks Kay and happy new year!
I really appreciate your thoughts here. I, too, am trying to turn “mistakes” into learning experiences. I am naturally very risk-averse. So trying new-to-me styles is far out of my comfort zone. But I’m learning that, while I know my own personal style well, if I don’t at least try something new or stretch myself a little from time to time, I never will learn if I could have a “new favorite”. 🙂 I stretched myself more this past year than in most years, and while surprisingly many of the new finds have really blended well with my style, I definitely have a few items that fall into the “mistake” category. As for you, I’m with many here. Keep the burgundy velvet pants. They look great on you! Happy New Year!!!
Thanks for this helpful and authentic post! At 62 I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve pulled out a forlorn garment from the back of my closet and wondered, “what in the world was I thinking?” Thankfully, the older I get, the more realistic I’ve become. But there’s still a margin of error in my purchases for 2025. One example: a favorite online shop had a beautiful cinnamon color puffer in a few different iterations, a vest, a full puffer jacket, and a longer quilted coat. The puffer jacket that I wanted sold out right away, so I waited patiently. Eventually, however, I caved and settled for the vest, which I suspected would not have the most flattering proportions. It arrived just as they restocked the jacket I’d hoped to purchase. And I was correct of course! The vest was giving “ Michelin man” vibes! Too long and too big. Note to self: I’ve not arrived yet; THINK before pressing “add to cart!”
I’ve been sewing and altering my clothes since I was a teen, some 50+ years ago. As i’ve gotten older, and my body has morphed into something I don’t always recognize, I have found myself making more alterations: pant and sleeve length, body width, etc. I’d hate to add up the amount of money I’ve spent trying to find the perfect jeans. I don’t have the budget for $300 per pair jeans, and don’t know that they’d fit any better. Many pair I’ve purchased on sale, and thought by altering I could “fix” them to suit me, have not always worked out. Thanks to you, Kay, I have recently purchased a pair I find to be very comfortable and stylish that I haven’t had to alter: the Talbot’s Barely Boot cut jeans you showed several weeks ago have worked well. Finally!
Also, I think the contour waist, pleated pants which you regret buying are an awkward design. The pleats are very long, and open up into the crotch area, and I think that is the primary reason they bunch and are uncomfortable. Pant pleats which are shorter, and open to the outside, rather than the center, seem to be more flattering. Even one of the poses the model has on the webpage has extra fabric bunched in the crotch area. We all just have to take a little extra time to really determine if a garment is a go or not! It’s definitely a process.
Thanks for all the work and effort you put into your blog posts and videos. And thank you also for your BFMD posts.
Oh Kay, I loved this post!!! You are fabulous, thank you!