Things I Regret Buying & What They've Taught Me About My Style 

WHAT I'M WEARING: Turtleneck: Verafied bit.ly/3hAzxLm Belt: A few years old from Massimo Dutti Earrings: bit.ly/3WqdCVP and bit.ly/3Yw5TYh Jeans: Aritzia Denim Forum bit.ly/3PynXwT

The lavender sweater paired with navy instead of black and a silk scarf tied French style would look beautiful on you.

Hi Audrey, regarding the lavender sweater I think an easy fix is Rit dye. If you use a darker shade than the sweater it should work. If an item has the right fit and fabric, I use dye to tweak (or completely change) the color to fit my palette better. The downside is that it takes patience to execute properly and the end result is not always predictable. Nevertheless, it has salvaged many wrong purchases for me.

Even though I'm pretty happy with 99% of my online purchases (including a great pair of boots), boots in general are something I've learned to try on in-person to avoid regrets. Happy new year!

That lavender top looks absolutely beautiful on you don’t get rid of it

Regarding that ice-lilac sweater: Since it's absolutely perfect in every other way, I would try to wear it with a scarf in a color that suits (like burgundy). I have a wool coat in a color that's a little too light for me (lavender)- I style it with strong, deep-colored wool scarves (burgundy, deep bright blue, golden rod) and it works. My biggest clothing regrets had to do with silhouettes that were ultimately unflattering on my body.

My lesson has been to leave items that don’t ‘scream’ to me when i first see them. Im learning to not convince myself that an outfit will work.

I have also had to come to terms that I don’t love linen for the same reasons. What’s good for other people, not always good for me. I determined this summer that I prefer crisp poplin cottons and should generally avoid linen. All beautiful pieces in this video but I can see why you are moving on.

Something I really want to work on this year is to stop buying items for occasions far in the future or just in case scenarios. I get in almost like a honeymoon phase with the excitement of a new purchase and am not as discerning and critical as I should be about fit. By the time an occasion comes around (if it ever actually does), I’m often left wondering what I was thinking or realizing I settled for a fit that wasn’t ideal but only “good enough to keep” then the return window has passed

The blouse in white with the lavander floral pattern is beautiful on you Audrey. White being the dominate colour balances it on you for me. That brand does some absolutely beautiful feminine pieces. I think the dress looks lovely, but not with the black ballet flats, they look too heavy for such a light airy dress. I find the correct footwear is always vital to the overall look of an outfit. However, if the cut is wrong for you in the bust, let it go. Nothing worse than feeling like "you're going to fall out". While the lavender jumper is gorgeous I agree the deeper purple suits your colouring. Shame about the boots, they are beautiful. Great video, thank you 🤍💜🖤

The lavender sweater is so so pretty and in my opinion it looks great on you! When I saw a video of you in this sweater a while back, it really inspired me and I have since purchased two lavender sweaters. (I am a "cool winter" as a color type).

Try the sweater with grey, cream, brown and green; I think you have many of those in your wardrobe. They are softer and a better balance than black.

Most people regret buying certain clothes or shoes, however, I mostly regret the returning or donating of clothes , shoes, or bags, that I didn’t know how to properly style at that time, or how useful a certain item actually was 😂😂

I am much older and have learned also the hard way- when a neckline is too low and having it altered would change the bust line too much, regardless of anything else, back it must go. Sometimes when I buy 2 of the same tops like you said you did with the Doen, usually 1 works out great & the other doesn't, so this happens. Maybe try a detailed collared shirt under the lavender sweater to help add a color that works better for you? Or a dickie? As for the boots, very good lesson going forward and the only way to have learned that was to play around with them. I've been there with similar issues w/all these. It's great you are learning and are so aware. LOVE your channel!

Great video! As a wellness coach I'm always posting pictures of myself. I've learned there are a lot of clothing items that don't work for me, but I've never really analyzed why they don't work. Mostly having to do with my lifestyle is too casual to wear a lot of the things in my closet. This is very helpful. I think those black boots would look awesome with that outfit that you recreated from pinterest with the light cropped sweater and the cropped pants.

If you love the fit and cut but not the colour, just dye the items. Loooove the boots!!

Idea for the linen dress: add a piece of lace or ribbon to the neck, either in a straight, horizontal orientation, only to the bottom of the scoop to "square it off" and add coverage, OR add a pleated trim all around the neck, fastened (sewn) under the seam of the scoop as if it's peeking out from underneath the dress. Either detail would look appropriate with the umpire waist of the garment, would add modesty, and would still allow the dress to be airy and comfortable in hot, muggy weather.

I also had a similar issue with a pair of ankle boots and I found that the following 2 styling hacks worked: Wearing trousers with the cuffs rolled up worked well; or otherwise wearing black socks that peaked out from the shaft and that I then pushed back down to form gathers, which gave the impression of the boot fitting tighter. Not sure if either of those will work for you. They are lovely looking boots!

That sweater is pretty and would probably work better with white vs black. Maybe something you can wear in early spring. Gray is another option.

I have a few regrets over items that no longer suit my style, which is fine because style does change over time. One thing I have regretted though are not being strict enough in fabric composition and sizing. Thinking a pair of jeans will fit better if I just amp up my workout routine is NOT a good reason to keep an item

This was supremely helpful. You have such a fantastic and unique teaching style. Thank you and happy 2023❤️‍🔥😉

Audrey, I’m writing as an artist who is very attune to color. And, while I certainly respect your personal experience and observations I felt you may appreciate an artists perspective. I understand your difficulty in embracing a new color into your closet and lifestyle. I struggle with this as well. I think part of the problem is that basic colors are so interchangeable that I am use to my whole wardrobe mixing and matching. It can feel a bit discontinuous to incorporate a color that may not coordinate with everything. However, I hope you don’t mind my sharing that I am sad the lavender sweater and patterned blouse didn’t find a welcome in your closet. In my view you look stunning in both. They bring out a life light from within you. They make your eyes stand out and your hair look a richer bluer black more shiny and lustrous. They even out your skin tone and make you look soft and feminine yet confident and strong. They give your look a tone of grace and elegance. They really were outstandingly lovely on you. They both also actually combine beautifully with black, white, winter white and some shades of camel and even dark indigo blue and navy as well as grey. To my eye you looked better in the lavender sweater than in the camel shade of sweater worn for the video! This lavender sweater and printed blouse also revealed the ethereal nature of your body type and personal expression discovered in the body typing video you shared so graciously with us. Oddly enough, it wouldn’t surprise me if you find the lovely boots you opened the video with pairing well with both of these items. Though I don’t believe the look of the boots is the issue for you. Look wise they would have even paired lovely with the outfit you wore for this video shoot. It is most likely the loose fit around the ankle that is causing the challenges for you in their case…. Have you considered that in the same way that skinny jeans may not be as consistently flattering as a looser fit, that perhaps skinny boots may benefit from a rest from time to time and a looser fit might look wel?. I feel that we can get into style and color ruts like we do with food ruts. Our taste buds can change. Perhaps our style and color perceptions can change too. Have you considered making yourself wear each of the items once a week or once a month etc to see how you feel after wearing them over time and to see if you get compliments. Embracing a new color may take some intentionality. I would hate to see you miss out on this one as to my eye it was stunning on you. And refreshing! To my eye it did expand your color range in a lighter and lovely way. You are so beautiful and lovely. Thank you for all the work you do preparing your content. You stand out in your field and I appreciate your insights and expression.

Same here, my first lesson: Color. I got a tiny bit into armocromia, and as soon as I realised which colors work for me, that was a huge change. When you showed your lavender pieces I knew the color was the issue before you even said it. And secondly, I almost entirely stopped buying online. I learned I need to try clothes on to see fabric, fit, style and so on. Lastly, quality of the fabric. So many polyester clothes I bought when I was in my fast-fashion twenties I simply couldn't wear because how sweaty they make me. Or shoes that were not leather that hurt my feet. Lovely video, thanks!

I'm surprised by how much I like the color of your turtleneck. I had always thought that you are a deep winter, but the warmer tone actually is beautiful!

I have found that my style’s definitely change over time. I recently cleaned out my closet and gave a large amount of clothes to a coworker. I am more selective in my purchases as sometimes I add to my cart but give it a few days before purchasing.. also, it may be helpful to know that some pieces can easily be dyed to another shade you may favor more!

Wonderfully thoughtful video as always, Audrey! Thank you! I appreciated your little peek towards the end of those two summer wardrobe pieces. I would love to hear/see more about your summer wardrobe staples or go-to’s, as I find it so challenging to dress comfortably for the heat when I’ll be outside but also be put together. Thanks for all the content you create!!

I really can relate to these decisions. Years ago I had a beautiful pair of lavender pumps (when I used to wear pumps) that were suede & leather. 🙄 I realized I loved the color but literally only wore them twice. They just didn’t work in my wardrobe. Last year I bought one blouse in 3 colors (double 🙄🙄) I always reached for the creamy beige blouse and not the colors…😂. I have also recently learned not to add a color to black pants. Like red top/black pants. For me it just kills the color. The one colorful look I am willing to try is a fuchsia top with red pants, well maybe one day. I love both colors ❤️💕. I really like your boots but I know exactly what you’re feeling about them. There’s a solid look to them, maybe a small printed longer dress and a softer coat, or a pair of tights and your black mini 🤔. I too live in Hades so I need to constantly be on the lookout for the right dresses for the hot season which lasts 6 months here. 🥵 Oh wait maybe your boots would work with your wide leg dark wash 👖 jeans. The almond toe would like nice on the side profile with those jeans.

Such a thoughtful and important video - thanks

I've also been struggling with online shopping and fit - almost everything is arriving too big despite ordering according to the online size guide - especially when they include barely any information. e.g., width of shoulders/length of arms? Overall length of a skirt from waistband to hem? How much wider the piece will be than the body measurements? 1 inch? 5 inches? Who knows, total spin of the roulette wheel... The cost of shipping back returns means that I'm out less money to pay for a seamstress to alter things than return them, but still tacks quite a whack onto the final price of the items. This has made me a lot more thoughtful about what I'll actually "proceed to purchase" on.

My most regrettable purchases are definitely ill-fitting pants I didn’t bother to return 😟, blazers that are either too oversized or too fitted 🤦🏻‍♀️, a icy pale blue T shirt (that now belongs to my mom), and a purple cardigan I just shake my head at every time I see it. Fortunately most of those mistakes were made in 2021. 😅

I never noticed something that looks pretty and I fall in love with it but it comes and the piece is not for me. I never structured my clothing until I started watching your videos and this video is perfect when I'll talking to myself saying " this isn't right for me even if it is pretty". I would never wear it and it would only take up space. I recently brought this beautiful lemon-colored sweater, it's so pretty but when it came I realized it was too cool for me though I'm bringing more color into my wardrobe. That yellow family needs to be warmer for my deeper skin hue. I will round up selling it but it taught me to do a patch test before buying unique colors. This is a great video that can help save me time and money.

My main regrets are having let myself be carried away by some influencers and their obligatory garments has not only happened to you (hello t-shirts with shoulder pads and halter necklines) and for letting myself be guided by the price and advertising to buy worse quality items that they have given me a disastrous result and they have been more expensive than the good one. I no longer watch videos of trends or essential capsule elements because they don't work for me, videos like yours on how to adapt things and stick to my style, my colorimetry and body shape (if I also have them identified I don't know why I get into those troubles )

…Audrey, Very Coincidental - I did the same thing…I just loved the lilac on everyone and couldn’t understand why I didn’t have any lilac so I bought a lovely lilac dress but the colour just didn’t look good on me So it’s on its way out! Also I bought the perfect ankle boots which ticked every box BUT they fitted like wellie bobs with a the loose ankle - I tried and tried to wear them (as I had paid more then usual) and ended up giving them to my daughter - they had a bit of bling on the back of the boot that I didn’t initially notice - so I was happy to let them go in the end. Your reasons why your purchases didn’t work out was very helpful. Thank-you. Rae

Loved this video, thank you so much for sharing the lessons you learned! One thing I regret buying is a pair of gray suede knee length boots. The lessons I've learned: I love a half-inch heel for walking far, and I love the zip and the lace-up detailing. But the boot is too loose at the ankle and I like something tighter, I would prefer a sharp pointed toe over a round toe, and the gray suede feels too rough and "natural" looking for my style, I like sleeker materials. Thanks for the inspiration to reflect on this!

Wear the lavender sweater with a pearl necklace and with something in navy blue. Also you could wear it with a white blouse under it or with a silk scarf.

Hi Audrey! I loved this video since I like as well the approach of analyzing what works and what doesn’t in the pieces I haven’t used enough. If I might give a suggestion…I’ll try to wear the lilac sweater with dark navy blue instead of black (this move could help emphasize the beautiful lilac color) and maybe try that gorgeous linen dress with a small bag that has an adjustable shoulder strap as to rebalance your torso (and probably it will work better with a pair of low heels instead of ballerinas). Have fun!

Have you ever done a video on how to store & care for clothes, shoes & jewelry? As I build a high quality closet, I want to take care of what I have, which is hard in a small closet!

I reluctantly accepted several years ago that I just grew out of the small puffer sleeves. So, I have learned that no matter how adorable certain pieces are, just DON'T buy them...haha

Hi Audrey, thank you for sharing this great detailed video. So apt especially this time of year when the shops have so many sales. Remain blessed xxx

I’m curious what the dress, paired with the boots, an edgy coat, and other colder weather stuff would look like. All beautiful pieces on their own for sure. My faves was the sweater, such pretty details and I love the bell sleeves.

Chaeryeong is that youuuuuuuuuu? I can't she's so ✨elegant✨

Thank you so much for sharing. I bought a very pricy Cartier handbag some months ago and is very dissapointed with the quality of it. Knowing that you sometimes regret your purchases too makes my own regret sting a little less❤

I think most of my regrets are down to sizing mistakes, getting what I thought was the right size and it turning out not to be. I really really need to get stricter with myself when it comes to checking actual measurements of garments. I'd like to offer a counterpoint to those boots (which, by the way, look stunning; I hope you can find a way to style them that turns them into a staple in your wardrobe because they do look so suited for you!)... I watched several videos where you were wearing the most gorgeous brown lace-up ankle boots, and I recognised that I needed something similar in my own wardrobe. I looked in several places for something similar that wasn't just a cheap thing which wouldn't last five minutes and couldn't find anything. I think you said they were the Captain style from Thursday Boots, at about the same time as I saw another RU-vidr with the same boots. And I still couldn't find anything similar, so I eventually caved and bought my own, in the black coffee colour... and I *love* them so much, they are my most-worn boots, even on cooler days in summer. I style them with pretty much everything from smart trousers to jeans. So thank you, for introducing me to something I knew would be right at home with my own more comfortable and casual style.

On the lavender floral top: such a good insight. As with many style choices I endorse your rule of thumb: pick one. Flounces or sweet print - either, but not both. Bare legs or bare decolletage - pick one. Bodycon fit on top or bottom - but not both at once. Those are lovely boots. You did your homework and took an educated guess. You might've made the same decision even if you'd tried them on at the store, because the disadvantages you mention aren't always immediately obvious. I'm not sure how a midrise shaft could yield enough freedom of leg movement if it were much tighter. Sometimes walking will create a crease at the ankle, which gives a slimming effect, but if it doesn't happen soon, and if fastening the lower buckle tighter doesn't create the slimmer shape you wanted, someone else will definitely enjoy these. Footwear is so tricky. No lesson to learn, other than we need to be quick about trying on and returning, no matter how much we hoped a shoe would work.

I loved seeing the Lavender Sweater on you. To me it screamed out for Jade Jewelry! Jade Beads or Jade and Pearl Strand Necklace. Maybe a bold Jade Ring or Jade Bangle Bracelet. I'd do that or a Broach in a heartbeat... loved that sweater in that color but topped up a little bit.

One thing I noticed: How your hairstyle seemed different when wearing the lilac top. I think it looks great on you but I noticed your hair style suddenly looked less polished. When back to the main outfit I found it again cladsic, relaxed and effortless. That's something I will consider it when trying new pieces!

Please do more hot weather style videos! 🙏🏻 Super hot climates are my major struggle

I agree with all of your assessments, but would need to see the boots on you to really understand your thoughts on them. An idea for the dress is to wear them for pajamas. Linen pjs are the best!

I also bought expensive boots in 2020 that I struggled to wear. I was able to return them just 2 weeks ago to Nordstrom. This was before I knew about the Kibbe body type. Now I know as a soft classic they were too bulky. I make fewer mistakes now because I refer back to the recommendations before I buy anything. I also have a pinterest board for soft classic outfits. I also sold a lot of items on Poshmark that I now know are better suited for the soft natural.

What you need is a deep purple/plum midi or mini skirt. Then, this lovely blouse and sweater will work and you will have some wonderful wildness in your more simple palette!!!

My NYE is exactly that…cleaning out my closet.

I decided a long time ago that I only buy cloth and shoes in person, that way I know if it fits, if the color is right for me and if is comfortable, I don't want to waste time and effort shopping online.

The blouse was great with jeans !

Thanks sharing honestly, our personal style is an imperfect learning journey :-)

Okay weird suggestion for the beige dress: wear it around the house. I could totally see it as a beautiful like, lounge dress during the summer. I actually agreed with your verdicts on the other pieces, but I totally pictured you wearing that dress at home

About 99% of what I buy is online. But only from shops where I can return. I’ve reduced closet skeletons by trying on new things with as many existing items as possible. And to do it over several days. Moods change and once the love goggles wear off you can be more objective and focus on the negatives. The problem with your dress, imo, is the color. It’s already very simple. The boring beige makes it extremely bland. You could either shorten it or/and dye it a darker olive. Style with brown and gold. I think it’s salvageable.

I have the VB boots and personally love them - because they are flat (and the leather is soooo soft), I can march around the city. I style with cropped jeans and trousers, midi dress or skirt …

I am so happy that in Norway we can sell things I don’t like online app called Tisè. ❤

Have you thought of wearing the boots with long maxi skirts or a flowy dress?

Agree on the dress!

i kept a lilac trench coat that i was skeptical about after watching your video on the color purple, in which you wore this lilac sweater with black pants and made a very compelling argument for wearing purple, but now im second guessing my purchase hahaha.

Hi Audrey! The linen dress is so nice and seems appropriate for Charleston as a historical warm southern Port city.

Boots and shoes is one of the few things I need to buy myself, for myself. Too personal. Just as colour. It has to be close to my face to judge if it will show well. One always learns by mistakes 😉

If you love a piece of clothing but the color is too light or washed, or the pattern is too delicate, just dye it! My mom used to make beautiful white blouses to sell, and people would ask her for other colors, so she started to dye her white blouses any color. She even re-dyed the pastels to get more vibrant colors. That lavender sweater would look amazing in maroon or violet. And the cute top could be dyed olove green or even black, the pattern would still be there but much less visible and still an interesting detail. I would try dying any piece of clothing before giving up on them because of the color or tone.

The linen dress. Have you thought of making it shorter with a tailor? I think a shortened version will look good on you. Also, maybe a pinky lip to add color and wedges/ heel to dress it up instead of flats.

I wonder how a black turtleneck and the black boots would look with the linen dress?? Maybe that would look too forced... I have a few purchases from this year that I regret. I ordered those Dolce Vita beige lug sole loafers that I was in LOVE with. When they arrived, I couldn't seem to match them to anything, they're too narrow and stiff so they hurt, and my hubs actually said they look like nurse shoes. I'm going to keep trying, maybe with white or lighter wash denim, and shoe stretchers, but I've learned to go try on shoes before buying now (Unless it's a brand I know and trust and can't get in a brick and mortar store - like Rothy's)! I want a more laid back lifestyle and shoes should just not require this much work! LOL Thanks for teaching me how to learn from these mistakes and move on from them!

Blessed Christmas Audrey !

A great video. I understand I keep things in my closet I never wear .I need to clean it out also.

Thank You for sharing. Very helpful! 😊

I think the light lavender sweater would've worked great for you with the right accessories or some enhancement with embroidery 🤔

I can understand the sweater, dress and boots, but not that feminine blouse. You look beautiful in it and it adds just the touch of femininity to those jeans you paired it with. The softness of your voice and mannerisms IMHO need that touch of femininity for balance. Great video!

I find myself shaking my head as you show what you've regretted. Pretty items...just not best for you, as you've said, especially with higher price points. 😁 Haven't we all bought items and then when going to wear them... It's a "Yikes, that's a big 'no'!"😳 ****When buying online, I make sure to check the size chart, material type (i.e.100% cotton, which shrinks in a hot dryer.), and if it says "Runs large or small..."****

You look amazing in all of these pieces of clothing but I it takes more to feel good in an outfit I appreciate that ☺️

The boots might look good with a long wraparound wool skirt.

Hi from South Africa 🇿🇦

I don’t own any regret purchases because I save all the receipts. when it was decided to return them, I can. It helps that I buy from only 2 discount retail websites and can return items to local stores. Anything beyond the money back window I get store credit for future purchases. What I feel proud of myself from 2022 is that I didn’t buy handbags and only a couple pairs of shoes. I usually love bags and shoes. However, since I retired last year, I knew I didn’t need more bags and shoes.

I think that the color of the lavender sweater looks good on you but if the neckline were different it would be better

Agree…the boots looks nicely made, but too high. If the clothing pieces are natural fiber, can you considered professionally dye it to more suitable color? Many times even with analyzing the pieces before purchasing, it still might not work, lesson learned.

I might’ve missed if you mentioned it before, but have you tried any OneQuince items?

I bought a lavender sweater myself because I loved your lavender sweater and wanted something similar for myself. However I have a cooler skin tone so maybe it works because of that. I am going to miss it.

A few years ago I thought I needed pattern in my wardrobe so I bought many large print tops. I've worn them often but when I went to a drs office and saw one of my tops on someone else, I didn't like it. I thought it dated her. Then I saw a video that says that older women (me) should wear smaller prints as they make you look younger and more current. So out they go and I'll start again. $ regret isn't a problem because I almost always buy thrifted clothes.

Have you ever considered dyeing the last dress you had at the very end of the video? It could work if you are okay with the dip in the neckline.

Hi Audrey, I missed out on the discount code for your scarfs. Do you have another one? Thanks!

What is the brand of the lavender sweater?

I think your lavander sweater looks great on you, with your hair color.

Could you dye the sweater to a deeper colour? It might be worth trying as you like everything else about it.

mine are a pair of michael kors over the knee boots. i wore them once. they were the most uncomfortable, painful boots ever.

Try those boots with a midi pencil skirt and tights or a mini skirt or a maxi skirt ❤

Try a crocheted vest over the dress

I thought you looked great in the blouse, but I had to agree with you about the sweater. It was a little too icy of a lavender, and made something look off about your complexion. Really too bad though, it was such a pretty sweater. Especially those sleeves!

What will you do with these items? Especially the boots since you never wore them?

That style and shaft height of boot doesn't work for me either. Neither does a complete flat boot like that. I agree that either a chunkier lug sole for a casual look, OR a more dressy high heel looks better on me, too. And the only way I'd get something in that high ankle shaft is IF it was in a high heel (like 4"-5" stiletto dress heel). To me mostly, that higher ankle shaft cuts my shorter legs off too much. I either like a shorter-height ankle boot, OR a knee-high boot. Those in-between shaft height boots are not very flattering, IMO. At least not on me. And pastels in most any clothing just don't flatter my face or skin tone. I prefer blacks, whites, and in colors - it must be dark and jewel tones. And same for me with unstructured, flowy type tops or dresses - or pants for that matter. Again, I'm short AND have curves, so all this bohemian, oversized, unstructured clothing out there in excess in today's fashions just don't flatter me. Being short with curves, anything like that just makes me look like a frumpy blob. I definitely need structure and form-fitting clothing. Thank you for sharing your fashion missteps - we've ALL made them! It does take years to realize what is most flattering on us and it's always evolving - especially as you age, your body shifts, and your tastes usually change some. *** My main fashion rule is that trends come and go and aren't nearly as important as proportion and quality. Just because something is in the magazines, stores, or on celebrities doesn't mean it will look good on YOU or ME. --- Much like anything in life, I suppose!

I love the dress on you but it might be better in black or navy. If you wore a neutral coloured vest underneath, having a layer would add interest and modesty around the neckline. As linen, the dress would dye really well.

Your black boots with wide leg jeans

I love those boots 😂

Idea: could be a little risky...but have you considered dying that purple sweater? Maybe even just in a deeper purpley magenta tone like the one you shared. Just an idea!

What sz is the turtleneck you are wearing? When I clicked on the link, it says OS, which is 'one size fits all'. I'm petite on top so I'm leery of one sz fits all.

Try not wearing the lavender jumper with black , black tends to eat the colour lavender looks beautiful with camel cream and white trousers try that instead

Hello Audrey..having so many regrets..to buy gives so much joy at the moment..then at home the feelings change and regrating ..the cicle goes on n on..please how to recover ? Merry New Year a beautiful woman💞💞

is your sweater torn ? or thats how it is