It may be hard to believe but, even the pickiest members of the Who What Wear UK team make *some* mistakes when it comes to shopping. Whether it was an impulse sale purchase that never saw the light of day again, or a trend-led piece that fell out of favour a year later, we’re not too proud to admit, we haven’t always gotten it right.
It was this exact topic of conversation that got our group chat fired up this week, and had us thinking about all of the pieces we regretted buying the most, and which we wish we’d invested in instead. Knowing that you too probably feel the same way (or are at least curious to see what made our hit and miss list), we rounded up our answers in order to save you from buyers remorse.
So, if you wondered how Who What Wear UK editors really shop when no-one is watching, keep scrolling to see our final edit of the pieces that are really worth buying now.
Things We Regret Buying, According to Who What Wear UK Editors
Natalie Munro, News Writer, on Wedge Mules
“This is an easy answer, but hard to admit. I have some really chic mule wedges, but I can never wear them because they tear my feet up the very moment I leave the house. Heeled mules can be beautiful to look at, but less practical to walk in (it takes a lot of work to stop them from slipping off), so in hindsight I’d look for a style with a little more support.”
What She’d Buy Instead: Minimalist Slingbacks
Toeing the line between polished and simple, a pared-back slingback is the kind of shoe you’re never going to regret having in your wardrobe. Whether you’re styling it up with tailoring, or keeping them casual with jeans, this versatile shoe is a certified all-rounder, just make sure you look for heel heights that are comfortable enough to wear all day.
Humaa Hussain, Junior Branded Content Editor, On Micro Bags
“I bought a tiny bag for a wedding once, and ended up never using it again. I’m sorry to say, it’s sitting in it’s dust bag in my wardrobe. I like Mary Poppins-esque big bags that I can fit everything inside, and it might be sound very millennial of me but, maybe mini bags are best left to Gen Z.”
What She’d Buy Instead: Dressy Shoulder Bags
Yes, there is a happy middle ground (pun very much intended), as a medium shoulder bag can transition between everyday and all of your evening plans too. Minimalist, 90’s styles are having a moment right now (conclusive proof that the classics can still look just as good 30 years later), and a neutral colour palette means that your bag is guaranteed to go with everything.
Remy Farrell, Fashion Editor, On Knitted Dresses
“Okay, I’ll preface this by saying I don’t hate all knitted dresses, but I’m unlikely to buy another thick, wool maxi dress after profusely sweating my way through what became a bobbly, misshapen lump after just one wash. Even in the coldest winter months a full length wool dress can feel a bit much, but I’ve learned my lesson, and even though something has hanger appeal, it doesn’t make it the most practical wear. Always. Try. Things. On.”
What I’d Buy Instead: A Cashmere Jumper
A cashmere crew neck knit can do far more than just being thrown on with jeans, and if you want to wear a dress and a stay warm in the cooler months, layer a knit over (even under) your dress, or tie it around your shoulders or waist for easy access. It’s much easier to temperature regulate than a knit dress, and can be the foundation of so many great looks. A good quality knit that is well looked after can last for a lifetime, making the cost per wear even more impressive.
Rebecca Rhys Evans, Acting Deputy Editor, On Cheap Button Ups
“What I had thought would be a quick solution to buy some affordable basics turned out to be more hassle than it was worth. The high street is great for so many things, and I will never spend over the amount that something is worth just because it has a designer name attached, but after watching as four buttons, yes four, recently fell off a top that I’d only worn twice, I realised the importance of investing in quality over convenience.”
What She’d Buy Instead: Premium Basics
You don’t have to spend four figures on a plain white tee to know you’re getting your money’s worth, but there are some great independent brands and premium labels that put a lot of thought into making high quality clothes in exceptional fabrications so that your clothes are designed to stick around for much longer than a season.
Brittany Davy, Junior Writer, On Flared Jeans
“Honestly, mine is probably flared jeans. As much as I loved the trend and immediately bought into the thought of them, I found it near impossible to find a flat-shoe style that actually looked good with them. Too flat and the hems dragged, too small and demure and they were swamped by denim, too big and clunky and it was an unintentional 2000s throwback. In my opinion, they only really wear well with heels.”
What She’d Buy Instead: Straight Leg Jeans
There’s a difference between “boring” and “classic”, and straight leg jeans might not be reinventing the wheel, but if it isn’t broke, sometimes you don’t need to fix it. Not only are straight leg jeans perfect with ballet flats, loafers and sandals, well, just about any flats, they’re also going to work with heels and tucked into boots too (hello, autumn).
Marina Avraam, Senior Shopping Editor, On Balloon Trousers
“I had thought of mesh ballet flats (ultimately they’re just too trendy and I find them difficult to wear in the city), but balloon trousers were a real problem for me. At 5ft2 they just drown my short frame and end up looking like a skirt. Love the idea, but less the execution—now I’m much more focused on finding trends that work for my body, and not the only way around.”
What She’d Buy Instead: Petite Tailored Trousers
If you’ve been shopping the regular sections and finding the hems too long or too short, you don’t have to settle for ill-fitting clothes for the sake of “ease”. Start with tall and petite sections to find a more tailored fit that reduces the risk of returns later down the line.
Megan Storey, Social Editor, On Suede Sneakerinas
“Easy—white suede sneakerinas. So fun in the moment, but nothing practical about them. Suede shoes are hard enough to keep clean, but throw in such a light colour and with autumn around the corner, there just isn’t enough room in my rotation for such a springy, trend-lead shoe.”
What She’d Buy Instead: Leather Ballet Flats
There are only are handful of shoes that really do work all year round, and a pair of leather ballets are one of them. Wear them with jeans and cardigans in spring, tees and mini skirts in summer and blazers and long skirts in autumn, and you’re sorted. Just like leather jackets, white t-shirts and great denim, ballet flats are one of those eternally effortless pieces that everyone should have in their wardrobe.
Nicole Pereira, Junior Social Media Editor, On Bodysuits
“There aren’t many pieces that I regret buying, but a designer body is one of them. Bodysuits just don’t work on me and i fell into the hype too quickly. It was only later that I realised, it just was not my style, and that’s okay. Would I buy one again? Not likely.”
What She’d Buy Instead: Tank Tops
There’s no such thing as too many basics, and the tank tops you’ve been wearing throughout summer are going to be just as useful in autumn too. Under blazers, suede jackets, cardigans and over tees, a good tank top will also tuck into your high-waisted jeans and skirts, so you can channel the energy of a bodysuit without regretting it later.
