Fashion Fails: My Worst Purchases of 2025 | Jo-Lynne Shane

My Most Regrettable Fashion Purchases This Year

Before we get started, a quick disclaimer (because I always feel like it needs to be said): If you bought any of these pieces 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. They’re all quality pieces that just weren’t quite right for me.

#1. Citizens of Humanity Palma Straight

also wearing: Bailey Stripe Grommet Sweatshirt (S) // Gola Viper (8)

These jeans were so soft and comfortable, and I really wanted to love them—but every time I wore them, I felt a little dumpy. I gave them a fair shot, including an entire weekend in Nashville, but once I saw the photos, it was clear they weren’t doing me any favors.

I passed them along early in the season to find a better home, and since then I’ve learned that wide-leg styles work much better for me when they’re more fitted through the hips and thighs. I’ve had far better luck with styles like the PAIGE Anessa (I own two different lengths) and the MOTHER Roller, which I now have in a couple of washes.

#2. EVEREVE Rowan Henley Sweatshirt

also wearing: PAIGE Anessa (29) // Birkenstock Boston Clogs (39)

This one was a more recent purchase, but I’ve already passed it on. I can’t quite put my finger on what it is I don’t like, but I think it’s the sleeves… and maybe the banded waist. There’s just a lot of volume happening here. I kept trying to make it work, but every time I put it on, it felt bulky and fussy rather than casual-chic, which is more the vibe I was going for… So into the donate bin it went.

I eventually replaced it with this green henley sweatshirt, which has cleaner lines and the raglan sleeves I love, and I’m much happier with this one.

#3. FRAME Le Mid Rise V-Neck T-Shirt in Gris Heather

I love the white version of this tee, so when the grey went on sale last winter, it felt like a no-brainer to add it to my closet. I wore it a couple of times, but for whatever reason, the grey didn’t seem to fit as well, and I eventually let it go to free up a hanger in my closet.

And while we’re on this photo… the Sanctuary Linen & Cotton Bomber Jacket was another piece that didn’t end up working out. I wore it a few times and realized I never liked how it looked in photos. I think it’s the drop shoulder—it adds bulk in an awkward way—and it’s very cropped. I’m already high-waisted, so I need a little more length in my jackets to help balance things out. Once I added the EVEREVE Camp Jacket in beige and black to my closet, I never reached for the green bomber again.

#4. Gola Viper Sneaker

These shoes continue to befuddle me. I feel like I should be reaching for them all the time—they’re the style I like and neutral colors I usually gravitate to. But for whatever reason (maybe it’s the darker sole?), I just can’t get excited about wearing them, even though I like them in theory. I’ve moved them in and out of my closet several times, and I think it may finally be time to break up for good.

#5. adidas SL 72 Sneaker

Speaking of sneakers that befuddle me… I loved these when they arrived, and I still like them when they’re not on my feet… haha! But something about them just never clicked. I think the red stripes throw me off. I always feel like I need to repeat the red somewhere in my outfit, and the bright white midsole feels a little stark against the darker tones on top.

I’ve also learned that I just don’t like how I feel in running-style sneakers with jeans, even though I often like them on other women. I really prefer lower-profile styles like the Sambas and Spezials. When I want a brown sneaker, I always go back to my Handball Spezial.

#6. EVEREVE Aiden Crop Shirt

I loved this crisp cropped button-up in theory, and I did wear it a few times—but then it just sat in my closet. I finally admitted that I was never truly comfortable in it. I think it comes down to collars. I hate them. They slide back, my hair gets caught underneath, and I feel like I’m constantly adjusting. This is exactly why you rarely see me in button-up shirts of any kind.

On top of that, the short, boxy fit wasn’t very forgiving. I wish it had an extra inch of length and a softer drape. It was a good reminder for me to focus on spring and summer tops with a bit more structure or a more fluid fabric—styles that feel easier and more natural to wear.

#7. Madewell Shopper Tote

I still love the idea of a navy suede bag, but I hardly ever carried this one. Part of it is the color, but mostly it’s the size. I just don’t gravitate toward big bags anymore—which is funny, because I used to carry them all the time. I think it’s another quiet casualty of Covid.

I’m trying to keep this in mind as I make handbag purchases moving forward. The Clare V. Moyen Messenger is about as big as I’ll go these days, and I like that it has several carrying options, unlike this shopper tote.

#9. EVEREVE Dakota Plaid Wool Jacket

also wearing: Vince sweater (M) // MOTHER jeans (30) // Vince boots (8.5) // rag & bone belt

I think I’ll wrap up this list with one more jacket. Again, I like it, but I just don’t seem to reach for it very much. I think there’s something about the wool plaid that feels a little stuffy to me. And as much as I love an outfit-completer jacket, lately I’ve been leaning into more of a “the coat is the outfit” approach.

These days, I’d rather wear a cozy sweater with a great pair of jeans and a long, relaxed coat on top—one I can take off once I’m indoors. That’s the look I’m creating more often right now, rather than the jacket + top + denim formula.

I still have this jacket, and I’m planning to give it one more wear to see if I can style it in a way that feels more casual and true to my style. But I wanted to include it here because it hasn’t delivered the cost per wear I expected—and that’s a helpful reminder to shop for how I’m actually getting dressed right now.

How about you? Do you think this is just where the trends are headed—or is it simply more practical and easier? I’m not sure, but it’s definitely how I’m getting dressed lately.

I’d love to hear from you: did you have any purchases this year that didn’t quite work out the way you expected? And are there any lessons you’re taking with you into 2026?

One last note, since I’m often asked: When pieces don’t stay in my closet, I return what I can. The rest get passed along to friends or family, or are resold or donated locally. I make sure nothing goes to waste.