Clothing I Regret Buying (and what I learned)

[@AlannaLightheart]

Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:25 white shirt 02:35 tailored shorts 04:45 jersey 07:52 oversized sweater 10:19 sheer top 13:33 corduroy 15:56 outro

[@nicolacsukas5127]

Totally agree with the white button up and also for me a blazer as I feel like I’m off to the office 😆

[@AlannaLightheart]

It certainly has corporate connotations. Which is probably why a different personality also enjoys wearing those pieces! (notI, not I) 😂

[@adoptedscot]

Thats exactly how I feel.

[@szfrj]

I recently realised that my regret purchases pretty much all fall into the same category. I’m a fashion and style lover and a thrifter. So when I’m out thrifting I have an eye for quality and style and come across an amazing piece in my size I buy it like an art collector would buy a painting! I get a lot of joy from playing around with styling it but ultimately it bears no relation to my actual everyday preferred style. I need to open a boutique haha! But yes I am trying to learn the difference between appreciation for a piece of clothing as art vs things I can realistically wear in day to day life ❤

[@AlannaLightheart]

Yes! This! It's such a fine line between them and almost impossible to leave something nice behind even if you know it's not your style 😅 I like the idea of opening a boutique haha 🥰

[@TheMagwade]

THIS!!! You've managed to identify my precise issue! I'm a thriftaholic fashion lover and every time I find anything 100% linen or cashmere or "insert amazing quality of your choice here" any truly vintage items etc., I buy it (sometimes even NOT in my size). I'm collecting like an art collector (I also thrift art - LOL - haven't managed to hang or display most of it yet either). I needed this reminder that I can say "ooh that's an amazing find" and then leave it there for the next finder who might actually need, love AND wear it! It doesn't need to be me every time!

[@AlannaLightheart]

@@TheMagwade it's so true 😭 the thrill of treasure hunting! It's one reason I stopped thrifting so much recently to get back in tune with my taste amd stop getting distracted 😆😇

[@cindywall6623]

I keep buying frilly dresses because I’m so drawn to them and then I when I try to wear them I look like I should be churning butter on the compound! Maybe your video finally taught me to stop! Lol 🥰

[@AlannaLightheart]

OMG send them all to me, I want to be a milkmaid 😅🧚

[@dawnpotts5941]

Dress pants 😂 I was totally influenced into thinking I needed some…that I could easily dress them down and look cool! Nope… I live 2 minutes from the beach, I have a black lab, I have 4 grandchildren! But even at 63 we still make mistakes, and that’s ok, because that’s how we learn! Love, love, love your channel! Over one thousand followers now… I foresee many many more ❤

[@AlannaLightheart]

You are so sweet Dawn 🥰 I so agree about always learning - Mark Manson says "the only failure is not trying" I'd rather be trying new things that don't work out than not even trying and always be wondering! 🌟

[@carolineg3079]

So many youtubers say a blazer is a basic I honestly can't think when I would ever wear a blazer (maybe certain workplaces but casually nope)

[@AlannaLightheart]

Yep, it's a no for me 🙈🫶 I'm still trying to come up with the casual equivalent - usually I wear cardigans in all shapes and sizes

[@carolineg3079]

@@AlannaLightheart love my leather jackets (grey/light brown) and in warmer weather a light stone/natural denim jacket

[@AlannaLightheart]

@@carolineg3079 that sounds perfect, I haven't had a leather jacket in so long but they are like heirloom pieces alnost (same with debim, indestructable)

[@pippinhillhaviland1147]

Omg, sooo true. Blazers are pushed so hard but I’d almost never have the opportunity, especially here in Los Angeles, to wear them.

[@deborahcurtis1385]

A blazer with jeans is casual.

[@sarikavijay1151]

Finally someone said it about white shirts and i couldnt agree more! I think they look great on women with a full figure or on women with a skinny tall frame. On me they do nothing, cause I am an average sized woman. I have tried and tried and tried to make it work for me, but nope, its not me and I finally sold all my white shirts this summer. Thank you for the pointer on the white shirt with frills or feminine details. That is me and that is what i should be looking for. Also, about the shirt dress, if u try taking it to the tailor and get it altered to the fit you want, you might be able to salvage that piece.

[@AlannaLightheart]

It feels very freeing to just accept what doesn't work and then move forward with more clarity 🥰 the feminine details are truly a game changer - even just details in general that truly speak to us 🌞

[@amikrenzel5788]

I so agree with the white shirt. I thrifted one and just never felt like me wearing it. I love color combined with casual and comfortable. I love button downs that fit that astetic.

[@AlannaLightheart]

That's such a cosy vibe 💃 the best way to test something out is often to thrift it so the stakes are lower - and then just play with it amd if it works it works, if not, no big deal ✨️

[@deborahcurtis1385]

A white shirt like that needs an interesting belt which you can wear off the waist, lower down that will make it more casual. Brown belts are so helpful for that. You can also wear it unbuttoned as a jacket with a darker body camisole underneath to tie in with your shoes.

[@AlannaLightheart]

Styling something differently can certainly make all the difference - especially with a shirt there are so many ways to convert it to a new silhouette.

[@katenoke1571]

I bought a wrap dress because I was influenced by some KZbinrs that made them look incredibly comfy and chic. Unfortunately on me it just didn't hang correctly, and having had a mastectomy, I was afraid of being exposed (as a cancer survivor I am proud of my irradiated area, I just don't wish to display it). I am now far more aware of the dress shapes and necklines that make me feel confident.

[@AlannaLightheart]

I so often do the same thing! Especially as we all have beautiful and unique bodies and how they interact with clothes really needs to be experienced 🙂‍↕️ finding a neckline that works for you is a game changer 🥰

[@gusmonster59]

I can tell you different styles of wrap dress fit differently. You may want to try one with a different cut if you initially liked the idea of it. Try it on in the shop - if you look in the mirror and can't decide if you like it or not - it's a 'no'. Your first instincts are always the best. Don't ask a friend. Unless you have friend like me, friends will try and be polite and tell you what they think you want to hear. (I am that friend who will say 'Nope. doesn't look good on you.')

[@marylopez3777]

Thank you Alanna! I do not have a good association with white button-up shirts, any blazers, tailored shorts, or casual clothes that are “dressy” or “elevated.” That does not fit my lifestyle.

[@AlannaLightheart]

I am the same. I was so dismayed to be recommended them over and over and felt like "is there something wrong with ME?" but not any more. There is so much peace in accepting who you are and building your style from there 🌸

[@mamis843]

Great video! Points 1 and 2 where true for me as well (luckily I didn't buy the items, but I really wanted to!) The thing is the white button shirt although it was pushed so hard, does not look good on everyone... and for the shorts I think it doesn't work because I consider them more casual so dressing them up doesn't make sense imo. For me the game changer was to understand my kibbe body type and colour season. Different people look good in different things and there isn't one fit-them-all item, it needs to be personalised.

[@AlannaLightheart]

@@mamis843 i really enjoyed learning about the kibbe system and also colour seasons, it was a new perspective for me to see it from almost a mathematical perspective or some sort of logic at least! Finding harmony with your features and then breaking the rules whenever you feel called to do so 🤗

[@carolinesaunders8603]

Great blog Alanna!!! So my latest buy that I am starting to regret is 2 pairs of shorts.....I've never worn shorts.....I dont like shorts.........I hate sitting down and my legs ending up with the texture marks of the seat material I just sat on!.....SO you say why did you buy shorts, hmm well in the last year I've been watching more and more KZbin fashion channels ....everyone on KZbin keeps saying how wonderful shorts are.....so yep I got INFLUENCED...hence the shorts ....so far I havent actually worn them after 3 months of UK summer! 🤯Oh yes that means cold, rain, more cold....more rain ...then the sun comes out to prove it does exist... for 6 hours....then more rain!!!!🤣🤣.... Needless to say I wont be buying shorts again anytime soon!!😜😂

[@AlannaLightheart]

I have fond memories of Irish Summers amd the delulu clothes I would wear if the sun came out for 20 seconds 😭 I genuinely feel like shorts might be the trickiest thing to find the right pair?! The length, the cut, the rise, exactly like you said with imprinting on your skin from the chair 🙈 Again , you win or you learn... so either way it is a win 💃 so then it's just brainstorming 'ok but what ACTually works for me instead of this?'

[@sandycane9884]

I'm a messy lazy minimalist person. I don't like ironing, bleach makes me nervous I've damaged some clothes with it, and I forget to buy it a lot of times when I'm buying detergent so I only wear my white shirt once in a while. And I completely agree with sheer clothing, love the look but I'm too lazy to find matching underclothes and learn to laundry it properly

[@AlannaLightheart]

It's so good to know! Makes it much easier to shop for things you will actually waer and take care of 🦋 a simple life is the best

[@WhatMatttersMost]

GREAT video, full of great points! I'm not a white button up shirt girl either. I bought a shorts/jumper that I regret. It looked cute enough, but having to take my shirt off to use the bathroom was too much for me!

[@AlannaLightheart]

I always think that about rompers and jumpsuits!

[@lesleytungate2629]

Recently I bought a jumper and cardigan in the sale from Armani, I’m not wearing them as they have the logo on them. I’ve realised as I have got older I cannot wear themselves with logos on. It’s too tacky. Lesley England

[@AlannaLightheart]

It's such a good thing to realise! Logos have never been my thing as they do tend to call attention to themselves. I'm still breaking the habit of buying things just because they are on sale or seem like a bargain... and more focus on what my wishlist items are and being specific 💗

[@Tanguy2030]

The white shirt for me is a trench coats. Everyone says you have to have one, it's an absolute classic. yes, but these things just don't suit me. I forego it 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@AlannaLightheart]

@@Tanguy2030 yes, exactly! Knowing what doesn't work for you in spite of being a 'classic' for so many is such a super power 🍒

[@traceyvincent2217]

Such a shame about the Witchery top, because it looks gorgeous on you. I totally agree with you about white shirts, but I quite like an oversized chambray shirt. My buying regrets are more about the little things ( which don't really count as shopping, right?), such as jewellery:gold-plated rings which can't be re-sized; also hundreds of bottles of nail varnish in pastel colours. Look beautiful on other ppl, but hate it on me.

[@AlannaLightheart]

I know, that top broke my heart 😭 still, onwards and upwards. An oversized chambray shirt is so good, it feels much more casual and always reminds me of Chessy from the parent trap. It's so much easier to bear the small regrets where we didn't invest too much energy or money 😅 and then if we never try we never know 🤗

[@angelamelum4304]

I have had so many of the exact same issues.

[@AlannaLightheart]

I feel you! It stinks that we all have to go through such a process of elimination and many disappointments to find the gold nuggets ✨

[@andreaf.6572]

I can’t wear a white button up shirt without some softness and feminine details. Same with a classic trench coat - they do not work on me - too masculine. I’ve watched this video 3x!! I agree with everything you said!! 😊

[@AlannaLightheart]

It's like some sort of magic that a 'classic' cut one one person becomes a 'masculine' cut on someone else WHAT EVEN IS THAT?! I so, so agree 🫠🙈 I feel like I often aim for feminine in my head but end up with androgenous by accident 🤣

[@juanagil4355]

Thanks very helpful

[@AlannaLightheart]

You're so welcome 💝 thanks for being here!

[@jackiebaker1678]

I dry clean some of my natural fiber sweaters.

[@AlannaLightheart]

I don't have a dry cleaners where I live 😁

[@lolaphearse3688]

I love a classic white shirt under a sweater with collar,cuff and hem showing,especially if cuffs unbuttoned. One of my staples,but usually in a looser fit-don’t like the starchy,close to the body cuts,especially as I have fairly big bust,and gaping buttons are not the look…

[@AlannaLightheart]

I love that look too!! (On other people) I wish they designed shirts for more busty ladies - I feel like the gaping buttons is a common complaint! Ahh, but the slouchy relaxed silhouette... it does have my heart 🥰

[@helenheath8650]

The black shorts and sheer top actually look great together on you with the black bra underneath. If you want a sloppy casual look you just need to change your footwear (leather jandals or simple sandals), push up the sleeves, add a slouchy bag, and style your hair in a messy pony tail or bun. If you style those pieces right you'll end up loving them

[@AlannaLightheart]

Honestly looking at the footage I agree 😆 when the warmer season rolls around these shorts might receive a second chance - in which case I'll have to do a 'redemption' video 😅

[@blackouten]

hey! 👋 I am a new subscriber and I just wanted to say hello! I really enjoy your videos! 👍😊👖🧥🧤🧢

[@AlannaLightheart]

Hello 🥰🫶 thank you for being here! I love that you came to say hi!

[@margreetdegraaf4078]

OMG you are so funny and relatable 😂 Btw I have good experience with the intimissimi sheer longsleeve

[@AlannaLightheart]

Oooooh okay, okay got to check it out 💃 thank you for the rec!

[@yap4808]

I love my "school uniform" pieces😊, i dont really associate them with school, but with my grandpa. He always wore shirts,pants, oxford shoes, ties, etc. But i loved the uniform we had in school too. Shirts, pants, loafers/ballet flats 😊 i wear A LOT of shirts😂i have to stop myself to not buy everyone i see,that i like😅

[@AlannaLightheart]

Ahhh that's so sweet 😭 I love nostalgic pieces. And to be fair I do love an academia inspired look also 🌟 as soon as you find the piece that works for you and you love... that's the dream!

[@zigm7420]

I just did my seasonal wardrobe swap and realized that I have a whole stack of solid-color long-sleeved t-shirts that I almost never wear. I just need something with more - texture, pattern, drape, length - anything, really. They’re just so plain!

[@AlannaLightheart]

@@zigm7420 the too-basic basics strike again! 😆

[@kimberlyfink1032]

I feel like capsule wardrobe messed up so many wardrobes. Each item I buy needs a unique spin. A bit that stands out. I also don't like the styles since COVID. It's a needle in a haystack to find anything worth getting. I miss so much the times when there were many amazing styles to choose from and I always wonder if I am settling because there is nothing. I make everything new compete with my most favored things.

[@AlannaLightheart]

That statement is so true! It's such an alluring idea to just get everyrhing on the checklist instead of flopping around like a fish out of water trying to create your own personal style 😆 And yes, where did all the good and quality clothes go?! (Without spending a fortune anyway)

[@kimberlyfink1032]

@@AlannaLightheart things shifted and people want to blend in or look rich. Much of which will be donated in a year. It doesn't work. All brands believe they can charge more as they market to their audiences while lowering quality. It's the Chanel business model. Short term it all works. Long term looks messy.

[@AlannaLightheart]

@@kimberlyfink1032 the wealthy look has truly blown my mind recently - perhaps it has always been the unspoken desire of so many but now it just has a name as "old money" or whatever. To me it looks cheap on so many women unfortunately 😬 Probably because there is no substitute for genuine quality. I love what you said about how each item needs a unique spin, I feel that is such a good antidote to the cookie cutter that has been a disservice to so many! We all have our own learning journey that's for sure amd I have certainly made plenty of mistakes as I continue to learn 😆

[@kimberlyfink1032]

@@AlannaLightheart it is tricky because I need a unique spin but also the kind that is me. I do like things that look more expensive then they are as a quality check. I ignore fomo and marketing. Still with all that it takes like a week to know if it is worth keeping. I have a small wardrobe but do have items that help evoke creativity (roughly 1%-3% of my wardrobe but accessory focused so it doesn't take much space). They are less about cost per wear and more about keeping my eclectic style alive. And when the opportunity presents itself, the item knocks it out of the park.

[@AlannaLightheart]

@@kimberlyfink1032 that is so precise and intentional 🥰 I love the thought processes - of course something that is unique but repulsive to your aesthetic would be pointless 😆 the more picky we are, the more we LOVE our clothes when we find the p e r f e c t piece 😇

[@stephaniec8344]

3/4 sleeves

[@AlannaLightheart]

Ooh, why? Is it that they're not long enough but also not short either?

[@stephaniec8344]

Haha, probably. Especially on jumpers (sweaters), where you spend the day wondering why your wrists are chilly. At least with a short sleeve you know to add a layer. And then, oh the layers, the 3/4 sleeve always seems to ruck up underneath and create a lovely bulge on your forearm and feel uncomfortable. That being said, I don't mind them if they are loose, light and flowy because again, it is clear what you are dealing with. There are so many of the 'lovely bulge' variety though that I am now evidently prejudiced towards the whole 3/4 genre. Counselling may be required. Thanks for replying and great video 😊

[@miserylovescompany3168]

did you try to use laundry net before you put in the washer?

[@AlannaLightheart]

They are so good for delicates! Especially so in case a bra hook snags on a piece of clothing.

[@lbeard7661]

Literally any button down shirt for me. I just don’t wear them. 100% of the time I will be in a tshirt and a cardigan. The weather changes nothing.

[@AlannaLightheart]

It makes life so easy when we stop fighting what truly works for us 🙈🫠 I'm so loyal to cardigans as well 🥰

[@jackiebaker1678]

What is an opshop?

[@AlannaLightheart]

It's what Australians and New Zealanders call a thrift store or charity shop! It stands for "opportunity shop" - just a community second hand store, usually run by volunteer organisations ☺️

[@szfrj]

❤

[@AlannaLightheart]

🥰✨️💗

[@SvDu-bb7rh]

Oh how I hate cotton shirts. Never worked for me.

[@AlannaLightheart]

@@SvDu-bb7rh I feel like we would be able to get over it and move on more easily if there weren't so many shirt lovers out there saying how great they are 🙈🤣

[@BRoseCK]

💕

[@AlannaLightheart]

💗

[@AlexLouiseWest]

Anything which can irritate my skin, does irritate my skin. So I tend to regret buying anything other than cotton. Occasionally linen is ok but not always.

[@AlannaLightheart]

Yes omg and scratchy labels (why?!!?!)

[@rekwa3860]

As someone who loves wool but can even be scratched by cashmere - i feel you. And i also happen to dislike cotton, for aesthetic reasons, and yep, I'm screwed

[@AlexLouiseWest]

@@rekwa3860argh!

[@AlannaLightheart]

@@rekwa3860 What are your favourite fabrics to wear? I know not all is made equal as well!!

[@astriddekoning2040]

I quess we all have some of those mistakes...

[@AlannaLightheart]

that's life 🙃

[@wyrdwitch13]

What I used to buy that I regretted: denim, colored items, high heels, anything low cut in front! I don't and won't wear any of those, they aren't my style or lifestyle!

[@AlannaLightheart]

Omg denim!? It absolutely goes to show that one size does not fit all when it comes to style 😆

[@wyrdwitch13]

@@AlannaLightheart haven't worn any denim in about 20 years now-I realized I find it terribly uncomfortable and doesn't fit my style either! I DO wear leggings and harem pants though, all the time!

[@AlannaLightheart]

@@wyrdwitch13 That's so marvellous, I celebrate it! There are so many things which I am realizing are a no for me too... I don't know why I keep trying to force a square peg into a round hole!!!

[@katenoke1571]

You might consider learning to knit. You could make yourself the types if tops that appeal to you, and you could choose the fiber

[@AlannaLightheart]

I do knit! Just have no time to any more these days, but I will again some day 🥰

[@katenoke1571]

@@AlannaLightheart great! I thought of Petite knit patterns when I saw the delicate merino top you bought

[@AlannaLightheart]

@@katenoke1571 she does beautiful work! I once knit a cami top in a quite fine yarn and it almost ended me 🫠 it took me sooo long! 😆

[@katenoke1571]

@@AlannaLightheart do one of her bulky vests in a light fluffy yarn. Fast and satisfying, and not chunky looking

[@AlannaLightheart]

@@katenoke1571 fast and satisfying, just how I like it 🤣

[@pennymarcus6668]

I have never found a “classic, crisp white shirt” that I would wear. I hate pointed collars, stiff collars, and button-up plackets. Especially the buttons, which never lie flat without massive help from sewing or pinning or taping because I have large breasts. Yuck. I agree that you can definitely live without the classic white shirt.

[@AlannaLightheart]

Yes to everything you said! It's way too high maintenance when we can get classic vibes elsewhere in a different style 🌟

[@nd2663]

lol you made me laugh

[@AlannaLightheart]

😁

[@marylhere]

Those are the items that don’t make it into the washer…get left in the laundry room…then get donated. Often they are items I buy new. I can’t afford quality items first hand obviously. My better pieces are thrifted.

[@AlannaLightheart]

Thrifting is a great option, and always declutter items that are too much hassle to wash as well. Often thrifted items are better quality especially if they are vintage as they have lasted the test of time already!

[@74griffo]

The reality for me is that I do need to settle for items that I don’t love. I’m getting more accepting than of that now though and just wear them 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@AlannaLightheart]

Sometimes I do wonder if my standards are too high 😆 expectations vs reality. We all have to do the best we can with what we've got to a certain extent 🤗

[@gusmonster59]

When I see you pulling the waistline up, I can tell you bought the wrong size. Buying things because you saw on someone else or on some 'fashion/style' channel seems silly to begin with. IF you liked them, then go try them on. When you look in the mirror you will either say ' I like this' or 'Ew.' or be undecided. If it is either of the last two, you don't buy the item. I know right off I would have never even considered buying any of the things you have now rejected. I know they are not me. I do not buy 'outfits'. I buy things I know I like and will wear. One of the reasons I prefer skirts over dresses is just that - I can mix and match skirts and tops. Trends and designer labels are for fools. They exist to part you with your money. You dress for YOURSELF, not for anyone else.

[@AlannaLightheart]

You made some interesting points. Making decisions is made more simple when you have clarity of thought and purpose and it seems like you have a process that works for you and your values.