As you were transitioning your wardrobe from fall to winter, did you spot a couple of things you feel like you just bought and never wore? Did you really need that sweater, or did you just kinda want it? Has your style evolved since last season, and suddenly it seems like you have "nothing to wear?" If any of this sounds like you, don't worry. It sounds like us, too.As it turns out, even the industry's most fashionable, like supermodel Devon Windsor and nightlife maven Lyz Olko, catch themselves in a style rut every now and then, splurging on unnecessary pieces and getting a serious case of buyer's remorse. Regardless of the season, you should be able to divide your wardrobe between wants and needs: the pieces that will last years and never go out of style, versus those you bought on a whim and probably could have done without. To help bring some clarity to both categories, we asked 13 so-stylish women to reflect on what they brought home this year and get honest about what they're taking into 2016 — and what they definitely could've left on the shelf.
Victoria Beckham, Fashion Designer
"I can honestly say I wear everything I own. I buy very carefully. The one piece from my own label that I keep coming back to is a classic, tailored coat from my pre-SS16 collection. It has a beautiful matte-shine satin lapel detail, and is incredibly versatile, and goes with so many things. "
Lyz Olko, Nightlife Personality & Designer: Lyz Olko, Obesity & Speed
"This is a photo of me and my favorite BLK DNM leather jacket. It's one of the best purchases I've ever made. I got caught in a downpour a few days after buying it (and was wearing it for maybe the second time), and was bummed at first, [but] then the next day it fit like a glove.
"I bought a few pairs of shoes [this year], namely this pair of high heeled open-toe boots for my friend Matt's wedding. It was a stupid decision. I never wear heels this high, or open-toe shoes, or wear heels when I know I'm going to an outdoor wedding in Canada and standing for eight hours and dancing through grass.
"Two days, one hangover, and one cortisone shot later, I then suffered from a foot injury that prevented me from running, and my podiatrist asked me if I was insane and if he could see a pic of me actually in heels for evidence. The lesson: Never stray from your personal style and what you know you feel comfortable and look good in. I donated those shoes and went back my trusty Stan Smiths. I learned to invest in things that are timeless, long lasting, and reflect my personal style.
"Heels, you were fun. But running 15 miles a day is more fun."
Jenny Walton, Illustrator
"This past year, I bought a Polo Ralph Lauren white tuxedo shirt (oversized with big cuffs), and it's one of the pieces I wear most often. I also bought a few berets in the past few months. This happened because I found one, fell in love, and convinced myself I needed many, many more. But as it turns out, I only really needed one.
"I think it's common for people to find one thing they love and decide that they need multiple versions of it (that they may have, in fact, just found their new thing). My advice would be not to invest so heavily. I learned that the white shirt is perfect just the way it is, and it's enough to just have that one. And, what I learned from the berets was that you shouldn't buy a piece in excess just because it may or may not be your new thing."
Devon Windsor, Model
"I'm actually very particular about everything I purchase, so there's nothing on the top of my head that I bought that I regret buying! I did buy myself a new Alexander Wang light pink leather jacket that I absolutely love! And it adds some color into my wardrobe while maintaining a cool biker feel.
"My wardrobe has a lot of black in it. And this year, I really wanted to try to add color and texture and pattern into what I was wearing. I definitely prefer to shop in person versus online, because it's hard to see what those colors will look like when you get them, and the fit is better if you can try it on in the store. This year, I learned I can integrate fun color into my personal style, [while] still being able to feel cool and edgy."
Pandora Sykes, Fashion Features Editor, The Sunday Times Style
"I didn't need to buy all the jeans I bought [this year]. I'm picky about jeans: My beloved Topshop pair from seven years ago still trumps brand new, all singing and dancing designer denim. So I should have remembered not to go wild at buying new stuff and instead stick with the old.
"I've bought and loved a lot of stuff [this past year], though. I suppose I couldn't see myself living without my olive green suede Jaeger trench coat. It's such an interesting color and has a really ageless appeal; I got stopped by a mother and daughter the other day who both wanted it!"
Natalie Suarez, Blogger, Natalie Off Duty
"This past year I haven't purchased anything I didn't use to the max... I'm such a picky shopper and have learned to buy only what I need. I save my splurges for outrageous vintage finds that will only add to my eclectic style. This year, I went with accessories. I'm a huge lover of skinny neck scarves, hats, berets, belts — you name it. When you have the basics and a few staple pieces, all you need is that final touch in your look that makes it your own."
Juliana Salazar, Social Media Director, Hirshleifers
"I think a particular shoe purchase was a classic case of being blinded by the label. (And sale.) They were so "cheap" for Céline! I never liked flatforms, but once again: Céline...sale...mine.
"No matter the price tag, I think (or at least try to think) about my purchases as longterm ones. I don't like things that are extremely trendy. Or even if I do, they're pieces that would be more than just a moment for me — pieces I would love just as much in a few years. This was definitely not one of those purchases.
"A purchase that I definitely could not have gone without this year was my Ready-Made carry-all. I kept on going back and forth on it for days, maybe even longer. Then I said, 'Screw it. I'm treating myself to this bag for my birthday.' When I first got it, I couldn't help but to question my purchase again, but another look at my bag and it was a done deal. I use it almost every day for work, for traveling, and just for everyday [use] if I have a lot to carry. The color also makes it extremely wearable, and I needed something like this to use every day that I wouldn't get tired of. I also love that it is so rare and no one else has it. And, it doesn't hurt that I have gotten so much use out of it with little signs of wear.
"In regards to my personal style and my shopping techniques, I go for things that are very special in the sense that not every other person has it. I also really have to love whatever it is I'm buying. I can be a pretty impulsive person and get obsessed with things when it comes to fashion, so I try to test myself. If I'm still thinking about whatever it is a week or two later, it's serious. The next step for me is to imagine all the different ways it would fit in with my existing wardrobe. I don't really believe in buying something that would require you to buy X amount of other things to wear it with. I can easily justify a big purchase by [its] cost-per-wear value."
Hannah Ferguson, Model
"I bought a pair of black lace shorts [this year] which are actually really cute...but the shape and the way they fall on me isn't quite right. I keep going back to them, but end up never wearing them, which just goes to show: If you aren't quite sure about an item you're trying on — don't get it!
"But, I also got a pair of Stuart Weitzman over-the-knee boots, and they were by far my favorite purchase this year. I found them online, but I waited until I could try them on in a store before purchasing them. I do love online shopping, but I hate having to return things. They are comfortable and so convenient to dress up or down. I wear them with leather pants, or a skirt or dress.
"My boots taught me that it really is important to invest the money I'm spending on items that are diverse and enhance items or outfits I already have."
Leaf, Rapper
"Two items I definitely thought were a steal that I bought this year were my circle glasses from Live Vivacious and my Lugz. It's so hard for me to find glasses that fit correctly, and these were perfect. Also, I think every girl needs a pair of Lugz or Timberlands for the winter. They're comfortable and keep your feet warm for the frosty days that always hit the East Coast.
"One item that I regret (but don't) is a pink wig I bought from this beauty supply store near my house, just because I haven't found an outfit to wear it with, or a place to wear it to."
Clara Alonso, Blogger & Model
"I really regret buying a new pair of sunnies I thought looked amazing on me and, after a month, I couldn't stand them anymore. But I'm really glad I bought an amazing pair of sweatpants with denim print from Rag & Bone; they're probably the smartest purchase ever, because they look exactly like boyfriend jeans, but they're still sweatpants, so they still make me look trendy in the most comfortable way.
"This taught me that I can be very impulsive sometimes and I should really think about the things that I need, rather than the things I like. Also, I feel like my style and wardrobe has become more relaxed [this year] — always thinking of being trendy without having to give up being comfortable."
Meg Mac, Singer
"I think some people can wear hats, and others can’t. When I wear a hat in real life, I think everyone is looking at me and judging me. I did a photoshoot for Vogue Australia earlier this year, and the stylist dressed me in a hat. I got lots of hat attention, and I worked out that this would be good for the stage because everyone is meant to be looking at me anyway.
"I bought a black hat from a store in Fremantle, Western Australia in between a soundcheck and the first show of my tour. I think I am now someone who can wear a hat…on stage. When something is expensive (for me), I spend a long time working out if it will be worth it. I can name a number of things I have bought and not yet worn, [but] these are always things that are cheap (usually from second-hand shops) and I think I can’t afford not to buy it. When I am dropping a garbage bag full of second-hand clothes back to the second-hand store, I feel embarrassed. I want to only own things I love, so I will just own less. I learn this lesson every year."
Zoe Silverman & Adam Pallin, ASTR
Adam Pallin:"I tend to stick to all black or somewhere close to monochrome, but white denim pants seemed like an experiment to try [this year]. Huge mistake. I felt like I was living inside a Menudo video every time I went out.
"Any time I get a new pair of all-white Adidas Stan Smith shoes, I feel like a new person. So while it's something I’ve been doing for a while, a fresh pair of cold white Stans is always a great decision.
"It’s okay to experiment, but some things are worth leaving alone (white denim pants), and whatever’s working is worth keeping. When does black ever not work, am I right?"
Zoe Silverman:"I got a little too fringe-excited last season and could definitely go without a few of those jackets I bought. [I'm glad I bought my] Western belts and chokers. They go better with all the other pieces in my wardrobe, and don't dominate my style.
"When you get excited by a style, rather than buying every staple item in that trend, go for the accessories. They blend better with your own vibes."
Vashtie, Director, Designer, DJ & Model
"Something I bought this year that I feel like I could have gone without is my [Rolex President]. While I absolutely adore it and feel like it was the crowning jewel to celebrate my major successes to date, it's also still just a material object.
"Something that I bought this year that was the right decision was investing money into my health in general. From monthly colonics at Provence Wellness Center, to holistic facials with Monica at Sacred Touch, acupuncture with Paul Kempisty, and Core Energetics Therapy with Karin Knoblich— investing in your personal health is key to all success!"
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