If you have ever stood in front of your wardrobe thinking, “Did I really buy this?”, welcome. Grab a tea.
Every year, I like to do a little update on the things I am no longer buying. Not because I am trying to be a perfect minimalist (I do love beautiful things and I own way too many books), but because my standards have evolved. Especially when it comes to clothing, fabrics, and the sneaky ways brands cut costs while making it look “premium” at first sight.
This post is a practical checklist of what I am avoiding now, and why. I will also share what I buy instead, so you have real alternatives and not just a list of “no”.
1. Clothes made in fabrics that are not washable
I am seeing more and more garments that are basically… impossible to maintain. Not “dry clean only” (which can be legitimate), but genuinely not washable in any way.
Why this is a red flag
In my experience, there are two reasons this happens:
- Cost saving on fabric quality: if a fabric does not have to survive washing or cleaning, brands can use much cheaper quality materials.
- Cost saving on responsibility: if there is no washing guarantee, the brand does not have to deal with complaints like shrinking, color loss, or texture damage. Convenient for them, bad for you.
When “dry clean only” makes sense
There are exceptions where I completely understand dry cleaning:
- A tailored suit, because the construction does not like spinning, folding, and twisting
- A structured, draped occasion dress (wedding guest, cocktail dress...)
- Certain delicate garments where the inner structure is the real issue, not the fabric (garments using horsehair, wiring, padding...)
My rule
If a garment is not washable at all, I skip it. Life is too short to own “high maintenance” clothes that look tired after two wears.
2. Clothes with acetate lining
This has always been a pet peeve of mine, and lately it feels like acetate lining is everywhere.
Picture this: a beautifully draped silk dress, great cut, great construction… and then you discover the lining is acetate. This makes me sad every time.
Why I avoid acetate
Acetate is, in my opinion, the worst pick among common synthetic linings. Here is what typically happens:
- It does not last well over time
- It does not handle washing well
- It can discolor, especially with sunlight exposure
- It makes noise when you walk (oh, that “swish” sound...)
- It is frequently used because it is one of the cheapest options
What to look for instead
If you are investing in a nice piece, check the lining label too. Better lining options can include:
- Viscose (depending on quality and weave)
- Cupro (often nicer against the skin)
- Silk lining (pricey, but luxurious)
- High-quality polyester lining (not romantic, but can be durable if the polyester quality is good and/or recycled)
My personal decision: acetate is banned from my life. I am not going back.
3. Micro handbags and tiny clutches
Micro bags are a huge trend, and I understand why they sell. If you buy a micro handbag from a luxury brand, it can feel like an “entry point” into that brand.
But here is my question: if the bag cannot even hold your phone and your keys… what is it for?
My functional standard for a handbag
A handbag should at least fit:
- Your phone (including large phones)
- Keys
- A card holder or small wallet
- A couple of essentials (lip balm, tissues, whatever you actually use daily)
As a designer, I refuse to design things I would not use myself. That is why the clutches in my own handbag line are made to carry real life items, not just aspiration.
If you want to browse, look for my Elixir handbag collection. Some designs sold out quickly, so check what is currently in stock.
4. One-size-fits-all clothing
On paper, “one size fits all” sounds inclusive and simple. In reality, it usually means:
- oversized
- boxy
- shapeless
- rectangle-shaped garments that do not care where your curves are
I have bought one-size-fits-all in the past, and I often regretted it.
Why it rarely works
Because it is not made for your proportions:
- sleeve length is off
- armhole placement feels strange
- hem hits at an awkward point
- the garment never looks quite “on purpose” on you
My alternative
I would rather buy something that is:
- cut for a real size range
- better aligned with my body type
- worth tailoring if the base fit is good
If it does not fit properly, it is simply not for my body type. Period.
5. Linen blends (linen mixed with synthetics)
This is a newer phenomenon I am seeing constantly: garments marketed as “linen” that are actually linen blended with polyester or other synthetics of lower quality.
Linen is popular for a reason:
- airy and light for summer
- pleasant on the skin
- breathable
- it wrinkles, yes, but that is part of its character
- it can expand a little with wear, which can be comfortable
What goes wrong in blends
When you blend linen with synthetics:
- you lose many of the nice properties of linen
- the fabric often ages badly after a few washes
- you end up with a “worst of both worlds” situation
Label tip: do not trust the marketing wording
Watch out for phrases like:
- “made with linen”
- “linen blend”
- “contains linen”
They do not mean 100% linen.
My advice: check the composition label every time before you buy.
6. Shoes made from cheap synthetic leather “vegan leather”
Let’s talk about “vegan leather”, because the term can mean everything and nothing.
Vegan leather can range from excellent to truly terrible quality. The problem is that, in many cases, you cannot see the quality clearly in the store. The cracking shows up later.
The core issue with cheap synthetic leather
Most cheap synthetic leather is basically plastic (PU means Polyurethane) on a textile knit base. With movement, bending, and friction:
- it stretches
- it cracks
- and once it cracks, it cannot be repaired
A cracked shoe is done. Unwearable.
The exception I have personally experienced
I own platform shoes from Stella McCartney that I had my eye on for years. I have worn them for years, and they still look new. That is impressive.
But it is the exception, not the rule. Brands like that often develop their own materials. That is not what you find in most “vegan leather” shoes on the market.
If you avoid animal leather
If you are vegan and you do not want leather, I recommend looking for:
- woven fabric shoes
- knitted fabric shoes
- other non-plastic based materials
But I would be cautious with “PU leather” for shoes, especially if you want durability.
7. Subscription beauty boxes
I used to work in the cosmetics industry, especially skincare. I love trying new products. New formulas, new textures, new technologies.
And yes, I used to have subscription boxes delivering products every month.
Why I stopped
Because it became too much:
- I did not always finish products before opening new ones
- some items were not things I would have bought for myself
- it created clutter and waste, even when the products were “fun”
My new approach
I still try new things, but in a more intentional way. For example:
- if I am in a store and there is a salesperson sampling a new product, I will absolutely try it
- duty-free at the airport? Yes, I am that person testing everything with zero shame!
The difference is: sampling does not automatically create a monthly pile of products I feel guilty about.
8. Fragrance dupes
Fragrance dupes are trending everywhere. Influencers love them because “this smells like a luxury perfume for 10% of the price” is an easy headline.
However I have ethical issues with dupes.
Why fragrance dupes bother me
Perfume is not random. A fragrance is designed by a highly skilled creator, called a “nose” in French, with years of experience and training.
When you buy a dupe knowingly, it is similar (ethically) to buying a counterfeit handbag.
Also, you will not get the same ingredients:
- the ingredient quality is typically lower
- the balance and construction will not be the same
- the performance on the skin can be very different
My opinion: the idea that a dupe is “the same thing” is a myth.
9. Uncomfortable shoes in the name of elevated fashion
Let’s be honest: high heels can make legs look longer and slimmer. That part is real.
I am 1m80 (5’11), and I still love wearing heels. I enjoy being the tallest person in the room. Especially in business contexts.
The business advantage of height
In some professional settings, men use physical presence and height to make you feel like their arguments are more valuable than yours.
I counter that by being taller. It works very well for me in negotiations.
But comfort matters
I cannot wear heels all day. Logistics become… intense:
- blisters
- carrying flats
- packing band-aids
- switching shoes mid-day
So I am leaning more and more toward wedge shoes and platform heels.
They can be much more comfortable because the whole foot is supported.
A little challenge for you:
Think about:
- One thing you purchased and regretted.
- One thing you purchased and still love wearing.
Now wonder why that is. There’s something to be learnt there!
Extra help: garment care made simple
Since we talked about washing, labels, and fabric care, I created a free printable resource that explains all the washing symbols and instructions you find on garment labels.
Get my free laundry cheat sheet.
Print it, stick it next to your washing machine, and enjoy:
- fewer felted sweaters
- fewer faded colors
- fewer “why did I do this” laundry moments
TLDR
You do not need to stop buying everything. You just need a sharper filter.
If you want fewer regrets and more “I love wearing this” moments, focus on:
- washable, maintainable fabrics
- good linings and quality construction
- functional accessories
- materials that age well
- comfort that supports your real life, not a fantasy version of it
Happy wardrobe building!
Justine
