Everything I bought in 2024: Part 2
Let’s limit the waffle and get right into it because this is a looong one. Every piece of clothing I bought in 2024 and whether I regret it or not.
A full breakdown of my 2024 clothing additions: the highlights, items I shouldn’t have bothered buying and everything else in between. In case you missed part 1, we covered accessories:
Housekeeping first…
I didn’t mention here items that I sent back right away when I received them. I focused on items that passed my initial test [Spoiler alert: I gotta work on my initial test ‘cos there are some hard fails here]. I also didn’t include any gifted items or items I was able to keep as part of collaborations this year. These pieces do make up a decent chunk of my wardrobe, but I wanted to keep my focus on the items I spent my own money on and reflect on whether those purchases were worth it. Finally, I didn’t include my bridal era in this post, though I would be happy to reflect on that (there were some really silly purchases) someplace else.
Any link followed by an *, is an affiliate link meaning I may make a small commission if you choose to purchase something when clicking on it, at no extra cost to you!
Tops
The category I always feel that I never have enough of… Well, Emily, you do. Chill with the tops.
Knitwear
Highlights
UNIQLO navy merino wool cardigan*, €39.90
Why did I buy this? I rely heavily on knitwear as part of my winter uniform, and I felt a cardigan layered with a white tee underneath would just switch things up a little. Also, navy is my black.
Why this piece works for me? It performs perfectly as I’d hoped. Its a great layering piece adding subtle interest to a very classic knit and jeans look. Without a tee in warmer months, the cardigan also looks feminine and can be unbuttoned to show a little more skin.
COS light beige wool knit, €99
Why did I buy this? I was in the market for a really chunky, neutral knit. Not only to wear with jeans but to dress down slip skirts and satin pants.
Why this piece works for me? The knit does exactly what it says on the tin. That chunky collar and cuff too. Very chic, very timeless. (Is this the new very demure?)
Gobi navy cashmere loose fit jumper, €149
Why did I buy this? My navy sweater from Uniqlo a few years back was in need of replacement with something slightly looser and more premium.
Why this piece works for me? Pretty much for all the same reasons as the COS one, just in a lovely shade of navy. This felt like a great building block in my wardrobe.
Shouldn’t have bothered
Zara v-neck knitted vest*, €19.99
Why did I buy this? Similarly to the Uniqlo cardigan, I wanted to add some different styles of knits into my wardrobe. I have some knitted vests, but thought that the v-neck was an interesting detail.
Why this piece doesn’t work for me? Composition. This vest felt ok for a piece made up of some synthetics, but it shrunk after the first wash (even at 20 degrees).
& Other Stories cashmere blend knitted t-shirt*, €149
Why did I buy this? Again, looking for more diverse knitwear pieces in styles different to the classic long sleeved crewneck I always gravitate towards.
Why this piece doesn’t work for me? It’s too bulky and long. It’s difficult for me to tuck in. Why didn’t I send it right back? I put it on and told myself ‘I can make this work’. Note to self: 9/10 when I put something on and say this to myself as a justification to keep it, I won’t end up wearing it much. Trust the gut.
The rest
ARKET beige cotton cinched waist cardigan*, €79 → A great spring/autumn piece, again adding interest through subtle shape. Very Khaite-esque.
Zara wool sweater in grey & brown, €39.99 → Classic shape, loose but not too oversized in fit, in two great neutral colours that go with the rest of my wardrobe easily.
Vintage green v-neck cashmere sweater, €9 → A pre-loved gem. Love the colour, and that it’s 100% cashmere. Love for me that it was less than a tenner. A way to try a bolder colour without spending a tonne or adding to landfill.
H&M v-neck knit in black and grey*, €24.99 → These are synthetic, but they feel pretty good. Already worn them a tonne, and love them with a white tee peeking through.
T-shirts & Tanks
Highlights
ARKET brown long sleeved t-shirt*, €25
Why did I buy this? I’m trying to wear less black, as I find it a little harsh especially close to my face, and was looking for a long sleeved tee for layering or wearing alone with some statement jewellery.
Why this piece works for me? It’s just a great basic. The sleeves are a great length. It’s fitted, but not tight. The chocolate brown shade is rich and yummy. It washes really well. ARKET really nail the basics, but you knew that.
ARKET relaxed fit white t-shirt*, €19
Why did I buy this? My COS clean cut tees will always be my faves. However, I was looking for something lighter and looser for warmer days.
Why this piece works for me? It’s light, breezy, and a great length for tucking. The standout for me is the relaxed sleeve, slightly longer than my usual tees. And the neckline is wider, almost boat-like. Just small details to make a t-shirt a little more interesting.
Shouldn’t have bothered
ARKET racerback tanks in navy & yellow*, €17
Why did I buy this? Because tanks are a great staple piece for summer and these colours were great!
Why this piece doesn’t work for me? One word: racerback. I wanted to make it work so hard, but I don’t have a strapless bra that the girls feel comfortable and supported in. So until I find one, this style of tank is a no-go for me.
The rest
COS beige relaxed t-shirt*, €39 → Doesn’t look like much, but a really nice soft, silky tee. A very relaxed fit. I’ve dressed this up and down all summer long.
COS terracotta ribbed tank*, €19 → Paired with neutrals I love this terracotta colour. With a tan in the summer - excellent. A great classic tank fit for me unlike the racerbacks.
Shirts & Blouses
Highlights
NA-KD navy oversized cotton shirt*, €49.95
Why did I buy this? Always loved a white button down, and wanted to add a new colour to the collection that wasn’t black.
Why this piece works for me? I love the colour - it’s navy although shows up darker in the photo. I’ve been wearing it in so many different ways - with jeans, silk pants, a silk slip skirt, knitted pants. It’s something that goes with everything in my wardrobe, so it just ‘works’ and is worth the pennies because of this.
H&M black cotton tie blouse*, €17.99
Why did I buy this? Part influenced, part ‘ok, that would tick the nice summery tops box for me’.
Why this piece works for me? This TOVE Studio dupe was everywhere this summer, but for good reason. It’s a great high street alternative, and 100% cotton. It’s washed rather well, though I may buy some darks detergent or dye to keep it true black. I’ve worn this both casually and more dressed up plenty this year. I put it on and feel great every time. That’s what is important in getting dressed, right?
Shouldn’t have bothered
Only highlights here!
Bottoms
Hits and misses in equal measure when it came to bottoms this year.
Pants
Highlights
UNIQLO charcoal grey knitted pants*, €29.90
Why did I buy this? Because
opened our eyes to knitted pants!!!Why this piece works for me? A cosier bottom half simply doesn’t exist. The cropped length and the slight flair of them, plus the deep charcoal colour and the thickness of the knit actually makes them look really smart, with no compromise on comfort. I’ve loved styling them with more formal footwear like loafers and Mary Janes. These are heroes!
Shouldn’t have bothered
Mango white wide leg trousers*, €59.99
Why did I buy this? I wanted something loose and floaty to wear through the summer in a lighter colour than the pants I already owned.
Why this piece doesn’t work for me? The quality here is the issue. They are lyocell, and the stitching started coming loose very quickly. Oh, and they shrunk after one wash. They got a lot shorter, and the proportions are all off now.
Mango black stirrup leggings*, €15.99
Why did I buy this? Because all the cool girls were wearing stirrup leggings.
Why this piece doesn’t work for me? I’m not a cool girl, that’s why. Ok, I think stirrup leggings in general could also work for me, BUT these were not the right pair. They have a front seem, they’re a little short so the crotch sits low, but I still removed the tags and proceeded to wear them a few times before realising they just weren’t the pair for me. STOP DOING THAT, EM!
Stradivarius striped ‘pyjama style’ pants*, €22.99
Why did I buy this? I saw a tonne of women wearing these and loved the concept of a super comfy pant outside the house.
Why this piece doesn’t work for me? I really do look like I’m wearing pyjamas. I will, however, thank these pants for being my gateway into silk drawstring pants and knitted pants. Comfy just didn’t need to be so PJ-esque for me. But seriously, some women really rock this style and I love that for them.
The rest
UNIQLO men’s straight leg pants in navy, €39 → A great loose pair of tailored trousers. Would like to get more wear out of them this winter. Again, in navy for something a little less expected.
Adanola Ultimate leggings in coffee bean*, €58.95 → A solid investment for workouts and cosy days at home. So soft and a great range of interesting colours.
Denim
Highlights
Samsøe Samsøe Susan Jeans in light yellow*, €90
Why did I buy this? This light yellow/beige/buttery colour was trending hard.
Why this piece works for me? For me, it’s mostly about the fit of these jeans. I sized up twice. The colour is also fun and works really well with the rest of my wardrobe since its quite muted. I couldn’t find a great photo, so here’s a reel… Watch it and you’ll see why they work. Chef’s kisssss.
H&M men’s loose jeans in white and light wash*, €29.99
Why did I buy this? I had been struggling to find the perfect straight leg loose denim in the women’s department, so I turned to the boys…
Why this piece works for me? They’re loose in the most perfect way. I took them in the longer length for the winter and wearing with heels, and the cropped length for the summer time and getting my ankles out. I am really here for H&M denim too. Great quality for the price point. These sit low on the waist and are super flattering.
Shouldn’t have bothered
No regrets in the denim department!
The rest
NA-KD dark wash straight leg jeans*, €59.95 → Very comfortable, great shape, wash and perfect with flats or boots. A good all rounder.
Shorts
Highlights
ARKET beige bermuda denim shorts*, €59
Why did I buy this? I felt the length of the short would be flattering on me.
Why this piece works for me? I think my legs look great in this style of short. Shorter shorts also look fine on me, but I don’t have much of a behind so always quite conscious of that. I like that these are loose, voluminous and airy. I also only own blue and white denim shorts, so this was a new (be it trendy) colour in my collection.
H&M linen drawstring shorts in black & beige*, €14.99
Why did I buy this? Why did I buy the easiest pull on short option for high summer days in 2 versatile colours? That’s a silly question.
Why this piece works for me? I knew I would get lots of the typical wear out of them, with a tee or tank or a linen shirt and flip flops, like in the photo. But I also wore these well into September/early October with ballet flats and a chunky sweater up top. These will come out year after year for the warmer months and Indian summers. Really great basics.
Shouldn’t have bothered
H&M cotton boxer style shorts*, €17
Why did I buy this? Trend victim!
Why this piece doesn’t work for me? Much like the pyjama style pants, these look so so cool on some women, especially when teamed with smarter pieces like blazers and loafers (it’s giving
!!). I truly just didn’t feel myself in them. They were too relaxed for my personal style. I still have them, and wear them as actual PJs, so all’s not lost.
Dresses & Skirts
Highlights
Abercrombie & Fitch white linen mini dress*, €55.25
Why did I buy this? I have a cracking pair of legs, if I do say so myself, and they needed more airtime.
Why this piece works for me? The simplicity of this piece in its shape, colour, material, neckline, is what makes it work for me. It’s feminine but it’s not girly. I would love to pick up something similar in black or brown for next year.
Zara off-white maxi a line skirt, €35
Why did I buy this? Definitely more of a trend led purchase but I felt like I could make this work for 3/4 seasons of the year depending on how I styled it.
Why this piece works for me? It is really versatile. I wore this well into the autumn, with flip flops (or ballerinas when it was too cold) and sweaters. Already looking forward to having it back out in the spring time, and love how adding chunky knit wear and flip flops tones down such a floaty, girly item in my wardrobe.
Shouldn’t have bothered
Just a couple of great buys, so nothing to note here.
Outerwear
Where pre-loved brought its a-game!
Highlights
Weekday brown double-breasted oversized wool blend coat*, €149
Why did I buy this? We all know brown is having a moment, and I am leaning into it as a great alternative to black. My black tailored coat is pretty old and I wanted to add an updated version into my rotation.
Why this piece works for me? It’s pretty much replaced my black coat of a similar style. It serves the same purpose, but the brown feels a little softer, modern, and I actually prefer it paired with my darker washer denim than the black coat.
Primark (via Vinted) padded trench coat with cord collar and cuff detail, €10
Why did I buy this? There was a gap in my coat collection for a lighter weight puffer/quilted/padded jacket for chilly but not freeeeezing days. My ARKET one was ready for a replacement. I visited a friend in London who had this one and I loved it and found it right away on Vinted for a tenner. Boom!
Why this piece works for me? Ticks the boxes, and also does not look like Primark?! Feels chic, keeps me warm and dry in a light shower - gap filled.
Shouldn’t have bothered
Zara khaki water resistant trench coat, €25
Why did I buy this? I got this before the Primark number. I was looking for a lightweight water resistant trench. The colour caught my attention.
Why this piece doesn’t work for me? Soooo, I kept it, removed the labels, then sold it when I came to terms with the fact that it just didn’t fit me well. It was too tight with a thicker knit. Again, another rushed excited label removal. I planned to wait for the restock and size up, but in fact the Primark trench I found in the meantime is serving the same purpose so I will stick with that.
The rest
Vintage tan suede jacket, €65 → After searching high and low online and in store for a vintage suede jacket, I got my hands on this baby late autumn. Due to the (sh*tty) weather in Berlin, I haven’t worn it much, but I just know it’s gonna be a timeless piece in my wardrobe for years to come. There’s something so special about a jacket you know you won’t see half the internet wearing.
Everything* I learnt in 2024
* about my wardrobe lol, not everything everything
What went well
Thoughtful basics: My best purchases were versatile, high-quality basics—like the Uniqlo merino cardigan and Samsøe jeans—that seamlessly integrated into my wardrobe and got plenty of wear throughout the year. They’re also the kind of pieces I can wear through 3/4 seasons.
Investing in the building blocks: Nothing revolutionary here, but when I focused on timeless, well-made items (e.g., the Weekday wool coat and Gobi cashmere sweater), they delivered on both functionality and style, proving their worth really quickly.
Pre-loved wins: Some of my favorite additions, like the vintage suede jacket and green cashmere sweater, were secondhand finds that felt unique and (a little more) sustainable. This is the first year that I really took secondhand shopping seriously and I like that I am exploring this more and more.
Opportunities for 2025
Trust your gut, Em: A recurring lesson was to listen to my gut. If I put something on and think, “Oh, I can probably make this work,” it often ends up unworn. Keep those labels on until after the post delivery high!
Slow down on trends: Although they were fun, the trend-driven purchases like stirrup leggings or pyjama style pants didn’t align with my personal style and quickly lost their appeal. I guess I got them, because I thought I should have them.
Construction counts: Some items fell short due to poor fabric or construction (hello, Mango trousers). And instead of being honest up front about this when first trying them on, I quickly removed the tag getting caught up in the thrill of the purchase, and then in the end they didn’t fill the gap they were meant to. Slowing down and paying more attention to the details here will help me to avoid these mishaps in 2025.
This was so fun to put together and really eye opening. If you do a similar exercise, or you just reflect on a few of the best and worst purchases from this year I would love to hear how it went and what your takeaways are! I feel a little more prepared going into 2025 in terms of setting my wardrobe goals (maybe that’s a post I’ll work on in the new year'). See you in the comments!
Emily I have so enjoyed this series! Thank you so much for putting it together! It’s inspired me to do my own after putting it off, so thank you! X
One more thing re bras for racerback tops - get a racerback bra instead. These are really comfy to wear and give great support, unlike the evil strapless bras. 😂 You might even find them in pure cotton. 🌱