Oh gosh. I have a long list. I’m picky. No to cold-shoulders, one-shoulders, spaghetti straps, strapless or cropped, including two-piece dresses. Espadrilles, platform/flatform shoes, or over the knee boots. Culottes. Jumpsuits. Logos. Certain shades of almost every color – no to red (except for maroon, cranberry, and darker reds) orange (except for rust) purple (except for eggplant) yellow (except for maybe mustard) and brown (only for leather shoes and purses). No to neons and to bright, bold jewel tones – I prefer a more muted palette. Lipstick or nail polish that’s not in the red/pink/nude family. Boyfriend cardigans or dusters. Peter Pan collars, bell sleeves, puff sleeves, or ruffles. Boots with skirts/dresses. Low-rise (or too-high-rise) jeans. Cargo pants/shorts, pleated pants/shorts, or anything bootcut, flared, trouser cut, wide leg, or boyfriend cut. Asymmetrical or handkerchief hemlines. Denim skirts. Ponchos. Doc Marten level chunky heeled shoes. V-neck t-shirts. Camo anything. Bags or shoes with bows, rhinestones, zippers, buckles, studs, fringe, feathers, appliques, or any other type of bling. Corset dresses or those dresses with visible cups, where it looks like your dress has an underwire. Anything uncomfortable – too tight, too loose, too low-cut, too short, too long, too high, or just plain doesn’t fit my shape well enough to be comfortable to wear. And sorry, but LuLaRoe. I think there is a time and a place for Crocs, Uggs, Birks, baseball hats, and cowboy boots, but rarely do I ever find myself there.

Low rise jeans- I’m in pretty good shape but no matter what, these make my muffin top (or whatever one calls those lil’ pillows over the hips in the back nowadays) – which normally I’m totally ok with, look like I’ve cinched in a fresh marshmallow. And there ain’t no hiding that unless you’re wearing the longest chunkiest sweater in your closet. And I haven’t even addressed the “ when one bends over and suddenly one developes an impressive plumber butt” situation with the low rises. Oh it’s just a never ever for me!!

Khakis, turtlenecks, polo shirts, shorts, cold-shoulder tops, most button-up shirts (I make an exception for Madewell Courier and Central shirts). Obviously fur. Hmmm…what else? Oh, those awful, awful platform pumps that make feet look like hooves. I think that’s it.

No clothing or purses with logos (except MAYBE the clasp of a purse!). No overalls/jumpsuits/clothing that can potentially touch the floor when you need to use the toilet. No “sharkbite” hemmed tops. No newsboy/billed caps.

Cargo pants, anything camouflage, hoodies, suits of any kind, a backpack (except MAYBE when traveling), two bags at a time (get a tote big enough for EVERYTHING – I’m not a pack mule…), Birkenstocks.

Also anything itchy or cut weird (a shirt with sleeves but no shoulders? no thanks.) or handbags with too much hardware or detailing…

This is fun to read! I won’t wear supertight or supershort clothing, stiletto heels, or anything “destroyed.” As I write this, I realize that I have never worn these things, even back in the day when they probably would have looked decent on me. I’ll consider artfully “distressed” items on a case-by-case basis. Also no to stuff that says PINK, ballet flats, buttoned cardigans (whether of the Dad or fashion variety), mega-chunky sweaters, knitted polo shirts, acid-wash denim, fluorescent anything, one-shoulder anything, shirts pre-knotted at the waist, pleated Bermuda shorts, Keds, sweetheart necklines, tie-dye (some shibori excepted). Amen to no Lilly Pulitzer and no bows. I do love and wear cowboy boots, Birkenstocks, jean jackets and skirts, wide-legged pants, big jewelry. When I really grow up I want to be Iris Apfel.

Polo shirts and khakis. For one, I’ve never liked a preppy look on me. For two, years ago I had to wear both for a job that required a uniform. The association has not faded.

These comments are so interesting! I share dislikes with so many: cold shoulders on anything but formalwear, Big Logo athleisure.. replica jerseys in any context besides actively watching a game.
Leather pants. (Sorry, Kim). I just can’t. I have tiny cocktail weenie legs, a big butt, and the idea of packing all that into a leather casing is too much. “Menswear” accessories- ties, suspenders,- are just gimmicky.
But I love my red Levi’s and have worn trucker jean jackets since my teens. No plans to quit! : )

Ditto – Cowboy Boots
A baseball hat

Khaki pants, which possibly has everything to day with me growing up in Georgia. I think they look sporty cute on some women but you couldn’t pay me enough.

I’m in the upper register of “a certain age” and I wouldn’t wear anything I don’t want to. So there. 😊

Crocs. I just think they are hideous, which probably makes no sense cause I am happy to wear Birkenstocks.

never say never…but I cannot imagine a scenario where I would willingly wear boot cut khaki capris. I’m 5’9″ and these just look TERRIBLE on me.

bows. Such a big comeback, so cute on some people, but the eighties left me sure that I would never wear a bow again.

Mules.

Polka dots. Stripes. Ruffles. Zebra prints.

Anything with a large, visible logo, including sports teams and the name of any university; tan hose; white shoes; fur; ironic overalls; a jumpsuit (I pee too often).

White pants. My mom was a nurse back when they had to wear all white uniforms, she sewed her own from polyester. Downright gives me shivers.

Crocs and Uggs. Happy for others to wear them; never want to wear them myself.

I do wear cowboy boots, but only vintage and only when I’m in Texas. As to what I won’t wear…patch pockets, stiletto heels, no big floral prints or anything my muther would have worn.

Pantyhose. I threw mine out when I moved to L.A. 18 years ago, and I swore NEVER AGAIN!

Louis Vuitton bags and accessories and LL Bean duck boots. I’m not gangster or Crazy Rich Asian enough, nor WASPy enough to pull either look off.

Ah, so many things. As mentioned, cowboy boots, crocs, Birkenstocks, mules, bows, baseball caps. And I’ll add jean jackets, anything with “cold shoulders,” cropped pants with less than a 27″ inseam, anything yellow, earrings, skinny jeans, leggings if I’m not dressed for outdoor sports, clogs, shorts, most scarves and shawls, short skirts or dresses, anything shapeless, especially dresses, denim on denim. But I collect and love khaki pants and stripes, so I guess that’s what makes horse races.

A button-down collar shirt. (and I question those who do … then, I feel guilty that I do that! It’s a lot of entertainment for a collar.) I once rejected an entire career path because of those floppy bow blouses (though I’d have been a washout at finance anyhow, or, maybe roadkill. Certainly back then and maybe now.) And now I kind of like blouses with ties on them.

Maybe it was the shoulder pads that make that whole scene not work for me. Somehow it felt like I was being made to dress in drag. Ymmv and I hope it did! Get yours. Anyhoo.

I too avoid most bows. Ah, any outfit where, if you dance in it, your underwear shows. I take a firm position on undies – if you’re over 4, and maybe even 3, or 2? – and your underwear makes an appearance, it’s not cute anymore, it’s tacky. (don’t get me on to women’s sports uniforms … that would get ugly fast) (outside of purely social occasions, where it is okay for mating purposes … the person with less clothing on is lower status. Fact. As Bucky Katt would say. Bucky is mean and often but not always wrong. I am such an effing proto fashion fascist that I am *this close* to starting to look down on women who still wear skirt suits. I know. It’s insane. I need to just stop.) This isn’t as bad as it sounds though bc there are many ways to wear skirts without flashing people.

Capris, the kind that end too high on the calf. Agree with Kiki ^^^ they should be abolished. Crocs but bc they are bad for your feet and dangerous. Not all rubber footwear is bad. I actually have a secret hankering for cowlady boots, but have never done anything about it.

This leaves out the large category of things I would totally wear, if only they didn’t look like bleep on me.

Oh, agree on pantyhose, but tights are good. With the caveat that if you are in a situation in which you are socially “forced” to wear a skirt … then, hose can be useful for when you want it to look like your skin, without it actually *being* your skin. But luckily one is not forced to do this much.

Most pumps look stodgy to me. I don’t have an attitude toward those who do partake though, bc really it’s just hard to find shoes. Mustn’t judge.

I avoid most but not all logos. Talk about irrational, I won’t even buy underwear with someone else’s name on them, even though mostly no one will see it. (Still looking!)

Mostly I am bored with the way I dress, and I try to find things but it takes me forever. Who has time?

I bet I am leaving some things out. Oh, and I put in a bunch of returns to see if I could make paragraphs. We’ll see.

Ah, a one-piece! Never. Why? Why am I covering the middle of my body, which is just skin, and having my fanny hang out? No no no. But again, this is not one where I judge. We’re at the beach. Whatever. I am tending towards those leggings, but have not actually got any yet. Having to put sunscreen everywhere is annoying. Oh the delicious psychodrama of clothing.

I too am from/live in Texas and you won’t catch me dead in a pair of cowboy boots. Hard pass.

I also grew up in Texas and never wore boots while I was there. Now, however, I love my all black Luccheses. I’ll never wear a cold-shoulder, though. Those are an abomination!

A white turtleneck. I used to be very hard and fast about the nevers (No navy blue! No ladylike watches! No tartan! No headbands!). Though I have softened over the years, this one still holds.

Come to think of it, I am never going to wear a headband either, I don’t care what those fashion girls say.

I probably wouldn’t wear actual cowboy boots either, but am OK with “western” style, like Frye harness clogs or something with a chunky heel and a pointy toe. Just not all the time.

No wide leg cropped pants, cold shoulders, low cut blouses, cowboy boots, or turtlenecks for me. I don’t wear the colors tan, orange or yellow either. I have an aversion to stiff fabrics.

Public Service Announcement: Cold shoulder tops look like complete shit. On. Everyone. I. Said. Everyone.

Jumpsuit (I have a loooong torso). Also pretty hard and fast about not wearing exercise gear UNLESS I AM EXERCISING. Actually, I am pretty rigid: I have work clothes and not-work clothes and they are only worn in their proper sphere!

Denim and turquoise.

Fur.

As a native Cape Codder (now living happily in Houston — HA! — never say never!), I am allergic to super preppy looks. Also avoid the popular French Ines Emannuelle blah blah boyish look, which does less than nothing for me. Clothes are so much fun, why do so many middle aged women want to dress like teenaged boys?

I agree with so many here, but I’d add hats. I hate them. Blossom ruined them for me forever.

I avoid bows, frills, polka dots, and pink – I don’t wear anything juvenile or girly – as in something a little girl would wear. And I don’t wear camo. I won’t wear fur, either. All my other rules (and there used to be so many more), I have realized I don’t really care about any more. If it makes me feel great in my body, I wear it.

Like many others, no yellow, no baseball caps, no cowboy boots; no leggings-as-pants, NO SLEEVELESSNESS, no synthetic knitwear, nothing above the knee anymore (unless at the beach), nothing tight/sausage-y. As for “cold-shoulder” tops/dresses, one would need to define the term: If it refers to those flowy, elasticated-shoulder garments that can be worn down or up to suit — well, sure, in a tropical setting; but if it means those hideous things with a neckline and sleeves, but weird circular omissions where there should be fabric on each shoulder, then HELL NO.

Any top/blouse that has pockets on the bosom area-just no. No Birkenstocks-might as well wear the boxes.

Khaki, brown, Army green, camo. Birkenstocks, blue eye shadow, white shoes/purse, sponsor t-shirts, brown mascara, too tight pants, no bra (boob sag), yoga pants as work/going attire.

L.L. Bean duck/hunting boots. I grew up in Maine, and had enough of them. And anything that skews frumpy-preppy…French preppy is fine, but actual preppy? nope nope nope.

Leopard print is at the very top of my list, followed closely by cold shoulder, high waisted jeans, those big chunky bejeweled bib necklaces , any jacket without a collar, mandarin collars, peter pan collars, lace, cowl necks, mules, peplum waist, hermes scarves and pearls.

Animal fur.

I’m with you on the cowboy boots. I’ve lived in CA now for many years, and see them looking great all around me, but as a native New Yorker,
I felt like a ridiculous poser whenever I’ve tried them on. 😉

This is easy: thong underwear. Never. In. A. Million. Years. It’s bad enough I have to floss my teeth. Butt floss is a whole other realm of never.

Ugg boots, clam-diggers, cowboy boots, sling-backs/or any heeled shoes without a back, diamonds, real fur, sausage dresses, tights, push-up bras (or any hard cupped bras), ball caps, low-rise pants, short shorts, high spiked heels with platforms, thong bathing suits, girly hats, liberty prints, thigh high boots, designer bags with labels printed all over, anything that’s super “hot at the moment”, crop tops, tight sweaters, full-face of make-up…. oh, there are so many things I wouldn’t wear.

Lace up front shirts. Drop crotch pants. Cropped flares. Ponchos.

Anything with words on it, especially logos or brands (*except the t-shirt for the company I own and created, which I do wear to work). Menswear or “for the boys” looks. Anything overly revealing. Yellow is not my friend either, but I so admire it on those who can wear it.

Oh my , I love all of you. Yes, yes to every comment. Except the « hats » one. What do you do on bad hair days? Or when it’s freezing !

Cowboy boots- During my awkward teen years ( and then some) my mother kept us at a real cowboy-scene horse ranch. Even then, riding every day, I refused cowboy boots, and wore my sneaks (deemed dangerous, as they can slip through your stirrups).

Lilly Pulitzer. Just no.
I moved from NYC to Richmond, Va several years ago. While I like it here just fine, grown women actual wear this. In public. Thinking god knows what.. that the world is in envy of there g&t lifestyle at the country club? They just look like overgrown toddlers..
I will never.

Birkenstocks, Uggs, Crocs, new clothing with holes, boyfriend jeans, athletic clothing outside of home or working out, biker boots, leather clothing, real fur, maxi dresses, ponchos, capes, Victorian-looking blouses, hats with pom poms, balloon sleeves and bum bags.

Ruffles and lace are both problematic. I look like I’m in drag. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but . . .)

Crocs for sure, used to be Birkenstocks but then they had a fashion moment a few years ago, right around the same time I got horrible plantar fasciitis and now I wear the Birks all summer long. My favorites are the black with silver studs, I kid myself they are super cool and stylish while they are really just comfortable. And would reconsider Uggs if I lived in a cold climate. No to low cut jeans, cold shoulder tops, overalls (anyone over a B cup probably should avoid overalls IMHO), fur, agree with the pearls and Hermes scarves, anything that you can’t wear without a bra, crop tops, jeggings, those fussy Chanel type jackets with buttons and pockets (never figured out how to style them), babydoll dresses (as much as I loved them in the 90’s), stilettos, bandage dresses, mules (but love clogs), over the knee boots (can’t get over the Pretty Woman reference, I mean is there anyone they don’t look ridiculous/costume-like on? And which is worse, heels or flat over the knee boots?), crop tops, preppy, those horribly ugly Isabel Marant wedge sneakers. But I love ponchos and capes (Kim, maybe a future topic?? Please, non hippie ponchos??), embroidered peasant blouses, Isabel Marant leather jackets. And love hearing all the comments.

Those No. 6 clog boots that all the cool fashion-y girls seem to love. I just don’t get them! Also: All Birds sneakers. (Stop telling me how comfortable they are! They’re boring/dorky!)

Paisley prints. Because ew.

I haven’t worn shorts since circa 1978 and I have never once reconsidered.

I love my cowboy boots. I’ve been wearing black western boots since the 80s when as a downtown NYC girl I wore them with skinny black Trash & Vaudeville jeans or black leggings. They are my go-to shoe most of the time & I truly wish everyone else would quit wearing them!
On my “never, ever” list: bows, frills, cold shoulders, Crocs, Uggs, stiletto heels, most embellished things, conservative office wear, A-line skirts. And, anything high waisted because I am short waisted and don’t like my waist band on my rib cage.

Hard pass on polo shirts, which autocorrect just turned into “oil shorts,” and I think if those existed I would have to ban them from my wardrobe as well.

Great question! I’m very proud to say that I’ve never worn a monokini, toe ring, ankle bracelet, “French” manicure or indoor tan. Neon, pastels, logos and perms I regret, but it was the 80s, so I’ll forgive myself.

I have a phobia about Red pants. Never even tried a pair. I’m terrified. Any chunky heal that’s not a wedge. They just make feet look wide and legs thick. Mom jeans & biker shorts – never looked good on anyone. And culottes- I mean what in the world?

cowboy boots (and any shoes or boots that have the same heel), crocs, culottes, UGGs, over the knee boots (I’m petit, they’d come up to my crotch), high waisted pants (again being small – they hit right below my breasts) although they do look good on so many people.

I’m a Texan and never would I wear them! Too costumey. Red pants and anything with ruffles.
Kim, i’m In NYC now on vacation, and brought the Amazon coat you showed and it’s keeping me toasty warm. Thanks!

a denim jacket!….ugh…..cannot stand them….

Pleated plaid skirts, navy cardigans, saddle shoes – can you tell I spent 12 years in Catholic school?

Because I grew up in Texas: cowboy boots. Because my grandma made me with I was little: bows, lace, ruffles. Because I made the mistake in the 90s: overalls and rompers/jumpsuits, scrunchies. Because I think they look wrong on me: chambray, leather jackets, Birkenstocks. Just because: Crocks, Uggs, cold shoulder, French manicure, cropped wide legged pants, over the knee boots, polo shirts

I’m on a mission to bring back the ladies’ hat, so watch out you no-hat peeps! I, too, despise the cowboy boot (and cowboy hats) crocs and uggs. Also chinos, ruffles, maxi skirts, fake or real tan, bib overalls, thongs, demi bras. Prairie anything. Peasant blouses.

Uncomfortable shoes.

Ponchos and cold shoulders. One makes you look like a lampshade, and the other makes you look like a busted lampshade. Just, why?

Baseball hats (because I have curly hair I look like Bozo the Clown if I wear on) and polo shirts (because I have big boobs and I can’t think of anything MORE unflattering). There are others but those are my top 2.

Sorry birkenstocks, dad runners, culottes, utility jumpsuits, anything voluminous, including poly blend blouses with ruffles, bows, over-mixed patterns, long sweaters, cardigans or dusters that do not flatter the shape.

Cropped wide-leg pants, polo shirts, mules, thongs, UGGS, bras that look like medieval torture devices, stilettos, overalls.

Seems you struck a nerve, Kim.

Ruffles (5’10” size 14 Val as Jon Benét territory), mini skirts, anything tight, tight crewnecks (Val as a man), pastels (Val as giant ice cream cone), thigh high boots (they only come to my knees 😉).

Sleeveless, anything super tight across the tummy and above all else, baggy pants. I can’t seem to get away from the skinny!

It’s also highly unlikely I’ll be wearing ballet flats in the future.

I’m going to add another on behalf of my husband – he absolutely loathes the denim skirt and has carried on at great length about them.

Yes, I know women shouldn’t give a fig what men think and I normally don’t but I must admit I haven’t been able to give the denim skirt a second look in quite some time.

My sister says they have been spoilt for her as well.

Fun thread!

My list is long… Mom jeans, Uggs, flats, birkenstocks, khakis, overalls and onesies, cold-shoulder stuff, off-the-shoulder, turquoise jewelry, bangles, mules, floppy hats, totes, backpacks and anything with appliques/feathers/fringe.

There are probably 100 more, but those items are sure losers for me!

Shirts that say PINK. Anyone over 25 should pass on that. Cold shoulder tops.

Flip flops, quilted vests, non-Vince sneaks & sweats (unless as pjs).

Anything that says “Juicy”. I can wear cowboy boots when I am on a dude ranch – no other time without it being part of a costume . Tube tops are a no-no, no crop tops because I spend a lot of time trying to hide my middle, and I am short waisted. Also, these comments are so illuminating- me being a broad- shouldered, large-breasted, short-waisted women who has tried many times to wear overalls, button downs, and jean jackets to cringe worthy results. No Crocs either, no Uggs because I live in California. Finally, I have a weird self-consciousness about designer goods that shout/advertise the logo. I feel like I am bragging- awful! Also, I see lovely people wearing all of these items on the daily and admire them for it. It’s just me apparently, that can’t pull them off.

Because I am a GOACA: gauchos/culottes. Also, because I have weak, toothpicky ankles: clogs. Also, because I can’t help feeling like a 7th grader in them: rugby shirts.

Fanny pack! Not even if Chanel, Gucci, etc. I hear they are popular with Gen Z. I just can’t.

None of those dreadful designer “dad sneakers” that seem to be popping up everywhere.