10 Impulse Purchases We Actually Don't Regret
Now that basically everything is available on the internet, it's become much easier to impulse shop. You can literally buy anything on a whim in the middle of the night after a couple of glasses of wine and a few days later, that thing is at your doorstep. I think we've all had instances when we've asked ourselves why we bought that black tie-worthy dress (or whatnot) we didn't need, only to promptly return it. But sometimes, that random impulse purchase pays off.
As fashion editors, you'd be safe to assume that our purchases are pretty well-thought-out and researched, but that's not always the case. I asked our editorial team about their most successful impulse buys, and almost all of them sent me the link to items that I've seen them wear, so you can bet they mean it when they say they don't regret these purchases. Scroll to shop those on-a-whim items they don't regret as well as a few more regret-free buys.
"I'm always in need of cute tops that aren't T-shirts and I knew this neutral colorblock cardigan would go with so many things in my wardrobe and could easily be dressed up or down. Sure enough, it's become one of my wardrobe staples.
Shop Allyson's impulse buy:
"Shopbop recently had a big spring sale and I couldn't resist buying this gorgeous beaded Staud bag. It's perfect for the warm weather season and easy to wear from day to night with everything from denim shorts to dreamy white dresses. It's fun, chic, and puts a smile on my face every time I look at it—so no regrets here!"
Shop Judith's impulse buy:
"I was TikTok influenced to buy these socks, and I'm so happy I did. They're affordable, and it's so nice to open up my drawer and have a ton of the same "aesthetic" socks. My existing mish-mosh of random styles has officially been moved to the back of the drawer. On TikTok, they say they're the perfect dupe for an Aritzia pair, but I just like that they're the perfect height and fulfill that Sporty and Rich/Matilda Djerf look."
Shop Kat's impulse buy:
"I love perusing Italist for cool designer finds at solid prices. On one of my scroll-throughs, I uncovered a Balenciaga logo belt that I certainly didn't, but it's now one of my most-worn pieces. Great cost per wear!"
Shop Bobby's impulse buy:
"I bought this bag in black on a whim last summer and I'm so glad I did. It's the perfect size and so easy to wear with everything both in the day and at night."
Shop Nicole's impulse buy:
"The second these shoes were released, I knew they were special. Usually, with big purchases, I like to take time to think things over, but my gut was telling me these would sell out ASAP, and turns out I was right. I ended up using ThreadsGen to get these for me in my size and desired color and it was so worth it. These shoes are fun yet surprisingly practical. I wear them to run errands or to really accentuate a look. And yes, I always get tons of compliments on them when I wear them."
Shop Lauren's impulse buy:
"Nothing makes me feel better than a luxe pajama set so my most recent purchase had to be this one. I'll be feeling like a queen in my castle every time I wear it and am now thinking of buying a cute pair of slippers to wear it with."
Shop Sierra's impulse buy:
"I made a very unplanned trip to Maryam Nassir Zadeh's sample sale a few weeks ago because I've been in love with her wedge sandals for years now but never quite mustered up the courage to splurge on such a trendy shoe style. After waiting in a very long line, however, I knew I had to make the journey worthwhile and ended up buying an avocado-green pair. Though the color is pretty bright for my usual taste, I've already found myself grabbing for them constantly, not to mention researching ways to get myself another color or two. Unfortunately, my exact style is pretty much completely sold out everywhere (for good reason), but these new Bottega Veneta wedges are a similar color and definitely just as chic."
Shop a similar impulse buy:
"While I'm typically not a big impulse shopper, I immediately ordered a pair of Saint Laurent heels finished with a silver toe-cap detail and they have quickly become my go-to shoes for an evening out."
Shop Kristen's impulse buy:
"When I bought this bag at a sample sale several months ago, there was no telling if I would love it, hate it, wear it all the time, or never wear it. Plus, the added stress of the purchase being final sale. I bit the bullet and went for it and have had zero regrets since I now wear it all the time. I love the cool checkerboard texture and the fact that it converts from a shoulder bag to crossbody bag for maximum versatility. "
Shop Anna's impulse buy:
Shop More Finds You Won't Regret Ordering
Our bestselling dress just restocked in this pretty print.
The It bag everyone wants to get their hands on this season (and beyond, I'm sure).
I think we can all agree that this is the perfect red dress.
I can personally vouch for how great these jeans are.
Next up, shop 33 new pairs of shoes I predict will sell out first.
Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.
-
The Color Trend That Will Dominate 2025, According to Pantone
Take a bite.
By Ana Escalante
-
30 Stellar Finds From Nordstrom, Zara, and Abercrombie Worth Dropping Into Your Fashion Friends Group Chat
I see elevated outfits in your future.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
"Rich-Looking French Vibes" Is the Goal—30 Pieces From the Nordstrom Holiday Sale That Fit the Bill
Très chic.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
4 Anti-Trend Outfits I Spot Every Time I'm in Europe
Classic looks that are always in style.
By Natalie Cantell
-
3 Non-Holiday Ways to Wear Velvet This Winter
You're welcome.
By Eliza Huber
-
Hollywood Stylist Rob Zangardi Told Me His Highly Covetable Gift Picks
I'll take one of each, please.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Hailey Bieber Just Used the TikTok Styling Hack That Will Actually Go the Distance
I'm going to use it this weekend.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
After 15 Years as a Fashion Writer, I Know These Free Style Tweaks Will Make a Big Impact
How to give your wardrobe a new lease on life.
By Emma Spedding