THE SMART SHOPPER’S STYLE GUIDE
How to know what’s actually worth buying for your wardrobe
Before you buy another piece, ask yourself these questions.
A great wardrobe isn’t built by buying more. It’s built by knowing what deserves a place in it.
- THE VERSATILITY TEST
Can I style this in at least three different ways?
Think beyond the outfit you’re imagining right now.
Can you change the shoe?
Add a layer?
Dress it up?
Dress it down?
If a piece only works one way, it’s worth reconsidering.
- THE WARDROBE TEST
Does it work with what I already own?
Before buying, think about the pieces already hanging in your wardrobe.
If you need to buy three more things before you can actually wear it, it isn’t the smart purchase it first appeared to be.
- THE SILHOUETTE TEST
Does the shape work for you?
Don’t buy something simply because you love how it looks on someone else.
Pay attention to the cut, proportion, length, and silhouette.
The right piece should work with your proportions, not fight them.
- THE OCCASION TEST
Where will I actually wear this?
Be honest.
Is it something you’ll wear regularly or something you’re buying for a very specific occasion?
A beautiful piece that spends most of its life in your wardrobe isn’t necessarily a good investment.
- THE QUALITY TEST
What am I actually paying for?
Look beyond the label.
Check the fabric, construction, finishing, hardware and overall quality.
A higher price doesn’t automatically mean better quality.
- THE COST PER WEAR TEST
How often will I realistically reach for it?
A piece you wear repeatedly can be a better investment than something far more expensive that you wear once.
Think wearability, not just price.
- THE “DO I REALLY LOVE IT?” TEST
Would I still want this if it wasn’t trending?
Trends can make us want things we wouldn’t normally choose.
Ask yourself:
Would I buy this because it suits my personal style, or because I’m seeing it everywhere?
If you wouldn’t choose it without the trend attached, leave it.
YOUR FINAL CHECK
Before you buy, ask yourself:
Can I style it three ways?
Does it work with what I own?
Does the silhouette work for me?
Will I actually wear it?
Is the quality worth the price?
Would I still want it next season?
If you’re answering yes, you may have found an investment piece.
If you’re answering no, put it back.
WANT HELP BUILDING YOUR OWN WARDROBE?
Knowing what to buy is only one part of getting dressed well.
In a one-on-one styling session, we’ll look at your personal style, lifestyle, wardrobe and the pieces that will actually work for you
Ready to make your wardrobe work harder for you?
BOOK A ONE-ON-ONE SESSION
