The When, Where, How rule helps us make smart wardrobe decisions.
We’ve all been there—staring at a gorgeous dress, perfect jacket, or that fabulous pair of boots, just itching to take them to the fitting room. or add them to our cart. But before you hit that “Buy Now” button, let’s take a moment to pause and ask ourselves a few simple questions. Enter: the When, Where, How Rule. It’s a game-changer when it comes to making more intentional (and guilt-free!) wardrobe decisions. Here’s how it works:
1. When will you wear it?
We all love the idea of a new outfit, but let’s be real: do you actually have the opportunity to wear it? Think about your current lifestyle. If you’re working from home or spend most of your days running errands or hanging out with friends, will that sequined dress or those sky-high heels really get the use they deserve? Or will they just end up sitting in your wardrobe, waiting for that “someday” occasion?
2. Where does it fit with your current wardrobe?
Ah, the real test. Does this new item ‘play nicely’ with the clothes you already own? Or will it require you to buy more stuff just to make it work? If you can’t picture several different outfits you could create with the new piece, it might not be worth it. The goal is to make sure every item you add to your wardrobe earns its place and doesn’t just sit there gathering dust.
3. How many times will you wear it?
This one is huge. It’s all about cost per wear. Even if something is expensive, if you know you’ll wear it over and over again, the cost per wear goes down, making it a smarter investment. On the flip side, if you know you’ll only wear that statement piece once or twice, is it really worth it? It might be better to rent, borrow, or shop pre-loved. Especially for one-time occasions.
Have you ever fallen into the trap of buying something you thought you’d wear, only for it to end up untouched in your wardrobe, or worn only once because it doesn’t really work for your every day life?
Or have you mastered the art of intentional shopping? I’d love to hear your thoughts! What’s the last item you bought that truly earned its place in your wardrobe?
Need some informal wardrobe advice? I would love to chat through your Style dilemmas. Claim your FREE 30 minute call now.
info@alisonbrown.co.uk to book xx
