There is a big difference between fashion needs and a fashion wants. Sure, it's nice when a want is a need, but, unfortunately, this isn't always the case. Fashion does a great job of constantly flashing pretty things in front of us that it can be so easy to get swept up in it without being rational. If you have been lured in by unnecessary fashion wants, rest assured, you're not alone.
Need a little help deciding if your fashion wants are actually fashion needs? Check out my five tips to tell the difference.
Fashion Needs and Fashion Wants: How to Tell the Difference
#1- The need presents itself multiple times
During an outfit session with a client, I told her that I thought she could use one or two more pairs of shoes but I wouldn't know for certain until we started putting her looks together. I explained that her potential shoe needs would present themselves as we worked through her outfits. As we continued to work, I found myself mentioning grey flats for her outfits multiple times. Clearly, grey flats became a fashion need and something we already proved she would wear.
If you pay attention, fashion needs come to light on their own. They happen if you hear yourself saying things like, "If I only had <blank> this outfit would be great," or, "I really wish I had a <blank> for <blank>." These fashion needs aren't always sexy or fun, but they are practical and there is a far greater chance you will wear them if your wardrobe constantly calls for them.
#2-It works with what you already own
Never is there a time when I am shopping that I don't think about what already exists in my closet, or go down a list of what from my wardrobe I can wear with the piece I am considering. Doing this certainly doesn't mean I can't branch out or try something new, it just ensures that these new pieces will have a fighting chance once I bring them home.
Avoid bringing home any wardrobe options by taking a second to run through a list of what you will wear with it and all the different ways it will enhance what you own.
#3- It doesn't create duplication
If you are a longtime reader of my blog then you know that I call wardrobe duplication splitting your wears, which means to spread the need for one wardrobe item across multiple pieces, ultimately decreasing the value of each piece because you won't wear each one nearly as much as you could. Wardrobe items don't even have to look alike to create wear splitting, they just have to serve the same function. Wouldn't you rather use your money to buy more versatile things than have multiple pieces in your wardrobe playing the same part?
Certainly, if you wear a similar look often then it might be smart to have more than one piece play a part. For example, I wear jeans a lot making have several pairs a wise investment. However, with dressier attire being a minimal need in my closet, I find one pair of nude pumps more than enough. Everyone's wardrobe needs are different, so what may be duplication for one may not be for another.
#4- It works for your lifestyle
A simple term that many clients and blog readers find incredibly helpful is to ask, "Where am I going in this?" when deciding whether or not to buy something. If you have nowhere to wear it, it doesn't belong in your closet. This question is quick and easy to use whenever you find yourself not sure if something is a fashion need while also saving you from wasting money. Be prepared, however, you may not always like the answer. We have all fallen victim to "wishful wardrobing," as I like to call it, which means to buy things for the life you wish you had and not the one you do.
#5- It flatters your figure
This may seem fairly obvious because nobody buys clothing that doesn't flatter them, right? Right? Many have been guilty of this to some degree where we're willing to forgo what's best for our bodies. It's similar to eating the wrong foods despite knowing they will do nothing for us.
It can be hard to say no to something when it is so pretty. I have seen my fair share of gorgeous ankle strap shoes that have tempted me. Turning them down has been difficult but remembering that ankle straps make my legs look 10lbs. heavier helps me put them down.
Never will you be satisfied by a beautiful wardrobe item that does nothing for you body.
Fashion Needs vs. Fashion Wants Checklist
I hope these tips will help you determine what is a fashion need and a fashion want. If you ever need a quick reference, check out this pinnable checklist that you can save and refer to anytime.
Want to test these tips? Check out these shoppable items to test your individual fashion need and fashion want knowledge.