Most people don’t set out to fill their wardrobes with pieces they barely wear. It just happens. Something looks great in the store, feels exciting to buy, and then somehow ends up forgotten within months. The problem isn’t that you didn’t like it — it’s that it didn’t earn a place in your life.
The Style Test is about slowing down and asking the right questions before you buy. It’s not about rules or being overly strict. It’s about making choices that feel right now and still feel right later.
1. Will I wear this more than five times?
If you can’t think of at least five times or occasions you’d wear it, that’s a sign it’s more of an impulse than an investment. Style comes from pieces you keep reaching for. If you know this will stay in rotation, it’s worth considering.
2. Does it work with what I already own?
The most versatile pieces are the ones that can mix with your existing wardrobe. If it only works with one thing you own — or worse, nothing — it will spend more time on a hanger than on you. Look for pieces that connect easily with at least three things in your closet.
3. How will I feel about this in a year?
Trends are short-lived. That dress that’s everywhere on Instagram now might feel dated in six months. Ask yourself if you’ll still like it when it’s no longer “new.” A timeless piece doesn’t lose its appeal just because the season changes.
4. Does it suit my actual life?
It’s easy to shop for an ideal version of your life — the glamorous events, the fantasy vacations, the imagined social calendar. But the best purchases work in the life you actually live. If it’s too fussy, uncomfortable, or impractical, it won’t get much use.
5. Am I willing to care for it?
Some pieces require effort — special cleaning, careful storage, delicate handling. If you’re not willing to give that effort, you’re better off choosing something you can maintain. Caring for your pieces keeps them beautiful for longer, and it’s part of respecting your investment.
6. Does it feel like me?
This is the most important question. No matter how beautiful it is, if it doesn’t feel like you, it won’t stay in your rotation. Style works when it feels natural. You should feel confident wearing it without second-guessing whether it suits you.
The point of the test
Every piece you own takes space, costs money, and carries a story. Filling your wardrobe with pieces you don’t connect with is a waste — not just of money, but of potential. The Style Test helps you make choices that will actually matter to you, not just for a season, but for years.
Buying less but buying better means your wardrobe becomes more than clothing. It becomes a reflection of your taste, your values, and your life. That’s when style becomes personal.