A simple shopping rule - the three ways rule.
Last week we were talking about how to tell if a trend is the right fit for your wardrobe, and after writing that it got me thinking about another simple shopping tip. this is something I think about a lot. As someone who shares outfits online, I sometimes feel pressure to keep buying new clothes—especially when most influencers rarely repeat an outfit. It makes me wonder: is my feed interesting enough? Should I be giving people fresh outfit inspiration every day?
But here’s the thing—I don’t actually want a wardrobe that works like that. I want to buy things I love, pieces that bring me joy every time I wear them. And when I buy something I love? You bet I’m going to wear it a lot.
So that brings me to the real question:
When you buy something new, how do you know if it’s a great addition to your wardrobe or just another impulse buy that’ll sit unworn?
Here are a few ways to test whether your new purchase deserves a place in your wardrobe - or if it would be better of returning it and buying something you REALLY love!
The Three-Outfit Rule
You’ve probably heard this one: Make sure a new piece works with at least three things you already own. It’s a solid rule. But here’s the trick—don’t just think about it. Test it.
Once you get home do a quick styling session. Without overthinking, can you create three outfits using your new item? This should feel natural—after all, if you’re excited about the piece, putting outfits together should be easy.
For example:
👖 Bought a new pair of jeans? Try them with three different tops.
🧥 Picked up a blazer? Layer it over a dress, a knit, and a casual tee.
👢 New boots? Check if they work with your go-to jeans, skirts, and dresses.
If your new purchase only looks good with things you don’t own (or things you’d need to buy)… it might not be the best fit for your wardrobe.
💡 And a reminder—you don’t have to completely reinvent an outfit every time you wear it! It’s easy to feel like we need to be super creative with our styling (blaming all the über-cool influencers here 👀), but making small tweaks—like changing shoes or adding a different accessory—totally counts as a fresh look.
The Photo Test
Take it one step further—scroll through your phone’s photo album and look at past outfits. Can you swap out an item in those outfits for your new piece?
For example:
If you love wearing wide-leg trousers with a fitted top, could your new jumper work with that silhouette?
If you always reach for your favourite denim jacket, can this new blazer slot in and give you another option?
This trick makes sure your purchase fits seamlessly into what you already love wearing—rather than being an outlier that never really works.
The Season Swap Test
Want an even stronger test? Try styling your new purchase for different seasons.
☀️ Spring/Summer – Can it work in warmer weather with lighter fabrics and sandals?
🍂 Autumn – Can it be layered with cardigans, boots, or tights?
❄️ Winter – Will it work with coats, knits, and thermals?
If your new item is truly versatile, you’ll find it can be adapted across multiple seasons. If it only works for one very specific time of year (and that’s not intentional), it might not be the most practical buy.
💡Obviously everything isn’t going to mix and match with every season - some clothes fit better in certain seasons thatnothes due to material, weight etc. but if you have bough an item which is designed to be a layering piece, it’s good
What If It Doesn’t Pass the Test?
This doesn’t mean you have to return or donate the item, but it’s a sign to pause and rethink. Ask yourself:
🧐 Do I need a missing piece to make it work (e.g., the right layering piece or shoes)?
🎨 Does the colour or fit feel slightly ‘off’ for me?
👗 Am I drawn to the idea of this item, rather than how it fits my actual lifestyle?
Based on those answers you can decided if it’s an item you want to keep (this is one of the secrets to intentional shopping!)
Make It Easy for Future You
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again! Once you’ve styled your new piece, take photos of the outfits you love and save them in an album on your phone. Next time you’re in a rush or feeling uninspired, you’ll have instant outfit ideas ready to go.
