The Art of Shopping With Intention: Why We Keep Buying but Still Have Nothing to Wear

Shopping has never been easier. With just a few taps, we can have whatever we desire delivered straight to our doors. But here is the thing most of us do not just shop for what we need, we shop for the thrill of wanting. We love to want. The promise of a new item, the fantasy of how it will change our wardrobe or even our life, is intoxicating. But what happens when that perfect piece finally arrives, only to end up unworn, forgotten, or worse, added to the pile of regrettable purchases?

I have been there myself. The blazer I saw on a runway model felt like a power piece, but once home, it never quite had the same impact. The cashmere jumper that was supposed to be my ultimate staple ended up being a little too cropped to pair with my favourite trousers, but I had already worn it. What I have learned over time, and what I guide my clients through, is that the first step to breaking this cycle is shifting from impulse to intention. Just because someone else swears by a piece, why assume it will work for us in the same way? Do we have the same lifestyle, body, or taste as that stranger?

I now have a strict 48-hour rule before buying anything new. It is simple but effective. If I still want it, I will consider it with a clear mind. More often than not, I realise I do not need it after all. The clearer you are about your personal style, the easier these decisions become. When you are truly in tune with your style, you can admire what others wear without feeling the urge to own the same pieces.

But what if we do buy something and then find ourselves staring at a closet full of clothes with nothing to wear?

That is where my expertise comes in. My styling work revolves around solving this exact dilemma helping clients refine their wardrobes, define their style, and learn how to wear what they already love. So today, I am giving away some of my best styling exercises to help you unlock your wardrobe and stop the cycle of impulse shopping.

How to Make Your Clothes Work for You

1. What was my vision for this piece?

Think back to when you bought it. What made you fall in love with it? Were you hoping it would balance out a specific outfit? Did you imagine it adding structure, softness, or contrast to your existing wardrobe? If you had a clear vision, start there. If you did not, that is okay. But it is a sign to be more intentional in the future.

Try your new piece with the outfit you initially imagined. If it works, great! If not, ask yourself why. Is it the fit? The fabric? Understanding the disconnect will help you refine your shopping choices moving forward.

2. What was I wearing when I tried it on?

A common reason people regret purchases is that they looked good in the moment, paired with whatever they were wearing when they tried them on. That pairing might have been accidental but perfect. So, if you are struggling to style something at home, recall what you were wearing when you first loved it.

For instance, I once bought a structured midi dress because it looked effortlessly chic with my knee-high boots in the fitting room. But when I got home and tried it with my go-to boots and a bag, it felt unbalanced. Once I realised that it worked best with more structured accessories, I paired it with a sleek belt and heeled boots, and suddenly, it became a go-to piece.

3. When and where do I see myself wearing this?

Rather than staring at a piece in isolation, think about context. A client of mine had a statement satin blouse but never wore it because she associated it with evening events. When we reframed it for her lifestyle, pairing it with tailored trousers and a structured blazer, she started wearing it to work and casual dinners.

If you are unsure how to style something, ask yourself: Is this for work? For the weekend? A special occasion? Answering that question helps you narrow down what to pair it with.

4. What is the challenge of this piece?

If something feels off, pinpoint why. Maybe it is too structured, too feminine, too oversized. Often, we struggle because we lean into the very quality that makes it difficult to wear. Instead, we should contrast it.

For example, a client had a soft oversized knit but felt it drowned her frame. The problem? She kept pairing it with wide-leg trousers and relaxed jeans, which added to the volume. When we styled it with a fitted midi skirt and heeled boots, the proportions balanced, and suddenly, it felt effortless rather than overwhelming.

5. How have I worn it before?

If you have worn a piece once but struggled to re-style it, break down what worked and what did not. Was the silhouette off? The colour pairing wrong? Instead of giving up on it, make a small tweak—swap shoes, adjust the fit, add a belt. Sometimes, a tiny shift can make all the difference.

6. What made me keep it?

If you had time to return something but did not, why? If the answer is because returning it felt like a hassle rather than because I truly love it, it is time to re-evaluate your shopping habits.

Be honest with yourself. Did you keep it out of obligation, or because you see its potential? If it is the former, let it go sell, donate, or gift it. If it is the latter, take 15 minutes to experiment with styling it in a way that feels like you.

Using Inspiration Without Losing Yourself

Sometimes, styling a tricky piece requires fresh inspiration. But rather than falling down a Pinterest rabbit hole, be intentional. Ask yourself: What aspect of this piece is challenging? The silhouette? The colour? Then, look for images that solve that specific problem.

One of my go-to tricks? Checking how high-end retailers style similar pieces on their websites. If I am struggling with a cropped blazer, I will look at how brands like Victoria Beckham or The Row style them, then recreate similar proportions with what is already in my wardrobe.

Another trick? Reverse inspiration. Instead of searching for ways to style one piece, find an image of a full outfit you love, then shop your closet to recreate it. More often than not, you already have the elements to bring it to life.

Final Thoughts

Save these questions in your phone or screenshot them for next time you are feeling stuck. The more intentional you are with your wardrobe, the less you will fall into the cycle of impulse shopping, and the more confident you will feel in what you already own.

Let me know which of these styling tips you will be trying first.

Until next time,
Oriona x

P.S: If you’re ready to transform your style and how you feel in your clothes. I’d love to help! I have one space left for my Style Transformation programme. If you think this could be for you, reply to this email or book a free 15 min call here.

P.P.S: If you found these style tips helpful, why not pass them along? Confidence in our wardrobe can start with something as simple as a shared email because every woman deserves to feel great in what she wears.