5 Ideas on how to SHOP for the Right Look

There is nothing that builds wardrobe apathy faster than being confused on what to wear for an event, while having a wardrobe filled with clothes. But how does one shop for the right look? It was fall of 2023, and I had a dinner event looming. Standing amidst all my clothing, I struggled to find a single piece that felt right for the occasion.

That moment of wardrobe paralysis became my wake-up call, it was when I set out to redesign my wardrobe, giving myself two years to complete this transformative quest.

As someone who has always been known for her vintage style, the decision to redefine my style was a self-invitation to explore a talent many people had assumed I possessed—that of a stylist. In my newfound role, my task was clear: create a wardrobe that presents me as the woman I’m becoming, not the woman I used to be.

What initially began as a quest to rediscover my personal style became something far more valuable—a masterclass in shopping with intention and purpose.

Each insight I’m sharing in today’s post reflects the ways I’ve navigated discovering pieces that have genuinely shaped my style evolution. In seeking ways to be better dressed, I’ve learned the art of restraint, the importance of budgeting, and how to spot those special items that can elevate an entire look.

Start With What’s Missing

But here’s the truth: before you begin any journey of style transformation, you need to figure out what’s actually missing. We often think we’re immune to building a wardrobe we don’t love, but we’re usually just three impulsive shopping choices away from developing complete apathy towards our style.

Before you make your next purchase, ask yourself these crucial questions:

• What gaps in your style are you trying to fill?
• How do you want to be perceived?
• What’s your realistic budget for achieving your ideal wardrobe?

Sometimes blindly following trends without understanding your personal style creates the very disconnect that leaves us standing in full closets with nothing to wear.

Making the Right Shopping Choices

After months of intentional shopping and countless styling experiments, I’ve identified six key factors that determine whether a piece deserves a place in your wardrobe:

Rarity

Before clicking purchase on an item discovered pieces that consistently make me feel special are those that aren’t hanging in every store window. My first call whenever I decide to purchase an item is the sense of uniqueness I would feel styling such piece.

It could be a vintage find , a limited edition piece, or something from a smaller brand—you’re building a wardrobe that tells your story, not everyone else’s.

The Complexity and Materials of Design

Spend on items that reveal new details each time you wear them and have materials that are comfortable. A well-designed garment might have interesting seaming, unexpected fabric combinations, material or thoughtful finishing touches that make it feel special every time you put it on. These details are what separate investment pieces from fast fashion.

Explore Indie Designers

Some of my most beloved pieces come from independent designers who pour their creativity into smaller collections. For example, to build looks around special occasions, I have worked with Nigerian designers to get the most out of my budget while prioritizing quality, unique aesthetics, and sustainable practices.

Supporting indie designers means you’re more likely to own pieces that fewer people have as while supporting creative entrepreneurship.

The Price Sweet Spot

Building a wardrobe you love has a particular thrill when you discover a beautifully made piece at an unexpected price point. I have found myself spending long hours comparing prices or waiting it out to ensure that I am getting the best for less. Other times I factor in market availability of a product to know I am making the right choice in splurging on an item with high cost. But it’s not just about finding bargains—it’s about understanding value of a design or product. Sometimes knowing when a high priced item is worth the splurge, see next suggestion.

Resale Value

Consider whether a piece will hold its value over time that can be resold. Most times these pieces come at a cost. Well-made items from respected brands often maintain their worth, making them smarter long-term investments, and easier to resell.

This does not mean you should only buy expensive pieces, but rather that you should think about the lifecycle of your purchases.

How Well It Blends With Your Existing Wardrobe

The most important factor is versatility within your personal style ecosystem. A piece might be beautiful on its own, but if it doesn’t complement at least three other items in your closet, you’re likely to grow apathy towards it. Every new addition should enhance your existing pieces, to reduce how often you need to shop for a new piece of clothing.

The Ongoing Journey

Two years later, I’m still on this journey of curating a wardrobe that truly reflects who I am. What started as a crisis moment has become one of the most rewarding creative projects I’ve ever undertaken. Each piece I choose now serves a purpose, tells part of my story, and makes me feel authentically myself.

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s intention. When you shop with purpose, understand your personal style, and invest in pieces that truly resonate with you, getting dressed becomes a joy rather than a daily struggle.

Your wardrobe should be a collection of pieces that make you feel confident, authentic, and ready to take on whatever the day brings. And sometimes, that journey begins with a single moment of standing in your closet and deciding you deserve better.