Three of the Best Fashion Advice I’ve Ever Learned
Hello friends and followers,
It feels so good to be writing here again. This year has been very different from what I imagined when I was setting my intentions on New Year’s Day. It was a year full of surprises and moments when you just have to say, “Well, life happened.”
Still, we do the best we can with what we have, and here I am writing this post for you. As I was getting ready to go to the mall to make a few returns, I started thinking about my closet, my shopping habits, and some of the lessons I have learned along the way. That little reflection inspired this post.
I’m sharing three pieces of fashion advice that I deeply believe in and that I rely on every day. I hope they inspire you as much as they continue to guide me.
1. Learn to recognize quality
When I started my business, I hired a mentor named Marcia Crivorot. Over time, our professional relationship grew into a friendship, and I am so grateful for her guidance.
Back then, I remember telling her that I felt like an imposter. I was advising people on what to buy and how to recognize quality pieces, but my own closet was full of low-quality items. I could not afford the things I admired, and that made me feel insecure during my client visits.
What Marcia told me that day changed my life, and I share her advice with my clients all the time:
“Even if you don’t have the money to buy it right now, go and try on well-made garments whenever you can. Look inside the pieces. Notice the seams, the fabrics, and the small details. When you get home, compare what you saw with what you already own and start understanding what makes a garment well-made. A higher price does not always mean better quality, but once your eyes are trained, you will recognize quality anywhere.”
That advice shifted the way I shop. Over time, I learned to spot good craftsmanship and realized that quality does not have to come with a luxury price tag. I will always be thankful to Marcia for teaching me that, and it is a lesson I love passing along to others.
2. Simple means best
When I am shopping for new pieces, I am always willing to invest a little more in the simple ones. That might sound funny at first because we often assume that the more detailed or decorated an item is, the more it is worth. But in my experience, that is not true.
Simple, well-made garments are like a blank canvas. They allow you to build endless combinations and create balance in your wardrobe. Think of a crisp white shirt, a pair of dark-wash jeans, or beautifully crafted tall boots with clean lines and minimal details. These are the pieces I wear again and again.
Because I know how versatile they are, I always look for the best quality I can afford in those items. They are the foundation of a wardrobe, the ones that make everything else work. I prefer investing in timeless simplicity rather than trendy jeans full of decorative stitching. Those fun pieces have their place, but they are not my priority when shopping.
3. The best fitting room in the world is your home
Nothing compares to the feeling of trying on clothes in the comfort of your own home. In a store, there is often pressure. A salesperson might check in, the lighting might not be flattering, and you probably do not have your own shoes or accessories to see how the garment truly fits into your wardrobe.
At home, you can take your time. You can try the piece with what you already own, listen to your favorite music, and even enjoy a glass of wine. You can step away and come back later with fresh eyes, something that is almost impossible to do in a store fitting room.
I have learned to shop with the mindset that I am not buying, I am trying. It takes the pressure off and helps me make better choices. This was also something Marcia taught me, and I have practiced it ever since, both for myself and with my clients.
I hope this post helps you shop with more confidence and make better decisions. Remember that a closet full of pieces that do not represent you is worse than an empty one. We live in a world where many garments are being discarded every single day, but shopping more intentionally can make a real difference.
Thank you for being here and for sticking around. I wish you happy and mindful shopping. If you are looking for new inspiration, make sure to sign up for my newsletter to be notified when a new blog post comes out.
Also, don't forget to visit Nuggets of Style, a fun space where I share quick fashion insights and styling inspiration.
I hope you love it, and I hope to see you back here soon.
With love,
Ana Harris
Ana Harris - Personal Stylist
Color Analysis - Wardrobe Styling
Studio in Fall River, MA - Serving clients from Rhode Island, Boston, and beyond.
