There are all kinds of wardrobes to suit our needs. But what works for one person’s lifestyle, may not for another. So it’s important to remember that fashion is personal, a reflection of how we view ourselves and the world around us, as well as the times (and climates) in which we live.

Though styles change seasonally or with economic swings, you don’t need to run out and buy new clothes every season, a common approach in America and Asia. We can take a page out of our European neighbors’ fashion handbook and wear less, but better, ultimately resulting in a more sustainable way of thinking about fashion.

Too often we buy clothes on a whim because the sale was just “too good” to pass up or because it looked good when we tried it on in the store but didn’t give its wearability enough consideration. Are you saving your clothes for “one day,” but they somehow keep accumulating and you can’t remember the last time you wore them? Or, perhaps, you do remember, but you’re unwilling to part with an item because of sentimental attachment? How many times have you worn an item of clothing that you bought because you found them on deep-sale, but they didn’t quite fit and you’ve never bothered getting them tailored?

This doesn’t mean you have to give up on trends. After all, some become classics over time while other trends reimagine classics. But, you may discover that you can get more wear out of your wardrobe by creating a classic foundation and mixing in high and low pieces.