Is It a Bad Idea to Buy the Same Item in Different Colors? 

sweaters: J.Crew

I’ve been asked this question by many clients, most recently by one who couldn’t decide between two colors of the same blouse. 

My answer? It depends.

For example, if you fall in love with a beautiful silk blouse with ruffles and decide to buy it in two colors because you can’t choose, I’d advise against it. Why? Because when you wear either blouse, you’re essentially creating the same look—same vibe, same outfit. In this case, it’s better to stick with one and save your money for something else that could add more variety to your wardrobe. 

On the other hand, basics—like T-shirts—are a different story. If you love wearing certain colors and find a great tee, buying it in multiple shades is perfectly fine. The same goes for classic layering pieces. For example, I bought a fitted knit turtleneck in camel, and I loved it so much that I also got it in black and off-white (all on sale!). Do I regret it? Not at all. These pieces are as versatile as a T-shirt, and I always wear them. 

In the end, there are no hard rules. The key is to take a moment and ask yourself: Will this bring more versatility to my wardrobe, or will it just feel like a duplicate?

Here are some posts for you:


Hi, I’m Marcia Crivorot, a Personal Stylist based in NY. I send newsletters with style tips, brands to know, and products twice a month. Unlock previous editions of my newsletters and receive my emails firsthand by subscribing.

Disclosure: Remember that I link products and companies based on their quality, my personal opinion, my experience, and my professional expertise. Some of the links in my posts are affiliate links, and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a small commission. The decision is yours, and whether or not you buy something is entirely up to you.