YONO, or Maybe Two, or Three... Or One in Every Colour?

If you've ever found yourself justifying a purchase with the reasoning, "But I need it in every colour!"—welcome, fellow shopaholic. Reading the "Confessions of a Shopaholic" series back in the day felt like looking into a mirror: the thrill of the hunt, the justifications that seem perfectly logical at the moment, and, of course, that familiar pang of shopper's guilt after spending over the budget and the moment of panic when the credit card bill arrives. Oh gawd, those were the days.

But let’s be real—these days, with fast fashion giants like SHEIN offering everything from dresses to dog sweaters at prices that make us do a double-take, it’s never been easier to overindulge. And with this convenience and hyper-affordable clothing at our fingertips comes a serious concern—overconsumption. Do we really need that many clothes? Is an overfilled wardrobe a badge of honour or a hidden burden? Has the pressure of OOTD (Outfit of the Day) led us to a place where outfits are worn once and then banished to the back of the closet?

I’ve been binge-watching period dramas lately, and it struck me that the characters often wear the same few outfits throughout the series. They own a few well-made garments, each serving a specific purpose. It’s a stark contrast to our modern-day habit of accumulating clothes we barely wear. Sure, times have changed, and fashion has become more accessible, but at what cost?

This brings me to the latest trend: YONO (You Only Need One). It's a clever twist on the familiar YOLO, and it's got me thinking. In a world where we're encouraged to consume, maybe YONO is a gentle reminder to pause and rethink our habits. Is this trend just another fleeting buzzword, or could it be a call to be more conscious consumers?

Let’s be honest, we've all been there—buying the same top in three different colours because we love the fit, only to find a similar piece hiding in the depths of our wardrobe. Or grabbing something on impulse, thinking it’s a "need," only to realise later it was more of a "want." So before you click "Add to Cart" next time, consider these six questions:

1. How often will this be worn within a year? Be honest with yourself here—will this item see the light of day more than once?

2. How frequently do I shop and buy? If your answer makes you squirm, perhaps it's time for a little retail detox.

3. What alternatives do I already have in my wardrobe? Dig through those hangers—you might already own something strikingly similar.

4. Is this a need or a want? Give yourself 3-7 days to mull it over. If it’s still on your mind, maybe it’s worth it. If not, let it go.

5. Am I buying this because of FOMO? Fear of Missing Out should never be your fashion compass.

6. The 5 Whys: Why do I really want this? Dive deep and ask "why" five times (this method, by the way, is a real thing in problem-solving frameworks). If your reasons are still rock solid after that, then maybe it’s worth it.

In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with new trends and temptations, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. It’s not about depriving yourself, but what if we shifted our focus from quantity to quality? From impulsive buys to thoughtful investments? So, next time you're tempted by that “must-have” item, take a step back, breathe, and remember: you only need one… or maybe none at all.

YONO isn’t just a trend—it’s a mindset. Embrace conscious consumption and start shopping smarter. Your wardrobe, wallet, and the planet will thank you.