Fashion moves fast. One minute something is everywhere, the next, we’re wondering why we bought it.

So how do you tell a trend with staying power from a fashion fling?

I use three simple questions.

1. Does it solve a real problem?

Good trends usually stick because they make dressing better in some way.

Take wide-leg pants. They brought back comfort, movement and ease — while quietly ending our collective war with skinny jeans.

A fad? It usually solves one thing: boredom.

If you’re buying something only because your entire Instagram feed suddenly owns it, consider that your first warning sign.

2. Can it evolve?

A trend has range.

It works across outfits, occasions and seasons. You can style it differently and it still makes sense in your wardrobe.

A fad tends to work in one styling, one pose and one oddly specific aesthetic.

If the whole look collapses the moment you change your shoes, you probably have your answer.

3. Would future-you still wear it?

Picture yourself six months from now.

Would you still reach for it? Could you style it differently? Would it still feel like you?

If future-you is cringing: fad.

If future-you is still wearing it confidently: trend.

Of course, not everything we buy needs to last forever. Fashion is allowed to be fun, impulsive and occasionally ridiculous.

The important part is knowing the difference between “I love this” and “the internet told me to love this.”

So before your next add to cart, ask yourself:

Does it solve something? Can it evolve? Would future-me still wear it?

Because fashion should evolve with you, not expire on you.