I'm not buying any new clothes this year
Why I have everything I need … with a few exceptions to the rule👆
Not to be dramatic or anything, but I’ve decided I’m not buying any new clothes this year.
I’m at a point in my life where I’ve discovered I already have everything I need, and probably don’t need to buy anything new, at least not for a while. I realize I am in a very fortunate position to choose this.
Last year, an FT Fashion Editor committed to buying only 5 fashion pieces in all of 2023.
She failed.
But to be fair, she got pregnant, so she had to buy new maternity clothes. Fine.
For me, it comes down to acknowledging my already amazing closet of clothes I’ve curated over many years.
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It’s not even so much about saving money, although that’s obviously a factor.
Like fashion IT girl Alexa Chung, I too suffer from short-term amnesia the moment I walk into a boutique:
Clothes weren’t even my biggest expense last year—home decor was.
No, I want to cycle through what I own, cut down on fashion waste, and simplify my wardrobe.
Don’t worry, I’m not going balls-out and wearing only turtlenecks à la Steve Jobs.
I like the variety, prints, and colors in my closet. I have enough dresses, skirts, blazers, blouses, t-shirts, jeans, shorts, and outfits for most occasions: weddings, cocktail parties, business functions, business and casual dinner parties, fundraisers, holidays, resort wear, birthdays—you name it I’ve likely got something in my closet for it. Even unworn, brand new things with tags.
Really, I’ve moved clothes across the Atlantic and back, up and down the east coast, in and out of storage units, and bought, installed, and built all sorts of shelving and organizing solutions to manage it all.
I'd also like to think I’ve become a better fashion buyer over the years—opting for quality that lasts over quantity, and timeless pieces over fleeting trends.
Long ago are the days when I felt compelled to visit sample sales, visible from the perch of my NoMad apartment between Madison and 5th Avenues.
I popped into Zara weekly. More than a decade ago I also loved Forever 21 (back when they still had some decent quality items).
But most sample sale and fast fashion items ended up in the Goodwill bin, fell apart, or lost their shape after a few washings.
So I’m following my one simple rule, with a few exceptions.
One simple rule: No new clothes this year
My only rule for myself this year is to buy nothing new.
No new clothes.
Exceptions to the rule:
There are always exceptions to any rule.😏
To help maintain some sense of normalcy, I’ve created a few exceptions to my own rule.
I can still buy the following “clothes-related” (or is it “clothes-adjacent?” 😜) items:
Vintage or thrifted clothes: If and when I feel compelled to shop for clothes, then I’ll only buy vintage or thrift.
Found this terry gem while thrifting Jewelry and accessories: This includes handbags, belts, and scarves.
I’m a firm believer in accessories topping off an outfit. Swap out a handbag, clutch, necklaces, earrings, pashmina, or a belt, and you’ve practically got a whole different look.Shoes: I have plenty of shoes and like most of my clothes, they are timeless.
Most things I wear on a daily rotation also happen to be what the “cool kids” wore (and still wear) in high school: Adidas Sambas, Converse Chucks, Birkenstocks. Even Tevas are back in vogue.
For my shoes, boots, and heels, again, it’s all about how I care for them. For nice designer items, I replace soles and heels, condition leather items, and for suede (especially my Uggs) I spray them with water repellent.Protective or other safety sporting gear: I’ve invested heavily in fitness gear, accruing enough monochrome and print sports bras, bra tops, athletic shirts, GoreTex, fleeces, jackets, leggings, and cycling apparel.
From experience, I know what labels have lasting potential, provided I continue to take good care of them (wash on delicate, hang dry).
If there are clothing items that will protect me when I’m pursuing my sports and fitness goals, then I’ll invest in them.
This includes SPF fabrics or essential technical gear, like for cycling or pilates or running or hiking or swimming or snowboarding or water sports.Souvenir items, replacing lost items: If I’m traveling and I see a nice one-of-a-kind something, then I’ll think long and hard and may allow myself to purchase it.
On the flip side, if something happens to my clothes while traveling (they become damaged or lost), then I’ll obviously have to replace them.Gifted clothes: If anyone wants to buy or gift me new clothes of any kind (from t-shirts to lingerie 😏) then be my guest!
How I’m avoiding buying new clothes in 2024
I don’t feel like I’m being hard on myself. In fact, I feel liberated and happy about digging out the oldies and goodies of my closet.
But there are also ways I’m helping myself avoid temptations and impulses to buy new clothes, and they are:
Stopping promotional email subscriptions and texts
Avoiding going into certain shops at all. I know exactly the types of shops that will lure me from browsing → buying
Taking good care of the clothes I own, i.e., wash on delicate. Then air and hang dry most (especially athletic gear and anything with spandex). Repair, tailor, hem accordingly
Are there are any ways you’re decluttering or making bold fashion buying choices?
Let me know by replying or commenting below!
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Until next time,
Shindy
On Instagram + TikTok
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