Stocking up before a four month fast!

[PaddingtonBare]

I have decided not to buy any new clothes between September and the middle of December. I have too many clothes already and I want to challenge myself to actually wear the clothes in my wardrobe and not keep adding unnecessarily. (I am also going to lose 10kg in the same period) What wardrobe essentials should I make sure I have before I start my 14 week challenge? What item(s) of clothing do you consider to be staples? (my challenge is quite strict, no underwear, scarves, bags or even jewellery - only exception is tights!)

Respect!!!! I keep thinking I should do this but just can't quite commit!
Last winter I had lots of long sleeve breathable tops from M&s. They were in the underwear dept and were in various colours including dark red and purple, as well as the usual neutrals. I found them invaluable for layering.
Good luck !!

Oh - they sound good. Do you have a link please?

I am on my phone (and technophobe) so can't link sorry!
They were in packets near thermal vests etc. Hope that helps.

Thanks - I'll look on their website. Any other "must haves" from anyone :)

I would buy some jumper dresses that will see you through weight loss that can be dressed down with leggings and boots and also dressed up with tights and heels.

Just make sure you don't buy 4 months worth of clothes before September !

What a good plan!

I might get some black jeans that I can dress up and down for work. I wear block colours and change the image with colours. Black jumper and jeans and red scarf or turquoise necklace or green shoes.

I might just join you OP.

Dexter - no, I promise not to! I just need to be sure I'm not missing something essential that might derail me the minute I start. I see these 14 weeks as the end of my summer clothes through to my winter staples of dresses/skirts and boots or jeans and boots. Am looking forward to it in a perverse way!

New tights! I always get to October and have to buy loads of new tights!

I applaud you Paddington. I did this in January 2011 and it was totally liberating :) Walking past the "sale" signs in a haze of tranquility as opposed to having my "manic bargain hunting" head on was a real eye opener.

Agree that you need a good supply of long sleeve tees & vests/camis in a range of colours to go with what you already have, plus tights.

Go through all your existing clothes and arrange them in order in your wardrobe (if you don't already do this) i.e. skirts together, dresses etc. Repair any loose hems, replace buttons (you may want to replace them to put a different look to an item/make a style statement rather than necessity). Next, go through your accessories and either mentally or physically catalogue what you have. Polish your shoes & boots and take them to the cobblers for reheeling if necessary. Take any coats etc to the dry cleaners (my local one offers a loyalty scheme where you are awarded points per item amounting eventually to a free clean so it may be worth checking out for similar where you live).

I found that making a scrapbook of style ideas really helped me when I was stuck in a rut of "what to wear". Cuttings from magazines or even photos of yourself in an outfit that you rarely wear but which you love are great sources of inspiration. This also helped me to stop shopping as I realised I actually had most things in my wardrobe rather than needing to go out and buy something new.

In fact, you have inspired me and I will join you in your quest for a 4 month ban on buying clothing (except tights, I agree!!).

I agree with the poster above. I have saved myself a small fortune by getting shoes reheeled/soled and having trouser hems taken up.

I would make sure you had a decent pair of wellies, a brolley and knit wear that is easy to wash/dry without a big fuss given the weather etc.

Thick winter socks and good pjs for when the weather gets colder.

Pair of decent leather gloves/ cheaper pairs of gloves.

Party wear options-make sure you've got outfits for parties.