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Original poster

Do most people feel the need to update clothes every year?

29 replies

BulletFox · 15/10/2017 11:41

I felt slightly confused about a thread here earlier. It wouldn't occur to me to replace coats each year (mine have lasted for years and years) and I have 2 jackets (actually only 4 years old) which are brilliant. I have 5 bras which fit really well and I'd only replace jumpers/skirts if the moths get at them (I need soft natural fibres - skin sensitivity) but it's just replacing knickers, socks and boots aside from that.

OP posts:
alwaysstressed · 15/10/2017 11:51

Im the same my winter coat will be 4 this year and only replace other clothes when they have all bobbled or faded.
I couldn't afford to replace all my clothes all the time

nodogsinthebedroom · 15/10/2017 11:53

Only when I've become noticeably fatter Sad

scaryclown · 15/10/2017 11:55

I get the urge, but not the need.
I think I could not buy another thing and still have enough clothes for a decade...

Floisme · 15/10/2017 11:58

Maybe it depends on whether you see them as being for function or for pleasure? I normally only get rid of clothes when they're trashed or no longer fit or suit me but I do have far, far more than I need. It's because I like them. I like the way different clothes change my appearance. I enjoy changing my style from time to time. I get a kick out of hunting down beautiful things.

I also have far more books than I need. Because I like them.

rightknockered · 15/10/2017 12:03

I buy something new every month, I should probably shop in a more orderly fashion. But I like doing it this way, get a little treat once a month

DanHumphreyIsA · 15/10/2017 12:08

I generally do an update every season, but certain things I keep throughout the year (like leather jackets). I do tend to buy a main winter jacket every year though, as my taste in clothes changes all the time.

Original poster
BulletFox · 15/10/2017 12:14

Florisme it's a bit of both really. I bought some clothes a few years ago and like them and find them functional. So it's an alien idea to me to actively want to replace them each year just because it's a new year!

nodogs a little weight fluctuate doesn't hurt, sure you still look beautiful :)

OP posts:
hendricksyousay · 15/10/2017 12:30

Yep , I’m always buying new clothes . I love it 🤗🤗🤗

Floisme · 15/10/2017 12:32

But don't you ever buy things - not necessarily clothes - that you don't need? My husband's on Ebay at the moment, bidding for some camera equipment. He doesn't need it but it'll give him pleasure and it's within budget. I'm fairly sure no-one ever asks him why. Nor does anyone ever ask me why I keep buying books when I clearly don't need any more.

I think everyone in the west buys things they don't need yet it always seems to be clothes that get singled out.

Groovee · 15/10/2017 12:40

Not normally but have gone from a 20 to a 12.

Original poster
BulletFox · 15/10/2017 12:40

Floisme very rarely anymore - i like my coats, jackets, skirts, would love to buy new dresses (most of them got damaged in a house fire), like my jackets, just need to update on socks knickers boots and tights every so often.

It genuinely wouldn't occur to me to get something new each year just because it was a new year.

I was quite interested in this mode of thinking.

OP posts:
CountFosco · 15/10/2017 12:44

Even if clothes are purely functional they wear out and you need a certain number to circulate which means buying a few replacements each season surely? Even when I was in the small child stage when I wasn't buying much I still bought tops and jeans regularly because they wore out.The 'proper' minimalist wardrobes with 7 perfect and expensive pieces require a hell of a lot of washing, the 'I only have 30 items of clothing for each season' people have way more clothes than me -we won't talk about shoes--. I don't think anyone replaced their entire wardrwardrobe every year, I've lost weight this year and gone down 2 dress sizes but tops and most coats still look OK. Trousers have needed to be taken in or replaced and bras desperately needed to be replaced but I'm surprised how few things I've needed to replace. Suspect I was squeezing myself into a few things!

MardAsSnails · 15/10/2017 12:46

I live abroad and get people having an annual holiday here. I had a shock when Facebook came up with an 'on this day in 2011' I was tagged in someone's holiday photos. I was wearing the same dress on their 2017 holiday as I was then.

That kinda shocked me into buying new stuff.

Other than that, nope.

Floisme · 15/10/2017 12:48

What about other things though, apart from clothes?
Kitchen equipment? IT stuff? Furniture? Pets? Car? Holidays?
Do you only ever buy something because you need it?
If that's the case then I can only salute you!

Toomanylists · 15/10/2017 12:48

I will continue to wear jeans/leather leggings year on year plus my hooded parka is on it's 5th year now and still going strong. My handbags are leather designer so I don't feel the need to replace them as would struggle to find anything I like as much.
I think that sums it up for me - I will continue to repurchase if I feel like I haven't found the holy grail of that item - so coats I'm overlooking this year as sorted but would love a fitted light grey slouchy jersey blazer.
Boots and shoes I rebuy every year - they wear down terribly so I never see the point in spending a lot of money on them. Just bought a gorgeous pair of black Balangiaca style shoe boots which I feel really update the rest of my wardrobe.
Things I have bought so far for this A/W are three fine knitted cowl drape jumpers in grey, black and khaki, an asymmetric hem midi skirt in black and some black satin peg leg paper bag trousers. All interchangeable, work and play friendly and go with the shoe boots. I'm not feeling guilty - well said Floisme.

hellokittymania · 15/10/2017 12:51

No, I buy things when I like them, but I've had some clothes for 10 years or more that I still wear.

LaughingLlama · 15/10/2017 12:53

I dont buy new just because its a new year or season but i will buy if i see something i like and can afford it.
Last january i bought a new winter ciat on a whim. I saw it and thought wow i lovve that. It was half price in tbe sale so i bought it. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the "old" winter coat i already had (and was actually wearing that day). I wasnt actively shopping for a new coat. I just saw another i loved and could afford.
I now have 2 winter coats. I should maybe choose between them and create some wsrdrobe space getting rid of one but i wont. I like them both and can choose which one i want to wear.
Clothes to me ate not just functional but fun too.

juneau · 15/10/2017 12:58

Bras - the ones I wear most days - I replace every six months or so. This , AFAIK, is recommended, because the elastic starts to warp and they don't provide the same support after that time.

Coats - god no! I've got coats that I've had a decade or more.

Jeans I replace as needed or when I want a different style, but they probably last 2-3 years on average, ditto jumpers and tops.

I get a new pair of boots every winter and I probably buy a couple of pairs of trainers per year.

Dresses and skirts I buy ad hoc, either for a specific event or because I see something I love and know it will come in useful.

GreyOwls · 15/10/2017 13:00

I like to buy a few new things each season to update my wardrobe with new colours and styles.

This is primarily so that I look like I know what’s going on in fashion and dont look like Ive become stuck in 2002, 2007, 2010 or whenever, which can be very ageing once you’re no longer young.

Your old jeans may still fit you but if the cut and length are from 2009 then theyre going to date your whole look.

Toomanylists · 15/10/2017 13:05

Agree GreyOwls. The days of dressing head to toe new fashion trends are out for me but just a flash of a new season colour and new style shapes stop me looking like I don't know what's going on.

WatchingFromTheWings · 15/10/2017 13:09

Bras should be replaced every 6 months. The elastic weakens with wear and washing and you won’t get the support you need.

Original poster
BulletFox · 15/10/2017 13:31

Florismo in response to more general query about 'replacing' not really actually. I get attached to things I use. Apart from 'beauty' products which I can be more random about.

Juneau and watching I don't have a large chest and really like my bras, don't need masses of support. Actually thinking about it they're all a few years old. Elasticity is ok.

OP posts:
Paintbox · 15/10/2017 13:36

That's fashion for you. Fashion encourages us to buy and replace every season so that we can look up to date all the time. I try to find a balance so I buy a few things each season but am wearing jeans, jumpers, boots, coats, blouses that I may have had for years and years.

Floisme · 15/10/2017 13:59

That's very true and I've been mostly buying second hand this year in a bid to break this cycle. However there are many, many industries that do the same thing. Look at Apple. If fashion were seen as a men's interest, I very much doubt it would be scrutinised in this way.

LunaTheCat · 15/10/2017 15:08

I buy myself a few things each season. I tend to go buy "cost per wear" so tend to buy good quality things that will last several seasons . I am lucky to be able to afford initial outlay but I think my approach is cheaper than fast fashion in the long term.I have a pair of boots that I have had 20 plus years and get re- soled every few years. I also have a thing for second hand winter coats so have loads.
I like lots scarves too but tend to buy them in sales
I sound really boring don't I😏