No new clothing 12 months. Can I do it?

[lyinginthesundrinkingbubbles]

That's it really- my public pledge.
I'm frankly disgusted with myself that after doing my annual sort out I have discovered clothing I didn't even know I had.
So- one year, no new items. I'll allow myself underwear as required only.
Eeek.

Am going to try to only allow charity shops and do one-in-one-out if possible.
Have had to go cold turkey on eBay, too much temptation when bored and playing with phone.

I got 50 pound John Lewis voucher for birthday. I spent it on stocks of my pricey shampoo and conditioner.. Felt very virtuous

I'd like to do this. I start at a new job soon and have had a good clear-out with some investment in new clothes, and now would like to make sure I don't continue to add. I realised when I packed for a 2-week trip and my wardrobe was still full after I finished packing that I probably have too much stuff .

I like the idea of tracking expenditures - does anyone have any clever ways to do this other than pen and paper?

Am still going strong. Have also sold some things on ebay: more money and fewer clothes so a win:win.

I am going to spend this evening polishing my shoes while watching TV, I think :)

I’m also trying not to spend any money apart from my PayPal eBay fund. So far I’ve sold over 50 items and probably have at least another 50 more. I have so many jumpers, ponchos and cashmere scarves from last year that they fall out every time my wardrobe is opened. Everything I’ve ordered I’ve returned. Apart from a camel cashmere cardigan that’s fantastic quality by daddy’s daughters.

Going to join in here. Right.....no more buying clothes for myself until October 1st 2019! Yikes!

I've just bought a selection of bras and pants from M&S and will replace these if need throughout the year. May need some new pants....but otherwise, no actual clothes, shoes, coats or accesories.

Feels freeing and exciting. I wonder how it will feel in a months time.

I am going to start ebaying too. Any tips for a newbie?

Thabks

I can't remember the last time I got myself new clothes. I only ever get something when I need it. I'm not one of those people who gets new clothes all the time. How hard is it really? Not very.

Thanks, happymummy - your contribution on this particular thread has been most helpful and much appreciated.

😁
I thought I was the only one there.

I bought myself new socks ( Disclaimer: I have black socks for work, liner socks for the gym. I needed proper socks for Real Life )

I am sailing so close to the edge here

No new items for me so far.

A few not very helpful people posting. I guess it depends upon what you are used to/what habits you have. Personally I've never gone this long without buying an item of clothing- even if just a pair of socks. Would you be so critical if someone was giving up smoking/alcohol/chocolate?
Shopping is addictive too- the dopamine hit is well recognised. This isn't all about money.

Oh, and I really liked a navy parka in Costco , my 16yoDD took it out of my hand and hung it back saying
"You don't need it, you have coats and you're on Low Spend "

Bum, she's reasonable < >

Well done to your daughter 70isnotalimit! Can you send her round here to keep me on the straight and narrow?!

I spent last night internet browsing to find the "perfect" autumn loafer. I could really do with a pair for school run/days when I am at home with the kids (can't really get excited about a pair of trainers!) But I have realised I have a pair of slightly more summery deck shoes that will fit the bill quite well. Not perfect but at least I'm not falling into the buying trap...

I had more of a clear out again last night and added a good few more bits to sell on ebay.

I wouldn't worry about previous unhelpful posters. Sure they aren't perfect, ha ha ha!

I've realised if I just tone up a bit and lose a tad more weight I'll look a lot better in the clothes I currently own therefore giving them a new lease of life.

Have a great Sunday :)

Another one with overflowing wardrobes here!! The sad thing is I don't have opportunity to wear a lot of it as we had uniforms introduced at work which has rendered all my lovely Boden dresses and heels redundant

I'm really bad at hoarding clothes, I find it hard to get rid of expensive dresses even though I know I won't wear them again. I cleared out 17 bags of clothes to the charity shop after reading Marie Kondo but I still am overflowing with clothes

I did about 9 months of no shopping for clothes/shoes/accessories two years ago and it's definitely helped change my attitude towards shopping. I used to look at the new collections from a few of my favourite brands and buy 10-15 items that I liked each season. Now I choose maybe 2-3 items and put more thought into what I will want to wear long term, how practical it will be for my lifestyle and what it goes with and so on.

I still have too many clothes, though but don't like to get rid of too many as I often go back to old favourites as well.

I bought some bras today (they are an essential) , I buy the Primark ones. They fit me well, I wear a fresh one daily and they go in the machine in a laundry bag , so probably not going to last too long.
Primark knickers don't fit me at all though.

DD (the very same one who wrestled the parka from my claw like little hands) managed to slip a jumper,a scarf, and a bra/knickers set into the basket though (one rule for her , one for me it seems)

Toastedbeagle, can you make an occasion to wear them? For instance, I have several long vintage gowns and cocktail dinners which I make sure get an outing by dressing up for posh dinners with DH or even just drinks with the ladies (am probably overdressed but I feel wonderful in them so who gives a f**k )

I have bought some brown tights and taking it a day/week at a time.

And Headina, that's what I need to do: doesn't matter if what I have isn't quite right for a particular occasion or aim, as long as it'll do, it will have to do

Even though I am allowing myself occasional charity shop buys, I actually resisted a very nice pair of trousers today in Barnardo's. I did not need them, have a couple of similar pairs already

Please keep updating, it’s interesting. I plan not to buy any clothes except pants and a cheap padded jacket (needed) during Oct-Mar. I have set myself a saving target, which is the reason I am doing it. But also, I am not keen on winter clothes, I have everything I need and then some and I am looking forward to not spending. I am not buying any toiletries or make up (other than replacements for stuff I use) or books (cupboard and kindle full of ‘em so no need to buy anymore although browsing in bookshops is a major pleasure for me).

Good luck to those doing this for a year. Ignore the negativity.

I would really like join because lately, my shopping habit has become slightly out of control. In all fairness, I spent two years rarely shopping and I had a very limited wardrobe because I was just starting out in my career and couldn't afford to buy new clothing. My income increased significantly over the past year and so I added a lot of new pieces to my wardrobe that was needed to replace all the worn out items and missing holes that I had from the previous years of not being able to afford anything new. However, now that my wardrobe is fully stocked with new items I can't seem to stop myself from spending more. It feels so nice to be able to buy what I want and to feel good about how I look and being able to do so has been a huge boost to my confidence. But, I also have significant savings goals that I want to make this year and those goals won't be met if I keep spending on clothes!

Looking at my wardrobe, perhaps the only thing that I need is one more pair of tights. I would love to have a pair of the Lisa Lofars from Sezane but I don't need them (sigh). I have just restocked my makeup and should only need to top up foundation and mascara as the year goes forward. I have a birthday coming up soon so could make requests to my family and DP for vouchers and specific investment pieces (perhaps the Lisa Lofar!!!) and I do have a few pieces that can be sold for a bit of spending money.

Bellabutterfly2016, hang in there! I know exactly what that is like and how it feels not to be able to afford even the very cheapest of new clothing. I remember asking my family to gift me knickers, tights and basics like long sleeve shirts and a pair of trousers for birthdays and Christmas just so I could have a few necessities. Maybe this is an option for you?

I walked through M&S yesterday to return some P.E. bits that didn't fit my son.

In fairness quite a few of the clothes displays in the women's section looked well curated and I found the colours very appealing and fun. I never normally buy from there but it felt weirdly tempting.

Then I looked around at all the people in the shop and the vast majority were just in grey and black tracksuits and dull, comfy clothes, hair back; just general Sunday comfort wear really.

The items for sale vs. what people really wear provided a sharp contrast. It made me realise, again, that it's not about buying the latest thing but about thoughtfully putting the right items together from what you alrrady have. Making the effort each day with a small selection of your own clothes; no matter if they are 10 years old.

Hope this ramble makes sense!

Totally makes sense @Headinabook85. Shop displays etc. are designed to tempt us with novelty. New styles each season, garments never before imagined (cold shoulder tops!!). This is one of the main reasons we keep buying all the things we don't 'need'. I like nice clothes but there's an underlying nagging feeling that I'm being manipulated to feel dissatisfied with what I already have.

@gah81 yes it's my birthday next week so having a dressed up dinner party so can wear one!!

Delighted to see this thread. Did a big sort out of my clothes for the first time in about 6 years. I have masses of storage & found a big bag of things that were good condition but hadn't been worn for years & I took them to a charity shop. Shop assistant didn't even look at contents - apologised but said sorry we just have far too many clothes. I then took bag to the bin in the carpark which is for clothes for charity - that was overflowing. Took bag home & went through it & realised how wasteful I was being - 2 dresses still fit fine, I was just "bored" with the colour - I will dye them; 2 dresses in lovely fabric but too tight on top can be converted to skirts; 2 smart work jackets are now worn for dog walking - rather like being smart for some dog walks; a shift dress has had its fussy waist embellishments removed & I wore it as a pinafore dress & got more compliments than I ever had when it was a dress. Aiming for no new clothes for me - (except underwear & replacement shoes if needed). Enjoying concentrating on accessories & costume jewellery to make my own things look different.