I am not going to buy clothes in 2020

[DuchessMinnie]

I have a stuffed-to-bursting wardrobe and I have everything covered from beach to snow to weddings and parties. I don't need to buy any more clothes, I need to lose 2 stone so that everything in my wardrobe fits me.

I have just binged in the sales and have bought another 3 dresses, 2 tops and a pair of work trousers. I really, really don't need anything. Anyone else?

I had a browse last night on some websites and didnt see anything I even liked...progress!

I don't have too many clothes but I have enough. I'm not buying any clothes or shoes for myself this year and only necessities for DC.

I do have a large stash of fabric though and am making time to get into making a few dresses for myself and teaching Dc to see some bits they might want. I've made 2 dresses already this year - next Up is a light coat. Dc have made scrunchies.

I am doing a wuss version of this, where I don't buy anything new. Charity shops are fine.

I have a personal shop booked for July, so I will buy a few pieces then, which will be new. Other than that, I won't buy any new clothes, other than pants, tights, socks, leggings and bras (if needed).

I also did a stock take of my wardrobe recently and I think I have a reasonable number of clothes. Not tonnes. No room for them!

I've been doing the no buying of toiletrioes and make up etc for a few years now - I only buy to replace what I've finished.

I'm now trying to eat all the food in our party as I overstock on food too!!

I caved already and bought a coat for £14 reduced from £40 and a dress for £6 reduced from £20.

Staying firm here too. Already seeing the benefit on my bank balance (though for me the primary objective was fewer things as I have no room and more than enough clothes. I basically only bought vintage anyway).

No epiphanies yet. Though have also packed away a number of clothes in boxes as had decorators in, have not unpacked and it is surprising how few clothes one needs on rotation.

I just feel like I look really dumpy and end up wearing loads of make-up to compensate the bottom line is that I want to buy new clothes to make myself feel better, when actually what would make me feel better is losing weight so I can wear all the fabulous things I have already.

@Wilding THIS! You’ve described me.

Plus I also buy clothes for my fantasy self which is an illusion that I now realise is more toxic than inspiring and needs to shattered.

@DontFundHate, I’m another one who is on a replacement only no-buy with regard to makeup, skincare and personal hygiene products. Free gifts and the eternal search for holy grails are my main weakness! There is an awesome thread here on MN which is dedicated to beauty hoarders, come say hello 😉

That article shared upthread was brilliant - will definitely be reading the book.

Hope I can join - loved hearing everyone else's stories and reasons for doing this!

Like others I have lots of lovely clothes but have gained weight so none of them fit which is a cycle with me, however I do still have stuff that fits so am waiting it out until i've shifted the weight, in the meantime experimenting with layering and not worrying about what looks 'flattering' (my biggest issue as someone with a larger chest)
I have chucked a load of stuff on Ebay, bought one dress to wear at a wedding later this year at the start of the month, and thats me done hopefully.
I will be doing a bit of a lighter version - allowed to buy in charity shops (not Ebay or Depop) but for every item I buy I have to donate one back, and to keep it at a minimum anyway.

@CherryMargo glad it's not just me!

I have failed slightly this month and bought a Toast dress on ebay for £7, and some new tights. That's it though! I am going to re-kondo my wardrobe and put away everything that doesn't fit at the moment, so at least I'm not scrabbling past loads of clothes that are too small whenever I'm trying to find something to wear.

Unfortunately the losing weight thing might be a bit tricky as I'm now pregnant so will probably end up having to buy some even bigger clothes at some point

Aw, congratulations @Wilding I remember getting loads of maternity clothes bundles from eBay

Day 15 and I haven't even looked at a fashion website since last year. I wore a lovely dress for work today and got complimented. I have so many dresses I need to do that more often. Keep going everyone, the pennies are better off in our purses than in the shops' bulging profits.

So glad I've seen this thread!!!

Im forcing myself to do this too. Day 15 and I haven't brought ANYTHING this year yet.

I can't lie, I am finding it hard. Every day I'm stopping myself. When I'm bored (usually the babies feeding and nap times) and all of the jobs are done I end up scrolling through online shops

Really don't want to cave! I've got a credit card I'm determined to pay off this year!

Well I’ve caved a smidge today. Two grey vests (I know, thrilling purchase!), I’m considering them basic essentials though. £8 spent

@Igottastartthinkingbee I was thinking about that today as my black trainers which I wear for the long walk from the station to work are leaking a bit so I think essential replacement of basic items is ok. I am going to look at my other comfy shoes tonight and see if any of them will do instead of buying new.

Essentials are ok I think duchessminnie I am trying to do any other ‘wants’ via charity shops. But vests aren’t the kind of things you find in charity shops as people tend to wear them to death don’t they. I’d consider a new pair of trainers cause you’re old ones have had it as essential buy. A one in one out policy.

Went to a swap tonight. Took 11 items I don’t wear, brought 7 new ones home.
New (to me) clothes at no cost and overall a reduction in my wardrobe :-)

Can I join too please? I have so much stuff and still things with labels on from ages ago.

The only things I need are a new swimsuit and trainers and absolutely nothing else.

Duchess Try your nearest shoe repair shop, I was surprised that ours could mend any shoe\trainer type footwear that we bring in for them. Saves pennies

More than pennies when you think of the price of branded good quality trainers nowadays !!

Very good point ppeatfruit

Thanks Igotta If they've really had it then throw them to the bottom of the garden, under a hedge or wherever to provide homes for wildlife

You might be able to repair some shoes yourself with the brilliant Sugru:

sugru.com/blog/how-to-repair-your-shoes-with-sugru

Second the recommendation for the Fast Fashion book upthread. It’s good because it doesn’t try to make you feel guilty for your shopping misdemeanours. We are being manipulated. Also for online shopping you are potentially fighting two addictions at the same time.

I have stayed strong since 01 Jan but feeling a bit guilty as have ordered stuff to try, as I am allowed to buy one thing a month so now there’s pressure on making sure I choose wisely. I managed to go to Oxford Street and buy nothing.

My issue is thinking ‘if I could just find a [insert new clothing idea here], for example this week a chocolate brown top, my wardrobe would be perfect. Yet this never quite proving true. I may just have to go cold turkey at some point, I like the idea you can break the habit completely and think I could get there as shopping is less fun as you get older and need a miracle to look really good

Well done TableNiner for staying strong so far (though I disagree that it would take a miracle to look good when older - my aunt still looks wonderful at 76 and I fully intend to look fabulous in my seventies too!) 😄

Still staying firm here. Just got a pay rise and normally would treat myself to a piece of antique jewellery to celebrate but think I shall just save/invest the extra instead.

Talking about epiphanies, I remember going into a high fashion posh shop in Bond Street in the 80s and the stink of the 'finishing' that they used had me dashing out with streaming eyes.

I decided then to look for 2nd hand clothes that had that stuff (which is cyanide based apparently) washed out of them or buy organic cotton, that was in it's infancy then.