How often do you buy clothes because you need them?

[TableNiner]

I’m into fashion and style but am also into minimalism and sustainability and am currently doing no spend on new clothes. I am ‘allowed’ second hand clothes and have bought a few things on eBay. But I don’t really need these things. I have been downsizing my wardrobe continuously since this time last year but still have something like 36 tops, for example. I can’t see me actually needing new clothes for about three years but that seems very dull. How often do you buy clothes because you actually need them?

I'm a bit like you in that I love the idea of minimalism, sustainability and a smaller wardrobe, but also love fashion and clothes!

I am trying to limit myself to a few items every 3 months. That's a reduction for me . I found eBay to be a false economy for me, as I did a lot of impulse buying on there and rarely kept the items for long. A few gems, but mainly not. So now, I try to buy sustainable but new. I am doing project 333 again just now, so I have circa 33 items in my wardrobe. Winter stuff is in a drawer and some more stuff in loft space, which I might have to bite the bullet and get rid of soon.

I don't buy clothes because I 'need' them. I do think I'd find that dull, as, if push came to shove, I'd only truly need a few items to keep me warm and covered. Some people do this. There's someone called EcofriendLia on YouTube who has a very small wardrobe, (one drawer for her entire wardrobe, including underwear), and I'm sure there are others with even less than she has. I think it's great, but it isn't for me. I tried going quite minimalist with my wardrobe a while ago, but did find it quite dull and the amazing benefits that come with having fewer decisions to make actually didn't happen for me. I love dressing myself and I was just living in jeans and t-shirts with a sweater on top for cold days. That was all k really needed, but it was awfully dull.

Need? Almost never. I am going to need a new pair of trainers fairly soon but that will be the first time in literally years I’ve needed clothes.

I think I could go years without needing something new. The only absolutely necessary purchase I have made recently were some vest tops for wearing underneath things. Even then, I do have vest tops that did the job (as an extra layer, not a visible part of my outfit) but they were a bit manky.

I am not a minimalist by any means, but I do try and be more mindful about sustainability. I buy and sell on Depop, and I tend to “invest” in certain items, like jeans for example, which I know I will wear a lot.

Almost never

I think the "need" is created in my own head.
For example, I think I need a new midi skirt for work - all my midi skirts (3) have a deep split in the side as they are wrap skirts. This is fine for winter when I wear opaque tights, but not so good for work with bare thigh flashing . I could wear dresses instead but then I wouldn't wear my tops.
I also think I need a lightweight denim shacket - I have a denim jacket but it is quite thick and statement (pretty avant garde asymmetric style) - I want a looser, lighter style - do I need it? Kind of, as there is nothing in my wardrobe that fits that gap other than an open chambray linen shirt which I think looks too casual.

The definition of need is very loose in my wardrobe language

I have certain staples that I would replace because I need to if the current one wears out, eg, indigo jeans, white shirt etc. Otherwise I try to donate an item I don't wear if I buy something new.

The only time I buy clothes is when I need them.

When I need to

I've only bought 4 bras and 3 pairs of Chinese shop 'crocs' (€3,50!) since the start of 2020. Can only wear crocs or wellies due to a bunion causing my big and second toes to cross over each other.

Still got plenty of clothes to wear