Stopping buying clothes

[AsLongAsIHaveMyTea]

I have so many clothes. So many. I have set myself a 6 months target of not buying any clothes. I have enough for autumn, winter and spring - and beyond to be honest but 6 months feels realistic right now.
I don’t wear a uniform as such to work but I do have my “work clothes” (I work full time) so that’s not an issue, and as casual clothes come, I have lots. I have an addictive personality, and I recognise unhealthy behaviour when it comes to clothes and buying them.
Has any done this or is thinking about it? I need all the tips I can get!

I'm confused where you find nice clothes to buy? I was shopping with my sis the other day & thought most shops' stock was awful..
But I do agree about having too many clothes.
My figure has got, ahem, a little more generous, so lots of my stuff has gone off to charity, lots with tags still on.. won't be so silly in future!

I think Stylebook is a good shout because photographing and recording your clothes takes a while ( good activity rather than shopping). You can then create outfits and record what you wear daily. I’m trying to cut my spending right down and hone what I actually wear rather than stopping completely . I’m listening to How to Break up with fast fashion - it’s encouraging me to repair and re-purpose items I have. I also used to do a Saturday Style Challenge on another thread - take an item from your wardrobe and style it in 3 new ways. You can really get creative with layers in Autumn. Sweaters under dresses etc.

What I have learned about buying clothes recently is stick to what suits you re style, colour, purpose etc. So basically following Trinny & Susannah, Gok Wan etc and if you have a colour consultation from them too.

So, I bought a navy and white striped tshirt from Tu at Sainsburys - flattering and cheap. On the same basis I bought some jeans (not my usual skinny) from Tu.

My other purchase based on the tshirt above is a Breton striped &Other Stories jumper, it may still go back but I think I'll keep it.

The thing I've realised though is they suit me!

I was talking to a friend the other day who rarely buys clothes, she bought a Hobbs very light pink coat/mac but the thing she likes about it - and it's made from recyclable material - is it doesn't stain - so it really suits her colouring but also doesn't stain. So for me, if I bought other things it'd be on that line.

I’ve now deleted Instagram form my phone because I’ve realised that all it does is make me think I need to shop! I’m still looking online at clothes, and I did order something but I’ve sent it straight back. I’m starting work later today so I’m going through my vast wardrobe this morning and having a good sort out.
What I have learnt in this small amount of time is that brands / companies etc go to so much effort to make you buy stuff that you have to constantly be aware of it. It’s sinister really.
I love clothes and style but I’m getting used to the idea that I don’t have to be wearing the exact trend that is being pushed on me all the time.
How is everyone else doing?

I think if you have an addictive personality, maybe set shorter term goals, like maybe try project 333 (where you only use 33 items of clothing for three months).

I know when I've sworn off fashion for a year, I've ended up caving pretty quickly, although I know others do it fine. I did only buy secondhand for a good while though, maybe two years or so. It's harder, so you naturally buy less. It's also cheaper and a bit better for the planet. I still get a lot of secondhand clothes.

After many years of filling my home with loads of things I never wear or use, I've managed to fill my addiction with just window shopping on Ebay. I just add things to my watch list and never buy them. It's taken a long time to break the habit, mind but it helped to physically see how much money I would have otherwise spent
My home is also less cluttered and nicer, as a result.

@AsLongAsIHaveMyTea

I’ve now deleted Instagram form my phone because I’ve realised that all it does is make me think I need to shop! I’m still looking online at clothes, and I did order something but I’ve sent it straight back. I’m starting work later today so I’m going through my vast wardrobe this morning and having a good sort out. What I have learnt in this small amount of time is that brands / companies etc go to so much effort to make you buy stuff that you have to constantly be aware of it. It’s sinister really. I love clothes and style but I’m getting used to the idea that I don’t have to be wearing the exact trend that is being pushed on me all the time. How is everyone else doing?

Actually not bad. I was looking at clothes to buy for my DNephew and DBrother yesterday (John Lewis, Zara etc) but that's all I ended up doing, looking.

Helping to clear out my wardrobe (I got rid of loads of stuff but also work stuff) really helped. It does help when you look at what clothes you wear day to day in a constructive way, ergo makeup, beauty products etc.

Marketing is very clever so you do have to be very clever to ignore it.

I do recall when I was much younger (before I was 25), I spent a lot less on clothes etc because I couldn't afford it, or bought quality clothes and shoes instead. I recall once my mum persuading me to buy some shoes in winter sales! But marketing wasn't as in your face as it is now.

I have two photographs of my great grandfather, taken 20yrs apart. He's wearing the exact same clothes in both. I keep thinking about that. It's such a contrast to the modern world. It's making me think so what if I have only one amazing dress, flattering trouser suit or perfectly fitting pair of jeans - isn't that enough? I can only wear one thing at a time. I have a spendy few months coming up because I've finally found some things I've been wanting for ages. After that I'm going to implement a rule of only buying a maximum of one item per month on a one in/one out basis. My long term aim is to have a more minimalist wardrobe filled with comfortable and much loved pieces and when I'm very old to take a Swedish Death Cleaning approach to my possessions.

@FluffyWhiteBird

I have two photographs of my great grandfather, taken 20yrs apart. He's wearing the exact same clothes in both. I keep thinking about that. It's such a contrast to the modern world. It's making me think so what if I have only one amazing dress, flattering trouser suit or perfectly fitting pair of jeans - isn't that enough? I can only wear one thing at a time. I have a spendy few months coming up because I've finally found some things I've been wanting for ages. After that I'm going to implement a rule of only buying a maximum of one item per month on a one in/one out basis. My long term aim is to have a more minimalist wardrobe filled with comfortable and much loved pieces and when I'm very old to take a Swedish Death Cleaning approach to my possessions.

But back then clothes were made to last or you bought clothes for best etc, at least my nana did. These days expensive clothes are expensive and tailorers have mostly long gone. I recall when I first started working at 17, a close older friend gave me a Scottish made by a tailor mid grey wool skirt suit she’d had made for her by a relative - in 1980s, I got comments about how nice it was when I wore it as it was so well made! Back in the 80s there was more quality clothing. In fact my local boutique has 80s vintage there too, I sometimes buy that, 80s floral Next blouse/top I did buy and it’s stunning. River island etc are no way in the same league as they were.