Making 2022 the year of enjoying the clothes I already own (and not constantly buying something new)

[nordica]

The thought occurred to me the other day to reframe "a no-buy" year and make 2022 a year of enjoying my clothes. I've done the not buying anything challenge once successfully (for about 8 months) and once unsuccessfully. This feels more positive as the focus isn't on not doing something but doing something good (psychologically easier and more effective).

Recently I've been feeling a little sad about all the lovely clothes I have that don't get worn as much simply because I own too many, and there's only 7 days a week to wear them.

So this is what I'm going to do. The first step is ignoring all those Boxing day sale emails in my inbox and doing some tidying up to plan outfits out of what I have already.

Anyone planning something similar?

My mission is to not spend all the money I make selling on Vinted on more clothes...

My first job is going to be digging out all the clothes I have never worn, and wear them (weather permitting, obviously). I already have a pink leopard print vintage sweater in mind that I just need to find a partner for 😀

I'm ashamed of how many things are probably in my wardrobes and drawers still with tags on, especially given most of what I've bought in the last couple of years has been secondhand. If I still don't want to wear it after a fair trial then it's going in the charity shop bag .

Agreed sarahjp1 and madamceladon (great name btw, love me some celadon), I love buying second hand and a rummage through a posh charity shop makes me so happy.

Unfortunately I often end up buying things I don’t need cos it’s a bargain and it’s doing the charity some good. I often tell myself I’ll redonate or sell things on, but the ‘needs attention’ pile at the bottom of the wardrobe tells another story…

I need to reframe it so instead of me getting a not-quite-right bargain, I see myself depriving someone else of an item they might love.

There was a great thread on here a while back about setting an annual budget to only buy the items that will make a difference. Worth a read (think I need to revisit it and absorb the messages!)

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/style_and_beauty/3797652-thanks-to-s-b-i-m-finally-winning-in-the-pursuit-of-elegance

Great idea OP! My weakness is coats and jackets and picking bargains on Ebay. Currently awaiting two items to come from things I bought before Xmas.....🙄
Or seeing an outfit on somebody and wanting to replicate it.
I don't even go anywhere to wear all this stuff!

@madamceladon

Some of you will enjoy this thread for ideas on maintenance and making the most of wardrobe

Secondhand / vintage / charity / ethical and slow fashion chat [[http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/style]]andd_beauty/4403025-secondhand-vintage-charity-ethical-and-slow-fashion-chat

I started reading and then realised I had been on that thread, as were a few of us!

Seems the lure of the charity shop / second hand bargain is strong for many

Placemarking

I too am excluding vintage purchases. About 40% of my wardrobe is midcentury vintage and I am too easily tempted by a Lilli Ann or Dorothy O'Hara!

I actually think I could start an unhealthy eBay habit too if I’m not careful.

What I need is some nice fitting chinos so I don’t end up in a dresses vs jeans cycle! I would be happy to splurge for the perfect pair!

And then I’ll stop

It is funny the way I always think a new item of clothing is the answer to all my problems. (I'm the same with make up and skincare). I am barely going out at the moment and wfh and just do not need more stuff. I think the answers for me do not lie in more physical consumption, but rather losing half a stone, and then spending my style and beauty money on the hairdressers, teeth whitening, laser hair removal and a bit of Botox.

@LiveFromNewYork

It is funny the way I always think a new item of clothing is the answer to all my problems. (I'm the same with make up and skincare). I am barely going out at the moment and wfh and just do not need more stuff. I think the answers for me do not lie in more physical consumption, but rather losing half a stone, and then spending my style and beauty money on the hairdressers, teeth whitening, laser hair removal and a bit of Botox.

I really identify with this. I'm the same, I try to fix whatever it is I am trying to fix with something new but actually I'd be happier to be a stone lighter with better hair/nails and better quality makeup.

I guess buying something new is a quick fix, but the feeling doesn't last.
I am probably trying to create a new look or at least buy a new outer me as it were, whereas I'm not that happy with the basic me, no matter which outfit I've got on. I need to work on fixing that first.

Ooh this is an interesting thread! Over the last year I’ve massively updated my wardrobe to reflect changes in my lifestyle, body, work and climate and I’m almost happy with the result, I’m just missing a couple of basics that will help me make the most of my wardrobe. Like other pp I am slightly limited by the fact I am crawling after a toddler a lot of the time and I do spend a lot of time in parks or wfh, but I’ve been trying to enjoy my clothes and take pleasure in wearing them instead of saving everything “for best”.

I’m really trying not to stray from my list of “gaps” and my purchases are all second-hand, though like pp I end up buying too much on vinted. So I really want to avoid buying stuff and be more mindful when I do make purchases - they have to fill a gap, be perfect not a compromise, and (since they’re second hand) be easy to resell without losing money in case they don’t fit/suit.

I agree with the issue of thinking clothes are the solution when often other stuff are more important. Hair and skin, definitely. Also I got back into Pilates and yoga this year and have felt that looking and feeling stronger, more toned and with better posture have transformed how I feel in what I already own.

So much of this thread resonates with me. I am also a toddler-parent who is back to WFH so there's nothing really I need. I started trying to buy more ethically last year but, really, the ethical thing to do is not buy so much in the first place! I am totally guilty of thinking that the perfect pair of trousers / jumper / ankle boots will transform me into a new (= better) person but it's a total trap. I started a new job a few months ago and part of it means cultivating a personal 'brand' (in a niche area that is nothing to do with style at all) but I'm trying to use the Christmas break to define what that's going to be and having a 'look' that gives me confidence will be helpful I think.

I also need to have a massive clear out as my wardrobe(s) are somewhat of a black hole at the moment.

I'm doing similar this year with everything. Boots ,bags makeup ,clothes etc. I've far too much stuff and want enjoy what I own.

In the last 2 years I've bought very few clothes. It's a great habit to break. I've bought a pair of jeans, a winter jumper, a few pairs of socks & underwear

Apart from jeans, underwear & knitwear if I want new clothes I make them.

It's fab. I'm really enjoying it.

I wish I could make clothes. But something that I’m planning to do this month Is sort out the various ‘fixes’ and tweaks that would make some items just right, and would mean things actually get worn.
Stuff like adding an extra hole to my favourite belt, getting some boots reheeled, shortening camisole straps a couple of inches, changing the buttons on my otherwise perfect pea coat and so on. Very boring compared to buying something new but much more sensible.

@OhRosalind

I wish I could make clothes. But something that I’m planning to do this month Is sort out the various ‘fixes’ and tweaks that would make some items just right, and would mean things actually get worn. Stuff like adding an extra hole to my favourite belt, getting some boots reheeled, shortening camisole straps a couple of inches, changing the buttons on my otherwise perfect pea coat and so on. Very boring compared to buying something new but much more sensible.

Not boring at all, really satisfying. You can do while you watch tv and it's like you have something new 😊

Just snuck in one last purchase before the end of the year - walking trousers. Part of my 2022 keep-fit plan.

I did this last year! Well, other than buying new knickers which I don't think count 😂 I went through all my stuff at the beginning of each season and straight away charity shopped or sold stuff that didn't fit, or I didn't like any more. Then tried to put different combinations of clothes together and tried to not wear the same things all the time. It made me look at how I spend my money, and being self employed during a pandemic meant I didn't have the disposable money I'd normally have.

I would love to say I own beautiful clothes - what do you mean by this?

Is it the cut or pattern?
Please post some of your beautiful clothes.
I think my problem is that I have wild curly hair so feel like I can't do "pretty". Most of my clothes are dark or edgy and not really beautiful.

Sorry, I've just realised I've missed the point of the thread!

I am aiming to only buy from charity shops - I just darkened my hair slightly and a lot of the dark colours I usually wear are looking a little dowdy.
So I'm looking for magenta and olive green jumpers/jacket/coat to brighten me up a bit. But only charity shops.

When I retire, dressmaking is on my to do list (along with a proper pilates class, volunteering and line dancing )

@JMAngel1

I would love to say I own beautiful clothes - what do you mean by this? Is it the cut or pattern? Please post some of your beautiful clothes. I think my problem is that I have wild curly hair so feel like I can't do "pretty". Most of my clothes are dark or edgy and not really beautiful.

Having a style analysis improved my wardrobe. I started buying clothes that suit my shape and colours. I recently wore a new jumper and on its first two outings, got compliments.

Oh yes I’m in! I have a huge amount of clothes and wear the same stuff. I need to spend more time planning outfits with what I have and less time buying new things.

Any good bloggers not trying to sell you stuff? I need some inspiration.

@JMAngel1 by beautiful clothes I think good fabric and cut. So probably more expensive unfortunately! Not always though.

I quite like an edgy look too (I am a real style chameleon though and my wardrobe goes from All Saints to Toast and everything in between)

@JMAngel1 just read your line dancing comment