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Original poster

Not buying clothes 2024

605 replies

Nonewclothes2024 · 14/12/2023 18:16

I need to stop buying clothes.
I have far too many.
I feel overwhelmed deciding what to wear every day.
I wear a uniform to work.
I have deleted all shopping apps.
I am unsubscribing from shop e mails.

Anyone else ?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
6
Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain · 25/12/2023 17:24

TheSuggestedAmendment · 25/12/2023 17:18

I did this in 2023! I bought (second hand) a pair of trainers because my old ones fell apart and a pair of socks… and that’s it.

I’m very proud of myself but I won’t be doing it again in 2024 as my wardrobe does need a bit of a refresh.

I think the more you do this, eg be strict one year then let up the next year but still don’t go mad (well that’s what I’d do).

A good way to compare and contrast with me I find is with my 5 year old nephew and his best friend - both of them have bedrooms and wardrobes bursting full of clothes, toys and books and their parents (well meaning) spoil them as they’re time poor money rich. DNephew is lovely but he keeps asking for toys from me who has spoiled him in the past.

Andnowshesatoddler · 25/12/2023 20:36

Signing in for another year.

I probably don't do it to its full extent more of a being mindful than no buy.

One thing i always do if it's not worn in a first month it won't be worn and it goes back irrelevant of the cost (so long as it's not counter productive obviously) i just don't want the clutter.

lindyloo57 · 25/12/2023 21:01

I would love to do a no spend this year, but I know I can't do it, I just counted that I brought 48 items, and more items were brought in the sale than full price, so I will try and buy less and I'm doing the same with beauty items too, only buying when I have used a item up.

verdantverdure · 25/12/2023 22:19

I'm in again. I did pretty well this year.

I need jeans and knickers and I'd like a sleeveless shirt to wear under jumpers, and I always want something when summer rolls around, but otherwise....!

verdantverdure · 25/12/2023 22:28

LivingDeadGirlUK · 24/12/2023 08:25

I have so many clothes but they don't feel very cohesive, for example I have a couple of really nice plum coloured chinos which are so comfy and smart for work but I then have jumpers etc that don't go with them.

Maybe you need a trying on session?

I often have things that should work together on osier but somehow don't, and others that I wouldn't have thought would work but somehow do Grin

TheSuggestedAmendment · 25/12/2023 23:39

My take away from doing this is that you do need some cutting edge/high quality items to start with because you are going to really rely on them over twelve months.

I have some malone soulier heels that worked really hard but still looked good. Also a couple of quality coat/jackets that got a lot of wear and looked fine every time. And I’d bought some long baggy trousers in the salon 2022 so I was able to move to the new shape for 2023 even tho I didn’t buy anything new.

I keep clothes/beauty money in a separate account each month and I’d hoped I would save quite a bit. But, depressingly, because the cost of everything else went up - I didn’t save as much as I’d hoped. My hairdresser put prices up, and stuff like shaving foam, etc went up.

I was able to buy DS a really great coat that I wouldn’t normally buy though, so that was a lovely reward for me. It was £300 and will really last him and he is soooo pleased with it even six months on.

Sunnycats · 26/12/2023 09:24

I want to do this. I have ridiculous amounts of clothes, I'm always looking for the next thing I 'need'. I could easily pay for a holiday for my family if I cut the spending. I've always thought I have issues with shopping. I think I think that the next thing I buy will be the perfect thing and I'll look amazing etc etc but then there is always something else after that.
I want to take it one step at a time, so make it through a week, then a month etc.....definitely need a support group for my awful habits!

UnimaginableWindBird · 26/12/2023 09:34

I don't understand how people can do this. Do you have so many clothes to start off with that they don't wear out? I buy several items of clothing every year, and it's generally either items that I don't have at all that I develop a need for or replacing items that have worn out. Having said that, I don't own a lot, or everything I do own gets a lot of use.

irisgg7 · 26/12/2023 09:35

I bought next to nothing this year. A jumper and a dress (charity shop too) I have so much already. I didn't miss shopping at all.

I do go through my wardrobes (!) at the start of each season and spend a day trying on my existing clothes in different ways. It's amazing how much of a rut you can get into.
I also find i have a lot of lovely clothes that I don't wear because they need ironing, so I spend time ironing lots of items at once. That makes a huge difference to what I wear.

irisgg7 · 26/12/2023 09:40

@UnimaginableWindBird

Yes, I think it works best when you already have too much. I have about 30 summer dresses for example. All lovely, all in fab condition, because I only buy good quality. (often second hand)
It also only works if you don't gain weight. I haven't changed size in 10 years, so adding a dress or two each summer, you soon amass a good collection.

If you buy wool/cashmere and take care of it, it lasts decades, if you buy cheap jumpers, they bobble and look shit very fast.

CharlotteRumpling · 26/12/2023 13:23

UnimaginableWindBird · 26/12/2023 09:34

I don't understand how people can do this. Do you have so many clothes to start off with that they don't wear out? I buy several items of clothing every year, and it's generally either items that I don't have at all that I develop a need for or replacing items that have worn out. Having said that, I don't own a lot, or everything I do own gets a lot of use.

Because I WFH in leggings or shorts in summer! I do go to the theatre or out for dinner or coffee occasionally, but am in London where no one dresses up any more, so a couple of pairs of jeans or cords- the rare midi dress- do for that. I buy not because I need more clothes, but because I want them.But this year I am going to put the money towards experiences, travel and a cleaner if I can.
.

caramond · 26/12/2023 14:25

I really need to do this, too. Lasted almost all year some years back, around 2016 I think? Then an unsuccessful attempt last year. I have lots and lots of clothes. My downfall seems to be a kind of a fear of missing out - seeing an item I feel is so perfect there won't be anything as good again... of course by now I rationally know that's not the case and there will be other items that are as good or better!

I'm doing a big wardrobe tidy and clear out this week and donating to the charity shop and hopefully having a few things to eBay as well.

Luxembourgmama · 26/12/2023 14:26

I did almost a year during lockdown and it was great doing it agakn 2024 after a mental 2023.

LivingDeadGirlUK · 26/12/2023 15:54

irisgg7 · 26/12/2023 09:35

I bought next to nothing this year. A jumper and a dress (charity shop too) I have so much already. I didn't miss shopping at all.

I do go through my wardrobes (!) at the start of each season and spend a day trying on my existing clothes in different ways. It's amazing how much of a rut you can get into.
I also find i have a lot of lovely clothes that I don't wear because they need ironing, so I spend time ironing lots of items at once. That makes a huge difference to what I wear.

I'm getting myself a clothes steamer so I can quickly get things ready to wear without having to dig out the ironing board.

LivingDeadGirlUK · 26/12/2023 15:57

verdantverdure · 25/12/2023 22:28

Maybe you need a trying on session?

I often have things that should work together on osier but somehow don't, and others that I wouldn't have thought would work but somehow do Grin

Show quote history

Yes I'd love a bit of time to do that tbh, just so busy!

Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain · 26/12/2023 16:20

LivingDeadGirlUK · 26/12/2023 15:54

I'm getting myself a clothes steamer so I can quickly get things ready to wear without having to dig out the ironing board.

Show quote history

DB has had access to these in the past when he worked as a fashion photographer and said it was a game changer for clothes but especially hard to iron clothes and fabric. Said it made them look and hang much better.

caramond · 26/12/2023 17:17

I got myself a clothes steamer in the summer and it's been excellent! Especially during the warmer months I wear a lot of linen and woven cotton - I don't need them to be perfectly ironed but have found the steamer is just right for getting the creases out and relaxing the fabrics after a wash. It's also great for something like a jersey cotton top that's got folds from storage; takes a minute to steam them out.

Mercurial123 · 26/12/2023 17:40

I bought a handheld steamer from Steamery, and it was rubbish. I can iron quicker. I donated it to the charity shop.

Cottagecheeseisnotcheese · 26/12/2023 17:47

I think you can only do this if you have a plan it's like having a budget you need to know what is coming in ( ie what is already in your wardrobe) and what is going out ( worn out doesn't fit never wear it no longer like it) and what you actually need ( for the life you actually lead not the fantasy one) and what you want( maybe some fantasy fun items here)
from the items going out are any worth selling
what is the budget for needs and what is it for wants
how much you need depends on how often you do laundry? how many differents hats you wear in a month for some you may need clothes for working with clients, entertaining clients, black tie, home casual, leisure, sports gear, hobby gear, holiday wear,
for others it is basically the same every day with a few items for going out, a few for holidays and one or two occasional items for weddings and an extra warm layer for when it's cold

SwimmingFree · 26/12/2023 17:48

I'm tempted to be in!

I follow a girl on Instagram called the broke Generation, she also has a podcast. She's just finishing a year of no clothes spend and I've been wondering if I could do it.

I have just started a new job so feel a bit of pressure to 'look the part' but I really do have enough clothes.

Thanks for the YouTube recommendations, any others, or instagram pages welcome.

verdantverdure · 26/12/2023 18:06

Cottagecheeseisnotcheese · 26/12/2023 17:47

I think you can only do this if you have a plan it's like having a budget you need to know what is coming in ( ie what is already in your wardrobe) and what is going out ( worn out doesn't fit never wear it no longer like it) and what you actually need ( for the life you actually lead not the fantasy one) and what you want( maybe some fantasy fun items here)
from the items going out are any worth selling
what is the budget for needs and what is it for wants
how much you need depends on how often you do laundry? how many differents hats you wear in a month for some you may need clothes for working with clients, entertaining clients, black tie, home casual, leisure, sports gear, hobby gear, holiday wear,
for others it is basically the same every day with a few items for going out, a few for holidays and one or two occasional items for weddings and an extra warm layer for when it's cold

When I was younger I bought so many clothes for my fantasy life. "Going out clothes" handbags and shoes especially.

These days I know I need work clothes 5 days a week, comfy outdoorsy stuff for weekends and some exercise gear. And that's pretty much it most of the time.

Half my wardrobe is solidly three season wear, with additions for when it's below 15 degrees or above 23.

GlitteringUnicorn · 26/12/2023 18:18

I'm in- I can definitely do this. I have a ridiculous number of clothes. (6 wardrobes full- one just of knitwear and jackets 🤦‍♀️)
I do however really like that "hit" of something new and to treat myself occasionally.
My new passion is quality second hand jewellery. My theory is that if I do a "no clothing spend 2024" and get some quality pieces of timeless jewellery instead over the year then that will work well.
They hold their value and can elevate a look (and I have loads of basic quality clothing pieces)?!?!

thenewaveragebear1983 · 26/12/2023 19:13

I’d like to do this, but I know I will find it difficult. I’ve rarely bought brand new this year but I sell a fair bit on Vinted and use that to buy myself what I need, but often I don’t actually wear it. I have loads of clothes but nothing to wear.

before I can do this, I need a full clear out of bin/charity/sell so I have space to see everything. I don’t have a lot of storage space but I do have a loft which is where a lot of my stuff is held. I wfh so I rarely need smart wear.

I think most of my ‘need’ for new clothes comes from being a bit unhappy with me weight/appearance, and actually I need to address those things alongside my spending. I am quite a plain person, and I don’t really have a skincare or beauty routine, I need a big overhaul of my “self care” and that may make me feel less inclined to keep buying incidental
little items to cheer myself up.

StasisMom · 26/12/2023 19:22

Not the same but I'm trying to not buy new clothes and only buy on Vinted (except knickers!) as I have shit loads of stuff. I have to sell on Vinted too. I've been doing this since September and it's obviously not too hard.. I like that I see things there which are unusual and I know I would only wear a couple of times and then sell on.

TheOGCCL · 26/12/2023 19:56

@Sunnycats This is exactly my thought process around shopping too and I'm also wondering how I'd get through a year.

I bought about 60 items in 2023. About 13% were a mistake, not sure if that's good or bad. Most of my mistakes are eBay and Vinted so not sure this is best for me.

I am thinking about various options like setting a set of shops I can only buy from (stops mindless scrolling too) or having a short list of what I can buy, eg 1 x jacket, 1 x jeans) or donating money to charity with each purchase, or all of the above.

Fashion is a real interest of mine and it feels hard to keep things fresh without buying new things.