Shopping my wardrobe in 2026

[CortieTat]

I have committed to a buying break (no clothes in 2026) and feel miserable already 🤦‍♀️.
I’m starting this thread to cheer myself up and rediscover the clothes I already own. I have been tracking CPW for all my clothes for several years but recently it has become automatic and boring.

I would like to rediscover the joy of putting outfits together, instead of buying new things first and then figuring out how they fit together! Also being more mindful about what I wear and how I feel about it.

I use an app called Stylebook to organise my clothes, it helps but I don’t think it’s necessary. If anyone wants to join me, great 😊.

This is what I wore today:

Loving all your photos and inspirational talk around outfit planning. I love accessories but equally a pared back, neutral and minimal approach can be just as lovely too. I’m finding this such a fun, light hearted and thought provoking thread and great distraction from current world news.
@CortieTat I think I saw a scarf ring in an earlier outfit photo you posted - I have a box containing a few beautiful silk scarves which I hardly ever wear and I think it’s because the knotting feels so clumsy and I can never quite master the right ‘angle’ - does the ring help with this? does it make a difference ? You’ve all inspired me to dust down the box and use my scarves ! I also have a leopard scarf like @Cantonet - I must get out of my rut and wear it !!

Welcome @PeonyBlush10 👋

Yes, the ring helps. There are different shapes and I think the one that looks like a (horse) bit is the most universal.

There are different scarf-tying tutorials online and it gets easier with practice. I like this one a lot, the pictures are self-explanatory and the middle one is my favourite, with a 90x90 scarf it can be quite messy and laid back.

https://pin.it/1WSJKiOof (I hope the link displays correctly)

Here’s the picture I linked in my previous post.

@CortieTat thanks for all the scarf input. I have a 90 x 90 cm scarf which will work well with the middle example.
I was re reading your original post where you mentioned you felt a little miserable at the prospect of no clothes buying. Is this feeling lifting as the weeks fly by? Wondering whether shopping your wardrobe really does fill this gap. I’ve cut down on clothing purchases but still buy roughly one item a month. I’m finding this hard to let go.

How are others finding reducing/halting new clothing consumption? I’m definitely finding it easier to
say no to items even if I love them. I have to feel it will make a real difference/impact to my wardrobe before I purchase, decisions are a lot more considered, so their is improvement with my approach although I haven’t entirely kicked the habit.

there

@PeonyBlush10 I still find this difficult. I noticed that when I’m tired, sleep-deprived and generally feeling low I end up in retail therapy even though I only buy really well-considered things :-( I bought one thing in March (replaced old shoes that started falling apart with a new pair) but then started April with a vintage shopping spree.

Regarding the scarf tying I can post a photo next time I’m wearing a scarf so you can see how the second knot looks in real life.

To be honest I'm struggling at the moment @PeonyBlush10. I'm pretty anxious at the moment with all the shit currently going on in the world & I'm sort of thinking sod it!
Plus I have just bought some new glasses that cost an absolute fortune. They're well overdue & totally necessary as my old ones were 6 years old, but i nearly died when they told me the price.
I was much more focused last year & I so need to get back to the same mindset.

@CortieTat you are doing so well, especially dealing with all the sleep deprivation that comes with having a young baby and working too. I’d love to see a scarf photo but only if it works and you have time/energy to do so.
@Cantonet it really is crap. I dread opening up the news each morning, but it somehow helps turning to threads like this. I get your shock with new glasses prices. I’ve just been quoted £750. I’m putting it off for the moment as I’m legally able to drive without but I’m going to have to bite the bullet soon as I’m getting eye strain and headaches.
On the back of our scarf conversation, I have
just bought a charcoal/black/white scarf which is now opening up several more under-worn outfit combinations in my wardrobe. I’m hoping that’s a good and considered investment enabling maximum shopping my wardrobe strategy but perhaps this is just an excuse for a dopamine hit. It’s something I’m
constantly grappling with. Reading this thread is definitely helping me reduce impulse purchases, so at least some progress is being made.

This is my outfit for today. It was sunny but very windy.

Glasses are so expensive but also very worth it to get the right ones, especially when you think about it on a cost per wear basis.

This thread is making me dig out some of my older clothes. I made this dress in 2022 and I don't wear it much because it is a bit revealing when I walk. But for Easter lunch, it's perfect!

Beautiful dress @DiggoryVenn and it looks great with your accessories. Love your bag!

We’ve been to a family-friendly show today so I prioritised clothes that go well with my babywearing coat. My jeans are over 10 years old and from a fast fashion chain Lindex. They are not looking new but I’m surprised that they survived many wears and washes.

A walk with the whole family today out in the fields and through the woods. It’s still really cold because of the wind, I was freezing in the sun.

The spring weather is finally here, I was out and about wearing only a thin jumper today.

Outfits from yesterday and today.

@PeonyBlush10 I promised to show some scarf photos and today I wear a 90x90 scarf for the first time this week. Knot + the whole outfit

@CortieTat thank you! I like this. A fullsome and intentional knot unlike my attempt which is a knot that ends up very tight and awkward which detracts from the overall beautiful silk scarf effect. I will have a play and hopefully get more wear from my scarves going forward.

@CortieTat it’s a stunning scarf btw

Thank you! I bought it a few years ago on Vestiaire and it was a bargain. It’s quite versatile and by my favourite Christine Henry.

Today’s outfit

@DiggoryVenn that's a beautiful dress you posted earlier. Yes, I guess glasses are quite an investment these days.These are Tom Ford varifocals as I've reached that specific age 😉
I was just a bit horrified as I had my eyes lazered 20 years ago & didn't think I would need glasses so frequently again.
@CortieTat I can see how your scarves suit your style. You look rather gamine in your photo.
Some recent outfits attached.

@Cantonet beautiful accessories, the rose gold looks great with your other colours.

It’s cold and windy here again, I’m back to wearing wool.

My outfit for today - relaxed day at home and a long walk by the lake with the family. It’s cold again, I regret not taking gloves.

It's been cold here too for the last 3 days with totally schizophrenic weather. I've been trying to organise my clothes for the Asian trip, mainly online on Whering as it's too baltic to try on high summer clothes. Trip is in 6 days & I need a couple of smarter outfits for meeting business contacts of DH, as we're trying to wrangle a job for ds1. I'm trying not to buy anything new and I don't really do formal. Do you think these outfits attached are smart enough?
It's in China and they're hugely wealthy and will be wearing designer togs, so I won't be able to compete,

Or alternatively a dressy silk shirt - Bella Freud & Sienna Miller from last year with dark trousers & a jacket. It's cooler here with a 19° average daytime temp.

@Cantonet I have few formal garments so I am totally out of my depth. I would probably play it safe going for something like Jackie O’s style - a simple solid colour dress or top and trousers/skirt made of very good quality material and a single statement accessory. But I look good in non-frilly clothes and like a forgotten Christmas tree with more than a few basic accessories.

My outfit for today (another cold day)