One month sober (from shopping)

It’s funny how we’re always taught to ‘walk before you can run’ because quite often it's the quick-smart, hasty, ‘work best under pressure’ decisions that work in our favour. That’s how my commitment to saying no to new clothes came about. I was scribbling down some intentions for the year and didn't quite feel satisfied with what was in front of me – 100 squats a day (already scrapped due to a bad back), a walk a day (rained all day yesterday), restrict social media use to 15 mins per day (*clicks ‘ignore limit for the day’) – and it was only 2nd January. 

Whilst also mulling over the big milestones due to take place for my little family this year, money was a common denominator. I should probably spend less; I don’t really ‘neeeeed’ anything; I should probably sell some things; gawd I haven't worn that in months – those sort of thoughts. During my short break from Insta I popped over to Depop and realised the algorithm had my style down to a T(shirt). ‘Second-hand only’ I thought, that way I can still get my fix without the price tag OR the environmental guilt. That was it, no new clothes for the year. 

One month down and I haven't bought myself a thing – this feels good! I’m not here to preach and who knows if I’ll make the year but if you’re also looking to limit your spending, I guarantee your wardrobe can survive without anything new (to you). So if you’re tempted to join me, here are some musings so far that might help hold back your buck. 

Take a second

Seen something you like? Step back, open your wardrobe and check whether you have something similar. Chances are you do and the look you’re trying to achieve is right in front of you. 

If you’re a ‘capsule’ kind of person and this ‘something’ absolutely does not exist in your wardrobe then check if it's being sold elsewhere – Depop, Vestiaire Collective and Facebook Marketplace are my online go-to’s (tips on shopping these sites to come). 

Swap shop

Consider a clothes swap with friends. This works particularly well if you’re heading away to places with different climates. A girlfriend and I recently swapped key items for her trip to the UK in winter and my (sweaty) holiday to Sri Lanka. 

If you’ve got weddings in the diary this year, chances are your peers do too – share your outfit and cut the cost. 

‘Unsubscribe me’

Nobody likes to be dangled a carrot so remove any temptation that might swing your way. For me that’s EDM’s – unsubscribe and you won’t know what you’re missing. Or, if you’re happening upon the shops far too often, change your route. Luckily for me, a baby pram causes a bit of a scene amongst the clothes rails. 

Be realistic

I’m not totally perfect *sigh* and have made a couple of exceptions to the rule - underwear and shoes. The former, well, just because, and the latter because my feet have always been a bit awkward to please. 

If second-hand isn't for you, the ‘Rule of 5’ might work in your favour. A campaign started by Tiffanie Darke last year encourages just five purchases for the year. If you see it as only one item per season, it sounds more achievable. Read more about the pledge here. 

~ That’s enough now from me, I’ll hand it back over to the professionals. Louise Chunn for The Guardian rounds up 2024’s new pre-loved fashion rules from fashionistas alike, check it out here. 

Holly x

P.s meme credit goes to one of my favourite sub-stackers

Jade Fox

– her platform Dear Dilate is down-to-earth, witty and makes the internet a fun place to be.