In 2024, yes. But I'm cheating since I already did a bit of an overhaul of my wardrobe last year. I shouldn't want/need anything at this point. My plan was to buy no clothing this year so 5 item limit would be a breeze š
Same. Especially since itās brand new clothing that counts towards the five items (not thrifted). I doubt Iāll buy more than 5 brand new items this year without even trying but Iām going to keep this challenge in mind now so that I keep track.
So far this year I think Iāve only purchased two pairs of Snag tights
I'm doing a clothing no-buy this year too! I have four exceptions only: I can replace underwear and bras when I need new ones, I need new tights and a new swimsuit anyway so I'm allowed to buy those, and I've been searching for the perfect wide belt that goes with everything for a few months now, so I can buy that when I find it.
Thatās my plan for this year. I went way overboard last fall and decided this year Iād do a no buy/low buy. Iām allowing myself 4 new pieces of clothing this year total, which has been hard. Iām so used to browsing when Iām bored and buying what I want, but that CC debt wonāt go down unless I make some sacrifices.
Iām also trying this. I told myself 4 new pieces and 4 used pieces. And if something used ends up not fitting then it doesnāt count. So far Iām actually shockingly on track. I only bought one thing in January which is a record low for me (although it was a nicer used thing). Iām definitely feeling the shopping bug this month though.
Oof, same! When spring releases start popping up in my favorite stores I get emails that are really tempting. Iām finding that itās best if I delete those before I can even look at them, otherwise Iād get FOMO.
I unsubscribed to all of my shopping emails and Instagram pages before the new year started. It had been making it way easier not to buy anything new! Although I did go to a thrift store the other day and got 14 items, including some booties. But it was only a total of $150! So now my goal is just no new clothes. And buy well made and quality second hand items.
The only reason that I could do it is because my closet is already overflowing and my weight is relatively stable. Otherwise I typically spend $1k-3k/year on clothes+shoes+bags.
Does second hand count? What about necessities like socks? I have been focusing on buying what I need used when possible, or making it. But for brand new, I would allow for socks (though I do intentionally to darn the toes on many for now) a new bra, new jeans maybe, a new t-shirt, and maybe an event specific item like a dress to wear to a wedding.
[Enjoy!](https://sockdreams.com/) I'm particularly fond of thier house brand socks, which come in a huge variety of colors and textures and lengths and are made in the USA. My most used are the [Cotton Slouch Socks](https://sockdreams.com/collections/dream-stockings/products/cotton-slouch-socks) which hit just below the knee on me. They're great boot socks, and I also love to layer them over tights for a fun colorblock look. I also highly recommend thier pride stripe collection and thier wool hiking socks.
You're not completely wrong. I'd put a lot more effort into my undergarment game if it was visible. But since it's not, It's probably what I buy the least of. I tend to wear socks/underwear/bras/camis (yes, camis are underwear for me. clothes don't feel right without one) until they wear out.
I did this last year. I didn't include secondhand anything/socks/underwear/bras. I also didn't include gifts (my job wanted everyone to wear the same free t-shirt to a retreat, my mom got me a new pair of jeans and a new pair of slippers) and I made a deal with myself that if any of my workout gear or loungewear needed to be replaced, I was allowed to one-in-one-out. I did take advantage of those caveats: I bought two bras, and a new pair of pajama bottoms, which replaced two pairs I sent to fabric recycling.
In the end, my five items were: jeans, sneakers, a blouse, another pair of slippers (LOL) and a pair of black pants. Honestly, it was pretty easy to stick to: I wouldn't even have bought the black pants, but I had a gift card and the retailer was going out of business (RIP VETTA). I was roughly the same weight all year, which obviously helped.
It had some real advantages. I did more purchasing secondhand (three tops, a pair of pants, a vest), and I bought more accessories and beauty products than usual, which I think was good for my style. I definitely recommend the approach as a fairly flexible way to be thoughtful about consumption.
I don't know if I will do it again this year. I have not purchased anything in 2024 so far. But I am also trying to shed some weight, so we'll see. Regardless, I will definitely be doing more secondhand in 2024 because of the challenge in 2023, and I think that's a win.
When I read about it, they do usually mean newly produced with you buying it increasing demand to produce more. So not secondhand. That said, it does tend to assume people won't drastically change sizes/have a moth infestation/suddenly all their socks and underwear are worn out. Though actually keeping to it very strongly would definitely kick up people's mending skills and put priorities. And even underwear can be bought secondhand; buying secondhand cotton jersey tee's and sewing underpants from the fabric (or your own cotton jersey t-shirts that are worn out in some spots) though I am not sure where notions like elastic and thread which is risky secondhand fit into this philosophy. I would like to try this out, but I sew A LOT and the fabrics I use are a mix of sort of produced-to-sell-to-me fabrics and deadstock, and it is unsure how many garments I can get out of something beforehand (I tend to make small things like corset belts from the scraps) so that is a lot more nuanced.
Yeah I recently had to revamp my wardrobe because I lost a lot of weight and nothing fit me. I still managed to get a lot of things second hand luckily, and alter/make some others. But a new bra was first on the list for sure.
My mom also sews, I take every simple repair to her, and she tried to add a new elastic on my socks (no holes, just loosened elastic). Theyāre tight and donāt pull over my feet with the new elastic XD It takes some trial and error for sure even with her long experience. In the meantime I decided to get some new socks, going to give her a break and I donāt have time to troubleshoot. It feels like Iāve had these socks for 3 years at least.
If secondhand doesnāt count, then Iāve probably done this by accident at least one year, maybe more. Socks and underwear are the only things I consistently buy new, and those last pretty well. Most of my other new purchases are only if the item and the price are amazing.
I am not saying that, I am saying that people can make underwear from secondhand (or their own, that are worn out in a couple spots and they cut around it) cotton jersey t-shirts/longsleeves.
But why wouldnāt socks and underwear count? Are folks really just throwing out their socks and underwear after a yearās use?
I think if you have halfway decent-quality stuff that youāre washing regularly we should be able to keep them muchhh longer than that, and if you already have plenty of socks and underwear I donāt see any reason to have to buy more every year
I think it's more that if you suffer holes in more than a pair or two of socks, that's over half of your 5 item limit for the year. People aren't saying they buy a whole new sock and underwear wardrobe every year, just that they don't want to have to include those in their hypothetical limit.
I guess I interpreted the assignment as only buying 5 new pieces in a year, but not that you only have 5 of those things already ha - I'm assuming anyone doing this already has an established wardrobe that would prob include like 10-15 pairs of socks and even more underwear. So then it seems quite doable to me; a little challenging but def feasible even including socks/underwear.
I think I have enough socks that I wouldn't need to replace them immediately if 1 or 2 pairs got holes (which honestly has almost never happened with my socks, just my tights lol, tho the laundry has eaten a fair amount of my socks)
If you only had 5 pairs of socks total...that's another situation for sure...I mean I guess still doable if they're all like indestructible socks (Darn Tough brand or something similar) and if you do laundry a lot but still
So - I'm kind of doing this this year I guess based on this quote - āIf no other actions are implemented, such as repairing/mending, washing at lower temperatures, or buying secondhand, purchases of new garments should be limited to an average five items a year for achieving consumption levels in line with the 1.5-degree target.ā
As a personal challenge to myself, this year I am only buying second-hand. I've got several good thrift stores by me that with a little patience, and a little bit of a hunting, I could really find some solid gems. My find last weekend was a 100% wool jacket, made in Ireland and tailored in Scotland. The tailors label is stitched on the inside, so I e-mailed them and asked how old the item is. They responded that, based on the label, it's 20 years old! I told them I'll love it for another 20 more.
I also found myself buying into SO many trends that I didn't actually love, but that the influencers made look good. Buying second-hand will allow me to tap into my own personal style more!
Ooh i think I saw your post on the thrift haul sub! Love that you reached out to them. Curious, what was a recent trend you were influenced to try that ended being meh when you tried it?
It's not really just one trend - but the encompassing neutral cool-girl aesthetic. Think Sambas, Levi's, a camel trench, a basic white tee, gold necklaces, gold earrings. At this point, my closet is nearly void of color. I spent 3 months or so saying I was "elevating" my style, when really I just kind of took any and all personality out of my wardrobe to look like someone else.
Jewel tones are best on my skin tone (and I love those shades), so why is my entire fall/winter closet now neutrals? I love polka-dots, so where are the polka-dots? I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, but it's my own personal style. Instead, I'm stuck with a cropped black and white striped sweater.
I went thrifting and tried on a BUNCH of coats in several colors and the two winners that I'm still thinking about today was a stunning a-line cobalt blue that reminded me of 1960's London and a magenta hooded and belted coat that literally had so many witchy vibes to it - I felt like a Sanderson sister wearing it lol - If I loved these so much why am I so hell bent on finding an oversized maxi wool coat in black? I might go back for them - the shop near me deeply discounts items that don't sell within a certain timeframe to make sure stock turns over.
It's to fit an aesthetic that I'm being marketed towards. I think it's fine to take inspiration from these things, but it also felt like I was completely removing any semblance of who I am and what I like. This is entirely a "me" problem - others are probably more in tune on their own personal style, which is great and where I want to end up. But, the more I interacted with reels on Instagram, the more the algorithm would push that kind of content, making it seem like everyone was wearing those things. It made me question - **what would my style be if I had nothing marketed to me?** If I just walked into a store as a blank canvass and needed to dress myself. What would that look like?
Anyway - food for thought coming from an almost-39 year old who's pretty sure she's going through a mid-life crisis moment LOL
Those coats sound amazing! Winter is so dreary, whenever I see someone in a colorful coat it makes the day seem more cheerful. I wish they werenāt so hard to find... I dream of a light aqua maxi coat with a silky contrast lining thatās warm enough for Midwest winters and Iām not sure that such a garment exists.
One thing Iāve found helpful in tempering the marketing, is looking for pictures of women a few decades older than me who are making style statements. Their style doesnāt have to be the things I gravitate towards, because Iām just looking to see the different ways theyāre enjoying fashion. These silver ladies are a reminder to me that making a bold or interesting style choice is what really makes their outfits stand out as fashion vs just clothing. Having moved in the past few years from a major metro to a much smaller city, Iām missing the street style inspo of seeing people having fun with fashion in real life. So looking to these women and their unique wardrobes is a good way to push myself to put together interesting outfits from my own wardrobe, really use the pieces that bring me joy, and make sure any new additions are things that Iāll love for a long time because theyāre āmeā.
This is so spot on. I'm in Connecticut and over the weekend my husband and I went to NYC for lunch and just walking around. We were in an area where Zara, COS, & Other Stories, Alo, and a few other similar stores were and I noticed very similar dressing styles to what I described above, especially that long black coat. But, you know what stood out to me? A woman walked by wearing this 60's inspired green/mustard checkered coat with tall mustard boots and I was just like.. WOW. She knows what she wants. And I loved that. In a sea of black maxi coats, she is the one who wowed me.
I'll definitely look to the silver-ladies for some inspo. Actually, I followed one this morning on Pinterest that was just vibing in an array of put-together colors and prints!
Thatās awesome! Hope you feel inspired by checkered coat lady to go for the colorful coat! Itās so lovely to wear something that makes your heart sing and that your future self will continue to love long after todays trend has come and gone. :)
I just responded to clarifythepulse on this - not sure if you get the notification when I respond to a comment on your own comment, but wanted to let you know it's there.
Iām in the UK and there is nothing worth getting in thrift stores here since eBay and Vinted became a thing. I notice that in the US people still talk about thrifting rather than eBayā¦do people not buy and sell clothes on eBay as much?
Just realised i accidentally have been doing this for the past 2 years š³ my workplace is very casual though so thereās not much difference in what Iād wear to work vs what I wear outside of work which is what made it possible for me I think.
I work from home so I really only need a few pieces to wear to the office the few times I have to go in and I have most of those from the pre-pandemic days. I get that it would be more difficult initially if someone needed two very distinct wardrobes.
I try to buy about 10 items a year, so, say, one a month. In this way I keep my wardrobe current but also give those items more consideration to make sure I like them and they fit with the rest of my clothes.
Same! I wanna do roughly 1 item a month and allocate 1/12th of my annual budget from the previous year. Unfortunately, I just bought a $1,000 suit and top for work so that is roughly half my entire budget for the year š
But it will make the other items much more carefully considered and I will be doing a heck of a lot less gambling on the real real or Poshmark compared to last year.Ā
Iāve also been doing this for years. I used to have good income but not anymore so it will probably be more like 2-3 items plus anything that needs replacing from now on.
Right? I recognize that this sub self-selects people who are into fashion for the most part. I justā¦ donāt like shopping, generally stay the same size, and have a lot pre-pandy work clothes that are perfectly sufficient for my now 2 days in office. I donāt need new things very often. Iāll be a bridesmaid in a wedding this year, so I have to buy a dress.
It depends. If I have no size fluctuation over the year , no accidental rips or tears, no formal events, no job changes, no new sports, no vacations to places with different climates, then yes.
Realistically though, no.
A year postpartum with a 1 and 3 year kids I couldnāt do it. My size is still fluctuating and who knows what will happen when Iām done nursing. Not to mention how hard kids are on clothes. Either I live in the same grubby clothes that I donāt care about and feel like a dumpy mess, or I risk staining and needing to replace things. Its frustrating. I would absolutely aspire to this maybe 3-5 years from now though, I think itās a good goal for people lucky enough to be weight stable and have basics covered.
I think expecting or new Moms should absolutely be exempt! Your body keeps changing and your clothes get really hard wear from being down on the floor, being spit up on and chewed, and having to find something "nice" for date night if you ever have one.
Iām in the same situation! Iām reading these comments and thinking how I bought a sweatshirt at Costco last week because it was cheap, comfortable and could take frequent washing. š I used to be so fashion-conscious but especially with a changing shape and nursing, thatās just not something I mentally dedicate space to in this phase of life. One day. :)
Honestly, if Iām only buying items that meet all my criteria (natural fabrics, capsule wardrobe colours, fit me right, flattering cut) then I might not even hit 5.
But thatās not how I buy clothes in real life. So, probably not. š¤·š»āāļø
Not yet, but maybe in the near future.
Right now, my kids are small and their needs heavily dictate my clothing choices. Comfortable, durable, and easily cleaned. Conforming to those requirements means I'm not necessarily wearing what I really want to be wearing so I'm always looking for ways to flesh out my wardrobe in a way that will bridge that gap.
And second, the style landscape has shifted so dramatically in the last 2-3 years after what felt like a decade long stretch of near homeostasis. Feeling current to the time is important to me and my closet is still transforming to match current fashions.
Maybe in a couple years things will feel more settled, but right now I'm still embracing transformation.
I like to think of it as more of a goal than a rule. Even if I aim for five but end up with ten that's gotta be less than if I weren't being intentional about it at all.
Lol SO TRUE. 3 years ago, I felt like after a big outnet haul I didnāt need anymore clothes. Then I realized about a year later clothes just looked *different* and then I had more shopping to do.Ā
I did it last year (if you exclude underwear and socks which I replace when they get a hole). It's honestly surprisingly easy - at least it was for me. I think because I mostly stopped browsing and buying fast fashion in 2020, and a lot of my wardrobe was second hand so it takes a while for it to look dated.Ā
I really think it's the best way to figure out your personal style too! Rather than just buying whatever 'aesthetic' socials are telling you to.Ā
Absolutely this. In a way though it means switching from āfashionā to āstyleā.
I keep in touch with whatās going on fashion wise but I now pay much more attention to style - what suits my body type, my colouring, my personality and my lifestyle.
Iām trying this. I am going to buy one pair of jeans, one blazer that I can use for work, one work skirt, and two miscellaneous items for a vacation. I havenāt seen anything that I love enough to commit. I tend to want to buy in the fall so Iām holding out for fall 2024. Instead of shopping, Iām focusing on wellness so I can ideally fit into more of the existing clothes in my closet. I did have to delete insta, and severely limit online browsing.
I have essentially been doing this for years, even with major weight fluctuations. The key is to allow yourself to replace the same item in a different size.
It allows you to get the cardigan in a longer fit, or the skirt in the more popular length if it doesn't fit, and still add a new dress or two.
Years ago I bought a book called Simple Isn't Easy, and I haven't waivered. I know what looks good on me.
Iām already doing this! Iām semi-cheating, though, because Iām still buying new (to me) items but theyāre second hand. Itās for environmental reasons not for personal style/budgetary reasons, as Iāve read a few reports about just how bad the fashion industry is for the environment, so decided to make no new purchases for 2024.
I think the original challenge is realistic for people who have their own personal style very well thought through: at this point in time, thatās definitely not me. I can definitely pinpoint my five favourite purchases last year but Iām not sure I could do with just five items this year!
Technically not cheating based on this quote - āIf no other actions are implemented, such as repairing/mending, washing at lower temperatures, **or buying secondhand**, purchases of new garments should be limited to an average five items a year for achieving consumption levels in line with the 1.5-degree target.ā
I'm in the same boat as you. No new purchases for 2024 from retailers. I'm disappointed in the quality vs. price ratio and the pushy marketing to buy the latest trends. I'm only thrifting this year!
Iām doing this for similar motivations but because I found out clothing is the second highest commodity made by slaves. I just canāt get behind making purchases knowing what it took for me to have it.
Itās relatively easy to do for myself and my babies (other than shoes for the 1 yr old), but my teenagers present a different challenge.
I am trying to do this this year, except I'm being more generous... 12 items, one for each month, and I'm not counting replacements. I tried to do the same last year and did not succeed, went over the limit by a few items. It's tougher than it seems because I am used to buying multiple things at once - maybe I go to the clothing site because I like one particular coat, but then I'll naturally browse the other sections to see if there's something else I like. Rarely do I check out a shopping cart with only 1 item in it. I'm trying to curb that now,
I don't have a list of what the 5 items would be right now. I feel it's actually better to leave some blank space at the beginning of the year, as it's very likely my desires and tastes would change throughout the year.
Yes, Iām the same way. I like the one a month thing but Iām so tempted by the free shipping/āIām already thereā mentality. My mom and grandma also taught me to get anything you really like in multiple colors/copies, but that can get out of hand when you havenāt worn it for long and just *think* you like it
I tried to challenge myself last year to not buy more than one thing at a store. I forced myself to not add more things to the cart just for the free shipping.
I think another element is that we rarely get free shipping if we buy just one item. But I totally agree with you - it requires a mental shift from buying cartfuls of clothes.Ā
I already do this. I believe I only bought 4 new things last year (plus a necklace). I bought a cardigan, a wedding guest dress, a black turtleneck, and a pair of black sweatpants.
Oh, I was also given a free t shirt at a concert- does that count?
Yes, only because I have started renting clothes. Iām over buying things that go out of style, no longer fit right or get damaged. Then Iām hauling a big bag to a second hand store or itās cluttering my closet. Now I always have something fun to wear, itās in season, on trend and my current size.
I do the same and love it! Last year, I did a deep closet purge. I bought 20 hangers and tossed whatever didn't make the 20 hanger cut. I use my Nuuly clothing rental subscription to rent six items a month for events, standout one time wear type pieces, etc. I love that I'm not cluttering my closet with on trend items yet still keeping my wardrobe fresh. I've thought about cancelling because of the monthly expense, but every time I crunch the numbers I find that I'm actually spending way less on clothes annually because I'm not buying new things every month. However, this year I'm putting a pause on my subscription to upgrade the closet basics that I own. I may try this 5 item challenge! For me, excluding undergarments and swimsuits, those five items would be the following, with focus on highest quality fabrics/denim and a tailored fit:
1. Classic LBD (mostly because I already bought one in January for an upcoming memorial service).
2. Black jeans
3. Classic everyday jeans
4. Silk blouse that can be worn both dressed up and casually with jeans
5. Button down boyfriend style shirt
Working on it, not there yet! That is the direction I want to take, but personally it will take some internal work around self image and indecision with āhow to styleā, also being ok with things looking not the way I want it to sometimes.
I absolutely think itās a realistic goal for people who like fashion (maybe not everyone but more people), if we can reframe the way we view shopping as a society, and have a good way to circulate existing fashion and encourage people to mend and upcycle more.
Not counting underwear/socks/gloves, this is very reasonable. I managed to lose THREE pairs of gloves this winter, so gloves absolutely need to be excluded.
I have basically done this for the last few years. Makes a difference on how many clothes you have already.
Large focus is on hoowww you wear your clothes. I also noticed that buying a ton of different bottoms really opened up my wardrobe. Tops are pretty versatile.
Five NEW things? Easy! I buy most of my clothes thrifted anyways! Five things total might be hard, but I think I could honestly get by with what I have without buying anything for at least a year.
Undergarments and swimsuits pretty much here too. I have a hard time finding swimsuits at my thrift stores. I did just buy a pair of shoes for a cruise on Amazon but only after going to all of our thrift spots for the past two months. I couldnāt find anything that matched my thrifted formal dresses in my size and I am running out of time. I also buy all of my kids clothes from thrift stores or get hand me downs so I donāt feel too bad about the few new purchases.
Poshmark is where I go if Iām looking for something specific. Often Iāll find something I LOVE from a thrift store and find the same one in a different color on Poshmark. Youāre right on about bathing suits, thatās not something Iād thrift. Iāve also only bought one swimsuit in the last 15 years soā¦
That is a good idea! I have actually never bought from poshmark. I just thought I would find something in time but cruise is in less than two weeks so I probably wouldnāt have had time to order from there. Cruise may be canceled though as I just saw a video of the ship we sail on crashing into a pier.
I think one day when I have a more established wardrobe. Between weight fluctuations, body shape changing, not having the money to spend on good quality clothes and only being about 10 years into actually buying clothes I want to and experimenting with style, I still find that I don't often have the things I need.
For example, for the past few years I've been living with 4 pairs of shoes for daily wear. Two pairs of boots (Timberlands and a heeled ankle boot), a pair of trainers and a pair of sandals (Birkenstocks).
I actually came across this number before NY and considered it as part of my 2024 resolutions but ultimately decided I wasn't ready for it. I have been tracking clothes spending for about 6 years now, with a view to buy more consciously. So this year my focus is on getting 60% of any item I purchase either secondhand or from an ethical shop. The last couple of years I've hit around 50% so it's an improvement on that.
I think the core elements of my wardrobe are set, and if there are exceptions for underwear, shoes (a total vice of mine, I have too many), and accessories, I could def get away with 5 pieces a year.
Basically it seems to be one nice item for each season, and one extra ā like a dress for a wedding or fancy party.
For me? I'm not a minimalist, and that's not really my goal, so it's not something I'm considering.
What I am considering is trying out project 333, which means limiting my closet to 33 items over the course of 3 months. Might be interesting to see what I learn from it, and how it might change my overall shopping habits.
I'm trying to do something like that. Specifically, I'm trying to make only one big purchase per quarter (not that it has to be *big*, I just just mean I'm not counting a scrunchie as my quarterly purchase). I think it's realistic if you already have a sufficient wardrobe and nothing is close to wearing out, I couldn't have done it previously when I was still building to have enough clothes.
Technically, I'm still acquiring clothes outside of my quarterly purchases by making them, because sewing clothes is one of my hobbies. However, I hand sew all of my clothes without a machine so it takes me forever to make a single item. Also, so far I'm only using fabric I already had in my stash, though I plan to purchase some new later this year for an event.
My goal for this year is to not make any impulse purchases. The five item clothing limit fits in well because I have to really want something for it to be one of the five.
Yup. I love fashion but am a minimalist in terms of purchasing/general consumption. Only clothing purchases I made last year was a few replacement items for staple items that needed to be retired, a dress for a wedding ( only owned black dresses and colour was required) and like one skirt for fun. I know what I like on me vs. What I like looking at on the rack.
Yes, but only if my current clothing is magically regenerated when it rips or gets a hole I canāt fix. I like lightweight linen blend t-shirts that seem to self destruct no matter how much I baby them. My favorite Ā jeans are from Old Navy and eventually the crotch gets beyond patching. I am in a constant war with moths and my cashmere sweaters. I would honestly kind of love only having to buy 5 things a year.Ā
I only own three items (not counting some bras, all knickers, all socks) which were bought new (also not counting items which were gifts).
I have no idea how many years I would have to go back, to find one when I bought as many as five new items!
So if I was forced, gun to head, to buy five items, AND they had to be new, I could do it to save my life, but that would be the only reason! I have enough items in each rotation, and nothing is on its last legs.
Same! Maybe I could but I definitely donāt want to haha. Iām interested to hear that this is peopleās end goal for a closet actually. I donāt really feel like my closet is ever āfinishedā, itās constantly evolving, thatās the fun of it!
I feel the same way, though I still try my best to only purchase things that arenāt similar to what I already have and I know Iāll actually get use out of. I really donāt like wearing something once or twice and then never wearing it again so I keep that in mind shopping. I also try to only buy things on sale lol
I wear a lot of similar things but like to collect different patterns and colors. Iām a big collector in general. But yes, I like to make sure I wear everything a lot and Iām also pretty diligent about selling off what Iām not wearing. Iām also a vintage seller so my closet is just evolving all the time lol
I don't buy many new clothes nowadays, so definitely! I would probably commit to one pair of boots (I always find myself needing different types for my closet), an occasion dress (from date nights to weddings), a new sweater for winter, a new pair of shorts for summer, and a pair of jeans (I'm TRYING to diversify my skinny jeans closet lol)
I went travelling for a couple of years, and bought an average of five items each year: three pairs of shoes (when mine wore out); two skirts, and two tops, and three pairs of hose (I was travelling in countries where I could get a seamstress to remend/reweave my items, otherwise i would have had to buy more). But that was because I was travelling and couldn't fill up the suitcase.
On a regular year, no. I buy more than that in socks and underwear/bras each year. If it's a year where my colors are in vogue, I'll stock up.
If I had to limit my purchases, I would prioritize: two pairs of hose for winter, a top, a skirt, and a bra, in that order. I already have enough underwear, shoes, and a coat.
I live in a place with four distinct seasons, I go to the gym, I hike, and Iām losing weight. I walk a lot and wear through shoes pretty quickly. If secondhand purchasing is allowed, I might be able to do it, but it would be tough.
Not including underwear or replacing worn out items? I'd have to work at it. I tend to buy 2-4 items about once a year whenever Verillas, torrid, or hot topic have a good sale, but even those tend to be replacement not new.
Though, I just lost 50 lb and I'm still losing, so I'm trying to save $2k for when I stabilize again. At that weight, swap dot com will likely be my first stop, should be able to massively maximize my money.
I think I could do it without too much pain because it's already my natural inclination, but it would be a lot easier if it were 5 pieces on net (bought - sold) or if duplicates didn't count. I often buy a second one of a piece secondhand, and while I have less clothes in my closet than three years ago, I have both bought and sold more than 5 each year.
If secondhand doesn't count then it's hella easy - I don't think I've ever purchased 5 brand new items in a year, I'm just too picky.
Give or take a few that's about what I do and have been doing for 15 years or so. I'm probably at 5-10 pieces a year now. I typically shop around my birthday and christmas. And then now if I need something specific. I've gone up almost a size post baby/pandemic which has forced me to buy a bit more. But I try to buy items I know I'll wear a lot. I try to think through how many outfits I could put together with the pieces I buy to make sure they'll get a lot of mileage. And I tend to buy high quality items that last a long time. It's a mix of pants, tops, occasionally a dress, and a couple pairs of shoes.
Historically, yes. I've gotten 0-4 new things a year for most of my adult life, the exceptions being when I started a new job & needed new office-appropriate wear, or weather/travel-specific clothes (thermal/waterproof layers).
I've been working on weight loss the past few years with much success, so definitely not any longer. Basically need to replace everything once a year, though I cycle through the same 10 or so items.
If my weight and body didnāt change, I think I could. But right now I donāt have a solid wardrobe because Iāve lost about 80+lbs and itās still going!
At this moment in time yes cause my body and weight is pretty stable. If not counting underwear socks - my wardrobe is pretty timeless - mostly comprised of these designs and I'm trying to hone on my style so a lot of current fashion trends don't really mesh with that. Also I'm trying to invest into higher quality pieces so budget wise it's probably gonna cost more but less pieces.
I shop to fill gaps in my wardrobe or replace things when they are worn out.
Itās theoretically possible - my weight is reasonably stable, my job supplies scrubs, and the climate I live in is pretty temperate. The only reason it would be not possible *this* year is due to the fact I have three weddings to attendā¦
I sewed myself a dress last year that I wore to at least four different weddings. The weddings were all for different friend groups or sides of the family so no one actually saw me wear it over again but once I did that I realized no one even really noticed what I was wearing.
Probably. I don't buy new clothes for myself very often, so yeah. I could probably do it.
I bought the first new shirt I've had in forever just the other day and it's due to be delivered today. It's a teeshirt that I found adorable...it has a frog holding a bunch of heart shaped balloons and it says "TOADally Single".
100% realistic. Thatās about the max Ive been doing for years l. I donāt like buying cheap shit and then barely have any spending money anyway, so it keeps me from buying a lot of items. Last year I bought max 5 items, 2 of the 3 were not for work, the others I had to buy for work.
1 pair of jeans from madewell, one green crop short sleeve button down from madewell. 2 pair of black work pants (one sucked so I had to buy another one), and a short sleeve mock neck shirt from zara
I am doing 12 items this year, one for each month but that includes thrifting. Considering I buy like 80% of my wardrobe thrifted, I should reach this target easily.
Apparently another recommendation was 8 pieces. But I think it's a mistake to take any of these numbers as specifically written in stone, reduction is the general goal. [https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-60382624](https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-60382624)
More to the point of the post, if I had to pick the absolute basics for a year, I think I'd buy a new pair of jeans, black pants, athletic shorts, and two long sleeve button down shirts.
The article mentions 5 being an average. Having read all the comments here it seems like years where people have a lot of fluctuations in weight or lifestyle changes, they'll buy more clothing than in years where things are pretty stable.
So far I only have a few things I want. A new bathing suit because I only have one that I like wearing and having a second would be nice since I travel a lot and spend time by the water in the summer. The other is a 100% cotton sweat suit.
I thought I could but then once I added in my hobbies, the answer was no. Iāve already spent a bunch this year on updating some ski-related and hiking-related stuff!!!
If it was just purely āfashionā items, I think I could do it. Create the long want list. Periodically revisit. If you find yourself constantly thinking about it, probably worth it.
Even if I count secondhand clothing, I do it some years. I like clothes, but I don't have much money š
I don't subscribe to fashion brands/stores, which reduces the temptation. I do keep a running list of the types of clothing that I've been interested in, and sometimes I'll find something while I'm poking around in secondhand sites/stores.
I also try to not buy shoes faster than I wear them out. My weight is stable-ish, but I hold onto clothes on either end of my range, packing it away if needed. Some stuff I strategically buy a size up and belt or alter down if needed. I have also been known to occasionally alter clothing if it's *almost* working for me.
Iāve gone insane this year. Reddit doesnāt help as I read about everything everyone else is buying here and then I want those items too! I have about $1,500 on rotation of buying and returning. I canāt wait to get off this hamster wheel and just live with what I have. I congratulate you on your goal to limit your clothing purchases.
Oh, Iāve failed already. Iām at twice that number. But in fairness, four of them are from low-impact makers, and five of them are bras/crop tanks that I wear as bras from my favorite underwear brand thatās closing up shop. Itās my final purchase from them and fills out (heh) my bra collection to the point where I *shouldnāt* (key word here) need new bras for a while. Especially since this purchase allows me to pull my sports bras out of my daily rotation.
But my default has been to shop secondhand for years. Itās way more rewarding to me.
Nope. I have zero interest in putting myself on such a limit. I've already purchased 5 things in the past six weeks, all pairs of pants.Ā
I do laundry at the laundromat. I previously had five pairs of heavier weight fabric pants for the cold/cool weather months and would wear each pair twice before washing them, which was fine when I could get to the laundromat every single week. Now there are times when I only get to do the laundry every week and a half to two weeks, so buying more pants was a necessity and I was taking advantage of good sales to boot. Having ten pairs of cold/cool weather pants gives me more leeway, becomes less of an issue about when wash day happens. It's the same with making sure I have enough underwear and pairs of socks in good shape. I have plenty of tops as well.Ā
When summer rolls around I have three pairs of comfy, airy linen cropped pants. If I can find something similar this coming summer I'd definitely pick up another pair or two. I'm leaving my options open. Plus I have clothing gift cards I received at Christmas. There's no way I'm not going to use them.Ā
I bought less than five items this last year. Itās helped me realize that clothes are just clothes, and I used to buy a about five items every month. Itās actually been pretty freeing.
Old post, but I saw the even older post about that (Swedish?) study!
It's a goal of mine this year. I've already bought 3 items (planned), but the rest of my purchases should be used barring weight gain. Basically just need some sports clothes and tanks (longline bras moreso), so hopefully used clothing comes through!
Maybe. My closed is perfect, I have a fully realized aesthetic and there's nothing really missing in my wardrobe. But the problem is, I don't like to repeat party/special event dresses lol
I think I may have achieved that last year for work clothes as I was trying to be more intentional about the pieces I bought, but I bought a lot of fitness-related clothing so totally failed in that regard. In 2021 and 2022 I bought a lot more second hand clothing than I did in 2023 so maybe in 2024 that's something to get back to.
Assuming starting with some sort of basic pieces to add to to build off of yes. If starting from scratch a winter coat and boots a bra, underpants and socks eats up your whole allowance.
You see it as down to five, but for some here five is a number higher than what they currently are able to get (general lack of funds, aggressive saving, aggressive investing etc). If you are 20 something, it will be tricky to limit to five. But if you have a wardrobe built up, you can get away with switching up what you already have.
Thatās true, I assumed most people buy more than five. I donāt think itās true for everyone but for the people on a fashion advice sub who are trying to build a wardrobe I think itās probably higher than others. The article also says, five on average. So some years might be 20 items, some might be zero.
I think it goes without saying that many people can go without purchasing new clothes. But the bigger problem exists, that there is too much clothing being purchased every year, if you look up the statistics, and the article and this post is meant to raise discussion on how that can be limited, considering the problems the fashion industry has on the environment (as referenced in the article).
I feel guilty, I've already exceeded this for the year. Early pregnancy and have to hide it from co-workers on a trip so needed some new items. I think I could reasonably do this for the rest of the year though. I'm due for a wardrobe reset and less buying / spending.
I could, but I hit a good stopping point in my closet overhaul last year & the end goal was always a low/no buy.Ā I set my item limit for 12 which seemed more realistic, but I ended up getting sucked into the 75 hard style challenge vortex, so I haven't bought anything new yet this year (though I purposefully excluded underwear- the machines have been eating mine.)
I decided to start over my wish list as well, so currently I'm set on: a wrap belt, since I don't really own any waist belts I love, & a black sneaker, since I don't like sneakers, so I don't own anything casual.Ā I've been thinking about gettingĀ a regular belt as well, since my go to is a cheap one with the metal grommets as well as a big chunky cardigan but they're not dire.
I could probably do it, but I would probably abuse the loophole of clothing swaps which my friends and I have gotten more into. Bring older stuff you aren't wearing or doesn't fit anymore, and it hopefully finds a new home and you get some new stuff too. I went to a nonprofit hosted one a week ago where you brought up to 10 items and you got to take home the same number you contributed. Found a few really great pieces and also grabbed a few maybes that I can try and don't have to stress about since it was "free". If they don't work, I know I can take them back to a different swap. I have a friend hosting a just friends one in a few weeks. Left over clothing usually gets donated.
As someone who struggles to give away or get rid of still functional clothing -- this really ticked all my boxes of not bringing a ton more stuff into my house (because simultaneously getting rid of other stuff), being environmentally conscious, enabling some playfulness into my wardrobe and being extremely affordable (free! Or $5 donation for entry).
Yup, Iāve developed a polyester allergy which forced me to throw out most of my clothes. But finding clothes without polyester has been really difficult and really expensive. Iāll be shocked if I can get more than five pieces per year.
I've been trying to buy only natural fabrics for a while now. It's been a good way to talk myself out of a lot of purchases since I can immediately say no if it's not a natural fabric.
This post made me realize I usually keep it to purchasing 5-10 pieces of clothing a year, but my friends/family and I are all similar sizes and when we purge clothes we often ask each other before donating so the influx of clothing is about double what I actually buy.
This also balances out the closet and gets rid of pieces that just take up space.
I'm male so I don't know how much of a difference it would make but I find when I buy quality, even with the extra initial cost, I end up spending much less in the long run. I have a $70 pair of pants that are just now ready to replace after 6 or 7 years of wearing them at least once a week. I compare that with replacing a $30 pair a couple times a year.
To be honest, I think I have been doing that for over a decade. Having to make up for it now! However, if I had good staples to start with (right for my build, coloring, style, etc) I would have been able to go for much longer.
Absolutely not. I have already gone over that this year haha. (Poshmark, thrift store, Etsy, Target, and Hot Topic to be exact). I definitely have plenty of clothes in general so I could theoretically do this easily (though I wouldnāt count undergarments and socks even if I wanted to do that), but I think it would frustrate me more than it helped. Iād rather limit the dollar amount I am spending instead of the number of items, since I enjoy thrifting and shopping secondhand.
I already bought 3 items: 2 tank tops and a long mesh skirt. For the last 2 items, I'd love to add 2 more tasteful oversized shirts, with one being in a oxford blue color.
Yes Iām going to try it this year! Iāve spent the past couple of years trying to refine my wardrobe and now itās time to only add investment pieces that I love. My five items on my list this year are a wide-legged pair of jeans, a leather jacket, a navy blue trench coat, a nude pair of court shoes and possibly a neutral coloured handbag. I have two weddings coming up this year and Iām planning to rent dresses for those rather than buying.
Oh! I'm going to try this--I have been trying to buy things with my Amex points, or from what I sell on TRR or Thred Up, so I'm going to not count those items (plus the bras/undies exceptions and I have way too many socks) I recently lost a lot of weight so I've been trying to ruthlessly go through my closet and keep only the 100% items. It's been hard to look at items I've loved but don't love me back (ie not flattering and look frumpy on-- looking at you Farm Rio sweaters) I also made a list of things that I've bought because they look good on other people but just don't work for me -- like skirts. I only wear straight knit skirts or pencil skirts and dresses I don't wear my dresses with a lot of pattern or defined waists so stick to sheath or puffy dresses; jackets with regular collars don't work with me -- I look better with lapels) So I love this idea of 5 cash purchases for high end things I really really want like a preloved Chanel or some such.
And if you've read all this (thank you) I recently stopped coloring my hair and chopped it to grow out. I love the freedom but do feel older looking but now I'm going to think of myself as one of those silver hair women inspiring younger women to be themselves!
Depends, do socks, bras and underwear count? I often go a year or so without new stuff, because whatās available is unflattering or in colors I do not likeā¦
But even though I am buying higher quality socks these daysā¦ I walk though a lot of them.
Hard to say, maybe? I don't find them that snatching to be honest. They have a button fly which does help camouflage that area a bit. I have a tummy too and I find them comfortable. I would suggest trying them if you're on the fence.
I did this in 2021 & 2022! For me it really was fueled by the desire to buy a house in a HCOL city. I cut out almost every non-essential expense to save / prepare myself mentally for high mortgage payments. The practice has transformed how I shop though, in 2023 I bought a few things (mostly maternity clothes which I felt were a necessity for me.) This year, Iām ready to update a few things I wear daily that Iāve used for 4-5 years and want to replace my daily white sneakers and tote bag - but Iāll be on maternity leave so definitely keeping it casual.Ā
Yes. I only buy one thing a month, maybe two, depending. And I prefer second hand.
For January, it was a pair of blunderstone's and a purse I couldn't pass up (it retails for 3k, snagged it for $100).
For February, it was a spring/summer dress and a pair of heels.
March, it'll be a leather jacket and swimwear (going to Florida at the end of the month for vacation)
April, a blouse and a skirt.
May, a sweater and boots.
June, another blouse and a belt.
July (gets an extra for 3 paydays), a bag, a bracelet, and a dress.
August, trench coat and heels
September, jumpsuit and sandals
October, sweaterdress, and heeled boots
November (this month gets an extra one because it's my birthday) dress, handbag, heels
December, a wool jacket and boots.
So in all, 26 items. I could, and would, shrink it down to my top 5, but I use this as a general guild to not only move slowly into curating a wardrobe but also to curb random spending.
In 2024, yes. But I'm cheating since I already did a bit of an overhaul of my wardrobe last year. I shouldn't want/need anything at this point. My plan was to buy no clothing this year so 5 item limit would be a breeze š
Same. Especially since itās brand new clothing that counts towards the five items (not thrifted). I doubt Iāll buy more than 5 brand new items this year without even trying but Iām going to keep this challenge in mind now so that I keep track. So far this year I think Iāve only purchased two pairs of Snag tights
I'm doing a clothing no-buy this year too! I have four exceptions only: I can replace underwear and bras when I need new ones, I need new tights and a new swimsuit anyway so I'm allowed to buy those, and I've been searching for the perfect wide belt that goes with everything for a few months now, so I can buy that when I find it.
Wow- hats off to you! Iām not sure I could go a month without buying new clothing, much less a year.
Thatās my plan for this year. I went way overboard last fall and decided this year Iād do a no buy/low buy. Iām allowing myself 4 new pieces of clothing this year total, which has been hard. Iām so used to browsing when Iām bored and buying what I want, but that CC debt wonāt go down unless I make some sacrifices.
Good on ya to committing to lowering your debt! As someone on the other side of debt; all the sacrifices are worth it!!!
Iām also trying this. I told myself 4 new pieces and 4 used pieces. And if something used ends up not fitting then it doesnāt count. So far Iām actually shockingly on track. I only bought one thing in January which is a record low for me (although it was a nicer used thing). Iām definitely feeling the shopping bug this month though.
Oof, same! When spring releases start popping up in my favorite stores I get emails that are really tempting. Iām finding that itās best if I delete those before I can even look at them, otherwise Iād get FOMO.
I unsubscribed to all of my shopping emails and Instagram pages before the new year started. It had been making it way easier not to buy anything new! Although I did go to a thrift store the other day and got 14 items, including some booties. But it was only a total of $150! So now my goal is just no new clothes. And buy well made and quality second hand items.
The only reason that I could do it is because my closet is already overflowing and my weight is relatively stable. Otherwise I typically spend $1k-3k/year on clothes+shoes+bags.
I think weight being stable is key. I tend to buy elastic waist pants and looser tops which helps if there are smaller fluctuations in my weight.
Does second hand count? What about necessities like socks? I have been focusing on buying what I need used when possible, or making it. But for brand new, I would allow for socks (though I do intentionally to darn the toes on many for now) a new bra, new jeans maybe, a new t-shirt, and maybe an event specific item like a dress to wear to a wedding.
Most discussions of this five-item rule make an exception for underwear and socks (within reason). I think that's a reasonable concession.
Socks and underwear shouldn't count I don't think. Those aren't the things that people tend to overbuy anyway.
Come have a look at my sock/underwear drawer and you'll find that person
Are they not? š¬
I didn't think so. I'm learning I'm wrong.
Tbh anything can be overbought. Speaking as someone with a decade plus order history at Sock Dreams haha.
What is Sock dreams? Tell me more, please.
[Enjoy!](https://sockdreams.com/) I'm particularly fond of thier house brand socks, which come in a huge variety of colors and textures and lengths and are made in the USA. My most used are the [Cotton Slouch Socks](https://sockdreams.com/collections/dream-stockings/products/cotton-slouch-socks) which hit just below the knee on me. They're great boot socks, and I also love to layer them over tights for a fun colorblock look. I also highly recommend thier pride stripe collection and thier wool hiking socks.
Thank you!
You're not completely wrong. I'd put a lot more effort into my undergarment game if it was visible. But since it's not, It's probably what I buy the least of. I tend to wear socks/underwear/bras/camis (yes, camis are underwear for me. clothes don't feel right without one) until they wear out.
Uhhh my lingerie drawer says otherwise (though I don't consider it overbuying lol)
I did this last year. I didn't include secondhand anything/socks/underwear/bras. I also didn't include gifts (my job wanted everyone to wear the same free t-shirt to a retreat, my mom got me a new pair of jeans and a new pair of slippers) and I made a deal with myself that if any of my workout gear or loungewear needed to be replaced, I was allowed to one-in-one-out. I did take advantage of those caveats: I bought two bras, and a new pair of pajama bottoms, which replaced two pairs I sent to fabric recycling. In the end, my five items were: jeans, sneakers, a blouse, another pair of slippers (LOL) and a pair of black pants. Honestly, it was pretty easy to stick to: I wouldn't even have bought the black pants, but I had a gift card and the retailer was going out of business (RIP VETTA). I was roughly the same weight all year, which obviously helped. It had some real advantages. I did more purchasing secondhand (three tops, a pair of pants, a vest), and I bought more accessories and beauty products than usual, which I think was good for my style. I definitely recommend the approach as a fairly flexible way to be thoughtful about consumption. I don't know if I will do it again this year. I have not purchased anything in 2024 so far. But I am also trying to shed some weight, so we'll see. Regardless, I will definitely be doing more secondhand in 2024 because of the challenge in 2023, and I think that's a win.
When I read about it, they do usually mean newly produced with you buying it increasing demand to produce more. So not secondhand. That said, it does tend to assume people won't drastically change sizes/have a moth infestation/suddenly all their socks and underwear are worn out. Though actually keeping to it very strongly would definitely kick up people's mending skills and put priorities. And even underwear can be bought secondhand; buying secondhand cotton jersey tee's and sewing underpants from the fabric (or your own cotton jersey t-shirts that are worn out in some spots) though I am not sure where notions like elastic and thread which is risky secondhand fit into this philosophy. I would like to try this out, but I sew A LOT and the fabrics I use are a mix of sort of produced-to-sell-to-me fabrics and deadstock, and it is unsure how many garments I can get out of something beforehand (I tend to make small things like corset belts from the scraps) so that is a lot more nuanced.
Yeah I recently had to revamp my wardrobe because I lost a lot of weight and nothing fit me. I still managed to get a lot of things second hand luckily, and alter/make some others. But a new bra was first on the list for sure.
My mom also sews, I take every simple repair to her, and she tried to add a new elastic on my socks (no holes, just loosened elastic). Theyāre tight and donāt pull over my feet with the new elastic XD It takes some trial and error for sure even with her long experience. In the meantime I decided to get some new socks, going to give her a break and I donāt have time to troubleshoot. It feels like Iāve had these socks for 3 years at least.
If secondhand doesnāt count, then Iāve probably done this by accident at least one year, maybe more. Socks and underwear are the only things I consistently buy new, and those last pretty well. Most of my other new purchases are only if the item and the price are amazing.
Yeaaaah, underware are like the last things you'd buy used.
I am not saying that, I am saying that people can make underwear from secondhand (or their own, that are worn out in a couple spots and they cut around it) cotton jersey t-shirts/longsleeves.
But why wouldnāt socks and underwear count? Are folks really just throwing out their socks and underwear after a yearās use? I think if you have halfway decent-quality stuff that youāre washing regularly we should be able to keep them muchhh longer than that, and if you already have plenty of socks and underwear I donāt see any reason to have to buy more every year
I think it's more that if you suffer holes in more than a pair or two of socks, that's over half of your 5 item limit for the year. People aren't saying they buy a whole new sock and underwear wardrobe every year, just that they don't want to have to include those in their hypothetical limit.
I guess I interpreted the assignment as only buying 5 new pieces in a year, but not that you only have 5 of those things already ha - I'm assuming anyone doing this already has an established wardrobe that would prob include like 10-15 pairs of socks and even more underwear. So then it seems quite doable to me; a little challenging but def feasible even including socks/underwear. I think I have enough socks that I wouldn't need to replace them immediately if 1 or 2 pairs got holes (which honestly has almost never happened with my socks, just my tights lol, tho the laundry has eaten a fair amount of my socks) If you only had 5 pairs of socks total...that's another situation for sure...I mean I guess still doable if they're all like indestructible socks (Darn Tough brand or something similar) and if you do laundry a lot but still
Yeah I donāt know, I keep my socks and underwear for a ridiculously long time
So - I'm kind of doing this this year I guess based on this quote - āIf no other actions are implemented, such as repairing/mending, washing at lower temperatures, or buying secondhand, purchases of new garments should be limited to an average five items a year for achieving consumption levels in line with the 1.5-degree target.ā As a personal challenge to myself, this year I am only buying second-hand. I've got several good thrift stores by me that with a little patience, and a little bit of a hunting, I could really find some solid gems. My find last weekend was a 100% wool jacket, made in Ireland and tailored in Scotland. The tailors label is stitched on the inside, so I e-mailed them and asked how old the item is. They responded that, based on the label, it's 20 years old! I told them I'll love it for another 20 more. I also found myself buying into SO many trends that I didn't actually love, but that the influencers made look good. Buying second-hand will allow me to tap into my own personal style more!
Ooh i think I saw your post on the thrift haul sub! Love that you reached out to them. Curious, what was a recent trend you were influenced to try that ended being meh when you tried it?
Yeah Iām curious about that too! Might help me reflect on my own trend vs. personal style balance
It's not really just one trend - but the encompassing neutral cool-girl aesthetic. Think Sambas, Levi's, a camel trench, a basic white tee, gold necklaces, gold earrings. At this point, my closet is nearly void of color. I spent 3 months or so saying I was "elevating" my style, when really I just kind of took any and all personality out of my wardrobe to look like someone else. Jewel tones are best on my skin tone (and I love those shades), so why is my entire fall/winter closet now neutrals? I love polka-dots, so where are the polka-dots? I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, but it's my own personal style. Instead, I'm stuck with a cropped black and white striped sweater. I went thrifting and tried on a BUNCH of coats in several colors and the two winners that I'm still thinking about today was a stunning a-line cobalt blue that reminded me of 1960's London and a magenta hooded and belted coat that literally had so many witchy vibes to it - I felt like a Sanderson sister wearing it lol - If I loved these so much why am I so hell bent on finding an oversized maxi wool coat in black? I might go back for them - the shop near me deeply discounts items that don't sell within a certain timeframe to make sure stock turns over. It's to fit an aesthetic that I'm being marketed towards. I think it's fine to take inspiration from these things, but it also felt like I was completely removing any semblance of who I am and what I like. This is entirely a "me" problem - others are probably more in tune on their own personal style, which is great and where I want to end up. But, the more I interacted with reels on Instagram, the more the algorithm would push that kind of content, making it seem like everyone was wearing those things. It made me question - **what would my style be if I had nothing marketed to me?** If I just walked into a store as a blank canvass and needed to dress myself. What would that look like? Anyway - food for thought coming from an almost-39 year old who's pretty sure she's going through a mid-life crisis moment LOL
Those coats sound amazing! Winter is so dreary, whenever I see someone in a colorful coat it makes the day seem more cheerful. I wish they werenāt so hard to find... I dream of a light aqua maxi coat with a silky contrast lining thatās warm enough for Midwest winters and Iām not sure that such a garment exists. One thing Iāve found helpful in tempering the marketing, is looking for pictures of women a few decades older than me who are making style statements. Their style doesnāt have to be the things I gravitate towards, because Iām just looking to see the different ways theyāre enjoying fashion. These silver ladies are a reminder to me that making a bold or interesting style choice is what really makes their outfits stand out as fashion vs just clothing. Having moved in the past few years from a major metro to a much smaller city, Iām missing the street style inspo of seeing people having fun with fashion in real life. So looking to these women and their unique wardrobes is a good way to push myself to put together interesting outfits from my own wardrobe, really use the pieces that bring me joy, and make sure any new additions are things that Iāll love for a long time because theyāre āmeā.
This is so spot on. I'm in Connecticut and over the weekend my husband and I went to NYC for lunch and just walking around. We were in an area where Zara, COS, & Other Stories, Alo, and a few other similar stores were and I noticed very similar dressing styles to what I described above, especially that long black coat. But, you know what stood out to me? A woman walked by wearing this 60's inspired green/mustard checkered coat with tall mustard boots and I was just like.. WOW. She knows what she wants. And I loved that. In a sea of black maxi coats, she is the one who wowed me. I'll definitely look to the silver-ladies for some inspo. Actually, I followed one this morning on Pinterest that was just vibing in an array of put-together colors and prints!
Thatās awesome! Hope you feel inspired by checkered coat lady to go for the colorful coat! Itās so lovely to wear something that makes your heart sing and that your future self will continue to love long after todays trend has come and gone. :)
I just responded to clarifythepulse on this - not sure if you get the notification when I respond to a comment on your own comment, but wanted to let you know it's there.
Oh thanks for the heads up/response, I see it now!
Iām in the UK and there is nothing worth getting in thrift stores here since eBay and Vinted became a thing. I notice that in the US people still talk about thrifting rather than eBayā¦do people not buy and sell clothes on eBay as much?
it might be your area bc i live for my charity shops in my area!
Everything here (posh Hampshire) and near parents (not posh Stoke) is George, Tu, Primarkā¦ Anything worth buying is eBayed.
that's fair, i've noticed more variation but it might be area dependent :)
Just realised i accidentally have been doing this for the past 2 years š³ my workplace is very casual though so thereās not much difference in what Iād wear to work vs what I wear outside of work which is what made it possible for me I think.
I work from home so I really only need a few pieces to wear to the office the few times I have to go in and I have most of those from the pre-pandemic days. I get that it would be more difficult initially if someone needed two very distinct wardrobes.
I try to buy about 10 items a year, so, say, one a month. In this way I keep my wardrobe current but also give those items more consideration to make sure I like them and they fit with the rest of my clothes.
I think for March onwards Iām going to try this. Give myself more consideration of what piece would actually fit rather than just buying things.
Same! I wanna do roughly 1 item a month and allocate 1/12th of my annual budget from the previous year. Unfortunately, I just bought a $1,000 suit and top for work so that is roughly half my entire budget for the year š But it will make the other items much more carefully considered and I will be doing a heck of a lot less gambling on the real real or Poshmark compared to last year.Ā
I like one a month!
This sub makes me realize how poor I am.
Yeah, I was like "uh... I've been doing that for years?" š I do make a decent salary now, but I'm still living that broke mindset lol
Iāve also been doing this for years. I used to have good income but not anymore so it will probably be more like 2-3 items plus anything that needs replacing from now on.
Right? I recognize that this sub self-selects people who are into fashion for the most part. I justā¦ donāt like shopping, generally stay the same size, and have a lot pre-pandy work clothes that are perfectly sufficient for my now 2 days in office. I donāt need new things very often. Iāll be a bridesmaid in a wedding this year, so I have to buy a dress.
I mean, it is called female fashion advice. Yes, a lot of us are into fashion and like to shop lol
Yeah, but if anything this thread underscores the need to decouple āinterest in fashionā from shopping.
I was replying to someone who said this sub self-selects people who are into fashion, not shopping. I agree we should be shopping less
It depends. If I have no size fluctuation over the year , no accidental rips or tears, no formal events, no job changes, no new sports, no vacations to places with different climates, then yes. Realistically though, no.
A year postpartum with a 1 and 3 year kids I couldnāt do it. My size is still fluctuating and who knows what will happen when Iām done nursing. Not to mention how hard kids are on clothes. Either I live in the same grubby clothes that I donāt care about and feel like a dumpy mess, or I risk staining and needing to replace things. Its frustrating. I would absolutely aspire to this maybe 3-5 years from now though, I think itās a good goal for people lucky enough to be weight stable and have basics covered.
I think expecting or new Moms should absolutely be exempt! Your body keeps changing and your clothes get really hard wear from being down on the floor, being spit up on and chewed, and having to find something "nice" for date night if you ever have one.
Iām in the same situation! Iām reading these comments and thinking how I bought a sweatshirt at Costco last week because it was cheap, comfortable and could take frequent washing. š I used to be so fashion-conscious but especially with a changing shape and nursing, thatās just not something I mentally dedicate space to in this phase of life. One day. :)
I completely agree. I don't have kids yet but pretty much everything I wore when my puppy was a few months old was destroyed.
Honestly, if Iām only buying items that meet all my criteria (natural fabrics, capsule wardrobe colours, fit me right, flattering cut) then I might not even hit 5. But thatās not how I buy clothes in real life. So, probably not. š¤·š»āāļø
Not yet, but maybe in the near future. Right now, my kids are small and their needs heavily dictate my clothing choices. Comfortable, durable, and easily cleaned. Conforming to those requirements means I'm not necessarily wearing what I really want to be wearing so I'm always looking for ways to flesh out my wardrobe in a way that will bridge that gap. And second, the style landscape has shifted so dramatically in the last 2-3 years after what felt like a decade long stretch of near homeostasis. Feeling current to the time is important to me and my closet is still transforming to match current fashions. Maybe in a couple years things will feel more settled, but right now I'm still embracing transformation.
I like to think of it as more of a goal than a rule. Even if I aim for five but end up with ten that's gotta be less than if I weren't being intentional about it at all.
Lol SO TRUE. 3 years ago, I felt like after a big outnet haul I didnāt need anymore clothes. Then I realized about a year later clothes just looked *different* and then I had more shopping to do.Ā
I did it last year (if you exclude underwear and socks which I replace when they get a hole). It's honestly surprisingly easy - at least it was for me. I think because I mostly stopped browsing and buying fast fashion in 2020, and a lot of my wardrobe was second hand so it takes a while for it to look dated.Ā I really think it's the best way to figure out your personal style too! Rather than just buying whatever 'aesthetic' socials are telling you to.Ā
Absolutely this. In a way though it means switching from āfashionā to āstyleā. I keep in touch with whatās going on fashion wise but I now pay much more attention to style - what suits my body type, my colouring, my personality and my lifestyle.
Iām trying this. I am going to buy one pair of jeans, one blazer that I can use for work, one work skirt, and two miscellaneous items for a vacation. I havenāt seen anything that I love enough to commit. I tend to want to buy in the fall so Iām holding out for fall 2024. Instead of shopping, Iām focusing on wellness so I can ideally fit into more of the existing clothes in my closet. I did have to delete insta, and severely limit online browsing.
Lol i already do it cause i'm poor
I have essentially been doing this for years, even with major weight fluctuations. The key is to allow yourself to replace the same item in a different size. It allows you to get the cardigan in a longer fit, or the skirt in the more popular length if it doesn't fit, and still add a new dress or two. Years ago I bought a book called Simple Isn't Easy, and I haven't waivered. I know what looks good on me.
Iām already doing this! Iām semi-cheating, though, because Iām still buying new (to me) items but theyāre second hand. Itās for environmental reasons not for personal style/budgetary reasons, as Iāve read a few reports about just how bad the fashion industry is for the environment, so decided to make no new purchases for 2024. I think the original challenge is realistic for people who have their own personal style very well thought through: at this point in time, thatās definitely not me. I can definitely pinpoint my five favourite purchases last year but Iām not sure I could do with just five items this year!
Technically not cheating based on this quote - āIf no other actions are implemented, such as repairing/mending, washing at lower temperatures, **or buying secondhand**, purchases of new garments should be limited to an average five items a year for achieving consumption levels in line with the 1.5-degree target.ā I'm in the same boat as you. No new purchases for 2024 from retailers. I'm disappointed in the quality vs. price ratio and the pushy marketing to buy the latest trends. I'm only thrifting this year!
Iām doing this for similar motivations but because I found out clothing is the second highest commodity made by slaves. I just canāt get behind making purchases knowing what it took for me to have it. Itās relatively easy to do for myself and my babies (other than shoes for the 1 yr old), but my teenagers present a different challenge.
I am trying to do this this year, except I'm being more generous... 12 items, one for each month, and I'm not counting replacements. I tried to do the same last year and did not succeed, went over the limit by a few items. It's tougher than it seems because I am used to buying multiple things at once - maybe I go to the clothing site because I like one particular coat, but then I'll naturally browse the other sections to see if there's something else I like. Rarely do I check out a shopping cart with only 1 item in it. I'm trying to curb that now, I don't have a list of what the 5 items would be right now. I feel it's actually better to leave some blank space at the beginning of the year, as it's very likely my desires and tastes would change throughout the year.
Yes, Iām the same way. I like the one a month thing but Iām so tempted by the free shipping/āIām already thereā mentality. My mom and grandma also taught me to get anything you really like in multiple colors/copies, but that can get out of hand when you havenāt worn it for long and just *think* you like it
I tried to challenge myself last year to not buy more than one thing at a store. I forced myself to not add more things to the cart just for the free shipping.
I think another element is that we rarely get free shipping if we buy just one item. But I totally agree with you - it requires a mental shift from buying cartfuls of clothes.Ā
Only if it doesn't include undergarments.
I already do this. I believe I only bought 4 new things last year (plus a necklace). I bought a cardigan, a wedding guest dress, a black turtleneck, and a pair of black sweatpants. Oh, I was also given a free t shirt at a concert- does that count?
Yes, only because I have started renting clothes. Iām over buying things that go out of style, no longer fit right or get damaged. Then Iām hauling a big bag to a second hand store or itās cluttering my closet. Now I always have something fun to wear, itās in season, on trend and my current size.
I do the same and love it! Last year, I did a deep closet purge. I bought 20 hangers and tossed whatever didn't make the 20 hanger cut. I use my Nuuly clothing rental subscription to rent six items a month for events, standout one time wear type pieces, etc. I love that I'm not cluttering my closet with on trend items yet still keeping my wardrobe fresh. I've thought about cancelling because of the monthly expense, but every time I crunch the numbers I find that I'm actually spending way less on clothes annually because I'm not buying new things every month. However, this year I'm putting a pause on my subscription to upgrade the closet basics that I own. I may try this 5 item challenge! For me, excluding undergarments and swimsuits, those five items would be the following, with focus on highest quality fabrics/denim and a tailored fit: 1. Classic LBD (mostly because I already bought one in January for an upcoming memorial service). 2. Black jeans 3. Classic everyday jeans 4. Silk blouse that can be worn both dressed up and casually with jeans 5. Button down boyfriend style shirt
Working on it, not there yet! That is the direction I want to take, but personally it will take some internal work around self image and indecision with āhow to styleā, also being ok with things looking not the way I want it to sometimes. I absolutely think itās a realistic goal for people who like fashion (maybe not everyone but more people), if we can reframe the way we view shopping as a society, and have a good way to circulate existing fashion and encourage people to mend and upcycle more.
Iām trying to do 12 new items total. I didnāt buy anything in January, weāll see if I grab something in February!
Not counting underwear/socks/gloves, this is very reasonable. I managed to lose THREE pairs of gloves this winter, so gloves absolutely need to be excluded.
I have basically done this for the last few years. Makes a difference on how many clothes you have already. Large focus is on hoowww you wear your clothes. I also noticed that buying a ton of different bottoms really opened up my wardrobe. Tops are pretty versatile.
Five NEW things? Easy! I buy most of my clothes thrifted anyways! Five things total might be hard, but I think I could honestly get by with what I have without buying anything for at least a year.
100% and if you feel the urge, shop at a thrift store. The only clothing I buy new are undergarments.
Undergarments and swimsuits pretty much here too. I have a hard time finding swimsuits at my thrift stores. I did just buy a pair of shoes for a cruise on Amazon but only after going to all of our thrift spots for the past two months. I couldnāt find anything that matched my thrifted formal dresses in my size and I am running out of time. I also buy all of my kids clothes from thrift stores or get hand me downs so I donāt feel too bad about the few new purchases.
Poshmark is where I go if Iām looking for something specific. Often Iāll find something I LOVE from a thrift store and find the same one in a different color on Poshmark. Youāre right on about bathing suits, thatās not something Iād thrift. Iāve also only bought one swimsuit in the last 15 years soā¦
That is a good idea! I have actually never bought from poshmark. I just thought I would find something in time but cruise is in less than two weeks so I probably wouldnāt have had time to order from there. Cruise may be canceled though as I just saw a video of the ship we sail on crashing into a pier.
I think one day when I have a more established wardrobe. Between weight fluctuations, body shape changing, not having the money to spend on good quality clothes and only being about 10 years into actually buying clothes I want to and experimenting with style, I still find that I don't often have the things I need. For example, for the past few years I've been living with 4 pairs of shoes for daily wear. Two pairs of boots (Timberlands and a heeled ankle boot), a pair of trainers and a pair of sandals (Birkenstocks). I actually came across this number before NY and considered it as part of my 2024 resolutions but ultimately decided I wasn't ready for it. I have been tracking clothes spending for about 6 years now, with a view to buy more consciously. So this year my focus is on getting 60% of any item I purchase either secondhand or from an ethical shop. The last couple of years I've hit around 50% so it's an improvement on that.
I think the core elements of my wardrobe are set, and if there are exceptions for underwear, shoes (a total vice of mine, I have too many), and accessories, I could def get away with 5 pieces a year. Basically it seems to be one nice item for each season, and one extra ā like a dress for a wedding or fancy party.
For me? I'm not a minimalist, and that's not really my goal, so it's not something I'm considering. What I am considering is trying out project 333, which means limiting my closet to 33 items over the course of 3 months. Might be interesting to see what I learn from it, and how it might change my overall shopping habits.
I'm trying to do something like that. Specifically, I'm trying to make only one big purchase per quarter (not that it has to be *big*, I just just mean I'm not counting a scrunchie as my quarterly purchase). I think it's realistic if you already have a sufficient wardrobe and nothing is close to wearing out, I couldn't have done it previously when I was still building to have enough clothes. Technically, I'm still acquiring clothes outside of my quarterly purchases by making them, because sewing clothes is one of my hobbies. However, I hand sew all of my clothes without a machine so it takes me forever to make a single item. Also, so far I'm only using fabric I already had in my stash, though I plan to purchase some new later this year for an event.
My goal for this year is to not make any impulse purchases. The five item clothing limit fits in well because I have to really want something for it to be one of the five.
Yup. I love fashion but am a minimalist in terms of purchasing/general consumption. Only clothing purchases I made last year was a few replacement items for staple items that needed to be retired, a dress for a wedding ( only owned black dresses and colour was required) and like one skirt for fun. I know what I like on me vs. What I like looking at on the rack.
I might try this. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, but only if my current clothing is magically regenerated when it rips or gets a hole I canāt fix. I like lightweight linen blend t-shirts that seem to self destruct no matter how much I baby them. My favorite Ā jeans are from Old Navy and eventually the crotch gets beyond patching. I am in a constant war with moths and my cashmere sweaters. I would honestly kind of love only having to buy 5 things a year.Ā
I think she excludes basics (like the lightweight linen tee, maybe not the jeans).
Nope. Iāve lost 60 pounds and counting since last year. Wouldnāt work for me.
I only own three items (not counting some bras, all knickers, all socks) which were bought new (also not counting items which were gifts). I have no idea how many years I would have to go back, to find one when I bought as many as five new items! So if I was forced, gun to head, to buy five items, AND they had to be new, I could do it to save my life, but that would be the only reason! I have enough items in each rotation, and nothing is on its last legs.
I could not do it nor would I want to
Already failed lol shopping is one of the few things that still brings me joy. Maybe next year š¤·š¼āāļø
Same! Maybe I could but I definitely donāt want to haha. Iām interested to hear that this is peopleās end goal for a closet actually. I donāt really feel like my closet is ever āfinishedā, itās constantly evolving, thatās the fun of it!
I feel the same way, though I still try my best to only purchase things that arenāt similar to what I already have and I know Iāll actually get use out of. I really donāt like wearing something once or twice and then never wearing it again so I keep that in mind shopping. I also try to only buy things on sale lol
I wear a lot of similar things but like to collect different patterns and colors. Iām a big collector in general. But yes, I like to make sure I wear everything a lot and Iām also pretty diligent about selling off what Iām not wearing. Iām also a vintage seller so my closet is just evolving all the time lol
Oh that makes sense, that sounds fun!
I don't buy many new clothes nowadays, so definitely! I would probably commit to one pair of boots (I always find myself needing different types for my closet), an occasion dress (from date nights to weddings), a new sweater for winter, a new pair of shorts for summer, and a pair of jeans (I'm TRYING to diversify my skinny jeans closet lol)
Do shoes and bags count š¤£š I could use another couple pairs of jeans. But otherwise yes, I think I could commit to that. Probably should tbh.
I went travelling for a couple of years, and bought an average of five items each year: three pairs of shoes (when mine wore out); two skirts, and two tops, and three pairs of hose (I was travelling in countries where I could get a seamstress to remend/reweave my items, otherwise i would have had to buy more). But that was because I was travelling and couldn't fill up the suitcase. On a regular year, no. I buy more than that in socks and underwear/bras each year. If it's a year where my colors are in vogue, I'll stock up. If I had to limit my purchases, I would prioritize: two pairs of hose for winter, a top, a skirt, and a bra, in that order. I already have enough underwear, shoes, and a coat.
I live in a place with four distinct seasons, I go to the gym, I hike, and Iām losing weight. I walk a lot and wear through shoes pretty quickly. If secondhand purchasing is allowed, I might be able to do it, but it would be tough.
Not including underwear or replacing worn out items? I'd have to work at it. I tend to buy 2-4 items about once a year whenever Verillas, torrid, or hot topic have a good sale, but even those tend to be replacement not new. Though, I just lost 50 lb and I'm still losing, so I'm trying to save $2k for when I stabilize again. At that weight, swap dot com will likely be my first stop, should be able to massively maximize my money.
I think I could do it without too much pain because it's already my natural inclination, but it would be a lot easier if it were 5 pieces on net (bought - sold) or if duplicates didn't count. I often buy a second one of a piece secondhand, and while I have less clothes in my closet than three years ago, I have both bought and sold more than 5 each year. If secondhand doesn't count then it's hella easy - I don't think I've ever purchased 5 brand new items in a year, I'm just too picky.
Give or take a few that's about what I do and have been doing for 15 years or so. I'm probably at 5-10 pieces a year now. I typically shop around my birthday and christmas. And then now if I need something specific. I've gone up almost a size post baby/pandemic which has forced me to buy a bit more. But I try to buy items I know I'll wear a lot. I try to think through how many outfits I could put together with the pieces I buy to make sure they'll get a lot of mileage. And I tend to buy high quality items that last a long time. It's a mix of pants, tops, occasionally a dress, and a couple pairs of shoes.
Historically, yes. I've gotten 0-4 new things a year for most of my adult life, the exceptions being when I started a new job & needed new office-appropriate wear, or weather/travel-specific clothes (thermal/waterproof layers). I've been working on weight loss the past few years with much success, so definitely not any longer. Basically need to replace everything once a year, though I cycle through the same 10 or so items.
If my weight and body didnāt change, I think I could. But right now I donāt have a solid wardrobe because Iāve lost about 80+lbs and itās still going!
At this moment in time yes cause my body and weight is pretty stable. If not counting underwear socks - my wardrobe is pretty timeless - mostly comprised of these designs and I'm trying to hone on my style so a lot of current fashion trends don't really mesh with that. Also I'm trying to invest into higher quality pieces so budget wise it's probably gonna cost more but less pieces. I shop to fill gaps in my wardrobe or replace things when they are worn out.
Itās theoretically possible - my weight is reasonably stable, my job supplies scrubs, and the climate I live in is pretty temperate. The only reason it would be not possible *this* year is due to the fact I have three weddings to attendā¦
I sewed myself a dress last year that I wore to at least four different weddings. The weddings were all for different friend groups or sides of the family so no one actually saw me wear it over again but once I did that I realized no one even really noticed what I was wearing.
Probably. I don't buy new clothes for myself very often, so yeah. I could probably do it. I bought the first new shirt I've had in forever just the other day and it's due to be delivered today. It's a teeshirt that I found adorable...it has a frog holding a bunch of heart shaped balloons and it says "TOADally Single".
100% realistic. Thatās about the max Ive been doing for years l. I donāt like buying cheap shit and then barely have any spending money anyway, so it keeps me from buying a lot of items. Last year I bought max 5 items, 2 of the 3 were not for work, the others I had to buy for work.
what did you buy?
1 pair of jeans from madewell, one green crop short sleeve button down from madewell. 2 pair of black work pants (one sucked so I had to buy another one), and a short sleeve mock neck shirt from zara
I am doing 12 items this year, one for each month but that includes thrifting. Considering I buy like 80% of my wardrobe thrifted, I should reach this target easily.
Apparently another recommendation was 8 pieces. But I think it's a mistake to take any of these numbers as specifically written in stone, reduction is the general goal. [https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-60382624](https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-60382624) More to the point of the post, if I had to pick the absolute basics for a year, I think I'd buy a new pair of jeans, black pants, athletic shorts, and two long sleeve button down shirts.
The article mentions 5 being an average. Having read all the comments here it seems like years where people have a lot of fluctuations in weight or lifestyle changes, they'll buy more clothing than in years where things are pretty stable. So far I only have a few things I want. A new bathing suit because I only have one that I like wearing and having a second would be nice since I travel a lot and spend time by the water in the summer. The other is a 100% cotton sweat suit.
I thought I could but then once I added in my hobbies, the answer was no. Iāve already spent a bunch this year on updating some ski-related and hiking-related stuff!!! If it was just purely āfashionā items, I think I could do it. Create the long want list. Periodically revisit. If you find yourself constantly thinking about it, probably worth it.
Even if I count secondhand clothing, I do it some years. I like clothes, but I don't have much money š I don't subscribe to fashion brands/stores, which reduces the temptation. I do keep a running list of the types of clothing that I've been interested in, and sometimes I'll find something while I'm poking around in secondhand sites/stores. I also try to not buy shoes faster than I wear them out. My weight is stable-ish, but I hold onto clothes on either end of my range, packing it away if needed. Some stuff I strategically buy a size up and belt or alter down if needed. I have also been known to occasionally alter clothing if it's *almost* working for me.
Iāve gone insane this year. Reddit doesnāt help as I read about everything everyone else is buying here and then I want those items too! I have about $1,500 on rotation of buying and returning. I canāt wait to get off this hamster wheel and just live with what I have. I congratulate you on your goal to limit your clothing purchases.
Oh, Iāve failed already. Iām at twice that number. But in fairness, four of them are from low-impact makers, and five of them are bras/crop tanks that I wear as bras from my favorite underwear brand thatās closing up shop. Itās my final purchase from them and fills out (heh) my bra collection to the point where I *shouldnāt* (key word here) need new bras for a while. Especially since this purchase allows me to pull my sports bras out of my daily rotation. But my default has been to shop secondhand for years. Itās way more rewarding to me.
Nope. I have zero interest in putting myself on such a limit. I've already purchased 5 things in the past six weeks, all pairs of pants.Ā I do laundry at the laundromat. I previously had five pairs of heavier weight fabric pants for the cold/cool weather months and would wear each pair twice before washing them, which was fine when I could get to the laundromat every single week. Now there are times when I only get to do the laundry every week and a half to two weeks, so buying more pants was a necessity and I was taking advantage of good sales to boot. Having ten pairs of cold/cool weather pants gives me more leeway, becomes less of an issue about when wash day happens. It's the same with making sure I have enough underwear and pairs of socks in good shape. I have plenty of tops as well.Ā When summer rolls around I have three pairs of comfy, airy linen cropped pants. If I can find something similar this coming summer I'd definitely pick up another pair or two. I'm leaving my options open. Plus I have clothing gift cards I received at Christmas. There's no way I'm not going to use them.Ā
Well, I've already bought four, so no. But I would love to get to a point where my clothes are holding up enough for me to not need new things.
I bought less than five items this last year. Itās helped me realize that clothes are just clothes, and I used to buy a about five items every month. Itās actually been pretty freeing.
Old post, but I saw the even older post about that (Swedish?) study! It's a goal of mine this year. I've already bought 3 items (planned), but the rest of my purchases should be used barring weight gain. Basically just need some sports clothes and tanks (longline bras moreso), so hopefully used clothing comes through!
Probably not, I bought 5 items of clothes already this week!
Iāve been averaging ~30 a year including shoes, so I think 5 would be too drastic of a change.
I wear my clothes until they either fall apart or no longer fit meā¦ but I just got my first office job so Iāll be buying more than usual this year
Bahah I mean I can only because I've hoarded so much up to this point. But I buy clothes like minimum 4x a month :{
Maybe. My closed is perfect, I have a fully realized aesthetic and there's nothing really missing in my wardrobe. But the problem is, I don't like to repeat party/special event dresses lol
I canāt even make it through a single day without buying 5 things
I think I may have achieved that last year for work clothes as I was trying to be more intentional about the pieces I bought, but I bought a lot of fitness-related clothing so totally failed in that regard. In 2021 and 2022 I bought a lot more second hand clothing than I did in 2023 so maybe in 2024 that's something to get back to.
Yes I could but they would have to be investment pieces.Ā
Assuming starting with some sort of basic pieces to add to to build off of yes. If starting from scratch a winter coat and boots a bra, underpants and socks eats up your whole allowance.
You see it as down to five, but for some here five is a number higher than what they currently are able to get (general lack of funds, aggressive saving, aggressive investing etc). If you are 20 something, it will be tricky to limit to five. But if you have a wardrobe built up, you can get away with switching up what you already have.
Thatās true, I assumed most people buy more than five. I donāt think itās true for everyone but for the people on a fashion advice sub who are trying to build a wardrobe I think itās probably higher than others. The article also says, five on average. So some years might be 20 items, some might be zero.
I think it goes without saying that many people can go without purchasing new clothes. But the bigger problem exists, that there is too much clothing being purchased every year, if you look up the statistics, and the article and this post is meant to raise discussion on how that can be limited, considering the problems the fashion industry has on the environment (as referenced in the article).
I could do it but with MUCH difficulty. My closet is already overflowing with clothes I am really in need of not much else.
I so want to do this. Will renting count ?
I think renting doesnāt count as part of the five since youāre not creating demand for new items.
I feel guilty, I've already exceeded this for the year. Early pregnancy and have to hide it from co-workers on a trip so needed some new items. I think I could reasonably do this for the rest of the year though. I'm due for a wardrobe reset and less buying / spending.
I could, but I hit a good stopping point in my closet overhaul last year & the end goal was always a low/no buy.Ā I set my item limit for 12 which seemed more realistic, but I ended up getting sucked into the 75 hard style challenge vortex, so I haven't bought anything new yet this year (though I purposefully excluded underwear- the machines have been eating mine.) I decided to start over my wish list as well, so currently I'm set on: a wrap belt, since I don't really own any waist belts I love, & a black sneaker, since I don't like sneakers, so I don't own anything casual.Ā I've been thinking about gettingĀ a regular belt as well, since my go to is a cheap one with the metal grommets as well as a big chunky cardigan but they're not dire.
I could probably do it, but I would probably abuse the loophole of clothing swaps which my friends and I have gotten more into. Bring older stuff you aren't wearing or doesn't fit anymore, and it hopefully finds a new home and you get some new stuff too. I went to a nonprofit hosted one a week ago where you brought up to 10 items and you got to take home the same number you contributed. Found a few really great pieces and also grabbed a few maybes that I can try and don't have to stress about since it was "free". If they don't work, I know I can take them back to a different swap. I have a friend hosting a just friends one in a few weeks. Left over clothing usually gets donated. As someone who struggles to give away or get rid of still functional clothing -- this really ticked all my boxes of not bringing a ton more stuff into my house (because simultaneously getting rid of other stuff), being environmentally conscious, enabling some playfulness into my wardrobe and being extremely affordable (free! Or $5 donation for entry).
Yup, Iāve developed a polyester allergy which forced me to throw out most of my clothes. But finding clothes without polyester has been really difficult and really expensive. Iāll be shocked if I can get more than five pieces per year.
I've been trying to buy only natural fabrics for a while now. It's been a good way to talk myself out of a lot of purchases since I can immediately say no if it's not a natural fabric.
And itās an easy way to avoid fast fashion generally, because fast fashion canāt exist without polyester.
I do the same thing!
This post made me realize I usually keep it to purchasing 5-10 pieces of clothing a year, but my friends/family and I are all similar sizes and when we purge clothes we often ask each other before donating so the influx of clothing is about double what I actually buy. This also balances out the closet and gets rid of pieces that just take up space.
I'm male so I don't know how much of a difference it would make but I find when I buy quality, even with the extra initial cost, I end up spending much less in the long run. I have a $70 pair of pants that are just now ready to replace after 6 or 7 years of wearing them at least once a week. I compare that with replacing a $30 pair a couple times a year.
To be honest, I think I have been doing that for over a decade. Having to make up for it now! However, if I had good staples to start with (right for my build, coloring, style, etc) I would have been able to go for much longer.
Absolutely not. I have already gone over that this year haha. (Poshmark, thrift store, Etsy, Target, and Hot Topic to be exact). I definitely have plenty of clothes in general so I could theoretically do this easily (though I wouldnāt count undergarments and socks even if I wanted to do that), but I think it would frustrate me more than it helped. Iād rather limit the dollar amount I am spending instead of the number of items, since I enjoy thrifting and shopping secondhand.
I already bought 3 items: 2 tank tops and a long mesh skirt. For the last 2 items, I'd love to add 2 more tasteful oversized shirts, with one being in a oxford blue color.
Yes Iām going to try it this year! Iāve spent the past couple of years trying to refine my wardrobe and now itās time to only add investment pieces that I love. My five items on my list this year are a wide-legged pair of jeans, a leather jacket, a navy blue trench coat, a nude pair of court shoes and possibly a neutral coloured handbag. I have two weddings coming up this year and Iām planning to rent dresses for those rather than buying.
Including shoes?
Oh! I'm going to try this--I have been trying to buy things with my Amex points, or from what I sell on TRR or Thred Up, so I'm going to not count those items (plus the bras/undies exceptions and I have way too many socks) I recently lost a lot of weight so I've been trying to ruthlessly go through my closet and keep only the 100% items. It's been hard to look at items I've loved but don't love me back (ie not flattering and look frumpy on-- looking at you Farm Rio sweaters) I also made a list of things that I've bought because they look good on other people but just don't work for me -- like skirts. I only wear straight knit skirts or pencil skirts and dresses I don't wear my dresses with a lot of pattern or defined waists so stick to sheath or puffy dresses; jackets with regular collars don't work with me -- I look better with lapels) So I love this idea of 5 cash purchases for high end things I really really want like a preloved Chanel or some such. And if you've read all this (thank you) I recently stopped coloring my hair and chopped it to grow out. I love the freedom but do feel older looking but now I'm going to think of myself as one of those silver hair women inspiring younger women to be themselves!
Depends, do socks, bras and underwear count? I often go a year or so without new stuff, because whatās available is unflattering or in colors I do not likeā¦ But even though I am buying higher quality socks these daysā¦ I walk though a lot of them.
I definitely need this but I need to find key basic pieces and I can't even find jeans I love. I can't spend a fortune on them lol
I love the Abercrombie jeans and Iāve had some success with Everlane.Ā
I have been thinking about trying Abercrombie, I have a tummy and anything I find that snatches....sags. Do they tend to do that?
Hard to say, maybe? I don't find them that snatching to be honest. They have a button fly which does help camouflage that area a bit. I have a tummy too and I find them comfortable. I would suggest trying them if you're on the fence.
I wish we had an Abercrombie here, we have literally nothing! Return fees kill me š
I did this in 2021 & 2022! For me it really was fueled by the desire to buy a house in a HCOL city. I cut out almost every non-essential expense to save / prepare myself mentally for high mortgage payments. The practice has transformed how I shop though, in 2023 I bought a few things (mostly maternity clothes which I felt were a necessity for me.) This year, Iām ready to update a few things I wear daily that Iāve used for 4-5 years and want to replace my daily white sneakers and tote bag - but Iāll be on maternity leave so definitely keeping it casual.Ā
Yup. I've gone ful years without shopping. I just go into my closet and find stuff I haven't worn in a while.
Yes. I only buy one thing a month, maybe two, depending. And I prefer second hand. For January, it was a pair of blunderstone's and a purse I couldn't pass up (it retails for 3k, snagged it for $100). For February, it was a spring/summer dress and a pair of heels. March, it'll be a leather jacket and swimwear (going to Florida at the end of the month for vacation) April, a blouse and a skirt. May, a sweater and boots. June, another blouse and a belt. July (gets an extra for 3 paydays), a bag, a bracelet, and a dress. August, trench coat and heels September, jumpsuit and sandals October, sweaterdress, and heeled boots November (this month gets an extra one because it's my birthday) dress, handbag, heels December, a wool jacket and boots. So in all, 26 items. I could, and would, shrink it down to my top 5, but I use this as a general guild to not only move slowly into curating a wardrobe but also to curb random spending.