The last time I purchased an item of clothing was on 19 November 2019. And now I’m aiming to not buy any clothing, at all, for a full year.
Why?
- Because I’ve run out of space in my home
- I could do with saving more money for my future
- and I feel guilty shopping when I don’t know what’s going to happen to all my stuff when I go. (Because all stuff has to “die” one day, and most clothes will end up in landfill – even if via the charity shop and another owner or two first.)
In October 2018 I decided to give up shopping fast fashion, and a full 15 months on I can honestly say it was, surprisingly, easy after the first couple months.
However, that turned me onto vintage, thrifting and charity shopping… And it turns out I’m really skilled at finding designer items at amazing prices. (Even if they aren’t always my size or style!)
So now I’m here, running out of space, wishing for more money for my future, and working toward a more sustainable lifestyle. The best next step for me is giving up clothing shopping, because I was doing too much of it before, anyway – even if it was a more sustainable way to shop! (Don’t worry – I’ll continue to share my sustainable shopping tips here, because I think they’re valuable to share for those that want them.)
Would you consider giving up buying clothes for a full year?
Top: secondhand, mom made it for herself in the 1970s and I found it in her closet about 15 years ago.
Jeans: vintage Levis thrifted 2018
Waistcoat: vintage Marion Donaldson via eBay 2019
Shoes: second hand Carvela via ebay 2019
Jewellery: Necklaces Missoma 2017/2018 and Alighieri old season via overstock sale 2019, earrings Alkymi 2019, bracelet gift from husband 2016
Much love, Katie xo
Call me Katie 
I gave up clothes shopping for a year in 2017, also starting in October. It was surprising how little actually wore out, a few pairs of socks and the odd t-shirt. It took a second year to actually start wearing things out. I now keep records of what I wear and after 10 wears I put the item away for a month. I have about 5 main outfits in rotation and it takes about 2 months for something to get to 10 wears. I also do fast fashion the charity shop way by which I mean I buy something, wear it 10 times then re-donate. I volunteer in a charity shop and its actually quite upsetting the amount of stuff we can’t sell, so now if I go in one I always try to make some small purchase. I think most people already own clothing sufficient for beyond their own life expectancy.
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