What 3 Months of Buying No New Clothes Taught Me

“It’s easy to let your desire for something distract you from finding the right thing.” (Heather Newberger in How to Date Your Wardrobe) By coincidence, I found this tiny book at a local bookstore right when I started my no-buy quarter in January. The holidays came and went. Yet, with so many social gatherings, I was perplexed by how many times I stared into a closet ‘full of clothes, and still with nothing to wear.’ Somehow stumbling upon this page sealed my decision: I was committed to buying no new clothes for 3 months. 

A TROUBLING RELATIONSHIP WITH SHOPPING

Shopping was always my comfort. It was what I turned to when I craved something new and exciting. I recently learned about the term ‘dopamine dressing‘ and it’s true. The neurotransmitter behind feelings of pleasure can be tied to the way we dress. Most commonly, it gives us a confidence and/or mood boost.

In that sense, fashion is a wonderful expression of ourselves. But the trouble, for me, was in buying the wrong things. These 3 months of rewearing old clothes have taught me a lot about which pieces get the least/most use, and where the ‘holes’ were (i.e. things I need, but don’t yet own). And below were my biggest takeaways.

LESSON 1: IF YOU DON’T LOVE IT, DON’T BUY IT.

With no more distractions, I spent my no-buy period analyzing which clothes I wore the least. The issue almost always came down to the fit. Too long, too baggy, too boxy. With so many unworn pieces in my closet, I decided on this rule for myself: I don’t love 100% love it, I won’t buy it. The only exception is if I plan to get the item altered.

I will be honest, it is a hard commitment to follow. But once I did, I realized how many things I didn’t love enough to buy. In turn, I saved myself from another potentially wasteful purchase.

LESSON 2: NOT EVERYTHING THAT ‘LOOKS’ NICE WORKS FOR ME.

My friend and I wear the same dress and pants size. Yet, our body shapes couldn’t be more different. She rocks boyfriend jeans, but they look like skinny jeans with an oversized waist on me. Why? We have very contrasting hip-to-waist ratios. Prior to my no-buy journey, I bought what I thought looked nice without always considering how it would look on me.

There are still many styles I wish I could rock (e.g. puff sleeves, pleated maxi dresses, slouchy jeans). With luck, I might find a piece that works someday. But in general, I try to shop for things I know usually look flattering on me. I’ve also tried new silhouettes that I thought wouldn’t (e.g. wide-leg pants), and now I wish I tried them sooner!

LESSON 3: IT’S WORTH INVESTING IN CLOSET STAPLES FROM THE GET-GO.

As a cash-strapped college kid, I used to have a hard time with spending a lot of money on something essential (like an interview blazer, or a winter parka). I would skimp on the high-quality piece I needed, and compromise on a lower quality alternative that just didn’t look as good. So by now, I’ve accumulated a much of blazers that only ‘semi’ fit. (True story)

During my period of buying no new clothes, I counted the costs and realize I would have saved more in the long run if I had gone with the better suit to begin with! If it’s a staple piece, invest in quality from the get-go. (That’s the power of cost-per-wear. Read more in an earlier post on tips to build a sustainable wardrobe)

Buy less, buy better.

BUYING NO CLOTHES MADE ME ACCUMULATE MORE INTENTIONAL SPENDING HABITS.

I became resourceful with styling pieces I already owned, rather than looking for the thrill of something new. And in the process, I dedicated the money I would have spent on clothes to other things: creating new memories, planning trips with friends, and supporting organizations that mattered to me.

As of now, I am back to buying clothes 😉 But this time, I’ll be asking myself some important questions before making mindless purchases. I also made my first thrifted purchase in April, and can’t wait to share how that turned out!