May you go one yr with out shopping for any garments?
It is a query I discovered myself asking final October.
It’s not as a result of I personal an excessive amount of. As a minimalist, I do know I’ve a reasonably small wardrobe. Nothing too excessive—I nonetheless take pleasure in garments—nevertheless it’s a far cry from how I lived in my twenties.
Again then, I simply owned over 100 pairs of footwear and turned my whole visitor room right into a customized walk-in closet. I additionally shopped not less than 5 occasions every week.
So much had modified since then however, if I’m sincere, I needed to admit that I used to be nonetheless shopping for greater than I wanted. Each month or so, a handful of latest issues would discover their method into my closet.
I had no bother decluttering just a few occasions a yr, so it by no means felt like my closet was getting larger. However that’s not likely the purpose, is it?
I used to be nonetheless shopping for issues I didn’t really want or typically even need. My closet regarded “minimalist”, however I used to be losing time, cash and power once I knew I might do higher.
So I made a decision to do some experiment: a ‘No New Garments For a Yr’ Problem.
Being a blogger, my first intuition was to hop on-line and instantly share my choice. However then I realised I wanted a while to course of what I used to be doing, why I used to be doing it, and the way I felt earlier than writing about it.
However right here we’re—almost six months later—and I believe it’s time for an replace! If you happen to’re interested in my purchasing ban and why I received’t be shopping for garments for a yr, hold studying to be taught extra.
As I already talked about, I needed to vary my purchasing habits. I used to be shopping for greater than I wanted, and I needed to see if I might cease.
However why now? And why a purchasing ban?
Those that know me effectively know {that a} ban on something is out of character for me. It would shock a few of you to listen to this, however I’ve little or no willpower. I’m a contact self-indulgent, and I hate making myself do issues I don’t actually need to do.
And that’s what makes this purchasing ban so attention-grabbing for me. Positive, I’m referring to it as a problem as a result of it’s simpler to elucidate this fashion—nevertheless it didn’t begin as a “problem”.
As an alternative, it felt like a pure response to a stunning thought …
On the twenty eighth of October final yr, I clicked ‘add to cart’ on two attire that I’d been enthusiastic about shopping for for years. They arrived just a few days later, and I used to be thrilled with my purchases.
I can keep in mind hanging them in my closet, taking a step again, and taking a look at all my garments with satisfaction. I sighed, and a thought popped in my head—
“I’ve sufficient.”
It was loud and clear but in addition fully overseas. Whilst a minimalist, I’ve all the time felt the necessity for one thing extra in my closet; one thing to improve, one thing so as to add … only one thing more after which I’d be finished.
However for the primary time ever, that feeling was gone. By some means, I’d crossed that legendary end line that had appeared out of attain for thus lengthy.
Nonetheless, I didn’t fairly belief myself. I made a decision to try a purchasing ban, simply to see what I used to be able to, however I didn’t inform anybody. I used to be positive that I’d change my thoughts after just a few weeks.
However as time handed, I felt increasingly more comfy with my choice—and right here we’re, six months later.
What are the foundations of your ‘No New Garments’ problem?
Once I determined to strive a ‘No New Garments’ problem, I clearly determined to cease shopping for garments. However I knew from the beginning there can be just a few exceptions, so listed below are the foundations I set for myself:
First, if one thing modifications and I can’t comfortably match my garments, then I’ll purchase what I want with no guilt, disgrace or remorse.
This problem is about making peace with sufficient, and it has nothing to do with struggling. I’m not going to squeeze my physique into garments that don’t match to win some arbitrary recreation the place I write the foundations.
Having mentioned that, this hasn’t been a difficulty for me to this point. My physique form and measurement have fluctuated quite a bit up to now 5 years (two children will try this to you), so I’ve gotten used to it.
My present wardrobe is constructed round comfy garments which are very forgiving. Nonetheless, I do know the choice is there, and I’m not afraid to purchase extra if I want it.
I additionally determined forward of time to permit for 2 additional exceptions to the ban—first, underwear. I knew I wanted extra, and, as I’ve mentioned, this isn’t about depriving myself of issues I genuinely want!
I’ve additionally been enthusiastic about shopping for a pair of black ankle boots for years, and truthfully, I’ll most likely nonetheless maintain off. However on the off probability that I discover the proper pair someplace (I’m very choosy), I’ve given myself permission to go forward with this intentional buy.
Observe: I’ve seen just a few ‘No New Garments’ challenges which are all about purchasing secondhand, which is clearly an awesome factor! However this problem is about being content material with what I already personal, so I’m not shopping for any garments (exceptions listed above), secondhand or not.
Surprisingly, it’s been very simple! I’ve solely been tempted just a few occasions, and in every case, it’s been once I’ve seen one thing I already love on sale.
For instance, these two attire that I purchased again in October? I like them, and I have to admit, I used to be very tempted by an enormous Black Friday sale. (Certainly another wouldn’t damage, proper?)
I nearly made an exception, however then I got here again to the thought that began this entire factor within the first place. I actually do have sufficient.
That was again in November, and since then, it’s been simpler. Within the begin, I might take a look at my favorite manufacturers on Instagram or enable myself to browse my favorite retailers.
However since then, that sense of getting ‘sufficient’ has solely grown; it feels much less like a thought and extra like a reality. More often than not, I don’t even really feel the urge to browse as a result of I genuinely don’t want something.
All of this may come throughout a bit smug, however truthfully, I nonetheless really feel stunned about it. A part of me thinks my mind is pulling a prank, and I’ll get up tomorrow feeling fully completely different.
I believe that’s why I’ve held off on publicly speaking about my purchasing ban for thus lengthy. Deep down, part of me nonetheless doesn’t belief what I really feel as a result of it simply doesn’t appear actual to be OK with not needing extra.
I suppose solely time will inform. However for now, I can truthfully say I haven’t purchased something (garments or footwear) in six months, and it hasn’t felt like a problem in any respect.
What occurs after the yr is up?
At present, I plan to finish my purchasing ban on Black Friday this yr, which is able to technically imply no looking for nearly 14 months.
I selected this date as a result of I used to be positive I’d have an extended wishlist after not shopping for garments for thus lengthy, and Black Friday can be a great excuse for a mini-shopping spree. Effectively deserved after a yr, proper?
However now, I’m undecided. Apart from the black ankle boots (which I’ve been enthusiastic about shopping for for not less than 5 years however hold holding off as a result of I’m so choosy), I truly don’t have something on my purchasing listing.
It’s nonetheless early, and I’m taking issues a day at a time, however proper now, I don’t suppose I’ll finish the problem with an enormous purchasing spree. As an alternative, I’m cautiously optimistic that that is the beginning of a brand new method of purchasing and consuming.
Regardless, I believe I’ve discovered quite a bit concerning the energy of deciding how a lot is sufficient and creating house to check our theories to see simply what we’re able to.
If you happen to’re enthusiastic about trying your personal purchasing ban, I extremely suggest you begin by making a personal uniform and decluttering your closet.
Decluttering may sound like a wierd place to begin for those who’re enthusiastic about not shopping for something new. In any case, you need choices so you may “store your closet”, proper?
However right here’s the factor I’ve discovered about choices, garments, and purchasing: typically wanting selection is simply an excuse for not figuring out your model. You need choices since you’re not clear about what you want, which solely results in extra purchasing.
You don’t want extra choices to cease purchasing. As an alternative, you want extra readability and fewer decisions. Work out what you genuinely love sporting, after which put on it on a regular basis.
For me, this has been the key to genuinely feeling like I’ve “sufficient”.
The One Day Closet Cleanse will aid you declutter your closet and construct a wardrobe you really love—with out the stress and overwhelm.
As a shopaholic turned minimalist, I’ve written extensively on how to stop shopping and create a minimalist wardrobe. Listed here are some well-liked posts you may discover useful along with your purchasing ban:
You too can observe me on Instagram, the place I’ll be sharing extra updates on my No New Garments Problem!
May you go a yr with out shopping for new garments? Tell us within the feedback! x
