2018 marked my second year into trying to shop much less. I’ve kept a log of almost every piece of clothing I’ve bought over the past 8 years. So, how did I do? Looking back over those years, I succeeded this year in spending the least I’ve ever spent, dollar wise.
This year, I spent about $1,100 on clothing — and I covered the costs by reselling clothes that didn’t work for me anymore (mostly on Poshmark, which I give tips on in this post). Not including socks and underwear, I bought 31 articles of clothing. Here’s the breakdown:
Shoes – 8
Tops, including sweaters – 9
Dresses & Jumpsuits – 4
Pants – 3
Accessories – 3
Pajamas – 2
Bags – 2
When I see it broken down that way, some things seem excessive. Wow, 8 pairs of shoes? I have a hard time finding shoes that are comfortable, though. You never really know until you’ve worn them for a bit. So that’s one part of my wardrobe that’s a constant revolving door.
One of the 8 pairs of shoes I bought this year, from ethical brand Hopp Studios. These are a keeper. (My review.)
Of the new items I bought, I’ve already decided not to keep three. Two of those — a set of seersucker pajamas and a pair of shoes — were the result of my feeling compelled to buy something because it was on sale. Learning to control my impulses around a sale has been a big part of cutting down on my shopping. I’ve gotten better at it.
Still, I caved this year when I saw those pajamas marked down at Muji. I didn’t stop to consider if I needed another set of short-sleeve pajamas living in the temperate climate that I do. (I did not.) The shoes I didn’t keep were a pair of sandals that checked the comfortable box for me. But I was never entirely happy with the way they looked on me. I felt they were a bit “old lady” on me, but I told myself that I could style around them. The third item was a backpack from Muji that was not comfortable for me once I loaded it up with stuff.
Lessons learned to cut down on shopping:
1. Be strong in the face of a sale and don’t let your emotions overtake you. Sales manipulate your feelings. Just because it’s on sale doesn’t mean it’s a good fit — literally or stylewise — for you.
2. But, also, listen to your feelings because it might be telling you something. (I don’t feel good about how I look in the sandals so I never wear them.)
3. If you find yourself rationalizing a purchase, then you probably shouldn’t buy it.
4. Also, test out a backpack as soon as you buy it so that you can return it in time! Duh.
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Some of the things I bought this year: Everlane boatneck sweater (review), which I wear often, and Vionic ankle boots (similar).
Compared to five years ago, I’m doing much better. In 2013, I bought 88 items of clothing and spent $3,000 — nearly three times as much! That was a particularly excessive shopping year, though, fueled by my getting sucked into the hype of designer collaborations at Target. (It was the year of Prabal Gurung and Phillip Lim). Plus, a few of those purchases I blame on serving as a bridesmaid.
About a third of my purchases this year were from ethical brands. A fair number of things were from Muji, which strives towards sustainability. (However, I don’t know whether their production is ethical.) And then I still shop sometimes at fast fashion spots, namely Target and Uniqlo.
I also went through my wardrobe and weeded out a lot — about 40 items — which I either donated or set aside to sell. So overall, I only really reduced by closet by 12 items (40 went out, but 28 came in). I’m hoping those 28 items are ones that I will wear more often, though. And I can probably weed out more too.
Still, I feel a little embarrassed writing down these numbers because it goes to show just how much stuff I have. 31 items averaged out over the course of 52 weeks means I bought one thing every 1.5 weeks. I don’t consider myself a shopaholic anymore, but these numbers — especially from 5 years ago — indicate otherwise.
I recently downloaded one of those closet apps where you can catalog your wardrobe and track how often you wear things. Have you tried one? On the one hand, I think it might be a time suck as it really hits that organizing/cataloguing button of mine. But maybe it will also help clarify even more what I really need and what I should do without.
I loved the reflection in this post and how it’s not just a grocery list of everything you bought.
I find shoes to hard to buy, but not just for comfort reasons. I’ve looked for a pair of ankle boots and there’s always a detail I found wrong with them. So, I just don’t buy any. Anytime I’ve ever settled for something it has never been a good idea. Anyway, I’ve found that my naturally picky personality cuts down a lot on what I buy. However, my 2019 (wedding guest dresses and after Christmas sales) is not looking very minimal right now. Plus, I am planning to buy a pair of Chanel shoes later, so the numbers are already stacked against me!
I’ve heard of those style apps (Style Book), but I don’t think I have enough variety in what I wear to actually make it worth tracking. Or maybe that’s the whole point–I might *think* I know what I wear, but maybe not.
I’m also particular about details. That plus the comfort thing makes shopping challenging so I guess I do settle a lot. But you’re right. It’s not a good idea! I should just listen to my pickiness more.