10 Things I No Longer Buy – Minimalism Series

Shopping Consciously.

Buying too much of what we don’t need is a slippery slope. We keep buying more and more and the cycle never ends. A few years ago I was buying too many clothes that I didn’t particularly enjoy wearing. I decided to stop. By owning a capsule wardrobe and only updating it every so often, I became more aware of what I actually own. Now, I know my style and what works for me.

Consumption is such a huge topic! We are constantly being told to buy more. Most of the time, we don’t even realise. It’s on tv, magazines, billboards. Resisting the urge to buy more all the time not only prevents clutter, but it also saves money. As well as being better for the environment and giving you more time to do the things you love.

10 Things I No Longer Buy

• Multiples of the same item. If I find my perfect jeans, jumper or blouse – I will rarely buy the same item in a different colour or fabric. Even though the temptation is there! In the past, I would have bought one of each. Nine times out of ten I ended up preferring the first one and wearing it, while the others didn’t get a look in.
• Special occasion outfits and shoes. Or if I do, it will be something I can wear again. The biggest waste in my wardrobe is clothes I’ve bought to wear at a wedding. It can be difficult to find a place to wear them again. I used to do this all the time and it’s probably where I spent the majority of money on clothes in the past.
• Fast fashion. I just don’t believe in the concept anymore. Fast fashion brands are producing too much clothing in polluting fabrics, they aren’t paying their workers enough. They copy designs from smaller brands and I don’t want to be wearing the same clothes as everyone else.

• Uncomfortable clothes and shoes. There is no point in buying these because I just won’t wear them. However much I tell myself I will. Shoes that pinch put me in a bad mood. I don’t mind a heel but if they make me feel like my foot is being chewed off then I refuse to wear them. Clothing that is too small or too big makes me feel irritable. And any fabric that feels itchy or sweaty is a definite no.
• Impulse purchases.  If I go shopping, I generally have a list of what I’m looking for. I tend to do research on Pinterest or Instagram or maybe I just already have an idea about what I want. However, if I see something that is beautiful and I feel like I want it – I leave it. Often I will forget about it or figure out it doesn’t combine well with anything else in my wardrobe. If I’m still thinking about it later on and it works well with other pieces in my wardrobe, I will go back and buy it. The point is to only buy things that work for me and I will still enjoy in the years to come.
• Things I already own. Have you ever bought new clothes and arrived home to realise you already own the same thing? I have a small amount of clothing and it means I really know everything that I own. I don’t have piles of t-shirts hidden in a drawer so I can’t buy repeats without knowing about it.

• Items that don’t fit with my style. My style is quite eclectic and I often clash prints and colours, especially in the summer. But if I want to buy a new piece of clothing, it has to go with items I already own. Otherwise, I won’t be able to wear the piece without going out and buying new clothes to match it.
• Things that aren’t going to last. I always try to buy quality items that will stand the test of time. Not only will they last longer, but they also look better in the meantime. Quality means that it fits well, the fabric feels nice, the seams are sewn without any mistakes etc. Often buying quality means a higher price point. I buy secondhand which works out the same or cheaper than the average high street prices.
• Anything too trend based. Last years off the shoulder summer tops, I’m looking at you! If everyone suddenly seems to be wearing the same piece of clothing, it’s probably over saturated and won’t last into the next year. I think you can nod to the trends and still stay classic enough to repeat clothes year after year.
•  Fabric softener or dryer sheets. I haven’t used either of these to wash and dry my clothes in the last ten years. Advertised to make clothes soft and smell nice but they are just extra chemicals to coat onto clothing. Totally unnecessary. For more laundry tips to make clothes last longer, click here.

These are the things I no longer but when I’m shopping for my wardrobe. The main point is to be more mindful when shopping.  And you will be well on your way to owning a wardrobe with things that you love to wear and fit well.

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