Going no-spend on clothes in 2024

This year I’m going to try something that, for me, is fairly radical: I’m going to not buy any clothes! I’ll post regular updates throughout the year to help keep me accountable, so watch out for news on how I’m getting on, and ways I’ve found to make it work for me. Have you ever tried something like this? The longest I’ve been in recent years without buying clothes is probably a few months (you can check out some of my other clothes posts to see how often I end up buying things!), so it’ll be an exciting challenge to try a much longer period!

The reason

First and foremost, the reason is financial. Looking back at my clothing reviews (especially my year in review posts), I’ve come to the painful realisation that I spend an awful lot of money on clothes. With some potential big purchases on the horizon, and a baby now in the family, it seems at best faintly ridiculous and at worst downright irresponsible to spend so much money on something so frivolous. I say frivolous not because I think there’s anything inherently wrong with wanting to express yourself through clothing, but because I already own such a vast abundance and range of clothes that it’s just not necessary to buy more.

There is also the environmental aspect to consider. I think and write all the time about how overconsumption of clothes is a massive issue, and how reducing our consumption of clothes can be a simple way to make a difference. I have tried to buy more thoughtfully, and to buy from more eco-friendly brands where I can, but even buying consciously, I have ended up buying too much (not to mention the often extra cost of buying new eco-friendly clothes).

Having spent all of the last year either pregnant or postpartum, I’m not going to beat myself up too much about having bought more clothes, as I’ve had a changing body to deal with. But looking ahead, I’d like to have a bit of a reset and consolidate what I already own, rather than buying more.

The rules

The rules of engagement are simple: don’t spend any money on clothes, shoes or accessories, and don’t accept any free ones without giving some away. The latter is highly unlikely, but just on the off-chance that I attend any clothing swaps (which to be fair, I haven’t done since I was at university!), I thought I’d build this rule in!

The one exception to the purchasing rule is gym/exercise clothes. Now, I have a fairly substantial stockpile of these (even that fit my postpartum body), so I don’t think it’s particularly likely that I’ll need to buy more. However, I don’t want to end up in a position where I’m wearing things that might impact my ability to exercise, e.g. very worn out shoes. Back when I was running a lot I used to get through a couple of pairs of shoes a year as I was covering such long distances, but I don’t expect to be back up to that level any time soon!

It’s not technically part of the challenge, but I’d also like to take the opportunity to pass on some clothes that I’m not wearing/don’t enjoy any more. Whether this is simply giving them to an op-shop, gifting them to other people, or selling them somehow, remains to be seen!

Of course, this rule only applies to my own clothes: I’m still going to buy baby clothes as and when needed!

The aim

My hope is that by the end of the year I will have a much better idea of what I actually already own and how I can use it, and will have refined my taste to the point where I know what I want to pass on. I’ll have saved a tonne of money, and be able to put that towards much more meaningful and long-term things: either big purchases I wouldn’t otherwise be able to make, or fulfilling experiences for my family and myself. We’ll see where I end up, but I’m currently feeling super motivated by the alternatives that I could be spending the money on, so fingers crossed that will carry me through until I’m in a solid habit!

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This is a bit of a new adventure for me, and I’ll admit to being slightly daunted! I’d be grateful for any tips you could share about how you resist buying clothes, or how you make the most of the wardrobe you already have. Thanks very much for reading, and I hope to see you in the updates!