#noshopping

by Blair Bedford

Updated on September 27, 2024

I've been doing variations of this challenge for a while now. The original, project 333, didn't take into account seasonal clothing. I couldn't wear everything in my closet in 30 days when I have clothes I can't wear until the season changes. I'm starting again, decided to make it part of my Swedish Death Cleaning project. My clothes have been switched so Winter is in my main closet now. So far I've done well in wearing outfits beyond my usual go-to choices. Goodwill has already gotten a few drop-offs and I see more in my future. I've modified this plan to suit my pace, I'm not pulling out everything and being forced to deal with it in one day. Anyway, I've included the highlights from the article, you can always search for the entire article to read all the author suggested.

"I decided to shop my closet, and you should do it too! Why? Because it can save you tons of money and keep you from buying clothes you don't need. How many times have you said “I have nothing to wear” while standing in a closet full of clothes? We’ve all experienced the stress that sometimes comes along with getting dressed.

All of us have had the urge to buy new clothes instead of making the most of our current wardrobes. When you get used to wearing the same outfits over and over again, you can find yourself in a clothing rut. Although you’re neglecting most of your closet in favor of your go-to items, you may still be tempted to revamp your wardrobe. Before you spend any money on new clothes, try to shop your closet instead!

1. Gather inspiration

I was able to shop my closet easier by pulling inspiration photos from Pinterest, Instagram, etc. You can also do this to help you determine what types of looks you like and define your style. Figure out what you like, what catches your eye, and see if you can create similar outfits by shopping your closet. Keep your inspiration photos handy as you pull together outfits. You likely already own pieces that complement your desired style!

2. Declutter and organize your closet

If your closet is cluttered and overwhelming, it may seem more simple for you to just go out and purchase new clothes. Decluttering and organizing will make it easier to see what you already have and easier to shop your closet. Most especially if you feel like you've been hoarding clothes. As you go through the decluttering process, try on everything.

Do you like the item and enjoy wearing it? Does it fit properly and pair well with other items in your closet? Use these questions to help determine whether you should keep the piece or get rid of it.

After decluttering, organize your closet in a way that makes it easy to see what you have and find what you’re looking for. This really helps me when I shop my wardrobe!

3. Separate your basic items from your trendy pieces

Classic, basic items can be used to complete any look. Your trendy, novelty pieces are things that are worn less often or only for certain occasions. Separating these types of items makes it easier to pick out pieces that you know you need for a particular look while shopping your closet.

Put all of your timeless pieces together and all of your trendy pieces in a separate section. That way, you know exactly where to look when you need a specific item.

4. Break up your normal, typical outfits

If you find yourself wearing the same outfit over and over, try switching out one of the pieces with something that you don’t wear as often. Pair your favorite skirt with a top that you haven’t worn in a while. Or maybe pair a shirt that you wear often with a bottom that you wouldn’t normally wear with it.

Day 7 of 365

At the end of last year I completed the book “The year of less” by Cait Flanders. What started out as a challenge to herself not to spend unnecessary money, turned out to be a life altering experiment that not only changed her perspective around material items, but also enhanced her outlook on life. It was an inspiring and enjoyable read.

I’ve found that over the last several years, I drowned myself in material items either out of illegitimate ideas that I “needed” the items,  deep down thinking the items would enhance me in some way, or frankly because I thought they would make me happy. I’m someone who can justify any purchase and convince you of my reasoning.

As I enter 2021, after the unique experiences that 2020 brought us, I come realizing I no longer recognize much of myself. Through broken relationships, disappointments, and grief I’ve managed to loose sight of the things that truly brought me joy ( if I honestly ever knew them at all). While I don’t believe in the “New year, new me” mentality, I believe that everyday we are on this planet is a chance to cherish the people we care about and begin anew in areas we aren’t happy with. By being complacent for so long, I was making a choice to not make a choice. I was choosing to remain in the same place because the fear of changing, and not achieving a successful outcome, was more pain than I was willing to risk.

I’ll be going 365 without spending to stop drowning my woes in new handbags and shoes, and address my feelings head on to get back to a healthier mindset. We don’t NEED all the things we convince ourselves to buy and at many points in my life I’ve felt suffocated by owning all the items I have. I’m looking forward to documenting this journey so that I can look back and see how far I came.

In the book Cait documents a list of approved items to purchase, inventories all of her belongings, and tracks the amount of income saved. I will be doing the same in the coming days and post to hold myself accountable. Feel free to join in with me at any time.