In a world obsessed with fast fashion and ever-changing trends, it’s easy to accumulate clothes that we don’t wear. So instead of shopping for new pieces, consider rediscovering what you already own, and only buying when there is a need, an identified gap or replacing an old item, rather than just for the sake of it.
This blog is a reflection of my own wardrobe detox and no buying during January and February, and that of a good friend, Jackie who has committed to a year of not buying new.
The first step to wearing and loving everything you own is to sort out what you have, here’s how to do an initial Wardrobe Detox:
Initial Wardrobe Detox
The first step to a successful wardrobe detox is to remove every single item from your wardrobe, cupboards and drawers or move everything to one side with space to sort and rearrange. This gives you a fresh perspective and allows you to see exactly what you own.
Once your wardrobe is laid out, separate your clothes into four piles:
• Keep – Items you wear regularly and love, that fit with your colours and style personality.
• Repair/Alter – Pieces that need minor adjustments or mending.
• Donate/Sell – Items in good condition that no longer serve you. Either list on Vinted or take to a charity shop.
• Maybe – Clothes you’re unsure about. Either store them for a few months separately and see if you miss them or commit to wearing them in the next few weeks and make a decision then.
The “Wear Everything” Challenge
The next step in the process of loving your wardrobe is to actually wear everything in it!
A great way to rediscover forgotten items is by committing to wearing everything in your wardrobe at least once. Challenge yourself to style pieces in new ways, layering them differently or pairing them with accessories you haven’t used in a while. This not only helps you see the versatility of your wardrobe but also stops you from impulsively buying new clothes.
During January and February, once I had worn an item I hung it in my wardrobe with the hanger the other way, or put the jumper in a separate pile in my cupboard. I then didn’t wear that item again until all the items in that category (Jumper, dress, top etc) had been worn. This gets us out of the trap of circulating through only a small proportion of the wardrobe.
If there’s an item or two left in the category that you really don’t want to wear then that is a clear indication that you need to let them go.
Get Creative With Styling and Plan
Sometimes, we overlook clothing because we don’t know how to style it or get stuck in a rut. Experiment with different outfit combinations, try layering, mix textures, or add statement accessories.
During this challenge I committed to not repeating an outfit, by taking a quick photo each day I could easily see what I had already worn. This made me challenge myself with new pairings and kept things feeling fresh without buying new.
I have also started a process of outfit planning for the week. I do this on a Sunday when I have a bit of time and I put together and outfit for each day on a hanger on the front of my wardrobe. This is great on many levels; it means I wear different combinations, I plan when I have time rather than just reaching in a rush and the joy of getting up each day and not having to think is great!
Shop Your Own Wardrobe & Set a No-Buy or Low-Buy Challenge
Reduce your fashion footprint by committing to a period of not buying any new clothes. Whether it’s a month, six months, or a year, this challenge will help you break the cycle of unnecessary shopping and allow you to appreciate what you have.
Before considering a purchase, ask yourself: “Do I already own something similar?” More often than not, the answer is yes. Make a habit of re-evaluating your wardrobe before shopping. You might be surprised by how many outfits you can create with what you already own.
I committed initially to a month of no buying, but I found I very easily turned that into 2 months, and at the time of writing (3rd March) I am yet to make a purchase. Once I started I found it surprisingly easy, as I realised I had more than enough to not repeat outfits for several months.
Jackie* has set herself a year long no-buy challenge:
“As I sat in a busy coffee shop at the start of the year I contemplated my personal and professional intentions for the coming 12 months. One thing I decided to do, which I have done before, it to not buy any clothes during 2025. I had done it before and enjoyed the challenge but this year I wanted to make sure I was wearing a wider range of my clothes and agreed to get rid of anything which I didn't like or which didn't fit. So from then on I decided to start at one end of my wardrobe rail and wear everything in order. As items were worn and then washed, I then put them to the opposite side of the rail. I've really been enjoying discovering what is coming next in my wardrobe and it's nice not to have to choose what I am going to wear....as I often reach for the 'same old thing'. I own a collection of clothes which I really love. I love colours and my favourite online store is Kettlewell. I had my colours done when I was in my 20s and I still use my colour palette to this day. I am sure my colouring may have changed so I'm probably in need of an update session with Jo!”
My Wardrobe Detox Experience
I feel as though I’ve had a really productive few months with my wardrobe; getting rid of items I no longer love, experimenting with colour and really honing down on my style personality and preferences. I have a curated and smaller selection that I am really happy with, I’ve gone from 174 items in my wardrobe to 139, and I feel more content with my choices and the versatility of the items.
A wardrobe detox isn’t just about decluttering; it’s about being more intentional with your clothing choices. By wearing what you own, getting creative with styling, and resisting the urge to buy new, you’ll cultivate a more sustainable and personal style. Plus, you’ll likely find yourself feeling more confident and content with your wardrobe than ever before.
So, are you ready to detox your wardrobe and fall in love with your clothes all over again? Let me know how you get on with your own wardrobe sorting, no-buy challenges or outfit planning.
*Thank you to Jackie Meek messaging me with her story for this blog. Jackie is a fabulous life coach for mums based in Oxfordshire. You can find out about her work at Home - Future path life Coaching
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