Learn how to go about a shopping diet and about the results that can be achieved
If you’ve been following me for at least the last 3 years, you might remember that in November 2014, I embarked on a shopping diet.
There was not much planning involved, just the decision that from the next day onwards, I’d stop shopping for clothes and accessories. Sharing the account of my little “experiment”, which turned out to last for over 14 months, is always received with a mixture of incredibility, curiosity and fascination. The thing is, I’m myself surprised by the unexpected way in which my shopping diet has impacted my life.
But let’s back track 3 years ago…
I began my experiment by simply asking myself why I was buying new clothes. Somehow I had a comprehensive (and of course organised!) wardrobe, yet I would regularly add new items to buy to my shopping list.
I came to the realisation that I was buying new clothes out of boredom from the contents of my wardrobe, and this was due to the following factors:
- A tendency to wear clothes in the same way, over and over again;
- A habit of saving clothes for special occasions, as such limiting the contents of my day-to-day wardrobe;
- The absence of seasons, hence of clothes’ rotation.
Easy fixes without feeling deprived while on a shopping diet
Having diagnosed the source of my “problem”, I explored ways to make the items in my wardrobe work harder for me:
- I first learned how to mix and match my wardrobe, working on different colour combinations using the colour pallet concept and accessorising the same outfit in different ways.
- I progressively started incorporating the clothes I was saving for special occasions into the outfits I was usually putting together.
- And I got those clothes that were not fitting me perfectly altered so I had no more excuses not to wear them.
Nothing in (almost!), but quite a fair bit out…
Interestingly not only I didn’t add any items to my wardrobe during that period (well, ok, except for 2 items) but I also let go of a fair amount of clothes. Looking at all the possibilities offered by mixing and matching the items I had, I realised that some pieces were serving only one purpose (think dresses!) and were a kind of distraction when putting outfits together. Out they went!
Three years down the road… A more conscious shopper and a happier me
The experiment had eventually to come to an end – I really needed a new pair of work shoes! And that’s when the real transformation started to happen.
First of all, I’ve become much more discerning when it comes to buying new clothes. With fewer clothes in my wardrobe, it’s easy to visualise its contents and pick up items that will bring value to it, instead of random pieces that won’t match anything.
This, in turn, has given me a new sense of confidence. I no longer feel guilty when buying new clothes because I know I’m going to make them work hard for me.
But above all, the realisation that I had to get rid of clothes that I had saved for special occasions but hardly worn because the fabric had deteriorated, the colours had faded, or I just didn’t like them anymore, was a big eye-opener. What a waste! Since then, I’ve made it a commitment to live in the now and this has changed my mindset in many areas of my life beyond my wardrobe. Who would have thought that going on a shopping diet would trigger something I had been desperately aspiring to do for so many years?
Your next step towards a calmer wardrobe
Embarking on a shopping diet, even for a short period, can be incredibly insightful. It truly helps you reassess your needs, appreciate what you already own, and develop more mindful consumption habits. From my experience, and that of many I’ve guided, it’s a powerful way to reset your relationship with your clothes and create a wardrobe that genuinely serves you.
Now, I understand that the idea of completely stopping shopping might feel like a huge leap right now, and that’s perfectly okay. If you’re looking for a gentler way to start gaining clarity and feel more in control of your wardrobe, a fantastic first step is to thoughtfully declutter what you already have. This process can be incredibly empowering, helping you identify what truly fits your life today.
And that’s exactly what my free Quick Wardrobe Fix guide is designed to do! It offers simple, actionable steps to help you declutter your clothes with confidence, build lasting habits, and move towards a wardrobe you truly love, one clear-out at a time.
Ready to take that first easy step towards a calmer, more organised wardrobe?
Download your free Quick Wardrobe Fix guide here!
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