6 Clothing Items I Don’t Buy

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What if I were to tell you that you could define your personal style, by actually buying less? Did you know that there is a simpler, less expensive, and more sustainable way to consume fashion? Instead of following fashion trends, cut out these 6 clothing items I don’t buy to simplify and define your personal style.

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I used to have no personal style. It was dictated only by the fashion industry and what was deemed “stylish.” Until recently I hadn’t given what types of clothes I purchased much thought.

I suppose it was only a matter of time. I scrutinize what types of products enter and exit my home, foods that I choose to eat, and the type of people I hang out with. My clothing choices were just one more area of my life where I wanted intention.

It didn’t take much digging to see that fast fashion is consumer driven, can be unethical, and is completely unnecessary, especially if you want to dress with style.

Here’s a Quick Summary of Fast Fashion:

Your local department store buys huge quantities of cheap clothing made in countries where labor is extremely inexpensive (Cline 3). The consumer (you or me) purchases every new season at very low prices, wears maybe once or twice, donates to Goodwill, and repeats the process. Clothing waste piles up “roughly twenty million garments per year as a nation” (Cline 3).

Energy is wasted in the process of shipping, and creating cheap fabrics, many of which are made with plastics, and consumers continue to want cheaper and cheaper clothing. It is an inevitable race to the bottom. What a huge industry that seems elegant, but is really driving over consumption and waste?

Declutter to See Where You Over Consume

I love the new hype on decluttering, don’t get me wrong, but it’s not just about purging all the clothing you don’t wear from your house. It’s also about thinking why you consumed all of it in the first place? What do you really need? Are you buying simply because having 40 different shoes in your closet makes you feel impressed with your life? Maybe you are following trends instead of creating your own style?

Buying a lot of clothes wastes both your time and money. Instead of shopping you could be hiking, spending time with good friends, writing, reading, or just having a quiet moment. Those activities are all free and they make you feel the same way – good.

I still shop for clothes, but I don’t shop at department stores, and I always have a list. Sara and I have even sought out a personal stylist to make sure we are buying quality versatile pieces. You can read my take on a personal styling session here, and Sara’s here.

This way I can actually buy higher quality clothing, at a price I can afford. Last time I checked, 40 pairs of shoes didn’t get me a raise, a new job, time off, health benefits, and out of debt. Buying a lot of clothes really does nothing to improve my life. It in fact, just complicates it.

A Smaller Wardrobe is the Answer

It’s now a delight to step into my closet, see simple options to wear, and put together an outfit. This improvement has come from actually purchasing very little. (I wrote a similar post about why every woman should create a uniform. You can check it out here.)

I’ve downsized and bought a few investment type pieces. Pieces that I know I’m going to wear a lot. For example I bought a white and gray T-shirt. Something I wouldn’t have been excited to buy in the past since I thought it gave my wardrobe little variety. I wear those T-shirts weekly. My bigger splurges included high quality leather boots, leather jacket, and a few blazers all from consignment shops. These are all pieces that I will wear for years, can be mixed up, and are versatile. Great investment pieces with a low price per wear.

6 Clothing Items I Don’t Buy

Variety is actually not what you’re after. Simplicity is what we all should be striving for, especially in your closet. Here are a few pieces that you may be able to get rid of today and also never purchase again.

1. Clothes That Do Not Fit

If the garment is not flattering when you try it on in the store, don’t buy. It doesn’t matter if it’s on sale or not.

2. Patterned Shoes

Patterned shoes are difficult to match with a variety of outfits.

3. Fast Fashion

Spend your money on pieces that will last through more than one season. Classics like a great pair of blue jeans, a leather jacket, or a classic gray T-shirt.

Remember Gaucho pants? Get rid of them. Nobody is wearing that and it’s a good reminder that fast fashion, is just that “fast.” It’s there one season and out the next.

4. Pieces that Don’t Fit Your Lifestyle

Figure out what you wear most of the time and only buy these items in the future.

For example, I had a ton of frilly casual summer tops that I rarely wore because if I’m outside I’m usually in shorts and a T-shirt. If I go out to dinner I like to dress a little more formal. It took me a while to realize I don’t wear casual tank tops. I either wear super casual T-shirts, or blouses.

5. Too Short Skirts and Dresses

Wardrobe malfunctions are never classy, nor functional.

I’ve entered my 30’s now and it just isn’t acceptable for me to maybe have a wardrobe malfunction by wearing too short of a skirt or dress.

6. Neon Colors

Neon colors come in and out of fashion, and are rarely versatile.

Initially I had always tried to “liven” up my wardrobe with multiple colors, but it turns out I really don’t like wearing bright colors. For one, it makes me look juvenile and two it never looks like an outfit is “put-together” with neon.

I now stick to the colors I enjoy wearing gray, navy stripes, dark blue, white and black. You can always throw in a pop of color with your shoes, a scarf, red lipstick, or fingernail polish.

Final Words

Going through your closet can be daunting, but becoming aware of the purchases you make can be the first step, before you even get to decluttering. Try to reduce your purchases and you may even find your signature style. Not only that, but you’ll realize the fashion industry and its prevalence in American culture. Try to critically think about the clothes you purchase. If you can purchase higher quality pieces that will last longer than a season, do so. Also, consider buying from a consignment store. You might even find a better quality at a more affordable price.  

If you haven’t committed to a capsule wardrobe, it’s time! I just recently read Natalia’s of Marmag Creation’s e-book on how to create a capsule wardrobe and found it to be the most insightful piece I’ve read thus far on my minimalism in fashion journey. Honestly, if you can focus your style, only choose basics, and simplify your wardrobe you’ll save time and money in the long run. Check out Natalia’s How to Start a Capsule Wardrobe Based on Your Budget and Lifestyle e-book to get started simplifying your closet.

Join the Discussion

What clothing pieces have you stopped buying? How has fast fashion affected your consumer habits?

P.S. I always ask readers to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook. I consciously try to document my everyday simple life. Since we happen to be on a debt free journey it can be motivating because most of my activities are intentionally inexpensive. However, for a direct line to my blog posts, you’ll need to subscribe to this blog.  

Author

Maria Halcumb is a teacher, writer, reading specialist, and mother. You can find her reading books, being active in nature, minimizing her life, and spending time with family and friends in the great PNW, or Northern Minnesota. If you want to learn more about Maria, check out the About page.

Sources

Cline, Elizabeth L. Overdressed: the Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion. Penguin Books, 2013.