Skip to main content

Overcoming a shopping addiction

 When you're trying to spend less on clothes, enjoying fashion might feel impossible, but it isn't. You can still nourish your passion for clothing on a budget, you just have to learn to spend more intentionally.



Being intentional with your fashion budget requires knowing your style really, really well. Do you know what colours you like to wear, what silhouettes and detailing you're drawn to, what items you wear time and again? Maybe you love high waisted trousers and you hate leggings, or you feel great in loose clothes and love colour. Analyse what you wear the most and invest more into those types of pieces.


Once you know your style well enough, you'll start to realise what items you keep bringing into your wardrobe that don't get the wear they deserve, you start to see what your signature style is, and knowing this is crucial to spending wisely.


For me, I know I love tailoring, wide leg trousers, white shirts and blazers are my staples. I also love denim, leggings, trainers, dresses and skirts. I'm a fan of neutrals but I'm just as crazy about prints and colours. Knowing this has been invaluable. It means that whenever a trend comes along, I can quickly know if I'll actually love it in 3, 5 or 10 years time.





Resist the urge to buy something just because all the fashion girlie's are wearing it. Your personal style is unique to you and you should honour that by investing your money into those pieces you wear over and over again.


I'm not saying you shouldn't try new things. Sometimes a trend will be my new favourite staple, but it has to work for you. The long denim skirt trend I know won't be for me, because even though I love jeans, I don't actually wear them anywhere near as much as my trousers or satin/knit skirts.


Here are my top tips for spending less on clothes:


Do a "no buy" - you can choose how long for, whether it be 3 months, 6 months or a year, a no buy can be really beneficial. This can be tough initially but I really feel like it's a necessary step towards unlearning your shopping compulsion. Hannah Martin on YouTube has some excellent videos on how to start your no buy journey.


When you see something you're thinking about buying, realise that you can love and appreciate something without needing to own it. Add the item to a wishlist/Pinterest board. If you're still thinking about it a few weeks or months later (and it aligns with your personal style) and you feel it would fill a gap in your wardrobe, then consider purchasing.


Even if it would fill a gap, do you need it right now? Delay delay delay. If you can't afford it right now, delay the purchase, if you aren't sure about it, delay the purchase. You can always come back to it another time and if the item sells out, trust me, there will be a 1000 more just like it.


Avoid window shopping, at least until you've achieved a comfortable distance from compulsive shopping. It took me about a year of not buying clothes before I could window shop again without issue. It's fun to get inspiration from the highstreet, but ensure the temptation to buy is low before you start doing this again.


Shop your own wardrobe. Most people only use a tiny fraction of the clothes they own, and there can be many reasons for that. Try to have regular mini clear outs, if something doesn't fit or you just don't like it anymore, get rid, it's only taking up valuable space in you wardrobe. Over time you'll have a smaller edit of clothes but they should hopefully only be the items you actually wear and love.



Set a realistic budget, if you want something more expensive, save up for it over time instead of buying it immediately. This will delay the payment, but also give you time to really question if this thing is worth investing in.


Buy the best quality items you can afford. You don't have to buy designer to find well-made items that will last for many years. Pay attention to fabric composition and the construction details of garments, and if there are reviews (H&M and asos have reviews), always read them before purchasing, as you'll often find people saying things like "doesn't fit true to size" or "looks cheap in real life" etc.


I hope this helps, you absolutely can overcome shopping addiction/compulsion, it takes time, daily practice and perseverance. Once you've conquered it you'll have more money for other things, you'll actually wear what you have and you won't feel the need to constantly buy.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The chic new-in pieces at Zara

 Zara really comes alive during spring summer. I noticed lots of khaki as well as embroidered shirts, white dresses and plenty of denim. Grab your favourite beverage. Here's the absolute best pieces from their new-in section. This flowy white skirt will look fantastic with cami tops, leather jackets and even some knitwear to make it work for now. I tried on this oversized white blazer in store and it looks so expensive. A great addition to any spring outfit. These red socks would be the perfect pop of colour in a neutral outfit, an easy way to tap into the red trend. This embroidered white dress is such an easy and versatile piece that can be dressed up or down. These sandals will go with flowy linen trousers, denim, tailored trousers and all of your skirts/dresses (okay, so they'll go with everything). This khaki waistcoat will look stunning as a top or layered over white shirts. I bought some oval sunglasses from Zara recently and I LOVE them. These white cat eye sungla...
Post a Comment
Read more

3 chic looks for a heatwave

 We've been blessed with some amazing weather in the UK, minus the occasional downpour, but would it be a British summer without a little rain? Here are 3 chic looks to keep you cool in this heatwave. An all-black look with a pop of colour is a simple way to add some fun to your look. The satin skirt is a summer 2023 trend but timeless enough to invest in. The black vest and blue linen shirt are light and breathable.  This M&S box bag is a great Celine dupe. Gold hoops are a staple that adds glam and these Ancient Greek sandals are the perfect stylish shoe to keep your feet cool in the heat. This M&S brown dress looks more premium than its price tag. The raffia bag is smart enough to be dressed up or down. A mother of pearl/gold necklace pairs well with the gold elements in these Arizona Birkenstock sandals. These white tailored trousers are a summer essential, pair them with a black leather belt and a plisse black top for instant elegance. The look is bal...
Post a Comment
Read more

3 chic outfits to keep you warm

The weather has really taken a turn this week in London. Frosty mornings call for layers. Here are 3 chic outfits to keep you warm. An all-neutral look with warmth in mind. The dress makes it feel more feminine while the knee high boots provide crucial wind cover. This fur-lined motto jacket with the cardigan underneath and the brown cross body bag gives shape, interest and most importantly, layers. This outfit started with the black ribbed skirt , such a versatile wardrobe hero (and long enough to wear 3/4 length leggings underneath!). The shacket adds a masculine edge and the high-neck jumper adds warmth. The boots could easily be swapped out for trainers. The brown tote finishes this look. The suit trousers and pale blue shirt start off smart, but the white chunky trainers and beanie  hat help to balance out this look and make it work for most occasions. I love this tailored cream coat , but an oversized herringbone coat would work equally as well.
Post a Comment
Read more