So you deferred purchases then? I don’t get the point of a no buy year if you buy everything you want at the end anyway. Maybe you explained it but I stopped reading or maybe hit the non-subscriber cut off. It would assist with impulse purchases which 99% of the fashion content on substack triggers. Why not simply set a budget and stick to it. You have this much to spend for the year and weigh out what you want to spend it on. If you sell items the funds get added to the budget. Feeling punchy this morning about the endless effing lists on this platform so sorry if this sounds…punchy.
You can count me in to a low buy for 2025. I try to do this all the time but slip up. Support from a community of like minded may be what I need to be successful.
Yay! I'm so happy that you're joining in, Rach! I definitely think that having the support of a community will be really helpful and more likely to keep us accountable. I published a newsletter this morning that has a Plan & Tracker that you can use if you want!
I would love to join the 2025 low buy challenge. I can relate to the feeling of “I will only buy what I love” followed by “but I love so many things”! I’ve gotten good over the years to find the style and right colours for me but that just means that I have too many clothes for the lifestyle that I actually live.
It’s so great that you already know the style and color of clothes that you like and that you’ve stayed true to it! I also struggle with having too many clothes for the lifestyle I live and for a long time, for my fantasy life as well. I’ve been thinking about my absolute favorite items and then measuring every other item up against them. Could be a fun experiment 🤔
YESSSS! Come join me! I definitely think it will easier with more support 💕 And that sounds like a very interesting post - heading over to check it out now!
I did a low buy for 2024 (20 pieces of clothing and a budget limit) and will do again for 2025. I hope a low buy will change my habits and make me consume more mindfully. I did pretty well this year (21 pieces so far) but what it doesn't show is how much I bought and returned! I wouldn't be surprised if the amount was 5 times as much 🙈). Would love to get a handle on that.
I haven't yet completely decided on the rules for 2025 yet. To keep it interesting I kind of want to switch it up a bit, and I want to make space for necessary replacements. (The 21st item was a rain coat as my old had gotten too small). Maybe do 12 completely new pieces and allow for direct replacements?? Just feel that what is defined as a replacement could be a slippery slope....
Wow! You are doing so well! What are some things that helped you stick to your low buy?
I think an allowance for replacements is a great idea. I am allowing the replacement of my old sneakers, old sandals and then socks and underwear. I will probably have to replace my leggings as well as they've developed a hole but it's still pretty small so we'll see.
The things that helped me stick to my low buy was having a budget for the year that I as a guide devided into a monthly budget. I also tried to limit myself to 5 items per quarter, so I would still be able to shop for fall/winter. I took into accoount things I truly needed like a warm wintercoat.
I had a list of questions e.g.:
- Do I truly want this to be one of my 20 items?
- Will future me thank me for this purchase?
- Do I know when I would wear it?
I tried to wait a bit before buying something - this one is hard for me, when I am afraid of a size selling out. When feeling bored with my wardrobe, I tried to make new outfits and also allowed the uncomfortable feeling to be there.
This doesn't mean it wasn't difficult, and I ordered so many things I ended up returning. I am still tempted to shop, but try to do it mindfully.
Thank you so much for sharing, Sigrid! I especially love how you limited yourself to a certain number of items per quarter so that you'd have items left at the end of the year.
Yes I would like to do this please! I am in the U.K. so things are a little bit different here, but the problem and feelings are the same. Thanks so much.
I am absolutely joining on a no buy/low buy. I haven't decided yet or made rules. I'm excited for your 2025 low buy journey! It's always helpful to have others on the same or similar ride lol
Hi Gillian! I appreciate your honesty. It's not easy!! There will always be a rebound period after a No Buy period, which might appear instantly or some months after. For me, it appeared months after finishing the challenge, which made no sense to me at all! 😂 I think the most important part is to be kind to yourself when you feel you've failed yourself - this is a long journey. 💜 It also reinforces my theory about how the real work is to be done ONCE the challenge is finished, once we are presented with the freedom to buy or not buy.
PS - It would be so cool if Substack allowed us to create specific group chats, I'd love to join one about a low buy with you all!
I agree that the real work comes after the no buy! I wish I would have realized. And thank you for that kindness - sharing my experience after the no buy has been really helpful with accepting it and moving forward.
In regards to a group chat, I think I will start a thread where everyone can chat about their low buy and we can all support one another. Hopefully I can make that work how I envision it!
I think this is exactly why I'm not eager to do a No-Buy year. I need to keep myself in check, but I'm pretty sure my "rebound" will be exactly the same as yours. In the last 8-ish years I've realised I had a shopping problem that went farther then "oh but I loooove fashion!!". I've gone from thrifting, to buying only sustainable brands to a somewhat hybrid version of that. I also have a well paying job so money isn't the issue. Last year I decided to cap my purchases on 2 items a month. I did well for... about 6 weeks. Then I had my colour analysis done and that changed EVERYTHING. I'd spent years curating a "autumnal" wardrobe and the lady plainly told me the reason why it wasn't working for me was that I was actually a summer. Queue the big overhaul. 56 items later (most of which I love, but I still resold 23%) I am back at square one but with a better understanding of what I need. A 2025 Low Buy is exactly what I decided to do this year around. I've been recording all of my purchases for a year, there's a whishlist and my partner and I have an Excel sheet instead of using Indyx. I also had all of this last year, everything is set for the year. Let's see how I do this time around! TLDR: you are certainly not alone in this!!
Your realization, and consequent shopping experiences, mirror my own so closely! I noticed myself nodding along as I was reading your comment. It sounds like you are well-poised to have a great no buy experience this year. So happy to be doing this alongside you!
I really, really love this idea! I've become a little overwhelmed with my lack of willpower when it comes to shopping and spending money. I already shop secondhand pretty heavily, so it's not necessarily about the money spent but the want for things I simply do not need!!! I was just saying to my husband that I would love to try a 'no-buy' year, but I do think that would be exceptionally hard for me - so maybe a 'low buy' would be better - or just having more intention and awareness about that habit in general.
Thanks for sharing your struggles! It's comforting to know we're never truly alone in the oddities that plague us all.
Hi Leah! It sounds like we have similar struggles with secondhand shopping - I also do not need any of the things that I buy - and I would love for you to join me for the low buy year! I'm excited to hear your plan!
I often feel alone in this (there are lots of people around me who constantly shop but they see no issue with it) and writing helps me to connect with people who also acknowledge that they consume too much. Thank you for reading and sharing your struggle with me!
Is the low buy only open to paid subscribers? If not, I'd love to join you!
For me, one of the problems with thrifting/ shopping pre- loved is item scarcity. If it's in the charity shop/ on Vinted, there's little to no chance of it being available once I've gone home, worked through my wardrobe, checked for a gap/ outfit versatility. So you buy it. And if it isn't right, you can't return it, so you either have to donate it or re-sell it, which you may not have time or money for.
What I would really like to focus on is buying things just because they're on sale. I like them, but not enough to buy full price, so do I like them enough?
Thank you, Claire! And the low buy is open to all subscribers, so please join us!
I totally get what you mean with item scarcity when thrifting - if I'm not 100% sure about an item, I will leave it behind and if I can't stop thinking about it, I allow myself to go back for it. If it's gone, I stop myself from feeling bad by telling myself it wasn't meant for me and I like to think about how happy the person who found it must have been and I imagine them loving the item as much as I would have and that helps me.
That sounds like a great place to focus your low buy! I'm excited to hear what you come up with.
I’m in! I have tried versions of this but because I have no accountability buddies the tracking goes out the window. Could 100% be more mindful than I am.
I tried a no buy and made it 4 months. And still rebounded. I think a low buy will take off some of the pressure, and I'm hoping it will make it easier to walk away--I can come back in a few days if I really still think I need it. Plus, I think the accountability of someone else doing it too can help.
Something I'm doing (started last week) is to send the item through the "gauntlet:" I have to be willing to give up 2 items I already own to get it, and if I'm OK with that, I have to be able to create at least 10 casual and 10 work outfits before I can buy it. I have a wardrobe app that makes the last part easier to check. I've tried this with 3 things so far and decided against all of them.
Congrats on the 4 month no buy!! I also think that a low buy will be more sustainable, and hopefully it's the thing that makes us feel more in control of our purchases. I love your idea of the "gauntlet" - can I share it in my next letter?
Thanks for being honest about this! I’m probably doing a gentle no buy in January and seeing where that takes me. I feel like I’m consuming too much but I’m not sure restrictions is the way to go!
That sounds like a great idea! It's really hard to figure out what will work to slow down consumption. If you find it helpful, I'd love to hear about your experience at the end of January.
I’ve definitely felt the rebound after just a couple of mo months of not buying. Everything feels fresh and interesting or just “better” but eventually I got better at knowing when something was really too good to pass up. I think it takes a lot to write the posts we don’t want to write!
Yes, that's exactly how things felt to me too! And thanks for the encouragement - I'm really hoping that by writing the posts that I really don't want to write, it moves me closer to the person I want to be. Or maybe time will just do that.
So you deferred purchases then? I don’t get the point of a no buy year if you buy everything you want at the end anyway. Maybe you explained it but I stopped reading or maybe hit the non-subscriber cut off. It would assist with impulse purchases which 99% of the fashion content on substack triggers. Why not simply set a budget and stick to it. You have this much to spend for the year and weigh out what you want to spend it on. If you sell items the funds get added to the budget. Feeling punchy this morning about the endless effing lists on this platform so sorry if this sounds…punchy.
You can count me in to a low buy for 2025. I try to do this all the time but slip up. Support from a community of like minded may be what I need to be successful.
Yay! I'm so happy that you're joining in, Rach! I definitely think that having the support of a community will be really helpful and more likely to keep us accountable. I published a newsletter this morning that has a Plan & Tracker that you can use if you want!
I would love to join the 2025 low buy challenge. I can relate to the feeling of “I will only buy what I love” followed by “but I love so many things”! I’ve gotten good over the years to find the style and right colours for me but that just means that I have too many clothes for the lifestyle that I actually live.
Anyway, I’d love to join the challenge!
It’s so great that you already know the style and color of clothes that you like and that you’ve stayed true to it! I also struggle with having too many clothes for the lifestyle I live and for a long time, for my fantasy life as well. I’ve been thinking about my absolute favorite items and then measuring every other item up against them. Could be a fun experiment 🤔
I would love to be involved!! I wrote about this yesterday on substack and really feel like the accountability would help. Hard relate to your story, thanks for sharing!! https://open.substack.com/pub/sineadconnolly/p/i-spent-5000-on-clothes-on-depop?r=tdxdn&utm_medium=ios
YESSSS! Come join me! I definitely think it will easier with more support 💕 And that sounds like a very interesting post - heading over to check it out now!
I did a low buy for 2024 (20 pieces of clothing and a budget limit) and will do again for 2025. I hope a low buy will change my habits and make me consume more mindfully. I did pretty well this year (21 pieces so far) but what it doesn't show is how much I bought and returned! I wouldn't be surprised if the amount was 5 times as much 🙈). Would love to get a handle on that.
I haven't yet completely decided on the rules for 2025 yet. To keep it interesting I kind of want to switch it up a bit, and I want to make space for necessary replacements. (The 21st item was a rain coat as my old had gotten too small). Maybe do 12 completely new pieces and allow for direct replacements?? Just feel that what is defined as a replacement could be a slippery slope....
Wow! You are doing so well! What are some things that helped you stick to your low buy?
I think an allowance for replacements is a great idea. I am allowing the replacement of my old sneakers, old sandals and then socks and underwear. I will probably have to replace my leggings as well as they've developed a hole but it's still pretty small so we'll see.
The things that helped me stick to my low buy was having a budget for the year that I as a guide devided into a monthly budget. I also tried to limit myself to 5 items per quarter, so I would still be able to shop for fall/winter. I took into accoount things I truly needed like a warm wintercoat.
I had a list of questions e.g.:
- Do I truly want this to be one of my 20 items?
- Will future me thank me for this purchase?
- Do I know when I would wear it?
I tried to wait a bit before buying something - this one is hard for me, when I am afraid of a size selling out. When feeling bored with my wardrobe, I tried to make new outfits and also allowed the uncomfortable feeling to be there.
This doesn't mean it wasn't difficult, and I ordered so many things I ended up returning. I am still tempted to shop, but try to do it mindfully.
Thank you so much for sharing, Sigrid! I especially love how you limited yourself to a certain number of items per quarter so that you'd have items left at the end of the year.
Yes I would like to do this please! I am in the U.K. so things are a little bit different here, but the problem and feelings are the same. Thanks so much.
I am absolutely joining on a no buy/low buy. I haven't decided yet or made rules. I'm excited for your 2025 low buy journey! It's always helpful to have others on the same or similar ride lol
Yay! I'm so happy you'll be joining in. I'm currently working through my rules and I can't wait to hear all about yours!
Hi Gillian! I appreciate your honesty. It's not easy!! There will always be a rebound period after a No Buy period, which might appear instantly or some months after. For me, it appeared months after finishing the challenge, which made no sense to me at all! 😂 I think the most important part is to be kind to yourself when you feel you've failed yourself - this is a long journey. 💜 It also reinforces my theory about how the real work is to be done ONCE the challenge is finished, once we are presented with the freedom to buy or not buy.
PS - It would be so cool if Substack allowed us to create specific group chats, I'd love to join one about a low buy with you all!
I agree that the real work comes after the no buy! I wish I would have realized. And thank you for that kindness - sharing my experience after the no buy has been really helpful with accepting it and moving forward.
In regards to a group chat, I think I will start a thread where everyone can chat about their low buy and we can all support one another. Hopefully I can make that work how I envision it!
Love your idea about a group chat. Discord might be an option?
My plan is to start a thread where we can all discuss our low buys and support one another!
I think this is exactly why I'm not eager to do a No-Buy year. I need to keep myself in check, but I'm pretty sure my "rebound" will be exactly the same as yours. In the last 8-ish years I've realised I had a shopping problem that went farther then "oh but I loooove fashion!!". I've gone from thrifting, to buying only sustainable brands to a somewhat hybrid version of that. I also have a well paying job so money isn't the issue. Last year I decided to cap my purchases on 2 items a month. I did well for... about 6 weeks. Then I had my colour analysis done and that changed EVERYTHING. I'd spent years curating a "autumnal" wardrobe and the lady plainly told me the reason why it wasn't working for me was that I was actually a summer. Queue the big overhaul. 56 items later (most of which I love, but I still resold 23%) I am back at square one but with a better understanding of what I need. A 2025 Low Buy is exactly what I decided to do this year around. I've been recording all of my purchases for a year, there's a whishlist and my partner and I have an Excel sheet instead of using Indyx. I also had all of this last year, everything is set for the year. Let's see how I do this time around! TLDR: you are certainly not alone in this!!
Your realization, and consequent shopping experiences, mirror my own so closely! I noticed myself nodding along as I was reading your comment. It sounds like you are well-poised to have a great no buy experience this year. So happy to be doing this alongside you!
I really, really love this idea! I've become a little overwhelmed with my lack of willpower when it comes to shopping and spending money. I already shop secondhand pretty heavily, so it's not necessarily about the money spent but the want for things I simply do not need!!! I was just saying to my husband that I would love to try a 'no-buy' year, but I do think that would be exceptionally hard for me - so maybe a 'low buy' would be better - or just having more intention and awareness about that habit in general.
Thanks for sharing your struggles! It's comforting to know we're never truly alone in the oddities that plague us all.
Hi Leah! It sounds like we have similar struggles with secondhand shopping - I also do not need any of the things that I buy - and I would love for you to join me for the low buy year! I'm excited to hear your plan!
I often feel alone in this (there are lots of people around me who constantly shop but they see no issue with it) and writing helps me to connect with people who also acknowledge that they consume too much. Thank you for reading and sharing your struggle with me!
Hi! Great article, very honest.
Is the low buy only open to paid subscribers? If not, I'd love to join you!
For me, one of the problems with thrifting/ shopping pre- loved is item scarcity. If it's in the charity shop/ on Vinted, there's little to no chance of it being available once I've gone home, worked through my wardrobe, checked for a gap/ outfit versatility. So you buy it. And if it isn't right, you can't return it, so you either have to donate it or re-sell it, which you may not have time or money for.
What I would really like to focus on is buying things just because they're on sale. I like them, but not enough to buy full price, so do I like them enough?
Thank you, Claire! And the low buy is open to all subscribers, so please join us!
I totally get what you mean with item scarcity when thrifting - if I'm not 100% sure about an item, I will leave it behind and if I can't stop thinking about it, I allow myself to go back for it. If it's gone, I stop myself from feeling bad by telling myself it wasn't meant for me and I like to think about how happy the person who found it must have been and I imagine them loving the item as much as I would have and that helps me.
That sounds like a great place to focus your low buy! I'm excited to hear what you come up with.
That's a nice way to think about it- if it's not still there, it's not for me!
I’m in! I have tried versions of this but because I have no accountability buddies the tracking goes out the window. Could 100% be more mindful than I am.
Yay!! I'd love for you to join me!
I tried a no buy and made it 4 months. And still rebounded. I think a low buy will take off some of the pressure, and I'm hoping it will make it easier to walk away--I can come back in a few days if I really still think I need it. Plus, I think the accountability of someone else doing it too can help.
Something I'm doing (started last week) is to send the item through the "gauntlet:" I have to be willing to give up 2 items I already own to get it, and if I'm OK with that, I have to be able to create at least 10 casual and 10 work outfits before I can buy it. I have a wardrobe app that makes the last part easier to check. I've tried this with 3 things so far and decided against all of them.
Congrats on the 4 month no buy!! I also think that a low buy will be more sustainable, and hopefully it's the thing that makes us feel more in control of our purchases. I love your idea of the "gauntlet" - can I share it in my next letter?
Of course! If it helps someone I'm all for it.
Love this idea!
Thanks, Suze!
Thanks for being honest about this! I’m probably doing a gentle no buy in January and seeing where that takes me. I feel like I’m consuming too much but I’m not sure restrictions is the way to go!
That sounds like a great idea! It's really hard to figure out what will work to slow down consumption. If you find it helpful, I'd love to hear about your experience at the end of January.
I hope I succeed!
You've got this 👊🏻
I’ve definitely felt the rebound after just a couple of mo months of not buying. Everything feels fresh and interesting or just “better” but eventually I got better at knowing when something was really too good to pass up. I think it takes a lot to write the posts we don’t want to write!
Yes, that's exactly how things felt to me too! And thanks for the encouragement - I'm really hoping that by writing the posts that I really don't want to write, it moves me closer to the person I want to be. Or maybe time will just do that.