Yes, you read that right. Three months of no buying anything new from retailers. And before you call me crazy, I have a very valid reason for starting 2020 this way. At the end of last year I started really hitting the books when it came to sustainable wardrobe and fashion choices. This lead me to find some awesome bloggers to follow, like @WhatKateFinds, @stylethislife, @jessandkirby, and even a couple brands that have inspired me to live a Year of Less. With that mantra running through my head, I wanted to start 2020 off with an even bigger challenge than the Vetta Capsule 30 day challenge, read that here.
When it comes down to it, my wardrobe is right where I want it to be. Since about 2016, I have been working on finding and curating my closet to have a classic minimalist feel. Meaning my colors are fairly neutral, like white, grey, black, with pops of colors for the seasons. If you read my Winter Capsule post, you’ll see my pop of color this season is red! This seasons capsule I felt like I was able to hit all the necessary staple points that can easily translate from one occasion to the next. Plus, by creating a “recipe book” for my wardrobe, I am able to quickly and efficiently get ready on a day to day basis.
Ethics + Aesthetics = Sustainable Fashion
Florum Magazine
What is The Year of Less?
The Year of Less for me is a way to reduce my fashion consumer intake and only purchase on a need to replace basis. Think of it like buying food. When you meal prep and plan your meals on a weekly basis, you’re able to stay on a budget, feed and nourish your body accordingly, as well as make healthier choices on a daily basis. And sure you may go out to eat once or twice a week, but overall you have a plan for your food. BUT, when you don’t plan or have the proper nourishment on hand, or planned at all, you are more likely to make quick and rash decisions that ultimately will not nourish you properly.
Now take that same idea, and put clothing into the equation. When you plan and prepare your clothes by doing seasonal capsules, monthly 20×20 wardrobes, and closet report cards, you know what is in your wardrobe better! This means less spending and contributing to the 92 million pounds of fashion waste yearly. The year of less for me is a reminder that I have enough in my wardrobe to sustain me through the first quarter of the year.
Why not just limit your overall purchases?
While this is probably a “Why in God’s name would you do this” kind of challenge, I know my wardrobe is stable enough to last through the winter and Q1! With the creation of my Winter Capsule, that was me proving to myself that my closet can produce countless winter friendly looks with 20 staple pieces. Plus, this next 3 months will allow me to get very familiar with my current wardrobe. Especially as I start filling out my report card, that will also give me a list of the NEEDS in my wardrobe. Limiting purchases is a great start if you are new to the sustainable wardrobe life. However, I feel like I can really push to achieve this goal of 3 months no buys of new clothing!
There’s got to be a loophole in here somewhere…
And you are correct in the above question! As many of you guys know I constantly work with boutique brands on a monthly basis. SO, the 3 rules for my 3 months are as follows…
- Brands who send product/collaboration requests are exempt
- Thrifted, second hand, consignment, clothing swaps, and resale shops are exempt. As they are helping to close the fashion cycle and keep clothing out of landfills. Nothing “New” from big box stores or boutiques
- I have 2 wild cards. Meaning that if I find a “must have staple item” I am allowed to buy it. BUT I must swap that piece for something in my current wardrobe and donate it, swap it, or sell it.
Those are pretty basic rules, but overall I still think under the above short list of rules, it is going to be hard! Think about it, 3 months of nothing new. Could you do it? Let me know!
Let’s get it!
This year, I am pushing my wardrobe to its limit. This just means that I want to get to know my wardrobe a little better. Last year alone, I spent well into the 2k’s of clothing.. Granted, I did make sustainable choices like investing in two vetta capsules, spent more time thrifting, as well as started investigating sustainable clothing labels. But for me, I just haven’t taken the time to get to know my wardrobe as a young professional. And I think it’s time I finally met her!
What are your wardrobe goals for 2020?! Have you been following along with other sustainable fashion bloggers or brands? Let me know! To keep up to date with the 3 month no buy challenge journey subscribe to my newsletter, follow me instagram, and keep up to date with all things #DoItDenton on instagram and Facebook! As always, keep on smiling babes!
