I've unintentionally ended up doing a low-buy this year - I had bigger financial goals this year (paying off student loans and saving up for a wedding) and what has helped me immensely is putting money into savings accounts or payments right away to have less "fun money" to spend each month. Then, before I purchase an item, I think - "do I need this right now OR would it be better to put this cash towards either of those goals"?
It feels AWFUL but I usually choose my financial goals and I did actually manage to pay off my student loans which has felt AMAZING. I purchased a pair of Adidas Sambas (sneakers are the most worn item in my closet and I've already worn these many times) and a couple of Everlane tshirts that serve as workhorses for my casual work from home life.
I'm really excited to be finished with my saving up for my wedding and build back a sizable emergency fund (it's current at the bare minimum), and ultimately have more money to spend on fun things again! I don't want to go back to where I was though - somewhere in between would be perfect, where I'm thinking about purchases and being mindful, but not necessarily feeling like I'm always saying no to everything. Thanks for sharing!
Congrats on paying off your loans, what an amazing feeling it must be! I admire your discipline. Managing money has been a big part of making my low-buy work too...I cut my spending because I earn less now and am saving to further my studies next year, and not having the same amount of disposable income is quite clarifying - it makes it really obvious what's worth buying and what isn't.
Such a thoughtful and well-articulated post! I, too, have been spending a lot of time reflecting on my past and present shopping behaviours.
On the topic of body changes, I made quite a few wardrobe additions in April after realizing that many of my spring/summer staples no longer fit. I'm happy with my purchases, but it did make me feel a bit sick to be consuming so many things in rapid succession - even though none of it was frivolous and I'm still within the 5-new-5-preloved limit I set for myself. I've also been analyzing all my clothing purchases from the past 5 years, reflecting on why they worked or (more frequently) why they did not. The numbers are truly sobering. While I'm trying to take a positive, open-minded approach to the Rule of 5, I do feel a lot of anxiety about falling off the wagon and relapsing into old patterns. It's interesting that even when you appear to be succeeding at shopping less on the surface, there can be a lot going on mentally, behind the scenes.
That Derek Guy quote is so good! I used to think that a lack of money was getting in the way of my attaining my dream wardrobe. But now I recognize that having budget constraints is a huge part of what makes my style what it is. That I should embrace and own it, instead of thinking about my current clothes as temporary placeholders for when I get the next pay bump - this mentality was most evident when I was in university, inhaling fast fashion on a paltry research assistant income.
Good luck with the rest of the year and looking forward to your next update. :)
Thank you! The last time I felt so emotional about material things was when I was packing up to move to Melbourne and confronted by years of things I'd accumulated. Just last week I was feeling disappointed that I had so few clothes over 5 years old in regular rotation, even though there was no way I could fit into my older clothes. I think I've slowly become more circumspect and the emotional bit has gotten easier to deal with, and now I see these moments as thought exercises and I even enjoy them a little bit...
Lin this post should be required reading for those embarking on low buys because your point about being in a place where there is a good wardrobe foundation (that means different things for different people) is super important. I feel way more capable of participating in certain “shopping challenges” because I feel like my bases are covered. Thanks for sharing!!
This is an excellent point, Lin, that embarking on a Rule of Five works particularly well for anyone who already has a foundation of basics and favorites. It would be hard to commit for years to clothing without having had room for trial and error, for experimentation. Rule of Five is working for me because last year I bought more than five basics and my needs are few right now. I can pretty safely predict what I’ll wear for a few years or until they wear out. That’s due to my age and lifestyle whereas my inspirations evolved faster when younger and living different life chapters, which would be the case for many people.
It’s really interesting to be able to read deep dives into someone else’s thoughts on their wardrobes, personal style, ethics, and budget, etc. Thanks for being so open and sharing publicly in your writing! ♥️
I really relate to seeing reducing shopping as a lifetime endeavor, one to try to improve but not expect perfection. I’ve seen the number of items I buy each year go (mostly) down, so I can see improvement even if I still feel like I buy/have more than I need! Some people seem able to stop shopping cold (see: Ann Patchett) but I think that’s not the way for most of us.
I love the way Ann Patchett wrote about her year of no shopping and I reread sometimes just to get myself in the headspace of why do it at all, even though like you, I don't think I could take the same approach. I've been trying to shop less (or not at all) for years and it took many years of false starts before I started to feel any real shift in how I receive things and the consumption of things.
Same! She writes so well on the subject. But it has taken me years to really be able to act on my desire to consume less, also. It’s different knowing something with your head vs your heart. It takes more experience.
I'm also 3/5 on this year's Rule of Five - two dresses, one blouse, all three of them pink! I think I'll wait until the end of the year to do my roundup, but I've really enjoyed getting a mid-year glimpse at yours.
(Also, that Derek Guy tweet is the realest thing.)
Derek Guy has a real gift for framing things in a very simple way! I think of that tweet at least once a week when I see the prices of things (including non-fashion items) in shops or online.
Hope you're enjoying your new pieces! I really wonder how I will do the rest of the year...I usually feel like shopping more in the second half of the year as my resolve flags. Fingers crossed!
I think I'll be alright for the summer, although I seem to be wearing shorts all the time and may find myself needing another pair as heatwave season looms. But autumn... that's always a tempting time!
I’ve reached 4 for new and 2 for used purchases this year, and also have been surprised by half of the items being pink since I mostly wear dark colors. In thinking on it, it’s probably because pink is an optimistic color and I’m drawn right now to clothes that are texturally very soft, comforting, encouraging even. Looking forward to your year end round up and thoughts on what you chose!
Your Dries dress is nicely scored, Lin! Having moved from a hot and humid city to a mostly cold and rainy country months ago, I too, need a revamped wardrobe adding in more climate appropriated pieces without sacrificing my style... which is unexpectedly hard for a cold person who also would sacrifice style for warmth (thanks to Raynaud's). Love your idea of having a precise shopping plan and crossing out ones that you achieved! Perhaps I should do the same before impulsive (sale) purchases these months before the next winter hits...
I went from owning maybe 7 pairs of socks to 20 pairs... the amount of clothing I had to buy in the last two years still astonishes me! And I feel you about not wanting to sacrificing style...I used to get into a bad mood because my unstylish puffer jacket (the only warm jacket I owned back then) ruined all my outfits. I'm slightly embarrassed by how bratty that sounds but I think we're all allowed to pout about the small things, whatever that thing might be.
Thank you for publishing this thoughtful essay. Three years ago I had a major body composition shift which required a sweeping new wardrobe. Three years and all classic staples are secured. Far more than is necessary actually. Shopping through catastrophic heath challenges and the accompanying depression led to closets packed to capacity with enough "investment" pieces to build half a dozen seasonal wardrobes. Needless to say as I read Out of the Bag, Of a Certain Vintage, and Unflattering newsletters I'm coming to realize that what I'm experiencing is a kind of __________: eloquently adorning a body that cannot be healed. Since January I have purchased 13 new items - three dresses, three skirts, one blouse, three trousers, three pair of mules. I have worn them all on numerous occasions to the exclusion of several pieces from three years previous. At this rate I may find myself decluttering perfectly good clothing simply for wont of closet space to house the next installment of eye candy. Hence, I too will approach the remainder of the year shopping intentionally. Will my ceiling be five items? Seven? Two? All I know is that 13 additions to my wardrobe did not buy me a sustainable dopamine high. That is not a gift clothes can give.
Thank you for leaving such a thoughtful comment! I too, feel that I have enough "investment" pieces for several lifetimes over, and yet I never stop wanting. I'm not sure what the answer is really, but I know that if I don't slow down my shopping, I will never find out what the answer is! It certainly helps to read other people's sharing and know that I am not alone ❤️
Thanks for sharing your reflections. I had all intentions of doing Ro5 this year - but I've failed (just wanna be honest, in case there's anyone else like me?). I've bought 10 pieces. Even worse, it was mostly at Zara (!!!!).
Now to be kind to myself. MOST of these were considered (ie, I need sandals). I would say 3 were truly impulse purchases. I recognize and own it and I definitely can identify the "mood" that led me there.
Second, I'm making an effort to WEAR the shit out of these purchases. Even the impulse ones (yes, I will be wearing this assymetric blouse to school pickup OKAY?) I will put these items to the damn test and I will not be wearing them only seven times or whatever that Zara stat is.
And...I'll begin again, aiming to not buy as long as possible.
Good on you for being kind to yourself. Going on a no/low-buy can turn into an emotional pit of shame that's disproportional to the problem we're trying to address. No one needs that! I think even with what seem like "regret" purchases, it's better to let them sink in and wear the hell out of it before drawing conclusions; if it teaches us something about what we like or don't like, it wasn't a totally wasted effort.
You’ve done brilliantly - not buying and buying. The dress is sublime. Thank you for this. I took notes. My own rule of 5 pure chaos, as ever, but less chaotic that before so onward.
Thank you...but what's really a struggle for me is the eternal wanting and wanting! It's better now than before but I'm always staggered when I look at my own wishlist. How is it possible I found the time to want so many things?!
All the best as we march on! There's a certain satisfaction in trying even if we don't manage to stick strictly to the rules of the challenge...
As always -- great writing, and I have so many thoughts!
What resonated with me in particular is the part where you talk about being happy with the clothes you already have. This shouldn't be rocket science but it's so much easier to not consider buying stuff all the time when you already have great stuff in the closet! This made me think about something Derek Guy wrote somewhere (probably Put This On) that it takes 5-7 years to build a wardrobe. I feel like I'm finally starting to see the light in how this is done. Like you wrote, we need to do some serious thinking and also a fair bit of shopping to figure out what works and what doesn't.
You're doing so well on your ROF! Congrats! I've bought my fair share of things (but a lot less than usual) this year, all second hand. Apart from the two Thomas Pink cotton shirts that I bought because they cost 5 euros a piece at the thrift store I haven't regretted any of my purchases. Well, maybe I regret buying a red Pleats Please cardigan because I got blinded by the brand and I didn't think whether I could actually style it or not. Oh well. For the most part it's been a good year.
5 to 7 years to build a wardrobe -- that sounds eerily accurate in my experience! My biggest struggle in the last 5 years was body size fluctuations and that alone took ages for me to figure out what were the best pieces to buy to accommodate that...not to mention a lot of trial and error.
Glad to know you're feeling good about your buys this year so far! I just started wearing the items I sort of regretted buying last year and you know what, they're not so bad...it seems like if the item itself was pretty decent in the first place (well made, well designed), there's a chance it might work out in time, haha.
I have the coat version of the Dries dress, and it’s one of the most special pieces in my closet. I’ve never tired of it through the years and always receive compliments when I wear it. Think you made a wise choice!
That dress is beautiful! I am also doing ROF and I have also bought three things so far! So now I’m on a freeze, with a little help from rented clothing .. we’ve got this!
Such a well articulated post. I wish all the shopping writing that I once consumed as a "child", had this nuance and kindness to the self/to the endeavor. It would have helped me pace myself better over the years and not do crash diets. I particularly enjoyed your break down on the considered purchase. Reminded me of Dead Fleurette, the blogger.
I've been very inspired by your reflections over the years, so I think there was plenty of nuance there! I've noticed that I am less hard on myself as I get older...I think I just don't have the energy to endlessly self-castigate anymore!
The Dries dress is so beautiful. Definitely worth the one of five status. If you resell the second sweater, does that open up a spot in your five for the year?
Hmm you know I haven't thought about it. I suppose it could, since the jumper was secondhand to begin with! I'll mull on it...but I'm happy to keep it on the list even if I go beyond my five, for the sake for accounting for my buying behaviours.
I've unintentionally ended up doing a low-buy this year - I had bigger financial goals this year (paying off student loans and saving up for a wedding) and what has helped me immensely is putting money into savings accounts or payments right away to have less "fun money" to spend each month. Then, before I purchase an item, I think - "do I need this right now OR would it be better to put this cash towards either of those goals"?
It feels AWFUL but I usually choose my financial goals and I did actually manage to pay off my student loans which has felt AMAZING. I purchased a pair of Adidas Sambas (sneakers are the most worn item in my closet and I've already worn these many times) and a couple of Everlane tshirts that serve as workhorses for my casual work from home life.
I'm really excited to be finished with my saving up for my wedding and build back a sizable emergency fund (it's current at the bare minimum), and ultimately have more money to spend on fun things again! I don't want to go back to where I was though - somewhere in between would be perfect, where I'm thinking about purchases and being mindful, but not necessarily feeling like I'm always saying no to everything. Thanks for sharing!
Congrats on paying off your loans, what an amazing feeling it must be! I admire your discipline. Managing money has been a big part of making my low-buy work too...I cut my spending because I earn less now and am saving to further my studies next year, and not having the same amount of disposable income is quite clarifying - it makes it really obvious what's worth buying and what isn't.
Thank you! And likewise, so disciplined to think ahead and save up for future expenses on studies!!
Such a thoughtful and well-articulated post! I, too, have been spending a lot of time reflecting on my past and present shopping behaviours.
On the topic of body changes, I made quite a few wardrobe additions in April after realizing that many of my spring/summer staples no longer fit. I'm happy with my purchases, but it did make me feel a bit sick to be consuming so many things in rapid succession - even though none of it was frivolous and I'm still within the 5-new-5-preloved limit I set for myself. I've also been analyzing all my clothing purchases from the past 5 years, reflecting on why they worked or (more frequently) why they did not. The numbers are truly sobering. While I'm trying to take a positive, open-minded approach to the Rule of 5, I do feel a lot of anxiety about falling off the wagon and relapsing into old patterns. It's interesting that even when you appear to be succeeding at shopping less on the surface, there can be a lot going on mentally, behind the scenes.
That Derek Guy quote is so good! I used to think that a lack of money was getting in the way of my attaining my dream wardrobe. But now I recognize that having budget constraints is a huge part of what makes my style what it is. That I should embrace and own it, instead of thinking about my current clothes as temporary placeholders for when I get the next pay bump - this mentality was most evident when I was in university, inhaling fast fashion on a paltry research assistant income.
Good luck with the rest of the year and looking forward to your next update. :)
Thank you! The last time I felt so emotional about material things was when I was packing up to move to Melbourne and confronted by years of things I'd accumulated. Just last week I was feeling disappointed that I had so few clothes over 5 years old in regular rotation, even though there was no way I could fit into my older clothes. I think I've slowly become more circumspect and the emotional bit has gotten easier to deal with, and now I see these moments as thought exercises and I even enjoy them a little bit...
Lin this post should be required reading for those embarking on low buys because your point about being in a place where there is a good wardrobe foundation (that means different things for different people) is super important. I feel way more capable of participating in certain “shopping challenges” because I feel like my bases are covered. Thanks for sharing!!
This is an excellent point, Lin, that embarking on a Rule of Five works particularly well for anyone who already has a foundation of basics and favorites. It would be hard to commit for years to clothing without having had room for trial and error, for experimentation. Rule of Five is working for me because last year I bought more than five basics and my needs are few right now. I can pretty safely predict what I’ll wear for a few years or until they wear out. That’s due to my age and lifestyle whereas my inspirations evolved faster when younger and living different life chapters, which would be the case for many people.
It’s really interesting to be able to read deep dives into someone else’s thoughts on their wardrobes, personal style, ethics, and budget, etc. Thanks for being so open and sharing publicly in your writing! ♥️
I really relate to seeing reducing shopping as a lifetime endeavor, one to try to improve but not expect perfection. I’ve seen the number of items I buy each year go (mostly) down, so I can see improvement even if I still feel like I buy/have more than I need! Some people seem able to stop shopping cold (see: Ann Patchett) but I think that’s not the way for most of us.
I love the way Ann Patchett wrote about her year of no shopping and I reread sometimes just to get myself in the headspace of why do it at all, even though like you, I don't think I could take the same approach. I've been trying to shop less (or not at all) for years and it took many years of false starts before I started to feel any real shift in how I receive things and the consumption of things.
Same! She writes so well on the subject. But it has taken me years to really be able to act on my desire to consume less, also. It’s different knowing something with your head vs your heart. It takes more experience.
That's a lovely dress! 🖤
I'm also 3/5 on this year's Rule of Five - two dresses, one blouse, all three of them pink! I think I'll wait until the end of the year to do my roundup, but I've really enjoyed getting a mid-year glimpse at yours.
(Also, that Derek Guy tweet is the realest thing.)
Derek Guy has a real gift for framing things in a very simple way! I think of that tweet at least once a week when I see the prices of things (including non-fashion items) in shops or online.
Hope you're enjoying your new pieces! I really wonder how I will do the rest of the year...I usually feel like shopping more in the second half of the year as my resolve flags. Fingers crossed!
I think I'll be alright for the summer, although I seem to be wearing shorts all the time and may find myself needing another pair as heatwave season looms. But autumn... that's always a tempting time!
I’ve reached 4 for new and 2 for used purchases this year, and also have been surprised by half of the items being pink since I mostly wear dark colors. In thinking on it, it’s probably because pink is an optimistic color and I’m drawn right now to clothes that are texturally very soft, comforting, encouraging even. Looking forward to your year end round up and thoughts on what you chose!
Pink is an optimistic colour, isn't it! I didn’t consciously choose to invest in just pink things this year so far, but I'm quite pleased about it.
Your Dries dress is nicely scored, Lin! Having moved from a hot and humid city to a mostly cold and rainy country months ago, I too, need a revamped wardrobe adding in more climate appropriated pieces without sacrificing my style... which is unexpectedly hard for a cold person who also would sacrifice style for warmth (thanks to Raynaud's). Love your idea of having a precise shopping plan and crossing out ones that you achieved! Perhaps I should do the same before impulsive (sale) purchases these months before the next winter hits...
I went from owning maybe 7 pairs of socks to 20 pairs... the amount of clothing I had to buy in the last two years still astonishes me! And I feel you about not wanting to sacrificing style...I used to get into a bad mood because my unstylish puffer jacket (the only warm jacket I owned back then) ruined all my outfits. I'm slightly embarrassed by how bratty that sounds but I think we're all allowed to pout about the small things, whatever that thing might be.
Thank you for publishing this thoughtful essay. Three years ago I had a major body composition shift which required a sweeping new wardrobe. Three years and all classic staples are secured. Far more than is necessary actually. Shopping through catastrophic heath challenges and the accompanying depression led to closets packed to capacity with enough "investment" pieces to build half a dozen seasonal wardrobes. Needless to say as I read Out of the Bag, Of a Certain Vintage, and Unflattering newsletters I'm coming to realize that what I'm experiencing is a kind of __________: eloquently adorning a body that cannot be healed. Since January I have purchased 13 new items - three dresses, three skirts, one blouse, three trousers, three pair of mules. I have worn them all on numerous occasions to the exclusion of several pieces from three years previous. At this rate I may find myself decluttering perfectly good clothing simply for wont of closet space to house the next installment of eye candy. Hence, I too will approach the remainder of the year shopping intentionally. Will my ceiling be five items? Seven? Two? All I know is that 13 additions to my wardrobe did not buy me a sustainable dopamine high. That is not a gift clothes can give.
Thank you for leaving such a thoughtful comment! I too, feel that I have enough "investment" pieces for several lifetimes over, and yet I never stop wanting. I'm not sure what the answer is really, but I know that if I don't slow down my shopping, I will never find out what the answer is! It certainly helps to read other people's sharing and know that I am not alone ❤️
Thanks for sharing your reflections. I had all intentions of doing Ro5 this year - but I've failed (just wanna be honest, in case there's anyone else like me?). I've bought 10 pieces. Even worse, it was mostly at Zara (!!!!).
Now to be kind to myself. MOST of these were considered (ie, I need sandals). I would say 3 were truly impulse purchases. I recognize and own it and I definitely can identify the "mood" that led me there.
Second, I'm making an effort to WEAR the shit out of these purchases. Even the impulse ones (yes, I will be wearing this assymetric blouse to school pickup OKAY?) I will put these items to the damn test and I will not be wearing them only seven times or whatever that Zara stat is.
And...I'll begin again, aiming to not buy as long as possible.
Good on you for being kind to yourself. Going on a no/low-buy can turn into an emotional pit of shame that's disproportional to the problem we're trying to address. No one needs that! I think even with what seem like "regret" purchases, it's better to let them sink in and wear the hell out of it before drawing conclusions; if it teaches us something about what we like or don't like, it wasn't a totally wasted effort.
You’ve done brilliantly - not buying and buying. The dress is sublime. Thank you for this. I took notes. My own rule of 5 pure chaos, as ever, but less chaotic that before so onward.
Thank you...but what's really a struggle for me is the eternal wanting and wanting! It's better now than before but I'm always staggered when I look at my own wishlist. How is it possible I found the time to want so many things?!
All the best as we march on! There's a certain satisfaction in trying even if we don't manage to stick strictly to the rules of the challenge...
As always -- great writing, and I have so many thoughts!
What resonated with me in particular is the part where you talk about being happy with the clothes you already have. This shouldn't be rocket science but it's so much easier to not consider buying stuff all the time when you already have great stuff in the closet! This made me think about something Derek Guy wrote somewhere (probably Put This On) that it takes 5-7 years to build a wardrobe. I feel like I'm finally starting to see the light in how this is done. Like you wrote, we need to do some serious thinking and also a fair bit of shopping to figure out what works and what doesn't.
You're doing so well on your ROF! Congrats! I've bought my fair share of things (but a lot less than usual) this year, all second hand. Apart from the two Thomas Pink cotton shirts that I bought because they cost 5 euros a piece at the thrift store I haven't regretted any of my purchases. Well, maybe I regret buying a red Pleats Please cardigan because I got blinded by the brand and I didn't think whether I could actually style it or not. Oh well. For the most part it's been a good year.
5 to 7 years to build a wardrobe -- that sounds eerily accurate in my experience! My biggest struggle in the last 5 years was body size fluctuations and that alone took ages for me to figure out what were the best pieces to buy to accommodate that...not to mention a lot of trial and error.
Glad to know you're feeling good about your buys this year so far! I just started wearing the items I sort of regretted buying last year and you know what, they're not so bad...it seems like if the item itself was pretty decent in the first place (well made, well designed), there's a chance it might work out in time, haha.
I have the coat version of the Dries dress, and it’s one of the most special pieces in my closet. I’ve never tired of it through the years and always receive compliments when I wear it. Think you made a wise choice!
Thank you! I decided to wear it again today :)
That dress is beautiful! I am also doing ROF and I have also bought three things so far! So now I’m on a freeze, with a little help from rented clothing .. we’ve got this!
Thank you! Renting seems like a good option, especially for occasion wear or trying new styles/brands before committing. Glad it's working for you!
Such a well articulated post. I wish all the shopping writing that I once consumed as a "child", had this nuance and kindness to the self/to the endeavor. It would have helped me pace myself better over the years and not do crash diets. I particularly enjoyed your break down on the considered purchase. Reminded me of Dead Fleurette, the blogger.
I've been very inspired by your reflections over the years, so I think there was plenty of nuance there! I've noticed that I am less hard on myself as I get older...I think I just don't have the energy to endlessly self-castigate anymore!
Dead Fleurette--the OG ❤️
The Dries dress is so beautiful. Definitely worth the one of five status. If you resell the second sweater, does that open up a spot in your five for the year?
Hmm you know I haven't thought about it. I suppose it could, since the jumper was secondhand to begin with! I'll mull on it...but I'm happy to keep it on the list even if I go beyond my five, for the sake for accounting for my buying behaviours.
That Dries video is enthralling and illuminating. Thanks for sharing it!
No problem! I wish there were more of such videos.