Sometime early last year, I was filling up yet another bag for the charity shop with an assortment of floral dresses I’d worn once, and looking at another Missguided order I couldn’t be bothered to return, and I realised I was doing it all wrong.
My fickle fashion habit was becoming impossible, and I knew I wanted to be one of those people that had less. I wanted every item I owned to spark joy (thanks Marie K), so I made a few changes.
This is how I got in to buying key pieces I love, and culled my big ol’ ASOS habit in the process…
No more wasteful purchases.
Although of course I still do 90% of my shopping on the high street, I’m no longer wasteful when it comes to my buys. This means no more panic orders, no more overly wacky items (okay, so the odd one slips through the net) and no more buying one-wear pieces for holidays and trips away.
I return everything I don’t love that same week, and I try to buy pieces that I know I’ll really, truly love. Less is absolutely more when it comes to my wardrobe – outfit planning and getting ready has become so much easier, and I can honestly say that I love everything I own!
Knowing where to spend money.
At one point, I would buy a random selection of seasonal trendy clothes on ASOS or whatever, for no particular reason. It was pretty pointless and I usually had no real attachment to them so they were soon shipped off to the charity shop.
These days, I much prefer to pick up a top from Whistles I know I’ll love for a few seasons, than a one-time buy from somewhere cheaper that just won’t last.
I’ve had to work on finding my style for this to really work, but I reckon it’s saved me a lot of money, and I feel better for it.
Research every big buy.
This is a big one for me, because I really don’t want to drop a few hundred (or more!) on something that won’t get a lot of use. I try and always do a bit of research before I buy something, no matter what the price.
Handbags are a good example of this – will it last or will I be over it in a few weeks? I put off buying the Chloe Faye bag for this reason, but after lusting over it for over a year, it had to be mine. As soon as I got it, I knew it was going to last me well.
I also try to think about cost per wear when it comes to pricey pieces too. The other day I gave away a ~£40 Topshop bag that I had used just once, meaning the cost per wear was £40.
On the other hand, I bought a Gucci Soho Disco bag for around £450 and I’ve used it probably three times a week since I bought it in January, so cost per wear (£450 / 50) is £9… and I expect I’ll keep this up for the rest of the year, meaning the CPW will only lower.
I used to buy a high street handbag a few times a month, but now I’ve got a few key designer bags, I never feel the need anymore.
Key fashion finds.
I’ve been working on building up a sort of capsule wardrobe of staple items – so a white tshirt that fits perfectly, a couple of pairs of jeans that never sag (before I would purchase Topshop Joni jeans on what felt like a weekly basis!), ankle boots that go with everything, a coat that won’t bobble after a day’s wear.
I’m having to really think about what I like, what cuts and materials suit my shape, and what brands are the best quality. It’s a bit of a lengthly process, but it means Hurricane Kate doesn’t appear every morning, waiting to tear through my wardrobe to find an outfit.
It’s a bit of a learning curve, but I’m getting there! I feel happier with my outfits, I feel confident in my purchases and my wardrobe is looking wonderful.
Are you thinking about investing in key pieces?
