I’m sure people will have made new year's resolutions around shopping more consciously this year and for some this might be a completely new experience. Years ago I was a fashion addict with an overflowing wardrobe of fast fashion, now my shopping habits look very different but I didn’t get here overnight!
I tried lots of things like no-buy months and capsule wardrobe challenges but what actually worked for me was gradually changing my habits until they became second nature. So I’ve put together this easy step-by-step guide that you can follow all year round, to help you slowly (and hopefully permanently) start shopping more consciously.
Don’t think of this as something to be 100% achieved at the end of the year but steps to be practiced and repeated until you’re doing them without thinking.
Step 1: Buy Less (Jan - Mar)
We're starting small - focus on buying less than you would usually.
Tips:
Do a wardrobe clear out - remind yourself what’s in there.
Rewear your favourite items and notice how you feel in them.
Only buy something the 2nd or 3rd time you see it. Save it to a wishlist in between.
Don't shop online. Only shop in person.
Step 2: Buy Better (Apr - Jun)
Now you are buying less, focus on buying better.
Tips:
Better can mean lots of things - better quality, longer lasting, more ethical brands, more classic/timeless, less trend driven.
How will what you buy fit in to your wardrobe. Can you wear it 3 different ways? Will you wear it 30 times or more?
The aim here is to start valuing the things you bring into your home and making more conscious purchases. I would love to hear if this is something that you’re going to try in 2023! And if you’re already on the journey, this might serve as a handy refresher. Start at whichever step resonates.
Step 3: Shop secondhand (Jul - Sep)
Continue to buy less and better, but when you do buy something try to make it secondhand.
Tips:
Shopping secondhand takes a bit more time but hopefully at this point you have reduced some of the urgency you usually feel around shopping.
Try different platforms and see what resonates with you.
Pop into charity shops little and often and when you're not looking for anything in particular - there's less pressure to find something.
Step 4: Stick with it (Oct - Dec)
Focus on sticking to the good habits you created throughout the year.
Tips:
It's the most wonderful (and social) time of the year. Rent that outfit or borrow from a friend!
Try secondhand or homemade presents, Amazon-free shopping or buying from small brands and makers
Review your year, how did you do? Give yourself a pat on the back!
I would love to hear if this is something that you’re going to try in 2023! And if you’re already on the journey, this might serve as a handy refresher. Start at whichever step resonates.