Eight months ago, I made a goal for myself: I wouldn’t buy new clothes for an entire year.

How’s it going you ask? Well, while I haven’t totally kept my promise, I’ve only purchased six brand-new items. The rest? All consignment or thrifted or I simply didn’t buy. And honestly, it’s been the best decision.

When’s the last time you could truly identify each and every item you bought within an 8 month period?!

This shift didn’t start as a challenge or a sustainability campaign. It started with a book and a budgeting wake-up call.

I was reading “My Money, My Way” by Kumiko Love a practical and psychological guide to budgeting and understanding the deeper “why” behind your spending. It made me pause and ask: Why was I really buying so many clothes?

As I read, I couldn’t ignore some uncomfortable truths. Was I buying things to fit in with my friend group? Was I chasing trends because of social media pressure? Or was I simply stressed, unfulfilled, and reaching for the dopamine hit of a new outfit?

As a new mom with very little time for myself, few hobbies, and an overwhelming mental load, shopping became a quick escape a moment of control and excitement. But it was also fleeting. The clothes I bought didn’t always feel right. Mostly, I’d wear them once, and if I got a picture in the outfit, you could bet I wasn’t going to be seen wearing the same thing again.

Kumiko’s book helped me step back and start looking at the emotional motivations behind my spending. Per the books recommendation my husband and I began tracking expenses and setting boundaries around spending that aligned with our long-term goals not just our short-term moods. That clarity was freeing (more so for me who was the more emotional spender).

I realized most of my life didn’t require a rotating wardrobe. I work from home. I’m a mom of two. My days are spent in comfy, functional clothes not office attire or party dresses.

At the time, I was living in Austin, where the thrifting scene was abundant. I had already started dipping my toes into secondhand shopping, but this book gave it new meaning. Suddenly, it wasn’t just a fun treasure hunt. It became a reflection of something deeper.

Thrifting let me explore more meaningful shopping. It slows down the impulse. I take time to consider: Do I really want this? Do I need this? What purpose will it serve?

The results of these changes having been freeing and have bled into other areas of spending. Sorry Amazon.

With these changes, I’ve saved money. I’ve stopped impulse shopping. I feel more grounded in my personal style. And I’m more intentional with my purchases. Am I de-influencing you yet?!

By cutting out fast fashion, I’ve also cut out the pressure to constantly keep up. I no longer rent clothes and then feel the need to fill my week/weekend up with events where I can wear them (yes, I used to do that). I no longer chase trying to keep up with the influence aesthetic or buy the latest trends.

And surprisingly? I enjoy it. My closet may be a bit simpler. But my choices feel easier. My mind feels less chaotic, and my husband and bank account thank me.

So, if you’re curious about making a similar shift, here’s what helped me get started:

1. Audit your Spending

Download your credit card statements and look at how much you spend on clothes (or insert item or category of your choice here). Be honest with yourself. Are you shocked by the total? Are those purchases worth what they cost? Did those purchases fulfill whatever need you thought they might? (Hint: clothes most likely aren’t bringing more true joy into your life).

2. Get honest with yourself

Ask yourself why you shop. Keep digging until you hit something real. Do you shop when you’re anxious? Are you trying to keep up with the Jones? Are you craving connection or confidence? Do you feel you have expectations to live up to? These truths can be hard to face, but to make a lasting change you need to be real with yourself.

3. Make a budget but align it with your values

What do you want to spend money on and why? Maybe it’s travel, because you value family time or exploration of new cultures. Maybe you want to start a new tradition with your kids, or maybe you’re saving for a home or renovations because you value safety. Or maybe you just want to get out of debt because you value financial stability. Or you want start saving for retirement or your kids college because you value education and security.

Once you identify your values and long-term goals, it’s easier to cut back on instant gratification. And you’ll notice how quickly your budget gets allocated, leaving you with a potentially stark visual representation.

4. Hey Macklemore, Can We Go Thrift Shopping?

Check out your local thrift or consignment stores. The quality might surprise you. And the hunt can be fun. If you’re cleaning out your closet, consider consigning or donating to clear out clutter and make space.

Bonus game: The amount you make from consigning your current clothes is the only amount you can spend on consignment clothes. Net 0. Win. win.

5. A simple closet can = a more peaceful mind

Too many choices create mental noise. Fewer options = less stress. You don’t need a new outfit for every occasion. You need a few great pieces that feel like you.

What started as a journey to test my self-control and save money has been way more eye opening. It’s been about slowing down, understanding my own habits, and reclaiming control over my life and my future.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, overspent, or just over it all, pause before your next purchase and ask yourself: Why am I really buying this?

You might be surprised by the answer.