These days, with everyone sharing everything, it feels like it’s not okay to wear the same outfit twice. We think we always need to buy something new because we hardly ever see anyone repeating their outfits. While some Instagrammers and bloggers mix old pieces with new ones, it still seems like they’re always showcasing a fresh look.
As a blogger, I definitely feel the pressure to always come up with something new, to wear the latest trends, and to keep entertaining you with the newest styles. But honestly, I don’t enjoy this constant chase for new clothes. It’s gotten out of hand how much cheap clothing we buy and how much of it just sits unworn in our closets. I want to do more with less.
It’s quite a challenge for someone like me who loves trendy new things and gets easily bored with their clothes. But it’s a challenge I’m willing to take on. Since I left New York, I haven’t bought any new clothes and have been rewearing my existing outfits. I’m also pushing myself to be more creative with the clothes I already own.
Here are some tips I’ve found helpful to do more with less and to be happy with the clothes you already have.
1. Don’t Shop
This might seem obvious but it’s the most effective. Did you know some women buy outfits just to go shopping in? If you don’t go shopping, you won’t feel the need to buy new clothes.
2. Know Your Style
When you know your style, you make better choices and end up happier with your clothes for longer periods. Many of my style students find that they buy fewer clothes but love and wear what they do buy more often. I know red and asymmetrical tops look good on me, so I stick with those.
3. Know Your Uniform
Having a ‘uniform’ or a go-to outfit formula really helps. For me, it’s cropped skinny pants with a special top, either asymmetrical or with a beautiful print. I don’t need much else to look good.
4. Have Good Basics
Build a strong foundation for your wardrobe with good basics. A few good white pants, jeans, black pants, and versatile tops in colors like white and red can be mixed and matched to create many outfits.
5. Use Accessories
Accessories can make even the simplest outfits more interesting. A good collection of necklaces or earrings can help you create different looks with the same outfit.
6. Find a Passion Project
When I moved to Singapore and had a lot of free time, I ended up shopping a lot. But now, I keep myself busy with work and other projects I love, which leaves me little time to shop.
If you’re still not convinced, here are some benefits of doing more with less:
– Save money and spend it on experiences instead.
– Easily find your clothes and make getting dressed in the morning a breeze.
– Buy less but better, and learn to truly love your clothes.
– Help the environment, as fast fashion is unsustainable.
– Manage your home more easily with fewer belongings.
– Feel less burdened and more free with less stuff.
Remember, looking good is about style, not the amount of clothes you own or always having the latest items. I’m not perfect and still have a lot of clothes, but I’m trying to do more with less. How about you?
