From Wardrobe To Landfill: How to shop smarter

I recently did a seasonal shop for winter, adding a few key pieces to my wardrobe. This experience got me thinking about how we can shop more mindfully, avoiding the pitfalls of overconsumption and ensuring we stay in control of our spending. The stereotypical image of women as uncontrollable shoppers, like Carrie Bradshaw with her expensive shoes, doesn’t reflect the reality for most of us who live within our means. Here are some tips and tricks to help you shop smarter and more sustainably.

1. Evaluate Your Wardrobe

Before you hit the stores, take a good look at what you already have. If you’re like most Australians, you probably wear only 40% of your wardrobe. Go through your clothes, rediscover forgotten items, and assess what fits and what doesn’t. Create some space by culling pieces that no longer make you feel good. This step helps you identify what you truly need, making your shopping trips more focused and efficient.

2. Set a Budget

Budgeting is crucial for controlling your spending. Use a discretionary account, like the ones recommended in the Happy Money Journey books, and only put in the amount you’re willing to spend. This way, you avoid the regret of overspending and can enjoy your shopping trip without financial stress.

3. Shop Seasonally

Buy clothes that you need for the current season. Avoid the temptation of purchasing summer items during winter sales. These off-season buys often end up unworn because they’re no longer appealing or don’t fit your style when the season changes. Stick to buying what you need now to ensure your wardrobe stays relevant and functional.

4. Price Match

When you find something you love, take a moment to price match online. You might find the same item cheaper elsewhere. Apps and websites make it easy to compare prices and ensure you’re getting the best deal. This small effort can lead to significant savings without compromising your shopping experience.

5. Shop Secondhand and Sustainably

Consider secondhand shops, samples, and seconds. Many secondhand stores offer high-quality, barely-worn items at a fraction of the price. This approach is not only budget-friendly but also environmentally conscious. When we buy less new clothing, we reduce the demand for fast fashion and its harmful environmental impacts.

6. Be Creative and Share

Explore creative ways to refresh your wardrobe. Clothes swaps with friends or attending markets and car boot sales can be fun and economical. Sharing clothes and finding unique pieces in unexpected places adds a personal touch to your style and helps keep textiles out of landfills.

TLDR

Know Your Wardrobe: Understand what you have and what you need.

Set a Budget: Limit your spending to avoid financial regret.

Shop Seasonally: Buy for the current season to ensure your purchases are worn.

Price Match: Look for the best deals to save money.

Shop Sustainably: Opt for secondhand and high-quality items to reduce environmental impact.

Be Creative: Embrace clothes swaps and secondhand finds to keep your style fresh.

Shopping mindfully is not just about saving money; it’s about making choices that reflect your values and lifestyle. Enjoy your shopping experience, and remember, it’s about making decisions that make you feel good in the long run. Happy shopping!

Acknowledgment: We acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of the land on which we live and work. We pay our respects to their ancestors and elders past, present, and emerging. We are grateful to live on this land and honor the traditions of storytelling and connection to the land.

Disclaimer: The advice in this blog is general and does not take into account individual needs and circumstances. Always consider the appropriateness of any advice to your personal situation and seek expert guidance before making financial decisions.