No new clothes!
I am a big fan of Ginger Zee, America’s well-loved meteorologist on Good Morning America. She always looks great, and I admire her sense of style. As in, “Where’d she get that outfit?”
And then I discovered she tried a “no new clothes” challenge, where she pledged to not buy any new clothing for three months — not an easy feat for most women! Instead, she dug out old outfits she perhaps hadn’t worn in years, and if she did have the urge to buy something, she made sure it was secondhand clothing, either online or through a consignment shop. And she looked just as amazing every day in her recycled outfits!
I decided to try something similar — and right during the holiday season, when I didn’t exactly have tons of extra cash after all the gifts I bought!
I wondered if I could pull this off. No new clothes for three months?!
I am not a huge shopper and definitely not a “mall” person. So how hard could this challenge be? I enjoy a once-a-year trip to the outlets. And I certainly love some “me time” where I happen to stop by a Marshalls or TJ Maxx. But I’m also the type of person who might go gift shopping for others and somehow come home with stuff for myself. I am also a sucker for some of my favorite clothing brands when I get emails from them that scream of sales. 50% off markdowns! Delete. 30% off today only! Delete. Early Black Friday specials! Delete. Ugh, this was going to be hard. But I was up for the challenge.
Surprisingly, it has been a fun project to come up with new outfits from old clothes in my closet.
A challenge, if you will, to try to look professional for work every day with new pairings from my old clothes. A chance to explore my closet — and make it work better for me. I’ve discovered old pieces I forgot I had. I’ve found some pieces I really love. And I unearthed some items I wondered why I held on to for so long, like old dresses or shirts that had sentimental value but had served their purpose and could now move on to the donation pile.
I’ve read that we only wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time. And now I believe it!
During this challenge, I rediscovered my love for women’s consignment shops! Compliments in Salem is one of my favorites. I also love Revolve Boutique (Belmont, Winchester, Newton, Boston) and Raspberry Beret in Cambridge. I didn’t feel guilty at all shopping in a consignment shop, knowing I could pick up a cute dress or top without having to spend a lot. And technically, it doesn’t count as “new” clothing, so I didn’t break my rule.
Maybe you think the “no new clothes” challenge would be easy for you. Or maybe it would really stretch you. Either way, I say give it a try! You might be surprised at how eye-opening it can be. Your bank account and your closet will thank you for it!
