New Clothing Is Out, Accessories Are In

Overconsumption is a common theme, I think we have all been hearing about over the past few years. Most of us are trying to be better about buying items we really use, quality over quantity. I know I have become more conscious over the years about what I really end up using, and the thing is: it's not a lot.

In the U.S., consumerism is a hard thing to avoid, especially when most of our media is absolutely filled with ads. These ads play on our mental health, preaching self-care, and as an anxiety-riddled nation, we buy into this notion that some new item will finally make us happy. It may, for a moment, until it eventually ends up in the trash heap, donation pile, or otherwise.

So, with that in mind, this year my focus more than ever is to simplify my life, my purchases, my finances, and hopefully make a difference in this over-consuming culture of ours.

For me, that started with taking every clothing item that I do not wear on a regular basis (some of which I haven't worn in years) to a resale outlet. Now, this may seem like we're taking a step back in terms of adding our old items to the pile of hypothetical items that end up in those landfills, and unfortunately, I am 100% sure that some of those items will eventually end up there one way or another.

Sadly, we all have to start this journey with a mind for what we really need to use at home, and clearing our closets can be the best way to avoid overconsumption in the future. We are simplifying our spaces and making the things we should be wearing more accessible.

I started this by getting rid of anything that did not fit, things that I had worn a couple of times, and knew I wouldn't end up wearing again, and items that were just too worn down from time.

Once I had filled my box, I went from the resale outlet and then on to Goodwill, so at least my items hopefully make it to someone who may want/need them. I am hopeful that I will find more sources to donate clothing or any other items early this year, as I have found that some smaller donation businesses may be a better provider to the community.

After I sold my clothes (19 items) at the resale outlet, I picked up a few gently used items with my credit that I knew would become key pieces in my closet. I focused on solid sweaters and pants that would pair well with just about anything, and comfort was also high on my list of priorities.

I came away with two sweaters, three pairs of leggings, and one pair of boots that were on the higher quality end of the spectrum. I want to buy pieces that will last as long as possible, and show little wear over time as well.

After I took the remaining pieces to a couple of other resale shops, I brought my remaining pieces to Goodwill. I estimate that I will go through this cycle one more time early on in the year, as I clean laundry and go through my remaining items.

At this point in my life, I am able to recognize what I actually end up wearing often, versus what items I see a couple of wears before ending up donated.

Once I have finished this process for the second time, I will be moving to figure out what key pieces I need to buy over the next year. These buys will not be immediate, as I anticipate any new items I get will be on the higher end of my budget at the moment, as once again, I will be looking for basic quality pieces that I will use from weekly to monthly.

The idea is for me to have pieces that go together in as many different combinations as possible, and will play on my creativity to create new outfits as needed.

As I simplify my outfits and my closet, there will be more of an emphasis on accessories and how they are changed around in my everyday wear. I believe that accessories, whether it be jewelry, scarves, or even makeup, can be a great way to personalize a basic outfit, and quality jewelry usually lasts longer than clothing may.

I anticipate that this will be a journey, getting away from an overconsumption mindset in a country that thrives on capitalist ideals is not an easy task. However, I know that my goal is to overall cut my spending, my footprint, and my overwhelm when it comes to everyday tasks such as picking out an outfit.

Clothing should make us feel good, and when you are too overwhelmed by your own clothing, it can make you feel as if you have much less clothing, leaving the "I have nothing to wear" thought to linger. Simplification is a great way to increase your options without overwhelming your brain on a daily basis.

I hope you found this article worthwhile and helpful. If you'd like to see the few items I got from the resale outlet, let me know down below. I can do a full haul once I do my second round of purging! Thanks for reading!

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