I Bought No Clothes For Two Years - Here's What I Learnt (Two Year Clothing No Buy / Clothes No Buy)

So for a period of 2 whole years I've bought absolutely no clothes - which for someone who loves clothes is probably not as easy as it might sound. But a clothing no buy has opened my eyes to some of my previous spending habits and by doing a two year long clothing no buy, I will probably change the way I shop forever.

Whilst buying no clothing, I also completed a no buy year or as some people call it, a no spend year and I've shared my experience on my channel. If you are looking to do a no buy year, or a smaller goal of a no buy month or a no spend month, be sure to check out my other videos as you may find tips and insights that might help you. Doing a no buy challenge or a no spend challenge isn't easy, and I don't recommend as a permanent lifestyle, but it certainly has its benefits. You might want to take a slightly less extreme approach and try a low buy year or a low buy month instead - you'll still find plenty of tips here on my channel.

Over the last few years, I've come to the realisation that whilst a certain level of material things do add to your life, more stuff will not necessarily make you happier. This realisation hit me when I looked around my home that was filled with stuff (so much so I felt I needed a bigger house) and couldn't say I was particularly happier than when I lived in Spain (in 2008) when everything I had with me fit in one large drawer and a very small wardrobe.

I discovered the Minimalism movement several years ago and whilst I wouldn’t say I’m a minimalist, and I will definitely never have the minimalism aesthetic; I have been implementing the ideas and concepts to my life whilst slowly decluttering (for example using things like cosmetics up etc rather than mass clearances to avoid throwing perfectly usable items away). However I’m a firm believer that the best way to declutter on a long term basis is to stop buying so much stuff.

These days I prefer to adopt a buy less, buy better approach, with a focus on quality over quantity, removing the clutter, and utilising my money in the best way possible.

SOURCES:

WHERE ELSE TO FIND ME:

MAKE UP WORN:
Tarte Clay Play Eyeshadow Palette
Too Faced Damn Girl Mascara
Freedom Brow Pomade (on its very last legs now!)
Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation
Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
Laura Mercier Translucent Powder
Nude By Nature Sheer Light Illuminator
Mac SkinFinish in Medium Deep (As Bronzer)
Zoeva Coral Spectrum Blush Palette
MAC Lipstick in Viva Glam II

NAILS:
Chanel Le Vernis Nail Polish in Washed Denim

CLOTHING:
Cardigan - Karen Millen but about 5 years old!

LIGHTING:
I use natural light (i.e. I sit in front of a window) supported by a ring light on darker days.

DISCLAIMER:
All products were purchased with my own money and this video is in no way sponsored. Should a video ever be sponsored, or should I receive goods for free to review I will always aim to disclose this either in the video or in the video description. My views will always remain honest and my own.
Items marked with an asterisk were received as a gift or as PR.
I do sometimes use affiliate links in my description, these links do not cost you any more to purchase, often you will receive a discount, but I may earn money from these links.

[jordanbelknap]

That is so impressive! When I was younger I definitely fell into the trap of buying stuff because I liked it, but was absolutely not my style. I accumulated so many clothes that I hardly ever wore. I've gotten much much better about that. I've adopted the rule that if I don't feel giddy thinking about using it or wearing it, I'm not buying it. So now I have a much more functional wardrobe! I do think I still buy a bit too much though. That's my next goal :)

[Sarah-qhdj]

I wish i could do this! I have developed an online shopping addiction throughout the pandemic. I know there's nothing i can order that will bring me happiness... but i keep testing the theory regardless 🙈 and as for makeup... i feel overwhelmed by my purchases.

[michmich]

I donated 90 % of my clothing kept 10% I had three double Z racks full of clothing Kept the racks to dry my laundry Now my clothing only cover one rack just half of the top only Everything is seasonal in the Summer it keeps me cool in the Winter I add layers My summer clothing can be worn all year round love it
Dresses, Skirts, Tops, Blazers, Lounge Clothes, PJ's etc
Going into my second year welcoming the minimalist life

[KirstyKirby]

Apologies for the changing lighting in this one - it started to rain whilst filming this!
P.S for those of you who have been with me for some time, I did do a similar video to this a year ago when I hadn't bought anything for a year (can you believe its been a year since then?!), but that video had sound and quality issues, so one year on I thought it was a great time to update this and delete the old one. Hope you can still take something positive from this video! xx

[papercuts]

You got me thinking I want to do a no buy next year in 2022.... considering it

[katch]

Another great video! I’ve stopped buying clothes, makeup and perfumes sometime last year. This year I only bought 4 pairs of shorts to wear at home and a pair of summer pants. I saved so much money for other things that I actually need - new camera and laptop. Would love to see more minimalism and declutter content

[lindseylee]

love your mentality!!! such an inspiration

[erikaneher]

Hi Kirsty, I've just found your channel and I love it. You are so inspiring, thank you xx

[rachelolivas]

I have not bought any new clothes for years I finally had to buy a few pieces but I'll tell you I only buy second hand because I just love it🥰

[cathrynsuarez]

Enjoyed your video, you speak a lot of sense. I bought things online recently because of lockdown and have found that by not trying things on in store I’ve kept things that I probably wouldn’t have bought.

[teeganegerton]

Just found your videos!! they are so helpful and inspiring thankyou!
I love all these conversations and thoughts!

[nellie]

Being from the USA, I had about 200 things and worn 10-20 regularly. I couldn’t go a week without washing because I would “have nothing to wear.” You really inspired me. I sold 90% on thred up and used the money to buy 2 Christy Dawn dresses. I haven’t bought anything since then. Now I have a special wardrobe that I love and no anxiety wondering what I’m going to wear.

[Theautisticwriter]

Really useful that find trends ever to expensive or boreding or both

[katefargo]

Very inspiring video. Loved to listen to your experiences. Maybe I‘ll give it a try too. Love from Germany 😀🌷🌞

[canta_toca_]

Very reasonable what you are saying in this video 👍! I do agree.

[yesimthatlisa]

I buy new jeans only when they wear out beyond fixing after I’ve mended them, it seems to be about every 5 years. I sew classic shape tops that I wear for about a decade straight. My grandma was all about having enough items that can be mixed and worn minimally so as not to have to wash them frequently. I think the only things I’ve purchased in the last year and a half have been replacement undergarments.

[aimietonsberg]

Great video.... Please film your wardrobe declutter and share - would love to see you working through your items and sharing wisdom and what to declutter and why. Thanks

[zaria]

I loved this and the bit of fact that only 54% of what we own doesn’t get worn. I can attest to that for sure. I packed away 2 boxes of clothes. And from what is in my closet I’ve decluttered multiple times throughout 2020. That was the goal. I did shop for undergarments and socks last summer (2020) only because I hadn’t purchased any in 3 years. As for clothing I waited until December 2020 and bought 1 pair of leggings, a classic white buttoned down long sleeve blouse and 1 pair of black winter boots, 2 pairs of running shoes (got them on sale) and a track suit (got on sale). That was it. No new makeup, skincare, shampoo/conditioner because I had enough and I had a pixie cut that’s been growing out so not much product is needed there. I did get a sunscreen though that I’ve almost completely used up.

But I did treat myself to new haircut in 2021, a nice shampoo for my scalp and some nice moisturizers and a couple tinted mineral sunscreens and then went completely mad and purchased 6 bottles of perfume. 😂

[ginahill]

I’ve just found your channel and am really enjoying your content! Would you be willing to do a video on your weight loss journey? I definitely bought less clothes and makeup over lockdown but did buy more stuff for the house and skincare!

[debbieelms-watkiss]

Another great video. I have a rule now that I have lost 27kgs and gone down three dress sizes. My rule helping me to declutter are any clothes 16-12 are out and any clothes I have in 10 -8 that aren't silk, cotton and merino are also out includes blends. I have replaced all my old clothes over the last 18months with near new clothes from Ebay and not really charity shops as they are full of fast fashion clothes now. I purchased these preowned items from selling my larger or items made from the Blends, viscose and other fast fashion fabrics as they itch my skin. Some fabrics are made part by using plastic bottles. I only have 4 pairs of shoes all leather and my Levi jeans and Jackets that I have had for over 10-20 years that have been well looked after and stood the test of time. I think people have to change their mindset, I have had the same mindset. for years, when I have been on holidays or just visiting friends and family and that is nobody really cares what you dress like. It's Also who cares if you have worn a dress twice in a week. dress it up or down to change the look. Its just madness as not a competition. I lost friends in my late teens and early twenties prior marriage as I didn't keep up with the "jones" so to speak. My attitude is we all are equal your clothes don't define you. People love or like you because of you and not what you wear. I came from 11 kids and was happy to just have hand me downs and a good meal each night. People have to control their own way of thinking. Maybe covit has been a reset for the world and people have gone back to the basics and the things in life that really matter to them. Only my opinion.