Low-Buy Year 2025 💵 (My Rules & Reasons Why?)

This year I am embarking on a low-buy year! Watch the video to find out why I feel as though I need to do a low-buy year, and what my rules are for the year.

I also share reasons why I will spend MORE in certain areas.

Are you doing a low-buy year too? 💰✨

00:00 intro
00:35 why a low-buy?
03:23 what I’m spending more on
05:32 my rules
09:07 brand partnerships

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[lindawright]

I'm also trying a low buy year but not limiting myself to a number of things, more strategic buying only. Having retired I have been enjoying revamping my clothing to suit my new lifestyle and how I want to present myself

[luluandmeow]

I'm happy with my style and wardrobe too. I am 58 and bought great clothes/footwear/accessories over the years, I buy something when I see it, not when I need it. I am not planning to buy much more in 2025, only if I see my dream blazer, that's the only item I really need. I don't want to use shopping to "reward" myself, I want to do that by going to a museum or a walk instead

[luluandmeow]

What a lovely family, hope you enjoyed Milan. Can you believe it that I used to study there but was so poor I never went into that beautiful cathedral? I live in London now but maybe one day I can go back and finally see it. Experiences are definitely on my top list too. In London most museums are free so no excuses in 2025, we are very lucky to have so many places to go to.

[sarahdoust]

I found you about 18 months ago, at a time when I was looking to find my style now that I'm retired. You are amazing, your thoughtful systematic way of tackling the aspects of life important to you is inspirational.
I've followed your wardrobe curation worksheets and am finally getting there. Having said that I have made as many errors as successes in buying clothes, so the idea of going lo-buy this year is really appealing, if a little scary. I'm going to give this video some thought and come up with my plan for 2025.... will keep you in the loop 😎💖😨

[Martina-quvc]

I really would also like to do a low buy year, but I am not sure if I really would be able to... 7 pieces a year are really a big limitation, and - also if I only make intentional shopping since a couple of years - it's still a great factor of fun and specially a way to express myself when buying new cloths and trying out new elements of style. For me it's something similar to "art": putting on clothes can be so much more than just wearing things ... I mean it's such a great way to express ourselfs and also a way to feel good or at least better when things around are not that perfect...
However, my goal is it - like yours - to make no impulse purchases (exept maybe on holidays 😉) and to shop as little as possible.
I love your styling videos where you show your own outfit combinations, because I really like your style. I get so much inspiration out of it! Please keep on going with these kind of videos!

[harperfamilylife]

I have decided to do a low buy in 2025 as I did a declutter at the end of December.
I am very happy with my wardrobe but I do have an eye on upgrading a few items this year. My limit is 12 new to me high quality items for the year for clothes, bags, shoes and jewellery. I could technically buy these at the beginning of the year but I am focusing on getting the best items I can get that I think will last in my wardrobe for as long as possible. This will probably look like 3 items per season and if it's jewelry I will only get solid gold so I can hand them down to my girls eventually.

[melissaschloneger]

The biggest things I have done to reign in purchases are to:

Not eat fast food unless no other options (away from home and no grocery store close by)

Not go out to restaurants unless it is for special occasions

Clothing purchases that have a goal for my wardrobe and start at secondhand stores. The last outing I did cost 100$ for 5 dress button down shirts, a purse, two scarves, a pair of boots, and a jacket. They all fit really well, so I was beyond happy.

But, were these things needed? Maybe. I then start to think, if something is 1$ or 5$, is it truly worth buying? I mean thats the psychology of the store 5 Below…cheap things that seem affordable.

So I need to pay attention to bringing quality into my life, not just quantity.

[chrystinekeener]

I'd love to see an updated skincare/makeup video. Your skin is glowing!

[luluandmeow]

It's my aim for 2024 because I am not keen on many of the new trends and I also have enough beautiful pieces in my wardrobe. I need to wear more what I already have, and spent good money on.

[gillsimpson]

Such an interesting video. Thank you.
I am a very young 68 and love fashion etc but after having a massive declutter in all areas of my life I have decided to try and be intentional with my spending.
My husband and I were very good savers throughout our lives and are now in a position where we don't have to worry about buying whatever we want. But that is the danger. It's so easy to buy in excess and very much impulse buying.
I've decided to spend on travel and health and may look at only buying a certain amount of clothing.
Can I ask how you decided on 7 items of clothing.
Thanks xx

[dstern]

I enjoyed watching this video and I like how you make intentional decisions. I never thought of taking a year to focus on just one thing such as my health and wellbeing or finances. I like that and I might try the same. I like the videos where you take a few pieces and turn them into different outfits. I live in Canada so some of the brands you have access to, I will not have, but I still enjoy seeing how you put outfits together. I would love to see more ideas on how accessory pieces can change an outfit. Thanks and Happy New Year! 😊🇨🇦

[TinaKhan-yybk]

Thanks Emily for a refreshingly honest and helpful video on approaching a low buy year which I am also pursuing. I’ve just moved house and have been appalled at how much I accumulated over the past 15 years in my last home which gave me a wake-up call on this issue and your content and philosophy on conscious consumption and wellbeing is truly inspiring and encouraging. Happy New Year and best wishes, Tina

[Myaussiehome]

As a single Mum I am baking lots of things like scones and pancakes this month to start the year on a frugal note! A friend gave us some eggs from their farm for Christmas so we are using them up with flour rather than packet mixes.

[Nina_Polakova]

Thank you for making these videos, I enjoy them very much!
I would love to see a video from you with an overview of sustainable (and affordable) brands. You already introduced me to some and I keep finding more, but I wonder how many are there still, I have no idea about.
Thank you and happy new year!

[TColoradoF]

I am also aiming for a low buy, as I made some really good wardrobe purchases in 2024 (new and second hand). My focus now is accessories only as I build those around my needs. I keep reminding myself that I have enough, and to limit my buying, I will limit my wish listing. That’s where I find myself buying unexpectedly, from lists I’ve already created. I have gotten some great items. I just need to really wear/use them now and focus less on acquisition! It can be hard though when bright, shiny things are everywhere. 😊

[rebecca-]

Thank you for this video! I had never heard of a “low buy” year, but it makes sense. How did you come up with 7 items? You just liked the number, or are there 7 things on your wish list that you really would love to add to your wardrobe? And thank you for reminding me that I was intending to make 2025 my finance knowledge year too!! The holidays were soooo busy and starting a new job has been so stressful that I completely forgot about this!!! You got me back on track! What will you be doing? I am trying to read a finance book every 2 months, listen to more women and money podcasts, and of course track my spending and work more consistently on my savings plans. Have a great new year!! 😊

[lisa-janeomalley]

I recently started a new job in retail clothing so it is going to be a struggle to remain strict about what I buy. I actually work for a brand I wear in my off duty wardrobe and have done so for years. I think if I stick to the timeless classic pieces they sell I will be able to avoid "one season" purchases

[leastidyworld]

Lovely video. I started a Clothes No Buy Quarter on the first of this month, and so far I haven’t caved in to buying clothes.

[suzanschneider]

Ideas for videos: in depth defining of Low Buy for different circumstances. Yours was really good, Emily.
Is one season more predominant than others where you live? How to build, but not over-build for that season. And be satisfied for MANY months.
Boredom- Train the brain to be content with other activities besides window-shopping and consumption. Especially this time of year in N. Hemisphere.
Change in living situations, lifestyle, health that affect one’s wardrobe and require adaptations. Mindful acceptance and joy?
Thanks for good content always.

[josyxo]

I am totally into the low buy year since I already have enough and I am looking forward to wearing it all multiple times. Doesn´t mean I am not peeking here and there but there are very few items that I truly would love to add to my closet. And this time I want to make it right. Also when lives and the figure are changing I would love to adapt to the moment when I truly need it instead of having and not wearing it all.