The “No-Buy Clothes Challenge” is a social action against consumerism and fast fashion. The movement empowers you to eliminate impulsive purchases, such as buying clothes based solely on trends, so that you can focus on other aspects of your life. While most people take on the challenge for fun, some use it as a way to work on unhealthy coping habits like overspending.
Regardless of the reason, the No-Buy Clothes Challenge can press the “reset” button on how you spend so that you become more mindful of your shopping habits. It’s an admittedly tough endeavor, but the benefits are sure to be priceless.
If you’re up for trying it out, though, here’s a short guide to getting started.
Be Realistic about Timing
The concept behind this challenge is to reduce impulsivity—and this includes when and for how long you decide to start it. Take extra care to design a game plan that will help you successfully complete the challenge in the time frame you set.
The No-Buy Clothes Challenge initially started out as a complete overhaul for 365 days, starting in January and ending in December. However, many people found this too difficult and usually fell off track after two to three months. So rather than trying to “stay true” to the challenge and failing, choose a timeframe that is realistic and attainable for you. It should not be so hard that you will immediately feel discouraged and want to quit. At the same time, it should not be so easy that you don’t feel the impact of the challenge. You can also decide when you want to start. Don’t be compelled to begin in January just “because.” This challenge can be undertaken at any time, as long as you’ve prepared yourself mentally for it beforehand.
Stock Up on Essentials
This may seem counterintuitive, but consider stocking up on essentials first before you begin your No-Buy Clothes Challenge. Take an objective look at your wardrobe and notice any gaps that may need filling. Your wardrobe should consist of versatile and stylish items that you can wear across seasons, from neutral sweaters to affordable leggings for women. It’s also a great idea to invest in high-quality items so that they last longer and won’t need replacement while you’re doing a no-buy.
Keep in mind that essentials include classics such as t-shirts, trousers, innerwear, and socks that you’ll need for daily wear. This does not include items that you are tempted to buy because they’re new releases, on sale, or “perfect” for an event you plan to attend.
Find a Support Group
It helps to be part of a support group when completing this challenge. This is especially true for people who are unaware of their impulsive shopping habits and may need to confront this previously unknown behavior. Being part of a group can also be helpful for overcoming the temptation to spend with levity and compassion from others who are undergoing or have already experienced the same challenges.
You can also ask a friend to participate with you! Not only can you keep each other on track, but you may also be able to borrow and swap from each other’s closets when necessary. Doing so will allow you to satisfy the need to try new clothes without buying any.
Remind Yourself of Your “Why”
It’s a good idea to remind yourself of the reason you’re trying this challenge, especially when you are tempted to make an impulse purchase. Do you want to curb your overspending? Are you taking a stand against consumerism and advocating for more environment-friendly practices? Do you want to be more mindful of your shopping habits?
Finding and understanding your “why” will help you stay strong in your commitment. Some people benefit from writing their intentions down each day and posting them on their walls as a visual reminder of their goals.
Practice Kindness
It’s perfectly okay to make mistakes. If you end up purchasing something during the challenge, give yourself a lot of grace and patience. Reflect on your actions and remind yourself why you want to take on the challenge in the first place. From there, let go of the guilt and shame you might feel and allow yourself to fully enjoy the clothes you bought.
During this time, it’s also a great idea to unfollow social media influencers or minimize your exposure to fashion trend articles and videos. Sticking to this challenge becomes so much easier when you don’t have people telling you to purchase more, just to be “in fashion.”
If you really enjoy seeing fashion influencers on your feed, however, consider bookmarking their recommendations instead and then revisiting that list a few months after you complete the challenge. It’s likely that the trend will have passed when you check that list again, and you may realize that you don’t want them anymore.
Lastly, remember that the ultimate goal of the challenge is for you to live life to the fullest. Enjoy time with your friends and family without worrying about how you look or what to wear. While you can still enjoy fashion and feel excited about trends, this challenge allows you to become a version of yourself who is happy and confident regardless of the clothes you wear. And this is infinitely more attractive than a head-to-toe outfit of the season’s newest releases.
