https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i%e2%80%99ve-lost-the-desire-to-buy-clothes-what-is-happening Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 17:18:52 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i%e2%80%99ve-lost-the-desire-to-buy-clothes-what-is-happening/page/2#post-2063813 Wed, 25 Sep 2019 01:07:36 +0000 Momo 2063813@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I too have been shopping very little .. Money, the world, body changes ( in a good way lots of exercise!), my desire for less stuff...<br /> It is all good.. I also am loving the thrift shops when I want just a little something new.. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i%e2%80%99ve-lost-the-desire-to-buy-clothes-what-is-happening/page/2#post-2063270 Mon, 23 Sep 2019 08:18:52 +0000 Jenni NZ 2063270@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes Suntiger thank you, you have a good point. I feel like not just me but maybe the whole world is drowning in clothes! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i%e2%80%99ve-lost-the-desire-to-buy-clothes-what-is-happening/page/2#post-2063194 Sun, 22 Sep 2019 23:41:14 +0000 Anonymous 2063194@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was like that this spring, nothing really appealed to me, and all seemed very chaotic. So much was "been there done that" or "I already have similar." Meh. Plus there's just so much clothing out there-like looking at a buffet when you already feel stuffed. There may be a desire to not want to contribute to more production/ more discards. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i%e2%80%99ve-lost-the-desire-to-buy-clothes-what-is-happening/page/2#post-2063181 Sun, 22 Sep 2019 21:37:29 +0000 cindysmith 2063181@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's normal for people to go through cycles or phases or whatever you want to call it. A lot of clothing has just been so uninspiring to me lately, so that may be part of what is happening with you as well? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i%e2%80%99ve-lost-the-desire-to-buy-clothes-what-is-happening/page/2#post-2063114 Sun, 22 Sep 2019 16:44:18 +0000 nemosmom 2063114@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I bet it's the other things going on in your life that are taking up the shopping space. Planning your daughter's wedding and the expenses that follow can certainly be distracting, especially when you are content with the current state of your wardrobe AND when there's nothing at retail that wows you.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i%e2%80%99ve-lost-the-desire-to-buy-clothes-what-is-happening/page/2#post-2063100 Sun, 22 Sep 2019 15:37:41 +0000 Angie 2063100@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it’s a very normal feeling too<b>, Jenni</b>! A good thing.</p> <p>I shop and refresh early in the season so that I can forget about shopping for myself for several months. It’s liberating and satisfying. I am just about done for Autumn and Winter. Of course, I continue to shop for and with other people for their wardrobes because it’s my job. But I stop for myself. It’s a good feeling. Quite calming.</p> <p>You don’t need to continually shop to enjoy fashion and style. If your wardrobe is fab-for-you, the urge will subside because you’re in a zen state with your style. So go and enjoy your clothes, footwear and accessories! That’s what they are there for. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i%e2%80%99ve-lost-the-desire-to-buy-clothes-what-is-happening/page/2#post-2063092 Sun, 22 Sep 2019 15:14:50 +0000 Kyle 2063092@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think there is a normal ebb and flow at work here, at least that’s been my experience. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i%e2%80%99ve-lost-the-desire-to-buy-clothes-what-is-happening/page/2#post-2063065 Sun, 22 Sep 2019 13:25:57 +0000 NancyW 2063065@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have so many things going on now that require planning and choices, and as you said, you have really been working your wardrobe with challenges.<br /> Perhaps the home and garden are providing enough of a creative outlet right now. As meditators might say, stay curious about it and watch what happens. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i%e2%80%99ve-lost-the-desire-to-buy-clothes-what-is-happening/page/2#post-2063038 Sun, 22 Sep 2019 11:31:14 +0000 anchie 2063038@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it is very normal that our focus, interests and priorities shifts. And you probably have other things in your life right now that are occupying and interest you more than shopping for clothes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i%e2%80%99ve-lost-the-desire-to-buy-clothes-what-is-happening#post-2063034 Sun, 22 Sep 2019 11:15:28 +0000 Anonymous 2063034@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wonderful post. &nbsp;Such interesting comments. &nbsp;</p> <p>I'd like to add something helpful, but every thought I have has already been expressed. &nbsp;</p> <p>Sending you well wishes. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i%e2%80%99ve-lost-the-desire-to-buy-clothes-what-is-happening#post-2063030 Sun, 22 Sep 2019 10:55:24 +0000 Jenni NZ 2063030@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you Katerina it all helps and interests me. I’m not actually upset by it. Just puzzled. Enjoying wearing the clothes I have. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i%e2%80%99ve-lost-the-desire-to-buy-clothes-what-is-happening#post-2063023 Sun, 22 Sep 2019 09:38:49 +0000 Katerina 2063023@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I recognize the feeling, Jenni. In periods, I have also lost the desire to buy clothes. In my case, it has been periods of low energy due to various reasons. Sometimes, I was just too tired to care. This was caused primarily by health issues (anemia), which in turn affected my mental state. I was simply low. I was not even interested in the creative part of dressing and combining clothes. As my health improved, my desire to get new things returned. Other times, I got just really sick of having too many clothes. Often in connection to wardrobe edits, and I just didn’t want to shop. At these times, it did not require much restraint, because I longed for space and order. When I feel ok and life is normal, I appreciate shopping. And dressing and the creative process. As you, I am not an artist. My job is also more analytical than creative. Creating outfits and combining what I have in my closet (accessories) is the creative interest I have. In my case, it has always come back. I think it will to you too. Sorry I don’t have anything wise to say, just thought I would share. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i%e2%80%99ve-lost-the-desire-to-buy-clothes-what-is-happening#post-2063022 Sun, 22 Sep 2019 09:16:30 +0000 Jenni NZ 2063022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh thank you FashIntern for your kind concern. I haven’t been depressed for almost 2 decades I think but much of those decades I’ve taken antidepressants to help manage anxiety- and of course the two are pretty linked. I do have good tools I can access as you say. The fine nuances of changes in mental health are difficult to pin down sometimes though. I know after Mum died 20 years ago it took me some time to realise I was depressed rather than just still grieving- it was over a year later.<br /> I am missing my married daughter who is currently living in the San Francisco Bay Area with new hubby while he waits to see if he can sit some US citizenship test or something ( already has 10-year Green Card and is working as an architect). So your other thoughts may be relevant too, very perceptive.<br /> Cardiff girl, I’m definitely interested! Thanks! Must look up the Guardian article.<br /> Really thankful for all who have commented and surprised how many of you have felt the same xx </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i%e2%80%99ve-lost-the-desire-to-buy-clothes-what-is-happening#post-2063019 Sun, 22 Sep 2019 09:04:29 +0000 Cardiff girl 2063019@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wouldn’t worry at all unless you feel that any low mood is deepening.<br /> Apparently overshopping is now called onomania(?sp) but is generally thought to wane over time!Who knew,There s a “diagnosis”for every action these days isn’t there.l wasn’t seriously suggesting that you had this I just thought that you would be interested.I was reading an article in the guardian about a woman who had it yesterday and now she barely shops at all and when she does it’s second hand.She had no intervention ,whatever was driving the overshopping just went away. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i%e2%80%99ve-lost-the-desire-to-buy-clothes-what-is-happening#post-2063014 Sun, 22 Sep 2019 08:43:23 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2063014@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>Oh dear! I was about to say "woot woot!" and celebrate that you are winning against the buybuybuy mania, until I got to the last paragraph. I sincerely hope you aren't depressed. For me (and my son) a sure sign that we are is that we don't recognize it at first. If you're similar, then having it come to mind so quickly says you probably aren't, if that makes any sense. But I'm sure you have access to better screening tools than that. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>As for "I felt that combining clothes and colours was about my only creative outlet"--have you stopped wanting to do that? There are certainly plenty of things to mix and match in your well-stocked closet, and for the rest of us, it's fun to see what you come up with, how you can pull from various eras, and your sassy self coming through. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Back to the depression idea: you have been through several major life changes recently. Your child marrying certainly isn't as much of a change as your own marriage, but it does signal shifts in your own life, as well as change your relationship with your daughter (even while you gain a son-in-law). Your move is also a symbol of shifts in your life as much as it is a change in itself. I think (but you're the doc) that it's perfectly normal to need some time to catch up after that. It's referred to as a mild depression, but as long as it isn't too deep or too long, isn't that entirely healthy? <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I wish you well!<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i%e2%80%99ve-lost-the-desire-to-buy-clothes-what-is-happening#post-2063010 Sun, 22 Sep 2019 08:20:48 +0000 Jane 2063010@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i can relate to this and for me somehow it does pass, but I don’t know what shifts it. I find shopping a good distraction but I do need to be not be overwhelmed by the things that are causing the need for distraction IYKWIM. </p> <p>Maybe the shopping at the moment doesn’t really grab your attention? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i%e2%80%99ve-lost-the-desire-to-buy-clothes-what-is-happening#post-2062993 Sun, 22 Sep 2019 03:35:22 +0000 Anonymous 2062993@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like Carla’s thoughts here . Must consider how I can adopt this strategy . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i%e2%80%99ve-lost-the-desire-to-buy-clothes-what-is-happening#post-2062992 Sun, 22 Sep 2019 03:29:52 +0000 Janet 2062992@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t think it’s that unusual. I definitely get in and out of buying moods. I’ll go a couple of months without any shopping and then something shift and I want all the things. And then it shifts back. I say relax and enjoy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i%e2%80%99ve-lost-the-desire-to-buy-clothes-what-is-happening#post-2062991 Sun, 22 Sep 2019 03:11:33 +0000 Bijou 2062991@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenni, it is and interesting observation and I can very much relate to what you are feeling. I have decided (after buying lots of things already - so nothing like your situation) to go on a shopping fast - these are my reasons:</p> <p>1. Bricks and mortar store are in decline - quality of store and quality of stock are not wowing me. I am buying from small retailers and getting more local in what I buy and designers I support. I am trying to mainly buy made in Aus (and NZ).<br />2. Online shopping from Aus / NZ is costly in terms of delivery and things may not fit well or be the quality expected.<br />3. More awareness of the environmental impact of our keep buying culture - a large closet edit did have me wondering how much of my churn would go to landfill.<br />4. Other things take priority - I have enough clothing - spend money on travel, getting together with family and friends, house renovations, school feels...<br />5. Only buying what I love - if I don't love it, then what is the point! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i%e2%80%99ve-lost-the-desire-to-buy-clothes-what-is-happening#post-2062987 Sun, 22 Sep 2019 02:09:42 +0000 Gaylene 2062987@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Can I just say that Lisap makes a interesting observation that constant shopping and acquisition can masquerade as an interest in fashion, but may be fulfilling other psychological needs. </p> <p>I’m thinking there could be many reasons to not participate in a fashion forum forum like YLF, but I would hope that not being in a buying mood wouldn’t be one of them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i%e2%80%99ve-lost-the-desire-to-buy-clothes-what-is-happening#post-2062985 Sun, 22 Sep 2019 02:00:17 +0000 Windchime 2062985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’ve slowed WAY down on buying in the last year or so. For me, the main reasons are simply that I like what I have and I have enough...for me. </p> <p>I’m sure you’re extremely focused on the upcoming wedding; that might be enough for now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i%e2%80%99ve-lost-the-desire-to-buy-clothes-what-is-happening#post-2062984 Sun, 22 Sep 2019 01:59:59 +0000 Jenni NZ 2062984@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I certainly do have plenty of clothes Carla! And wearing them lots was one of my goals so this plays into that. It’s the loss of the feeling of wanting to shop that’s odd. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i%e2%80%99ve-lost-the-desire-to-buy-clothes-what-is-happening#post-2062982 Sun, 22 Sep 2019 01:50:34 +0000 Carla 2062982@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fashion isn’t just about shopping, or acquiring the newest trend. When Angie posts outfit inspiration, or Inge features a blogger, I like to challenge myself to recreate the look from my existing wardrobe, rather than run out to buy something. Sometimes tinkering with your existing clothes can make them seem fresh as well - diy raw hems and crops, removing sleeves on a topper to make a vest, dying a garment or leather item, etc. </p> <p>I believe you have plenty of clothes, so you won’t be going naked if you don’t shop for a couple of weeks or even months, </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i%e2%80%99ve-lost-the-desire-to-buy-clothes-what-is-happening#post-2062981 Sun, 22 Sep 2019 01:47:17 +0000 Gaylene 2062981@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I think a person can be interested and excited by fashion without having to be constantly adding new pieces and tossing out last year’s purchases.</p> <p>As seamstresses, both my grandmother and mother were keenly interested in fashion but chose to have small wardrobes of exquisitely made, well-fitting clothes. I remember marveling at how they constantly tweaked and styled their well-loved pieces to keep them fresh and interesting. To me that is what holds me in fashion’s grip—the way designers and stylists can inspire me to see new possibilities in what I already own by emulating their ability to turn the familiar into something exciting. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i%e2%80%99ve-lost-the-desire-to-buy-clothes-what-is-happening#post-2062974 Sun, 22 Sep 2019 01:22:56 +0000 Jenni NZ 2062974@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeah Shevia I guess since I’m not very creative in other ways (science-based job, not practical with my hands, not an artist at all) then I felt that combining clothes and colours was about my only creative outlet and if that goes what’s left? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i%e2%80%99ve-lost-the-desire-to-buy-clothes-what-is-happening#post-2062952 Sun, 22 Sep 2019 00:27:15 +0000 Jaime 2062952@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The idea of PPPing yourself out of existence made me laugh. I think everyone has given you great advice - your creative energy is simply, and temporarily, redirected right now, for very good reasons it seems. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i%e2%80%99ve-lost-the-desire-to-buy-clothes-what-is-happening#post-2062948 Sun, 22 Sep 2019 00:18:39 +0000 Gigi 2062948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm feeling the same way, and this has happened to me from time to time. Sometimes it's because my style is changing, and I'm in limbo and am not really attracted to anything. And other times, I don't know why it happens.</p> <p>Currently part of the problem is that I don't want my wardrobe to get much bigger. I'm not on a shopping ban, but anything I buy needs to be really great to justify the extra clutter. I've also become a real stickler for proper fit, and the things I've been ordering haven't been fitting properly or just haven't been amazing enough for me to keep them.</p> <p>I'm sure that your love of fashion will come back eventually! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i%e2%80%99ve-lost-the-desire-to-buy-clothes-what-is-happening#post-2062947 Sun, 22 Sep 2019 00:18:01 +0000 Jenni NZ 2062947@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We were typing at the same time Rachylou! Funny that you mentioned cars too... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i%e2%80%99ve-lost-the-desire-to-buy-clothes-what-is-happening#post-2062944 Sun, 22 Sep 2019 00:15:20 +0000 Jenni NZ 2062944@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And maybe the zeitgeist too, thank you La Ped. I am also considering changing my little old red convertible ( 1990 Mazda MX5) which I have owned for 10 years, to an electric car after we return from the trip. I have seen a sort of gold/bronze electric car advertised at Auckland City Electric Vehicles which is a couple of km down the road.<br /> (Doing my usual thing of the colour of the car being one of the most important things about it!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i%e2%80%99ve-lost-the-desire-to-buy-clothes-what-is-happening#post-2062942 Sun, 22 Sep 2019 00:09:29 +0000 rachylou 2062942@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I must say my clothes shopping has slowed to a dragging crawl, for me anyways. It’s been a combination of things... working in the bakery biz full time (so no more corporation offices), not being a contractor (so no going to different places all the time), retiring my car and not replacing it, becoming more cautious about my environmental footprint all around, the massive disappearance of retail, and finally, not being that inspired by any designer... I like things, I’m not tho impressed the way I was once... I think that has to do with the doing away of occasion dressing. You can wear a hoodie and jeans pretty much everywhere now; it’s not the same. </p>