Hello 2025!  I have adapted to 2025 better than some other years - I don't know why!  I have been getting the date/year right and feel mostly positive about the year despite it being a challenging economic and geopolitical period for many. I have been trying not to take on the weight of the world and maybe it is finally working.

What did I add in 2024?
2024 was an expensive year for me with my wardrobe, spending more than I have any other year. 

I added in 33 pieces of which
- nine were active wear/gear of some sort. 
- thirteen were replacements/essentials
- eleven wardrobe statements or extras or completers

However I do find it hard to categorise things this way - I can manipulate data to look how I want.  Sometimes I wear a cotton tee to pickleball and sometimes I wear my gym sneakers casually.  

I purchased a lot of pieces although not too differently to other years.  But the cost per item was higher - as I have been buying from NZ designers and boutiques more.  Hopefully this means the quality is good - I have been reasonably patient and picky.  My work role is requiring more public facing work so I have had to add more options for smart workwear in.

My favourite additions are the three dresses, the wide leg paisley pants and the navy suit,all in the finds below.  Love them all - they make me happy! And with the exception of the zebra dress, all have had good wear.

I have made a couple of mistakes - some snakeskin boots that were impossible to get on and off, and potentially some cargo pants and a wrap cardigan that are still to prove their worth.  The cardigan is difficult to style - however it will be worn as a layer around the house or to and from yoga so it is not total disaster.  The cargo pants are good - but I paid too much for them.

Current Wardobe
I wore 159 different items in 2024, this includes gear. 

My current active wardrobe has 89 pieces in it plus 42 of gear and loungewear.  It tends to sit around 90-100 pieces which is the right size for my climate and lifestyle.

It typically takes 2-3 years for most of my pieces to get to 30 wears but the most popular take only one year - this is mostly shoes and denim.  My new shoes of the season get a lot of wear in their first year.

I am wearing most or all of my clothes, and don't have many pieces left in my holding zone, 3 items of clothing and two gear jackets.

Edits and exits
I exited 44 pieces, of which 30 were worn at least once in the year.  

Year purchased
2024 1
2023 4
2022 9
2021 7
2020 6
2019 and earlier 17

Of the 14 that I edited out that did not get to 30 wears, 3 wore out or got stains prior to getting there.  The rest were a style shift or out of favour.  One item (hoodie)  got over 300 wears, one only got two wears (occasion wear dress). 

In total
27 pieces were worn out/stained
14 I no longer liked/was tired of
3 had fit issues I could no longer put up with

Second hand and sales purchases dominated the pieces that I got tired of but there were pieces purchased new at full price that fell out of favour.  In the most part these did get to 30 wears in good shape before I got sick of them.

I have no plans to let much else go at the moment, even the lightly worn pieces have a function or I like them.

I don't have a lot of pieces older than five years old in my wardrobe - I currently have 19 pieces that are from 2019 or prior years (outside gear) of which nine are shoes/boots/sandals.  My footwear (outside sneakers) lasts a long time.
 
Moving forward
We have significant business plans for 2025 and a long international trip planned later in the year.  It will require some new gear as part of it is a nine day cycling adventure. 

I am yet to finalise my 2025 goals but I plan to spend less by adding fewer pieces in.  My budget will be tighter - but I feel as though I am in good shape especially with my summer and transitional wear closets.  I want to make my spending count with my favourite local boutiques and retailers.

I still will track my wears as it keeps me honest, but I won't track gear any longer.  It gets a lot of wear and I add strictly adding according to need.  I love activewear but I don't overpurchase in this area.

My do not buy list includes heels, patterned blouses, dropped shoulders (bring back the Raglan sleeve) and to add dresses with caution.

Summing up
I am trying to wear all my pieces for 30 wears or more, and most get there.  Dresses and woven tops (especially tops with a pattern) are the least worn but always tempt me in the shops.  My knits, pants, skirts, shoes all get to 30 wears fairly easily. 

My wardrobe is not a place of stress- it is a place of happiness. I experiment when I want to, and stick to formulas when I don't. I wore a limited uniform through most of winter to work - and was happy enough doing that. In summer I always get a bit bolder and add in more colour and more fun.

Thanks to Angie for the inspiration - and to you all for reading this long post and keeping me motivated to post outfits and talk fashion and style!