I’m late to finally getting this down as over January I’ve had some further changes in my life circumstances which changed how I was thinking about approaching my wardrobe for the year.

I started the year thinking I would be having a break from work for a few months as I had made the decision last year to finish up my previous role in mid-Jan. Just as I was finishing up, I was approached about a contract role which I started this week and should be there until the end of June. DH and I will then be travelling through Canada and the US over July/August and at this stage September onwards is a little hazy, but most likely when we return home I will go back into a permanent role.

Initially when I thought about the first part of the year, I was planning to spend most of my time hanging out at home and focusing on running. When I have done that previously, my desire to shop and add things to my wardrobe just naturally pauses as it’s hard to justify adding ‘wants’ when you are living on savings.

In my 2024 Stats & Thoughts post I mentioned that I'm not that comfortable with the turnover which has been occurring in my wardrobe. I bring a lot in each year and then move other items on so that I don’t become overwhelmed by options. So initially I planned to pick a certain number of items I could add to my wardrobe across the year. However already I can feel the behaviours which drive this turnover sneaking back in and I know that a number limit will not stop me, I will just blow past it as I go through the year.

I am often mentally drained by my work and in the evenings/weekends
I use clothes shopping as stress relief and a way to feel productive. Over the last few years, I have gotten into the habit of searching for second hand clothing online via TradeMe (NZ equivalent to eBay) and Designer Wardrobe (similar to Poshmark/Vinted) and have become a bit addicted to the deals compared to buying new as well.

There are also elements of perfectionism, I often continue searching for an item even when I have a serviceable version because I believe there is a perfect one somewhere. This leads to dissatisfaction with my existing items - comparison is the thief of joy!

So I am trying to think of ideas that will help with making sustainable changes to these behaviours.

I think a key action is to continue tracking wears, I started tracking wears in June last year which began revealing how little items I love are being worn. I believe this helped me to challenge potential additions later in the year – I tried to be honest with myself about when I would wear it and thus what wouldn’t I wear from my existing wardrobe. I’m also interested to see how the items I wear shifts across the year.

Another aspect I want to explore is that my wardrobe additions are rarely due to me identifying a gap or need, they are driven by what I see available. Last year I spent some time working through what didn’t feel like it was working for my travel capsules and identifying items that could help. I then found those items and have been happy with these capsules the last few times we have travelled.

So how do I make space/find the energy for actually playing with my existing wardrobe and thinking about what would make it work a bit better rather than just seeing and then adding another floral/patterned dress or skirt to my collection? Blocking access to certain websites and finding alternative activities when I'm feeling drained will have to be part of this. I could also join in on some of the challenges that others post in the forum and try get my creative juices flowing a bit more.

It will take me time to change these behaviours and I also don’t want to lose the pleasure I currently get from my wardrobe – I do enjoy wearing all my floral/patterned dresses and skirts!

I know that others on the forum have been on similar journeys, and I would appreciate any wisdom or thoughts you have to share