new year, no clothes

would you spend a year buying solely secondhand?

Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve, and, as tradition dictates, when the clock strikes midnight we will make our annual, rather lacklustre resolutions: a gym membership, a new hobby, or a dry January. This year, some are choosing a rather different commitment — a pledge to spend an entire year buying only secondhand clothes, or, dare I say, none at all. The idea was born from the clever minds at Oxfam with their Secondhand September campaign — an initiative designed to encourage us to reconsider the month typically consumed by the feverish pace of Fashion Week.

A survey from 1955 revealed that the average American woman owned a mere five dresses, three pairs of shoes, and a handful of skirts, tops, and accessories. Today, the average wardrobe boasts 148 items. Oh, how the times have changed. The items we acquire fall short of the quality they ought to possess, outfit repeating is a cardinal sin, and social media offers a ceaseless stream of sartorial temptation. We’ve parted ways with the skills our grandparents once mastered — making and mending — and a flaw as simple as a missing button has come to signify the untimely end of many a cherished garment.

It is for this reason that, this year, you may choose to turn your attention away from the new in favour of the old. In the process, you may well discover that by owning less, you are free to experiment more, or perhaps the joy of repairing will prove so delightful that knitting, sewing or crocheting becomes your new favourite hobby. The possibilities are, quite frankly, as endless as your imagination allows them to be.

Should secondhand shopping tempt you this year, begin by thoughtfully surveying your wardrobe — what do you already own, and what are you yet to possess? The secret lies in maximising your current closet and breathing new life into the pieces that lie dormant at the back of it. Consider downloading a digital wardrobe app like Indyx to assist you, use it to create a list of your wardrobe’s gaps, and direct your attention to filling them. When you do indulge, ask yourself whether you can envision wearing the item in at least five different ways — longevity is your new best friend.

Seek out secondhand marketplaces where filtering by size and colour is an effortless affair, and never underestimate the charm of an old fashioned treasure hunt at your local charity shop. Should vintage or antique attire not be to your liking, high-street pieces, brand new with tags, are listed on Vinted or Depop at a most agreeable price.

If you're feeling especially daring and decide to forgo buying any new clothes at all, we happen to have a cheat code up our sleeve. Gather a few like-minded friends, bring along a bag of clothes you no longer wear, and trade until your heart’s content. It’s a pleasurable way to rejuvenate your wardrobe without spending a penny, ensuring those clothes remain in circulation rather than being cast aside to landfill.

If your clothes are damaged and in need of a new lease of life, try a repair service like Sojo — for Londoners, they’ll collect your broken items and a team of expert tailors will bring them back to life. Should a special event be on the horizon — perhaps a graduation ceremony or a soirée that calls for something spectacular — consider a rental service like Hurr, Rent the Runway or By Rotation. Instead of splurging on a piece you’ll likely wear once, you can enjoy the luxury of your dream outfit for a fraction of the cost. It’s a solution that allows you to dress to impress without the buyer’s remorse, keeping your wardrobe fresh and your conscience clear.

If, like me, your crafting abilities leave much to be desired, perhaps this is the year to refine them and try your hand at something new. In my case, I’ve decided to resort to YouTube to learn basic sewing skills. Who knows? I might even attempt to make an item from scratch, but I shall report back in due course. Happy New Year!

Xo

Gracie, Founder of Worn