No Clothing Shopping in 2015

[amyable]

I went ahead and started a new thread for the no clothing shopping in 2015 challenge.  I didn't even realize how much I shop for clothing until I tried the 2014 challenge and failed miserably. 

Here's a link to the original challenge:

http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/no-clothes-shopping-in-2014/

I'm thinking my rules will be underwear, bras, socks and tights only, but I don't anticipate needing any bras or tights.  I might buy 1 new pair of yoga pants in preparation for the challenge.  I'm also going to limit my "browsing" as I tend to spend a significant amount of time looking at clothing online that could be spent much more productively! 

[boy_bye]

I went ahead and started a new thread for the no clothing shopping in 2015 challenge.  I didn't even realize how much I shop for clothing until I tried the 2014 challenge and failed miserably. 

Here's a link to the original challenge:

http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/no-clothes-shopping-in-2014/

I'm thinking my rules will be underwear, bras, socks and tights only, but I don't anticipate needing any bras or tights.  I might buy 1 new pair of yoga pants in preparation for the challenge.  I'm also going to limit my "browsing" as I tend to spend a significant amount of time looking at clothing online that could be spent much more productively!

Yes! Thanks for starting this!

I'm going to join but with a couple of customizations:
- I will join for the first three months of the year
- I will include makeup in the challenge too

Around April 1, I will see how I've done and re-evaluate ...

It's a great idea to include "no browsing" as part of the challenge ... It is too easy to lose time looking for cute things on the internet!

I plan to write about this on my blog in the next couple of weeks, because it's definitely a place I need to improve...

[MsFrugalista]

My partner and I took this challenge in 2014 and I think I did fairly well - bought one pair of leggings ($5), one top ($10), and 4 pairs of Merino Wool socks ($10) and no purchases anticipated for the remaining of the year. We did allow ourselves underwear, so the socks were acceptable I suppose. That was on top of being pregnant half the year (35 weeks at the moment and still haven't bought any maternity clothes!).  I will try to join you guys for as long as possible in 2015, however, depending on how the rest of the pregnancy goes and (any) post-pregnancy weight, I may have to make some exceptions. But going to try my very hardest not to! Goodluck!

[minority_finance_mo]

Count me in!

[happy]

I'm still in: I've been going since beginning of 2013.

2013 - 2 bras and an interview suit/blouse
2014 - undies and some sox

I can't foresee any expenditures at this point.

[BPA]

In.

I'm thinking of moving in a couple of years.  Would be nice to wear out the stuff that is busting out of my closets.  And I hardly bought anything in 2014.

[getgoing]

I'm going to join with a caveat: I'm graduating and will be starting a new job as a teacher, which means I need to dress nicer than the jeans that I usually live in. From what I understand (being a very unfashionable person), I should be wearing nice trousers (because I hate skirts) + blouse/shell + light jacket/nice sweater + non-lace up shoes. I currently have 2 trousers, and 3 tops that work. I still need a pair of professional looking shoes that actually fit.

Still, I will work to acquire the minimum number of items I need in the most frugal ways possible. I already buy almost exclusively from second hand stores and consignment shops. I did buy one pair of trousers at a store, but it was discounted so I ended up paying $30, so that won't be a big shift.

[SpicyMcHaggus]

I make more than most of my friends, and I still shop at goodwill, and refuse to buy things that aren't on sale that can't be gotten there. I might buy a hat or gloves every year as I'm hard on my outer wear in winter, but unlike shoes, work jeans, and gloves, tshirts, most coats, etc don't wear out.

[Nudelkopf]

I'm going to join with a caveat: I'm graduating and will be starting a new job as a teacher, which means I need to dress nicer than the jeans that I usually live in. From what I understand (being a very unfashionable person), I should be wearing nice trousers (because I hate skirts) + blouse/shell + light jacket/nice sweater + non-lace up shoes. I currently have 2 trousers, and 3 tops that work. I still need a pair of professional looking shoes that actually fit.

I started as a teacher just over a year ago, and going from a student wardrobe to a teacher's one is hard. I'm still yet to work out a good solution to shoes.. I seem to buy a pair every 4 months, but they either fall apart or start to smell ridiculously bad.

In terms of blouses/pants, I wear 1-2 pairs of pants/shorts per week, and maybe wash on a Wednesday if they're feeling dirty. None of my students have ever ever noticed I wear the same pairs day in, day out (and trust me, they'd let me know!).

I actually now wear shorts and sneakers/skechers to work with a polo shirt (I'm female, 23yo).. I live in a rural area in the desert.. Plus this is how male teachers dress, so admin can't say fuck without discriminating so heck yeah.

My advice.. Don't rush into buying so-so clothes, because it sounds like you've already got enough to tide you over til you find good clothes at goodwill, etc.

[plainjane]

I'm still yet to work out a good solution to shoes.. I seem to buy a pair every 4 months, but they either fall apart or start to smell ridiculously bad.

If you are forced to go back to non-sneakers, think about having at least two pairs on the go and alternate them.  By giving them a chance to air out, they'll for more wearings than than if you wear them every day.

Also, don't cheap out too much on shoes, bad shoes can do a number on your back/knees/ankles.

[Exhale]

I'm going to join with a caveat: I'm graduating and will be starting a new job as a teacher, which means I need to dress nicer than the jeans that I usually live in. From what I understand (being a very unfashionable person), I should be wearing nice trousers (because I hate skirts) + blouse/shell + light jacket/nice sweater + non-lace up shoes. I currently have 2 trousers, and 3 tops that work. I still need a pair of professional looking shoes that actually fit.

Still, I will work to acquire the minimum number of items I need in the most frugal ways possible. I already buy almost exclusively from second hand stores and consignment shops. I did buy one pair of trousers at a store, but it was discounted so I ended up paying $30, so that won't be a big shift.

My advice is not give up on jeans just yet. Of course, take the cue from where you work, but these things can often make jeans acceptable (I'm assuming you're female in the list below)
- Dark wash (nothing faded)
- Creased (give 'em a quick slap of the iron and hang them up)
- Dressy shoes (Dansko has great styles, great support and last forever - not so cheap, but oh so worth it)
- Nice shirt (can add jacket/cardigan - I always find great jackets at Goodwill, not so much the sweaters)
- Belt - http://www.thechicfashionista.com/womens-belts.html
- Scarf (or necklace) - http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/scarf-video

Don't forget hair and nails - they'll ruin a professional look no matter how nice your clothes.

If you must go the non-jeans route check out stretch chinos and stretch oxfords - easy to wash and wear, comfy but "professional" looking.

Good luck!

[getgoing]

I'm going to join with a caveat: I'm graduating and will be starting a new job as a teacher, which means I need to dress nicer than the jeans that I usually live in. From what I understand (being a very unfashionable person), I should be wearing nice trousers (because I hate skirts) + blouse/shell + light jacket/nice sweater + non-lace up shoes. I currently have 2 trousers, and 3 tops that work. I still need a pair of professional looking shoes that actually fit.

Still, I will work to acquire the minimum number of items I need in the most frugal ways possible. I already buy almost exclusively from second hand stores and consignment shops. I did buy one pair of trousers at a store, but it was discounted so I ended up paying $30, so that won't be a big shift.

My advice is not give up on jeans just yet. Of course, take the cue from where you work, but these things can often make jeans acceptable (I'm assuming you're female in the list below)
- Dark wash (nothing faded)
- Creased (give 'em a quick slap of the iron and hang them up)
- Dressy shoes (Dansko has great styles, great support and last forever - not so cheap, but oh so worth it)
- Nice shirt (can add jacket/cardigan - I always find great jackets at Goodwill, not so much the sweaters)
- Belt - http://www.thechicfashionista.com/womens-belts.html
- Scarf (or necklace) - http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/scarf-video

Don't forget hair and nails - they'll ruin a professional look no matter how nice your clothes.

If you must go the non-jeans route check out stretch chinos and stretch oxfords - easy to wash and wear, comfy but "professional" looking.

Good luck!

Unfortunately, I haven't seen a single teacher wearing blue jeans, and I've been in several schools in the area. Additionally, I only have two pairs of blue jeans, and both are several years old and have faded naturally and beginning to wear through, so it's really a choice of buying new jeans, or buying non-jean pants. Since I usually buy from second hand stores and consignments, there usually isn't much of a price difference for me- but I appreciate your suggestions anyway!

I started as a teacher just over a year ago, and going from a student wardrobe to a teacher's one is hard. I'm still yet to work out a good solution to shoes.. I seem to buy a pair every 4 months, but they either fall apart or start to smell ridiculously bad.

In terms of blouses/pants, I wear 1-2 pairs of pants/shorts per week, and maybe wash on a Wednesday if they're feeling dirty. None of my students have ever ever noticed I wear the same pairs day in, day out (and trust me, they'd let me know!).

I actually now wear shorts and sneakers/skechers to work with a polo shirt (I'm female, 23yo).. I live in a rural area in the desert.. Plus this is how male teachers dress, so admin can't say fuck without discriminating so heck yeah.

My advice.. Don't rush into buying so-so clothes, because it sounds like you've already got enough to tide you over til you find good clothes at goodwill, etc.

Yeah, if you can make it work with two pants, than I think I'm good for pants. I am doing my student teaching this spring and our faculty are pretty insistent against sneakers, which sucks in my opinion. You're right that I do have enough to tide me over, I just didn't want to make it a buy-nothing challenge for myself, because I'm pretty sure I need to buy some articles this year.

[BPA]

I'm going to join with a caveat: I'm graduating and will be starting a new job as a teacher, which means I need to dress nicer than the jeans that I usually live in. From what I understand (being a very unfashionable person), I should be wearing nice trousers (because I hate skirts) + blouse/shell + light jacket/nice sweater + non-lace up shoes. I currently have 2 trousers, and 3 tops that work. I still need a pair of professional looking shoes that actually fit.

Still, I will work to acquire the minimum number of items I need in the most frugal ways possible. I already buy almost exclusively from second hand stores and consignment shops. I did buy one pair of trousers at a store, but it was discounted so I ended up paying $30, so that won't be a big shift.

My advice is not give up on jeans just yet. Of course, take the cue from where you work, but these things can often make jeans acceptable (I'm assuming you're female in the list below)
- Dark wash (nothing faded)
- Creased (give 'em a quick slap of the iron and hang them up)
- Dressy shoes (Dansko has great styles, great support and last forever - not so cheap, but oh so worth it)
- Nice shirt (can add jacket/cardigan - I always find great jackets at Goodwill, not so much the sweaters)
- Belt - http://www.thechicfashionista.com/womens-belts.html
- Scarf (or necklace) - http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/scarf-video

Don't forget hair and nails - they'll ruin a professional look no matter how nice your clothes.

If you must go the non-jeans route check out stretch chinos and stretch oxfords - easy to wash and wear, comfy but "professional" looking.

Good luck!

Unfortunately, I haven't seen a single teacher wearing blue jeans, and I've been in several schools in the area. Additionally, I only have two pairs of blue jeans, and both are several years old and have faded naturally and beginning to wear through, so it's really a choice of buying new jeans, or buying non-jean pants. Since I usually buy from second hand stores and consignments, there usually isn't much of a price difference for me- but I appreciate your suggestions anyway!

I started as a teacher just over a year ago, and going from a student wardrobe to a teacher's one is hard. I'm still yet to work out a good solution to shoes.. I seem to buy a pair every 4 months, but they either fall apart or start to smell ridiculously bad.

In terms of blouses/pants, I wear 1-2 pairs of pants/shorts per week, and maybe wash on a Wednesday if they're feeling dirty. None of my students have ever ever noticed I wear the same pairs day in, day out (and trust me, they'd let me know!).

I actually now wear shorts and sneakers/skechers to work with a polo shirt (I'm female, 23yo).. I live in a rural area in the desert.. Plus this is how male teachers dress, so admin can't say fuck without discriminating so heck yeah.

My advice.. Don't rush into buying so-so clothes, because it sounds like you've already got enough to tide you over til you find good clothes at goodwill, etc.

Yeah, if you can make it work with two pants, than I think I'm good for pants. I am doing my student teaching this spring and our faculty are pretty insistent against sneakers, which sucks in my opinion. You're right that I do have enough to tide me over, I just didn't want to make it a buy-nothing challenge for myself, because I'm pretty sure I need to buy some articles this year.

I teach and I wear jeans nearly every day.  When I was younger, however, I tried to dress up so that I didn't look like one of the students.  Sadly, I never get confused for a student now.  ;) 

[getgoing]

I teach and I wear jeans nearly every day.  When I was younger, however, I tried to dress up so that I didn't look like one of the students.  Sadly, I never get confused for a student now.  ;) 

Definitely still trying to differentiate myself from the students- even though I am 26, last year I was asked if I was old enough to be in my masters program...by someone who was 21 and herself in the program. Actually, that's part of the reason why I'm going for middle school, and not high school. I think that once I'm wrinkly enough I'd like to switch to teaching high school biology.

I also think that once I've been a teacher for longer than a year at a given district I'll get to relax a bit on the dress code. But for this first year, definitely dressing up a bit.

[Roots&Wings]

In in too, especially the browsing (though I basically had to browse for outfit ideas because I have no innate fashion sense).

With some recent weight changes, dating experiences, and location changes to hot/humid/sunny Florida, I purchased a lot of clothes in 2014 (mostly Goodwill, but some new, like sun safe clothing and sun hats). 

I should be all set for the next 5 years, including sneakers, which I rotate :)

[Elliot]

My partner and I recently purged our closet of worn and/or ill fitting clothes and since some staple items needed replacing, I made a list of which ones they were. There are about 10 items on that list between the two of us. We will purchases only from that list in 2015, save underclothes.

[Zikoris]

I love this challenge! I'm so in.

My exceptions:

-Underwear and socks
-Things required for ballet
-Gifts are fine
-Running shoes as needed, plus one pair of work shoes

[Frugalgermanmaid]

I'd like to join you. As I will be on maternity leave for the next 14 months, I don't think I'll need any new stuff - theoretically I could just wear my old clothes until they'll fall apart. BUT there's the question if I'll fit into them once the baby is there (due in two days) ...
So I'll see if I can fit back into my old clothes, if that's not possible I'll budget 200 Euros for the whole of next year, including shoes.
200 Euros is about half of what I spent this year and this was the year of restricted clothes consumption because I had realized that I just had too much, so I purged quite a bit but also limited my spending considerably. Unfortunately I don't have any records of my spending habits before 2014 but I know I spent a lot on clothes and cosmetics (yep, in hindsight I deserve several face punches).

[ontario74]

I'll join as well! This year I plan only to buy a pair of sandals, to replace a pair that wore out this year, as well as bras, socks and underwear (if needed).

I turned 40 in 2014, which is a perfect excuse for not following trends to the letter :D Not going frumpy either of course, but turnover is less of a requirement at this age.

Also wanted to add, thanks to lurking on this site I paid down 11.5K last year on a LOC (car mostly). Thanks guys!!

Wishing you all good luck in your no shopping journey. My challenge will be staying off of my favourite shoe site, thrift stores, and Ebay.

[alleykat]

I will be following this thread.  As much as I would like to join, I do need some things but will keep them to a minimum and, also, replace needs in 2015.  I have been reducing my spending for a few years now but it seems I fail in one category or another.  I have donated tons of clothes and my closets are not half of what they use to be so I am trying very hard not to get back to the stuffed status.

Good luck in 2015.

[4alpacas]

I'm in!  My exception will be running shoes.  I participated in 2014, and I did pretty well.  I received some clothing items as gifts, and I bought some jeans on eBay and a few pairs of running shoes.

[1967mama]

I'm joining for myself, but not for my kids. They outgrow stuff so quickly. I, on the other hand, do not <sigh>.

[tracylayton]

I am all in. I will buy some new socks and underwear before December 31st, and I shouldn't need anything else!

[horsepoor]

I will aim for buying nothing for fashion's sake.

That leaves:

Possibly a pair of office-appropriate jeans, should a current pair become too worn
A few of the nice stretchy T's that are good for layering
Undies
Running shoes
Horseback riding wear (probably a white collared shirt and tie for showing, possibly breeches, vests and polo shirts and/or western wear).
Items needed for Peru trip, probably a button down UPF shirt, hiking socks, brimmed hat, and a couple merino wool shirts

Not a very badass list, but should at least keep me from aimless "shopping" at TJMaxx, which is my downfall.

[Paulie]

I'm in again as well. Really enjoyed the 2014 challenge. I do need to buy new sneakers and some underwear and tops. In 2015 I want to spend a maximum of 100 EUR on clothes.

[gaja]

We are still working on downsizing the wardrobes, so buying new stuff is definitely on hold. This is the list of what I know has to be replaced the next 6 months:
-One pair of pumps for me, probably in May/June (I usually walk into the shop in my old ones, ask them to throw them away, and walk out in my new ones)
-Maybe new tights for me and the girls, depending on wear and tear.

For school, the girls need:
-New-to-us iceskates, if they outgrow the old ones. I'll also try to find a pair for myself
-Slippers (no outdoors shoes are used indoors)
-Rainclothes and boots, they wore out the old ones this autumn and will need new ones for spring

The last half of the year, I'll have to do a reevaluation, depending on the weather and how much the kids grow. They usually grow a size or two more than I have estimated. The ski suits and snow boots will probably only last this winter, and they will probably also need more woollen underwear next winter. DH got new clothes for Christmas, and should be ok for the coming year.

[stripey]

I'm still yet to work out a good solution to shoes.. I seem to buy a pair every 4 months, but they either fall apart or start to smell ridiculously bad.

If you are forced to go back to non-sneakers, think about having at least two pairs on the go and alternate them.  By giving them a chance to air out, they'll for more wearings than than if you wear them every day.

Also, don't cheap out too much on shoes, bad shoes can do a number on your back/knees/ankles.

I can't wear sneakers at work either (OSH requirements), and as some days I will spend ALL day on my feet and often walking I wear out soles like there's no tomorrow (I have had days where I have sat down for less than 15 minutes for an entire work day).
I would suggest just getting a couple of good quality low-cut leather shoes or boots (boots seem to work better for me), alternate them (bi-carb is a good way to reduce odour too) and look for styles where the soles could potentially be replaced by a good cobbler. Leather (with minimal/no synthetic lining) is better than synthetics for keeping smells down.

[KBecks2]

I would like to join but with some wiggle room.  I did this challenge in 2014, or tried it and it is good. Notably, I went to a very fancy event w no new clothes.  In 2015 I would like leeway for just a few things, maybe a sweater and some shoes and socks.  I would like to occasionally thrift shop.  I would also like to do project 333 in 2015.  :)

[oldtoyota]

Good luck, all! I did this for 2014 and do not plan to continue for 2015 although I may decide to replenish a few items in early 2015 and then not shop the rest of the year. Not sure yet. I am happy I did it for 2014!!

[wintersun]

I'm in until I have lost all my extra weight!  I am doing the equivalent of eating down my pantry, I am wearing down my clothes.  As I mentioned on another thread, I have to lose some weight for medical reasons so I will be shrinking and getting to wear all the different sizes of clothes I have. 

I suspect that I may need new clothes when summer comes, but it is hard to say what size I will be in what season.  Potentially I will be buying some warm weather clothes but maybe not.

I am excited to be de-cluttering my packed closet and chest of drawers so I can find things.

I will keep you posted on how much I send to the thrift store.

[Natcat]

Count me in! This will be a huge challenge for me as clothing is my frugality weakness.

Seems to me that everything wears out all at once so I'm in a mad dash to purchase a few things before the new year. I need to replace my rain boots that I've worn through and a pair of flats to replace the three that I've had to decommission. Also a pair of replacement black work trousers since the last pair are worn to the point they aren't professional anymore. Thankfully much of this will be taken care of with xmas gift cards. After this I'll be a part of the no clothing shopping in 2015 challenge. Unless of course I'm given more gift cards on my bday of a holiday.

[1967mama]

Just had a moment of alarm. I remembered that I will need a new, fancy Christmas dress for a very swanky, high end Christmas gala. BUT I realized I could sell my old dresses and use that to fund a new one! That will get me what I want without spending any money on clothes! I should learn how to list things on ebay, or maybe I could find a consignment shop that would want about ten or twelve size 16-18 ball gowns?! hahah! Anyone know of any shops that would be interested?

Also, I could find a new-to-me dress this way -- will be on the lookout for one online or in my thrift store rounds.

[Zikoris]

Oh right, weddings! I just realized I might need a dress for two upcoming weddings in 2015. I'll wait and see what the couples in question desire as far as colours, formality, etc, then see if I can make something work that I already have, or check out the thrift shops.

[stripey]

Oh right, weddings! I just realized I might need a dress for two upcoming weddings in 2015. I'll wait and see what the couples in question desire as far as colours, formality, etc, then see if I can make something work that I already have, or check out the thrift shops.

I usually purchase 1 new dress annually.  Anything additional to that gets borrowed,  or if it needs to be very fancy,  rented.  If you don't think you can get away with wearing the same thing for, say,  two weddings in a year, then rentingIis an option. Allows you to wear something schmancy without worrying whether it will fit you next time you want to wear it.

[Zikoris]

Oh right, weddings! I just realized I might need a dress for two upcoming weddings in 2015. I'll wait and see what the couples in question desire as far as colours, formality, etc, then see if I can make something work that I already have, or check out the thrift shops.

I usually purchase 1 new dress annually.  Anything additional to that gets borrowed,  or if it needs to be very fancy,  rented.  If you don't think you can get away with wearing the same thing for, say,  two weddings in a year, then rentingIis an option. Allows you to wear something schmancy without worrying whether it will fit you next time you want to wear it.

I have a purple dress that might be suitable, so hopefully I can wear that. Chinese weddings are new territory to me, so I'm honestly not sure what I'm supposed to wear. I'll probably ask some of my boyfriend's older relatives for input closer to the date. I do know a lot of things are considered unlucky and I need to avoid those.

[Juslookin]

I am in, which trust me is a big deal. Clothes and shoes are my vice.

Baby steps for me, I am committing to the first three months. Only exception will be socks as needed, I noticed some black dress socks getting holes where my abnormally long second toe is poking through.

I am going to unsubscribe from advertising emails and avoid the mall at all costs.

I do have a work function for DH in January. Same as last year, his company is sponsoring a Holiday bowling party. I know you're all thinking, no problem, slap on a pair of jeans and call it a day. That didn't work so well for me last year, I thought my scarf jazzed up my jeans until I arrived and found women in sparkly butt jeans,spiked heels and bedazzled tops. Geez.  I VOW to find something in my closet (or maybe a friends closet) to wear to this.

[Getting there!]

I'm in as well. I was thrilled to see this thread, as I have been thinking of not buying myself anything along the clothing line for 2015.  Besides I want to lose some weight, so what's the point of buying yet more clothing.  I just tallied up our spending totals for 2014 and they are way too high.  I know my purchases of clothing, jewelry, shoes, cosmetics and grooming all could use some toning down.  So I am also including jewelry, accessories and shoes along with clothing, especially since I've got clothes I haven't even worn yet as well as the other categories.  Shameful!! I aim to do better.  I also liked the comment of cutting out on-line browsing as I can spend quite a bit of time checking sales, etc.  The end of the winter season will definitely be a challenge for me.

[Trying to get this right]

I'm totally in!  No new clothes, shoes, bags or accessories for me this year!  I'm also including makeup and bath goodies.  I need to use the abundance in my closet and bath cabinets up. 

Last year I did a modified challenge where I could only purchase second hand items.  It worked so well, my closet is now very well stocked and I shouldn't have to purchase anything new for a long time.  :)

[MashedBanana]

I'm in!

[gaja]

Just had a moment of alarm. I remembered that I will need a new, fancy Christmas dress for a very swanky, high end Christmas gala. BUT I realized I could sell my old dresses and use that to fund a new one! That will get me what I want without spending any money on clothes! I should learn how to list things on ebay, or maybe I could find a consignment shop that would want about ten or twelve size 16-18 ball gowns?! hahah! Anyone know of any shops that would be interested?

Also, I could find a new-to-me dress this way -- will be on the lookout for one online or in my thrift store rounds.

Oh right, weddings! I just realized I might need a dress for two upcoming weddings in 2015. I'll wait and see what the couples in question desire as far as colours, formality, etc, then see if I can make something work that I already have, or check out the thrift shops.

I usually purchase 1 new dress annually.  Anything additional to that gets borrowed,  or if it needs to be very fancy,  rented.  If you don't think you can get away with wearing the same thing for, say,  two weddings in a year, then rentingIis an option. Allows you to wear something schmancy without worrying whether it will fit you next time you want to wear it.

And that is why national costumes (bunad) are such a good idea. Horribly expensive first time investment (~$2000), but once you've got it, you are expected to were it every time something is celebrated. Wedding invitation - national costume. Your own wedding - national costume*. Dinner with the king - national costume. Party time at a national day - national costume**. Elected for parliament - national costume***. Christmas dinner with the in-laws - national costume.

The style was set 200-300 years ago, so there is no problem inheriting one from your grandparent. In fact, the older the dress is, the higher status it has. If it is homemade, that is even better. I've got two (one inherited, and one that was a gift from my extended family at confirmation). They are both too small, but can be taken out to fit. But my two girls are almost big enough to use them, so I'm considering letting them have them and making a new one for myself. On the other side, we have been discussing getting sami costumes (kofte) for the girls to celebrate that part of their inheritance. They are less expensive than the bunad, and have an even wider range of use (reindeer herding, participating in TV-shows****, etc).

*http://img2.custompublish.com/getfile.php/1775144.732.fbdxrspvqp/Bryllup.jpg
**https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uM2uBUwrBM&index=4&list=PL-HfyFOCB9lJOdsCw2J4_gc7EIhd27gEs
***http://gfx.nrk.no//AgrpJRuaTiskgK1Bzhv4cAQ3kcFR_jkxq32eujbF419g
****https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woEcdqqbEVg

[MsPeacock]

I'm in for the first 100 days of this year - and then will evaluate. I ordered some hiking shoes last night that I need in order to get them in 2014 rather than 2015. I purged my closest last weekend of 8 (8!) bags of clothing - so I am down to things I really love and wear a lot. I will allow exceptions for essentials - like if my bras die or all my socks have holes. I'm hoping to make it the whole year - but aiming for the first 100 days because it seems more manageable.

I am also including a no-buy on  costmetic purchases - I have plenty on hand, shouldn't even need replacements for stuff that gets used up. Also, no shoes (unless an essential pair dies - I just ordered new sneakers to replace the falling apart pair). I do not need more shoes for work. No accessories.

[NinetyFour]

I am also including a no-buy on  costmetic purchases

Was this intentional?

[MsPeacock]

I am also including a no-buy on  costmetic purchases

Was this intentional?

Ha - Nope - but fitting.

[ZiziPB]

I am terrible with challenges in general but I am really going to try to stick to this for 2015.  I TRULY do not need any new article of clothing for at least a year or two.

[Lanthiriel]

I'm sort of in. I'm going to give my husband and I a budget of $200 each for clothing this year. This will cut our clothing budget to (wait for it) a tenth of last year's. Yes, somehow I managed to spend $4000 on clothes for two people last year. In my defense, I had to outfit my husband in field gear for all four seasons in the arctic (so, really, all two seasons: winter and construction). But still a totally ridiculous amount of money that somehow just slipped through my fingers until Mint gave me my annual breakdown of expenses...

I'm in awe of some of you who just buy socks and underwear. You're my inspiration! I will get this under control.

[asauer]

I'm definitely in for this challenge. I spend way too much on clothing.  I will make exceptions for socks and underwear.  Also, I've lost 20lbs with a goal of losing another 15-20 so I may need to be a bit flexible when I get to my goal so that I'm not wearing trash bags to work.

[JLee]

For everyone excepting socks/underwear from the list -- I bought Underarmor underwear in 2007 at $20/pair.  They're still in good shape and don't need to be replaced yet.  A bit more spendy, sure - but far more comfortable and they're lasting a really long time.

[KaleidoscopeHarmony]

Sign me up!  I was able to pay off $12,000 in consumer debt in 2014 thanks, in part, to no clothing shopping.  I just wrote about it on my blog: 

http://creatingmykaleidoscope.com/2014/12/31/2014-financial-accomplishments-and-plans-for-2015/

Overall, I didn't really feel like I was missing out, or suffering in any way.  I do wonder whether it is feasible to accomplish the challenge two years in a row.  My suits are getting a little worn looking because I wear them so much.  And I do need some new socks. 

[starbuck]

Count me in for 2015! I opted out of 2014's challenge and instead spent a decent amount of time replacing a lot of my junkier pieces with nicer thrift and consignment finds. I was thinking about skipping this year's challenge too, but according to Mint I spent $450 on clothing in 2014. Considering that's almost half of my personal spending money for the year, I can think of a lot of things I'd rather spend my fun money on than another cardigan from Goodwill!

This challenge will give me the kick in the pants needed to be more creative when I feel more wardrobe getting dull, and divest how I feel about myself to what I'm wearing.

My exceptions for 2015 will be lingerie and shoes, since I've really neglected these two areas over the last year. Tally ho!

[CryingInThePool]

I’m in.   I also decided to skip the 2014 challenge as I didn’t think this was a problem area for me but here I am ending the year with $1055 spent on clothing.  Insane!  I primarily spent on a new swimsuit, a special occasion outfit (the worst as I tend not to re-wear), and shoes.   Pretty much all but one pair of shoes were unnecessary.   

Not sure I’ll make it all year but I like a good stretch goal and I’m sure I’ll see a huge decrease for 2015 either way.  Bring on the year of shopping in your own closet!

My exceptions will be funding shoe repair and any credit/cash earned by trading in items from my closet.  In fact nothing new shall enter the wardrobe without 2 items leaving.