Slow fashion: How buying less can make you more satisfied with your wardrobe, help you shop more sustainably, and surround yourself only with pieces you truly love.
My Personal Shopping Journey
For years, I had a seriously extreme shopping habit. Clothes and beauty products constantly found their way into my (virtual) shopping carts or tote bags. Shopping, as I’ve learned, can become a real addiction. Running a blog primarily focused on fashion didn’t exactly help – I often justified my shopping sprees as “part of the job.”
The result? Overflowing closets, empty wallets, and an unhealthy level of overconsumption – damaging not just to myself but also to the planet.
A Shopping Detox That Changed Everything
The solution? A self-imposed shopping ban. And yes – it really worked. I challenged myself to buy absolutely nothing for three months (except food and essentials, of course). Instead, I made it my mission to rediscover and rewear the clothes I already owned, to create new outfits and learn to love them all over again.
It changed my mindset completely. After those three months, I developed a shopping strategy focused on quality over quantity, and I’ve stuck with it ever since. Now, I rarely need anything new – I honestly have everything I need. But from time to time, I treat myself to something special: usually second-hand finds at great prices or the occasional investment piece. Here’s how I decide what’s worth buying.
My Slow Fashion Strategy: The 3 Pillars
Slow fashion is all about intentional consumption. Unlike fast fashion, which thrives on fast trends and cheap mass production, slow fashion focuses on high-quality, long-lasting, and ethically made clothing. It’s about buying less – but better. Choosing pieces that you truly love, wear often, and keep for years. It’s the foundation of my shopping approach. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
1. Affordable Basics: Tops, Leggings & Simple Sweaters
I buy basics affordably, and only when necessary. I avoid ultra-fast fashion completely, but I don’t spend a fortune either. For example, I often buy my leggings from Calzedonia, and I browse platforms like Vinted, Ebay*, and second-hand shops for tops and staples. If I can’t find what I’m looking for there, I turn to online shops like TopVintage*.
Importantly, I only replace what’s worn out – not to add more. You really only need a small number of versatile basics to create countless outfit combinations.
2. One or Two Special Pieces Each Season
Before every new season, I carefully consider what standout piece (if any) I want to invest in. Usually, I find something at Lena Hoschek – one or two items max per season. I make sure they’re timeless, versatile, and high-quality. I also keep an eye out for sales or gently used designer pieces.
Occasionally, I’ll pick up a unique vintage find. Since having a child and shifting into a new phase of life, my style needs have changed, and I now wear delicate vintage clothing less often. But when it comes to accessories, it’s a different story…
3. Rare Splurges: Quality Shoes & Accessories
When I buy shoes or accessories, I prioritize timeless style and high quality. For example, I still adore my Ralph Lauren ballet flats years later, as well as my Coccinelle and Furla handbags. I own two designer sunglasses from Miu Miu and Dolce & Gabbana – both purchased many years ago.
Choose wisely, and you’ll wear these items for years. Pro tip: Accessories are perfect for second-hand or vintage shopping! I especially love unique vintage bags and hats. Again, I don’t add more than I need – I simply replace what’s broken or worn out.
Curious about my favorite vintage shops in Munich? I share them in this post:
My #1 Tip for Mindful Shopping
Temptations are everywhere these days – the next cute item is just a click away. That’s why my top tip is: Stay away from online shops as much as possible. I’ve also significantly reduced my time on social media – ironic, I know, since I work in this space. But it truly helps! I feel far less urge to buy new things now. Sales don’t tempt me like they used to. I only browse when I really need something or have had my eye on an item for a long time.
Should I Buy It? Ask Yourself This First
If you’re unsure whether to buy something, the answer is usually: No.
Before any purchase, I ask myself these three questions:
- Does it go with several other things I already own?
- Will I still love it in a few years?
- Do I actually have an upcoming occasion to wear it?
Takig Care Letting Go: What I Do With Clothes I No Longer Wear
When you take good care of your clothes and accessories, you can wear them longer and don’t need to buy new things that often.
Another key part of my strategy is regularly decluttering. Some things break, no longer fit, or just don’t spark joy anymore.
I usually sell clothes in good condition on Vinted or similar platforms.
Old cotton shirts and worn-out items often become rags. Not sure where the rest should go? I explain it all in this blog post:
Final Thoughts: Buy Mindfully & Love What You Own
These days, I’ve significantly reduced how much I shop. Instead, I focus on wearing what I already have more often and avoiding impulse purchases. The result? A more curated wardrobe filled with pieces I actually wear and love.
To sum it all up, here are my golden shopping rules:
- Buy less, but better quality
- Repair before replacing
- Always check vintage & second-hand first
- Mix and match what you already own
- Repeat outfits proudly – no need for a new dress for every event!
This is also why you’ll find fewer new outfit posts on my blog and Instagram these days. I just don’t have that many new pieces to show – and that’s the point. I want to prove that you can wear and re-style clothes again and again – and still look and feel fabulous.
