I haven’t spent a cent on my wardrobe so far this year, here’s how I’ve done it

Clothes out, clothes in. 

Earlier this year I reached a breaking point. The clutter in my wardrobe had consumed my life entirely. It felt like I was drowning in clothes, yet I had nothing I actually wanted to wear. Every time I looked in my closet, I was reminded of every single impulsive purchase I’d ever made, every serotonin-seeking shopping spree I’d used as therapy since it always seemed cheaper than the real thing.

I realised I had an unhealthy relationship with my clothes. Why was I still holding on to size six designer jeans that hadn’t fit since I was 18? Why do I own five grey button-up cardigans? Why can’t I let go of my ex-boyfriend’s hoodie, even if it is practical for winter? Reviewing my spending, I also realised I’d been using shopping as a coping mechanism – a way to reward, console and even comfort myself in times of stress. 

My Boomer parents are constantly telling me that my generation needs to make sacrifices to buy a home, yet we have more tonnes of clothes in landfill than homeowners in this country. Since a millennial like me just ‘can’t’ give up matcha lattes and overpriced burrata, new clothes became the next best option for me to sacrifice.

I was ready to emotionally detach from everything in my wardrobe (yes, even my ex’s hoodie) but knew it would be expensive to replace everything. I wanted to do this mindfully, without adding clothing to landfill and without slipping into my bad habit of spending up a storm. So I decided to embrace a circular wardrobe. 

The idea was to focus on reselling the clothes, shoes, bags and accessories I no longer loved, wore or fit. I could then buy secondhand clothes using only the money I had made from selling. Clothes out, clothes in – no money spent and no waste created. 

As I stared at the mountain of clothes piled up on The Chair in my room (you know The Chair, the one that catches everything you’re too lazy to deal with?) I realised I was sitting on a goldmine. I decided the safest, most hassle-free option at my fingertips was eBay. As the original marketplace in Australia for pre-loved fashion, I knew I could sell things faster and shop sooner. 

I got organised throughout the week. I invited my bestie over to help me cull my wardrobe and model for my DIY ‘photoshoot’ (she was happily paid in pasta carbonara). To help get the best possible price for my garments, we styled and photographed everything in my well-lit living room in one afternoon. The next day, I started an Excel spreadsheet (yes, I’m a Virgo) to detail the descriptions and prices. It became a satisfying tally of the money I could spend on my new wardrobe and by Sunday I was ready to make bank!

I remember the thrill of my first sale: a vintage Chloé dress I bought in Montmartre my first time in Paris that had been sitting in my closet for years because it didn’t fit me. Selling that dress not only cleared up both wardrobe and mental space, but it also provided me with funds ($180, not too shabby) to invest in my new wardrobe. 

As my wardrobe shrank, my budget grew. With the money safely secured from my eBay sales, I began exploring the platform’s limitless world of pre-loved fashion. I set strict criteria for my purchases, focusing on quality, unique pieces and items that genuinely filled gaps in my wardrobe – no more grey cardigans. 

Sticking to these guidelines has meant every purchase I’ve made this year has been a worthwhile investment. The money from my Chloé dress went towards a vintage Vivienne Westwood wool skirt, perfect for winter. I kept my favourite grey cardigan, sold the other four and spent the profits on some pre-loved Post Sole Studio boots in excellent condition, which have given me a whole new way to style my wardrobe.

Selling almost everything I own hasn’t been without its challenges. One time, a buyer claimed they never received a pair of shoes I sent, but my tracking showed a successful delivery. I was grateful that eBay has comprehensive seller protection, meaning I wasn’t responsible for refunding the buyer. 

One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey has been the positive environmental impact. By choosing pre-loved over new, I’ve reduced my fashion footprint and contributed to a more sustainable industry. If you’re considering joining the circular wardrobe movement, I highly recommend giving it a try. 

It means you’ll have more money to spend on ‘new’ (pre-loved) outfits making them effectively free (at least, according to my spreadsheet). Life is just too short to be haunted by clothes you no longer love, or fit. 

eBay is not endorsed by or affiliated with any of the brands referenced in this article.

Have your eye on something new? Buy it, love it, list it on eBay here.