I did it! Well, mostly.

As part of my 2025 New Year’s resolutions, I attempted a no-buy year for new clothing. Now, a year later, I can say it was easier than I thought!

Let’s talk about it.

The Rules of My No-Buy Year & How I Stacked Up

There are all sorts of ways to tackle a no-buy year. Are you not buying anything that isn’t truly essential? Are you picking a specific category of things not to buy?

I chose to avoid buying new clothes for one calendar year with the intent of relying on what I already own, thrift stores, and borrowing from friends/family. However, I did make exceptions for new undergarments and using up gift cards that I already had.

So, how did I do?

Here’s what I ended up buying in 2025:

• A new pair of running shoes using a gift card
• 1 t-shirt while in Costa Rica
• New undergarments
• New pajamas using a gift card
• Leggings from a thrift store
• A bridesmaid dress

Overall, I wasn’t perfect, but I feel I did what I set out to do, which was to avoid retail therapy and examine my consumption habits. I hope to continue this no-buy philosophy again in 2026.

What I Would Do Differently & Final Thoughts

Confession: I did end up receiving two t-shirts as gifts. While I didn’t technically break my own rules by buying them myself, it did feel like a bit of a loophole. If you intend to tackle a no-buy year for certain items, I would suggest letting close friends and family know, so they can support you and avoid inadvertently buying you those items.

This no-buy year also made me reflect on running shoes. Is there a good way to recycle well-loved pairs? I usually retire my running shoes to walking shoes, but once they really wear down, get holes, etc., I haven’t found a good way to recycle them. If you’re aware of any organizations that recycle old running shoes, please leave a comment with your recommendations.

Have you attempted a no-buy year or other shopping challenge? Let me know about your experience in the comments below!