Welcome to my 2025 slow fashion challenge: 25 in 2025 where I limit myself to just 25 wardrobe additions this year. That includes shoes, accessories, and clothing. It’s a personal experiment in mindful consumption, and at the halfway point, I’m sharing what’s made the cut—and what hasn’t.
Why I’m Shopping Less in 2025
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your closet—or just your shopping habits—you’re not alone. Last year, I added 40 items to my wardrobe. In 2023? Nearly 60. That means 25% of my current closet (which sits around 400 pieces total) came from just the last two years.
And while 70% of those additions were secondhand or from conscious brands, it still felt like a lot. I found myself tired of spending, tired of decision fatigue, and tired of the never-ending pressure to “find the perfect thing.”
Sound familiar?
The Problem With Overconsumption (Even When It’s “Sustainable”)
We’ve been taught to treat clothing as disposable—and we’re wearing it less than ever. According to Indyx’s 2024 State of Our Wardrobes report:
- The average item is worn just 7 times per year
- 25% of our closets go completely unworn
- Most people buy 59 new pieces annually
Even if we’re shopping secondhand, we’re often still buying to soothe or distract. As Beni CEO Kate Sanner put it:
“If we keep clicking add to cart—even if it’s preloved, even if it’s ‘sustainable’—without asking why we’re buying in the first place, we’re not actually changing the system. We’re just dressing it up in thrifted denim and calling it progress.”
That quote hit me hard.
Creating a Boundary: 25 Items in 2025
Instead of going cold turkey for my slow fashion challenge, I set a practical limit: 25 wardrobe additions this year. That includes clothing, shoes, bags, belts, jewelry—everything.
Why 25? It’s enough to leave room for thoughtful purchases while cutting my consumption nearly in half. It’s also helping me:
- Break the habit of mindless scrolling
- Refocus on what I truly need and love
- Stick to my values (without sacrificing personal style)
My 2025 Wardrobe Wishlist
To stay intentional, I built a visual wishlist based on gaps in my wardrobe, upcoming events, and lifestyle needs. You can browse what I’ve bought and what’s still on my radar via my ShopMy page.
So far, these items made the list for my slow fashion challenge:
What I’ve Added
🥿 Suede penny loafers (NWT on Poshmark, $100)
⛳ Classic golf shoes (replacing a decade-old pair)
🪡 Dark denim shirt (new, after years of secondhand hunting)
👟 Clarks Wallabees (under $50 on Poshmark)
🧣 Large silk scarf (perfect find in NYC)
👠 Silver heels (for my sister-in-law’s wedding)
👜 Suede handbag (secondhand, a quarter of retail price)
Items Added Off-List (and why):
👖 Cuffed high-rise denim (a new favorite)
⛷️ Ski jacket (to re-learn skiing!)
🧥 Denim chore coat (sample sale score)
🩴 Birkenstocks (orthotic-friendly for Texas summers)
🌞 Wrap skirt (thrifted for travel)
Still on the Wishlist:
👢 Cowboy boots (eyeing a pair from Tecovas)
🧥 Bomber jacket (haven’t found “the one”)
👟 Sports bras (looking for natural fiber options)
💚 Toteme set (anxiously waiting for my size to appear on Gem)
🧣Lisa Yang cardigan (on hold, not necessary in the Austin heat!)
Slow Fashion Challenge: The Results So Far
Let’s talk numbers. By July 2024, I had already added 29 items to my wardrobe and spent $4,100. This year? Just 15 items—and $1,318.
That’s a:
- 48% decrease in items added
- 68% drop in spending
- Significant increase in satisfaction and clarity
And yes—I still scored amazing pieces from brands like Perfect Moment, Staud, and Agolde thanks to secondhand platforms.
What This Slow Fashion Challenge Has Taught Me
- Intentional limits create freedom. I’m no longer overwhelmed by choices or guilty over impulse buys.
- Secondhand doesn’t mean second best. In fact, it often means better quality for less money.
- Tracking helps. Seeing where my money and energy go makes it easier to stay aligned with my values.
This experiment is ongoing—and I’ll keep sharing progress (and resistance!) in future posts and on Instagram.
Ready to Rethink Your Wardrobe?
Are you limiting what you buy this year? Do you have a wishlist—or a rule like mine? I’d love to hear how your relationship with fashion is evolving.
Drop a comment below or reply to this post with what’s on your radar for 2025.
And if you want more stories, tips, and experiments like this one, make sure you’re subscribed to Finely Crafted, my newsletter focused on intentional living through slow fashion, mindful travel, and curated finds.
Love your mindful approach—truly inspiring to see sustainability in style. Saving fashion, one thoughtful choice at a time!
Thank you so much! Cutting my shopping in half this year has been such a rewarding reminder that sustainability really does start with small, thoughtful choices. I love that we can inspire each other to make style more mindful, one piece at a time. 🌿✨