All the clothes I bought this year

Did I manage to be low-buy?

It’s end-of-year recap time!

To honour the inevitable introspection that comes with the final moments of the year, I’ll be posting reflections about the main topics I write about for each week of December. This week’s theme is fashion. Consider it The Pastel Minimalist Wrapped.

---

Since adopting a minimalist lifestyle, I’ve made an ongoing unofficial low-buy pledge.

I’m well aware of how vague that sounds. In my defence, I didn’t realize that people were pledging specific numbers like 5 garments or 10 garments in a given calendar year until a few months ago.

I just knew that I wanted to be very mindful about anything new entering my wardrobe going forward.

For the most part, I think I’ve succeeded. I’ve really cut back on impulse and impractical purchases, though I did give my wardrobe a decent top-up this year after my Asia trip (Nepal & South Korea) in the spring.

I’m generally not much of a shopper these days, but I love exploring stores I wouldn’t be able to find at home while I’m traveling. Plus, I discovered that Asian sizes fit me perfectly — probably because I am Asian. But seriously, it was such a difference from the North American and European sizes that almost always feel a little too big. In Asia, it felt like everything was tailor-made for me right off the rack. I now understand why some petite girls travel to Korea and Japan specifically to shop. I was very tempted to go on a full-blown shopping spree, but I’m proud to say I was able to keep my principles in mind.

I might have had a little too much fun on that trip, but in fairness I scaled my wardrobe back a lot in 2023 when I was moving from the UK to Canada. I actually lost about a quarter of my wardrobe in transit — don’t trust Royal Mail, guys — so I am giving myself a little bit of grace in being slightly above average this year.

Now that we’re approaching the end of the year, I’m holding myself accountable for my shopping habits and am sharing a list of all the clothes and accessories I bought this year.

White Birkenstock Slides

I live in Victoria now, so I got myself an obligatory pair of Birkenstocks. But seriously, my only pair of sandals fell apart last summer, so this year I invested in a higher quality pair. I’m actually not that into Birkenstocks, but I couldn’t find many other sandal options. I mean, I get it — they’re comfortable. But I don’t like wearing the same thing that everyone else is wearing. And where I live, literally everyone has a pair. Hopefully next time I’ll be able to find something more unique.

Black Asymmetrical One-Piece Swimsuit

This is actually my most shameful purchase of the year because I got it at H&M. I know, I know — not my finest hour. It was a very last minute purchase before my Asia trip. I was quickly passing through downtown Vancouver before heading to my friend’s apartment, where I crashed for the night before my flight. I wanted to bring a swimsuit that was more modest just in case, and I only had bikinis at home. I did try looking at other stores for more sustainable options, but I couldn’t find any one-pieces that I liked or that fit, so I went with this one because of the time crunch.

Even though it was a fast fashion purchase, I plan on using it slowly. I’ve wanted a one-piece for pool/spa days and it’s a timeless design, so I see myself enjoying it for a long while.

Tie-Dye Cashmere Cardigan

I couldn’t resist treating myself to some cashmere in Kathmandu. It’s like going to France and not having a baguette … kind of. But seriously, the cashmere shops there are amazing — even though my Nepali family and friends have told me you can’t just go into any shop and expect great quality. I fell in love with the print and colours of this cardigan (you don’t see tie-dye cashmere very often!), and I also didn’t have a thin/lightweight cardigan, so I figured why not? It feels incredible, and it’s been super helpful on those slightly cool/transitional days.

Grey Cashmere Gloves

I also treated myself to some cashmere gloves from the same shop. My hands are always freezing in the winter, but my glove selection isn’t the greatest. I had a pair of cheap acrylic gloves that didn’t actually do much in terms of warmth, and an old pair of leather gloves that my mom gave me when I was a teenager. The leather gloves are actually still pretty solid, but it’s nice to have a softer option I can easily move my fingers around in.

Mandala Souvenir T-Shirt

Usually I’m not a souvenir t-shirt kind of person, but something drew me to this one, which was also from Kathmandu. I’d bought souvenir t-shirts for other family members and found myself wanting one too. I had a nice chat with the vendor and I wanted to support her, plus I liked that the t-shirt actually had a feminine fit.

Light Wash Wide Leg Jeans

This purchase marked the start of my little Seoul shopping spree. I already had a pair of blue wide leg jeans, but they were still a bit big on the waist (why do brands seem to make the waist wider on wide leg jeans too?), so I got another pair. These are made with the softest, lightest cotton ever. They don’t even feel like denim. I actually wore them to fly back home (a journey that took almost 24hrs) and was comfortable the whole time — they’re on par with the sweats and leggings I usually wear for long haul flights. They’re a fantastic summer pant, so I’m very happy with this purchase.

Denim Shorts*

I also got some denim shorts, because I didn’t have a proper pair. I suck at trying to DIY them.

*Pictured with the souvenir tee

Mid Wash Flare Jeans*

Pants are the hardest things to buy, so I got another pair while in Korea. I haven’t had denim flares before, nor do I have any mid wash denim, so this was a pretty different and useful purchase. I’ve definitely been enjoying them for fall and winter. I took a risk bought these straight off the rack but they still fit perfectly. I never want to buy pants outside of Asia again.

*Pictured with my tie-dye cardigan

Cream Flat Strappy Sandals

As I mentioned, it’s hard to find dainty sandals here in Birkenstock-land, so I jumped at the opportunity when I found this cute pair. Strappy sandals are my favourite, and the fact that they’re flat make them even better. Plus, they have a cushy sole that’s actually comfortable!

Amber Sunglasses

The sunglasses I brought with me on my trip broke while I was in Seoul, so I got myself a replacement pair. I usually go for bolder styles — round or cat-eye frames in vibrant colours — but the store owner recommended this pair for me, and she nailed it. The amber hue is a great neutral for me, and I’ve gotten a lot of wear out of them.

Grey Vivaia Ankle Boots

These were my birthday gift to myself. I’ve been following Vivaia for a while and have been wanting to try them out. I love that their shoes are made from recycled materials, are practical (the material is water-repellent — so needed here in the rainy Pacific Northwest), and are actually cute. It’s hard to find that trifecta.

I guess I didn’t technically need these since I have waterproof sneakers from Vessi and Timberland boots for more intense weather, but I wanted a dressier option since my other boots are velvet and suede — AKA not practical at all for rainy weather.

Grand total: 11 pieces bought

Note: I know I only mentioned brands a few times. It’s not because I don’t want to be transparent; the items I got in Asia weren’t really branded. I can tell you the cashmere pieces came from a store in Thamel, Kathmandu and the rest were mostly bought around Gangnam in Seoul, but that’s it.

I also got a few gifts/hand-me-downs from family members: my niece has eclipsed me in size and I got a pair of her sweatpants, my dad gifted me a white linen button-down shirt and a cream cotton blazer*, and my mom bought me a pair of shearling slippers and fleece-lined leggings for winter.

*I’ve never been able to pull off the ‘borrowed from the boyfriend’ look because my husband’s clothes are too oversized on me. My dad’s clothes, on the other hand, are perfect. Guess it helps when I’ve inherited pretty much everything from him, genetically speaking.

All in all, I don’t think I went too crazy. Next year I’m hoping to keep it under 10 now that my wardrobe is feeling more robust. But if I find myself back in Asia, I don’t think I’ll be able to resist a new piece or two.

---

Thank you for reading! Did you have a low-buy year or make a specific pledge? I’d love to know how you did. And for more minimalist living insights, you know what to do ↓