Shopping my closet for my No Buy July challenge was an eye-opening experiment for me. Today I am sharing 5 lessons I learned:
1. When you stand in your closet and say “I have nothing to wear” for most women, that’s not true. For me, it was very far from the truth.
I truly have plenty to wear. In fact, I felt overwhelmed at times because there was too much and I found myself constantly reaching for the same outfits. Now, thanks to three very large bags to ARC Nashville and a large box to ThredUp I have breathing room. I can pick out one piece and create an outfit without overwhelm.

2. There are pieces in your closet with tags still on them.
This was very true for me and for several of you that reached out. About 10 items that I came across in my closet still had tags. I am guilty of buying some, trying it on, hanging it up and forgetting about by continuing too reach for the same old same old clothes!
Please be encouraged to go through you closet looking for the items with tags on. It will feel like shopping because they are still new!
3. Shopping my closet let me be more creative in the way I put together outfits. Here’s an example of what I did:
I would choose one piece like this purple top from White House Black Market (and yes, it still has tags). They I would decide what to put with. In this case, white jeans and my favorite summer kimono. And finally some jewelry and shoes and ta-da…a new outfit!
Purple Top Add White Jeans & Kimono Ta Da! Just because it’s Pretty
Change up the piece that you start with. It will change your perspective.
4. Shopping in my closet and no buy July allowed me to be creative and to think outside my box
I mixed colors and patterns. Tunic tops went over summer dresses. Lightweight fall sweaters were paired with shorts. And of course, I put on my favorite denim jacket with most everything I was trying.

It got my creative juices flowing. Some things did not work for me and that’s okay. I had to try it anyway.
5. And last but not least, I made a list of some “staple” items that I am going to be on the hunt for when no buy July is over:
Another white blouse to pair with denim or leave open over a dress – I’m thinking men’s shirt look
Black and white denim skirts because they go with everything
Some new bras (that’s another blog post)
Solid colored blazers
And a pair of bootcut jeans.
No Buy July taught me to be creative, to have fun and to get out of my comfort zone. I will do it again most likely in October 2021. It may become a regular “thing” for me. Won’t you join me some time and let’s compare our creative outfits?!!
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“No buy” is a great idea! I am going to do it in August.
Are you on Instagram or Facebook? I would love to cheer you on!
I love that you did this and shared it. Sorry I couldn’t join in for July but I just may try this in August! Although we are going on vacation so don’t hold me to it, LOL. When I get back I’m definitely going to be going through my closet! Thanks for the motivation!
Try it when you are ready. I am thinking about October or February to show some cooler weather looks!
Hi Kim,
I have enjoyed following you on your no-buy journey this past month.
Indeed, I have more than enough clothes in my closet.
I have started with clearing out things that no longer fit or I no longer like the style. And not saving things for good or vacations. I am now wearing and enjoying everything in my closet. If something happens to it, then it’s time to repurchase something new!
I so agree. We should wear what makes us feel great! Thank you for following me Rosemary!
Kim
During the pandemic I learned that I can combine all kinds of clothes to look cute. So I’m all for no but July !
The pandemic did certainly help!