ShopNOholic – Don't buy new. Upcycle!

Think of fast fashion as a little fling in between, whose insignificance doesn't fill you up, return to your favorite worn pieces. Why would you cheat on the fluffy wool cardigan your grandma made for you, your perfectly fitting jeans or the summer dress that has traveled the world with you?

It's all too easy to forget what treasures await you at home when fast fashion beckons. Maybe it's a glittering party dress that wants to seduce you with its chic silhouette and soft fabric. Or are you flirting with the ironic pop culture slogan on a T-shirt that's only funny for a few seconds?

Think of your old clothes and imagine replacing a piece of your collection with this new purchase. You'll realize that none of the fast-fashion pieces really “bring as much joy” - in the words of New York Times bestselling author Marie Kondo - as a faithful partner who has stuck with you through thick and thin.

You have built a meaningful relationship with your clothes, your past together is full of memories. They've proven themselves worthy and you know exactly which pieces are best paired together. This familiarity is reassuring, but maybe you're a little bored?

• Make a date with every piece of your wardrobe and give it a new lease of life. Go through every piece of clothing - from the boring work shirt to the little black dress - and focus especially on the outfits that have been hanging in the back corner for ages.
• If you think your clothes need a style update, then get styling, altering and upcycling. As soon as your old companions shine in a trendy new light, you'll fall in love with them all over again.

Let's face it: Sometimes we buy something simply because it makes us happy. It's called impulse buying for a reason! These clever strategies will help you break your fast-fashion habit.

1. Buy experiences, not things
   Don't spend your hard-earned money on closet zombies that barely see the light of day after a few weeks. Instead, invest in memories that will stay with you for a lifetime. Say “no” to a dress and instead say “yes” to a cooking class, a trip to the mountains or tickets to a great musical. If you resist the temptation regularly, your fashion savings will soon add up to the price of a vacation! Bonus: All these events, trips and courses mean you have less time for shopping and therefore less time for fast fashion temptation.
2. Scrooge McDuck sends his regards
   Become more frugal and eliminate all temptations! If you don't have cash cards and large amounts of cash with you, you can't spend them! Goodbye impulse purchases! Going broke has never been so practical.
3. Top vintage instead of brand new
   Who says that only new clothes make you happy? Clothes that are new to you will do just as well. Maybe you'll find the hunting fever satisfying. Great vintage boutiques, flea markets and second-hand stores are full of treasures that want to be saved.

If you want to grow old happily and contentedly with your possessions, you must of course take good care of them.

• Wash delicate fabrics by hand
• Store winter clothes in a dark, dry place in summer
• Refresh the fibers of used clothing with Dylon.
   

Image credits:
Header image: Stocksy
Image of woman wearing a polka-dot dress: Getty Images
Image of woman shopping in a flea market: Getty Images