Round up of 2025 purchases

I have always told myself the story that I don’t spend that much on clothes. At the start of the year, just as I was starting to think about styling seriously, I decided to track what I spent and see if that was actually true.

The outcome – I spent $2497 this year. That is an average of $208 a month.

I bought 28 items of clothing or shoes, plus a selection of accessories (jewellery, bag and ties).

Only two things are excluded from this: my annual running shoe purchase (thank you Santa) and two new everyday bras post a size change – ladies get bra fittings at least every two years!

What did I learn?:

-        the monthly spend was about what I imagined if I'm really honest, but still, the total is quite confronting

-        I bought a few things as souvenirs on holidays, but was more intentional about that as they year went on and I learnt more about styling

-        only one piece is perhaps a mistake – the sequin jacket is an experiment (see upcoming ‘restyle’)

-        I shop in a range of stores on the high street – Zara is my go to, but I have actually purchased from Forever New, H&M, Kmart, and Uniqlo about as much.

-        my most expensive purchases were unique, but versatile, pieces from thrift stores

In November and December, I have not bought anything, this is partly down to wanting to treat myself on my January holiday. It is also that I have become more and more intentional. In particular, there are lots of great Christmas party outfits on Instagram and in the shops. I have tried many on, and been open to purchasing key items. However, I have actually found that, of the things I liked, I already own something that could be in line with the trend. A good example is the sequin minis and cosy jumpers for Christmas outfits - spiritually that is not far from my leather version – still luxe and brown, but certainly more versatile!

January

         ⁃        Thai silk outfit ($20)

         ⁃        Sequinned jacket (Zara)($100)

         ⁃        Japan t-shirt (Uniqlo J)($20)

         ⁃        Black combats (Uniqlo J)($40)

                 ($180)

February

         ⁃        Barrel jeans (Cotton On)($70)

         ⁃        Black bag (Cotton On)($40)

         ⁃        Black suit pants (Zara)($105)

                 (=$215)

March

         ⁃        Leopard shoes (Jo Mercer)($215)

         ⁃       Underwear set (HB)($300)

                 (=$515)

April

         ⁃        Burgundy shoes (🎯)($30)

         ⁃        Chocolate jumper (🎯)($30)

         ⁃        Chocolate sunglasses (🎯)($35)

                 (=$95)

May

         ⁃        Gold belt/necklace ($30)

         ⁃        Cougar print faux fur coat (H&M)($99)

         ⁃        Denim coat dress (Forever New)($115)

                 (=$245)

June

         ⁃        Brown leather coat (Paris thrift)($50)

         ⁃        Gold necklaces (Paris)($45)

         ⁃        Paris t-shirt ($15)

         ⁃        Green dress (Primark) ($60)

         ⁃        Gold bangles (Primark)($11)

                 (=$181)

July

         ⁃        White sneakers (New Look UK)($48)

                 (=$48)

August

         ⁃        Brown boots (Nova) ($150)

         ⁃        Gold earrings (H&M) ($25)

         ⁃        White shirt/tunic (H&M) ($70)

                 (=$245)

September

         ⁃        Black shirt dress (Lifeline)($320)

         ⁃        Neon pink trousers (Dress4Success)($10) 

         ⁃        Neon pink top (D4S)($10+$50 alteration)

         ⁃        Black wrap layer t (D4S)($10)

         ⁃        Leather skirt (D4S)($10+$80 alteration)

                 (=$490)

October

         ⁃        Ties x3 (Lifeline) ($40)

         ⁃        Tweed jacket (Vinnies) ($25)

         ⁃        Black hand painted coat (Lifeline) ($70)

         ⁃        Alma singlet ($40)

         ⁃        Black shorts (Zara) ($70)

         ⁃        belts (KMart) ($8)

                (=$253)

So, 27 items came in. That feels like a lot to me.

Looking at the other side of the balance sheet, I regularly ‘release’ pieces from my wardrobe. In my ‘restyle and release’ project in November and December seven items have gone. There have been quite a few more through the year.

My hanger count would tell you that I am about where I started in January. However, I would say the wardrobe is definitely working harder and is more ‘me’ now. I am now wearing a higher percentage of the season-appropriate wardrobe.

It will be very interesting to undertake the same exercise in 2026 to see what happens next to my wardrobe, now that my style and styling skills are embedding.

Want a new perspective on your style and your wardrobe? Want to restyle some of your old favourites, or to make a few ‘one hit wonders’ work harder? Take a look at my wardrobe restyle adventures, and DM for my help in your wardrobe!