Clothes and personal care are where marketing works hardest. A few rules make it easier to say no.
The habits
Shop your wardrobe first Easy
Before buying, put together outfits from what you own. Often you need one piece, not a new outfit.
Buy for cost per wear Easy
Pay more for things you wear constantly; spend little on things you wear rarely.
Wash less and gentler Easy
Many clothes last longer when washed less often, at lower temperatures and dried flat or hung.
Use it up before replacing Easy
Finish shampoo, make-up and skincare before buying new. Cut tubes open for the last bit.
Swap and buy second-hand Some effort
Clothes swaps, charity shops and resale apps for good brands at a fraction of the price.
Learn to mend Some effort
A hem, a button and a small tear are quick fixes that keep clothes in use.
Example figures are simple arithmetic to show how amounts add up. Your numbers will differ.
Tips from travellers
Tried Clothes and beauty? Share what helped. The first good one goes right here.