My 2024 out: overconsumption.

Over break, I stumbled across an interesting challenge: One must not purchase any new clothes for an entire year or, alternatively, maintain only 30 items in their closet. 

This vow was notably popularized through accomplished journalist and civil libertarian Judith Levine in her 2007 book “Not Buying It: My Year Without Shopping,” a witty and eye-opening journey of a year living without retail therapy and discovering how skipping the shopping spree can lead to some surprisingly fun and insightful life lessons.

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After reading her book, I decided to take on the quest for a more mindful and sustainable wardrobe.

Residing in Los Angeles, a vibrant hub for fashion innovation, creates a pressure to stay in the latest styles. But with this comes the difficulty of balancing trends while committing to sustainable fashion practices in an age of rapid overconsumption.

The fast fashion industry is the greatest example of the effects of overconsumption, thriving on the constant churn of new styles while feeding into consumers’ desires for the latest trends. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions. Nearly 90% of all textiles end up being dumped into landfills. The accessibility and demand of fast fashion will only exacerbate this percentage.

We, as students, are increasingly aware of the unsustainable practices of the fashion industry. Students are constantly bombarded with new trends, making it a challenge to resist the allure of fast fashion. 

I understand my resolution to halt shopping for clothes during 2024 will be a hard one, especially with my therapeutic connection to thrifting, a defining part of expression.

Yet, I find myself reaching for the same black pants from GU — that fit my big thighs and sit comfortably at my waist — immediately after every wash day or my beige Reebok Club C 85s that pairs perfectly with every outfit. Having favorite pieces is inevitable. However, the rest of my wardrobe collects dust while being left in the shadows.

For additional inspiration, I sought out confessions from others who had partaken in the challenge and discovered @OhYeahSarah and @Vrushiman’s articles on Medium. Sarah narrated the initial challenges in 2016: the temptation to buy the latest fashion and how she learned to appreciate and rewear what she already owned. Similarly, Vrushali’s decision in 2019 allowed her to gain a personal sense of fulfillment on their positive environmental impact. 

But it’s not just about the environment. The constant change in fashion trends also influences how we view our bodies. The pressure to keep up with the latest styles, which often cater to a narrow range of body types, can lead to body image issues. 

It’s frustrating that the wardrobe I’ve curated for myself often never lasts, as I end up needing to find clothes in different sizes each year. 

As I recall trying to squeeze into the Brandy Melville Tilden striped pants freshman year but ended up tossing them away after a few uses, I wonder whether current trendy items — such as the ubiquitous UGG slippers and the COS quilted bag — will hold the same appeal in five years and withstand the test of time. We should evaluate how many pieces in our wardrobe are truly timeless. 

This is where sustainable fashion practices can make a difference. By choosing to wear clothes that are comfortable, durable and reflective of personal style rather than fleeting trends, we can foster a healthier relationship with their bodies.

We have unique opportunities (and the privilege) to make more sustainable choices as students living in L.A. Home to numerous thrift stores, sustainable fashion brands and community initiatives that promote eco-friendly fashion, the city provides access to create change.

As a gift to our future selves and the planet, I encourage you to take the resolution to boycott purchasing new clothes or keep your wardrobe to 30 pieces, creating space for newer versions of yourself to grow.