How to Make Your New Year Fashion Resolutions Stick (Happily)

Pretty sure most of us have been there. 

We promised ourselves we were going to quit fast fashion and be more mindful with our clothes. Then, by the end of January, we were back in our local H&M branch or ZARA… just like the year before.

Well, we have some New Year fashion resolutions and tips that should help you break that cycle for good. 

Even though we are now slow fashion veterans, we used to be caught in the fast fashion trap, too. And if we can do it, you can do it, too!

1. Set a realistic New Year fashion resolution, and focus on what matters the most to you

If you’ve been buying four or five new garments every week, going cold turkey in January miiiiiight be a bit of a stretch. So, for example, you could aim to cut that down by half every month.

And to stay motivated: why exactly do you want to ditch fast fashion? What do you hate the most about it?

Fast fashion comes with lots of problems like:

• A dreadful environmental footprint
• Hiding sweatshops, modern slavery, and child labour
• Keeping you unhappy in the long run despite the initial dopamine hit
• Removing your sense of self-expression
• Wasting money on throwaway clothes regularly

We're sure you care about all those points, but try to identify the one that annoys you the most, especially when you picture it. 

By holding on to it, it’ll be easier to stay on track (without feeling like you’re missing out for not buying that shiny fast fashion garment).

2. Remove all fast fashion temptations

No wonder so many consumers fail their “no fast fashion” resolutions before the end of January. It’s sales season!

• Unsubscribe from fast fashion brands’ newsletters 
• Delete shopping apps 
• On social media, unfollow those brands, and most importantly, influencers promoting overconsumption

This will obviously help you beyond January, too.

3. Identify and replace your fashion triggers

To stop buying so many clothes, figure out why you feel the need to purchase them. Then, replace those “needs” or impulses with different actions.

For example, if you usually buy clothes as shopping therapy or to celebrate something, you could treat yourself with some self-care instead, take yourself out for coffee and cake, or hang out with a friend.

If you do it out of boredom, find a go-to alternative, like reading a book, exercising, or embracing a new hobby.

4. Try some affirmations

The way we talk to ourselves makes a HUGE difference!

For example, ditching fast fashion is a bit like quitting smoking. By telling yourself you “can’t” smoke a cigarette, you’d actually reinforce the idea that it’s a deprivation. Instead, focus on how much you WANT to do this!

• “I want to be free from my fast fashion addiction”
• “I already have all the clothes I want”
• “I want to save money and use it more mindfully”

If you need more inspiration, we have a whole list of fashion affirmations you can try.

In fact, why not turn your favourite one into a pretty Canva graphic and use it as your phone wallpaper?

5. Get clear on what makes you happy whenever you (re)wear it

We are not exaggerating when we say fast fashion removes your sense of self-expression.

How can you feel happy and confident when putting on something you only bought because it was trendy? No wonder you keep finding excuses not to wear those clothes and, instead, buy more.

Trends are temporary and dictated by others. By finding your style, you’ll fall in love with fewer clothes that actually feel “you”!

So, identify what that looks like, whether that’s a specific aesthetic or certain colours, patterns, and vibes. Consider creating a fashion moodboard to visualise it and stay inspired.

You might also want to declutter your wardrobe if it’s full of throwaway garments that don’t match your dream style.

6. Manage the money side of things

Maybe you’re really motivated to quit fast fashion in the New Year but you’re also worried it’s going to cost you a tonne of money since ethical clothes are more expensive? It doesn’t have to!

• Save money with your wardrobe – The most sustainable clothes aren’t the ones from the most premium ethical brand: they’re the ones you already own! So, embrace repeat outfits, and create different ones by wearing the same clothes in new combinations
• Understand cost per wear – Yes, ethical clothes tend to be more expensive (because they’re made with in an eco-friendly way by workers who are paid fair wages). They’re also made to last, though, and if you only buy clothes you love, you’ll happily rewear them for years. So, a €90 dress that you wear +30 times? Its cost-per-wear is only €3. A €15 dress that you bought on a whim and only worn twice, before chucking it and spending MORE money on a new one? €7.50. More than double!
• Stay motivated and treat yourself (without buying more clothes) – Fancy trying my trick? I once created a savings account along the lines of “All the clothes I didn’t buy”. Whenever I was tempted to purchase a fast fashion garment, I transferred its cost there. You could also set some milestones (like €100): whenever you hit them, you get to treat yourself with something non-material (like a spa day or another experience) or by investing in a sustainable garment you’ve been eyeing since forever

7. Buying clothes more mindfully in the new year (and beyond)

We recommend focusing on two main things:

• Buying less – Try to only purchase what you actually need or clothes that match your style (and that you can see yourself rewearing at least 30 times)
• Buying better – Choose high-quality clothes made ethically and to last. I promise: it won’t be hard to find them. At Project Cece, we brought hundreds of fair trade brands in one place and added categories and filters to simplify your choices! 

We have a feeling you’re going to smash those New Year’s fashion resolutions. We’re all rooting for you!