Wardrobing: ‘Every January I buy too much in the sales’

Question: Every January I buy too much in the sales. I need to somehow stop myself buying so much tat, but the lure of a good discount is too much for me. I usually buy stuff that's not my size or my colour, and often buy stuff just because it's cheap. I need a shopping detox. Any tips? Nicola, Co Kerry

Answer:

Sales season is a difficult one. All too often the coffers are depleted by Christmas excess, and yet we keep on spending. It’s so tempting to buy something that doesn’t fit because all those “New year, new you” articles say you’ll slim down by February, and, since the winter sales now start in December, stores sell a lot of junk under the pretence that it will work as partywear. I know this from bitter experience, having just had a demented-looking fun fur pencil skirt come into my possession.

Buy only what you need. This might be a white shirt or a versatile bag. If you don’t have money, then you don’t have money to waste on fripperies. So put the fun fur skirt down. (Cos shirt, €69)

Look at what you have and how you can make it new. Re-dye black items of clothing that have lost their lustre, and brighten whites with bleach, baking soda or borax (but check the washing instructions first). Take those items that don't fit and have them altered. If you don't have a sewing machine, take them to a trusted tailor or your local Zip Yard. The cost will be less than buying new clothes.

Otherwise, sell your clothes online. Depop is a handy app that allows you to take a picture and sell almost immediately.

Email your wardrobe woes to wardrobing@irishtimes.com