Still my favourite item of clothing, found in TKMaxx, somewhere around 2013-14, on one of those rare days when I was ready to do battle. I still love the labels and the shade of blue makes me happy. Over ten years old now and ready for some Boro.
I first did one of these in 2021 in response to a post by 
It seems that, in 2021, the average US citizen bought 68 items of clothing each year (compared to a dozen in the 1980s) and shoppers in the UK bought more clothes than any other European country.
I had a frugal 2016-2019, buying perhaps half a dozen items each year plus replacement footwear and underwear. In 2020, I bought nine items including a winter puffer coat which I saved for as part of a no-buy year, and in 2021 it was 57 items. In 2022, I bought 68 pre-loved and new items. In 2023, 41 items; and in 2024, 34 items including 15 replacements. For 2025, it's 24 items, including four replacements.
2025 has been strange: I finally wrested back control of my house from the builders in April, following major re-construction on the ground floor in 2023, and the discovery of a mains water leak in July 2024. As Mick, one of the demolitions guys, said, "I'd thought we'd done with this," as he set about with his mate, Earl, digging two four foot deep holes back and front.
I'd had the new kitchen decorated, but mainly I was living in a building site for far too long. Last Christmas I had a shower tray in the middle of the lounge, stored there for safe-keeping to prevent any damage, but too large and heavy to shift without the demolitions team.
There were family things and minor surgery in 2025. At work, our support worker was on leave from February; the CEO and I had bereavements, and the remainder of the support staff decided to move on in the Summer. In the Autumn, our only full-time colleague went on adoption leave with two weeks notice.
One way and another, it was a tough year and, making do and managing, I lost sight of my clothes, I wasn't even sure where most of them were and survived with a very small capsule wardrobe, as they say. Twenty-five items through the year, plus accessories, loungewear and underwear.
Today I started packing for a trip and it seemed the ideal time to do my end of year audit - I enjoyed getting re-acquainted with my clothes.
I also had to do some detective work to ensure I had covered everything. I've added some detail to remind me which is which, and discovered I'd left off my weddings and court appearances outfit from pre 2022! For fun, I've also noted the items I bought towards cosplaying Guy, Molotov Girl and Antwon from Free Guy.
Going through my records, I thought I had only bought 14 new items last year. Then I remembered a rogue visit in person to John Lewis for a 15% off event - prime time to replenish skincare items. Inevitably, I was drawn to the sales section, just to have a look, and came away with two Ralph Lauren shirts, a dress, two sets of pyjamas and a robe. Between the sale items and the 15% discount, I think one of the shirts came free.
2025 Audit
The State of Fashion 2025
The State of Fashion 2026
Wardrobe as Art - April 2022
Oxfam Online Pre-Loved Shop
Key to the audit
bold - well-loved and worn lots this year.
italics - replacements.
underlined - needs repairs or alterations.
scored through - recycled.
ambiguities - may stay or go.
| Pre 2022 | Tops | Bottoms | Toppers | Accessories | Loungewear | Ambiguities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New | 4 prs leggings, grey linen trousers, blue linen midi skirt, barrel leg jeans | black astrakhan swing coat, raincoat, puffer coat, green cocoon cardigan, jean jacket, Tokyo Laundry hoodie, Barbour biker jacket, velvet jacket, blue/orange print dress, blue cardigan, blue pocket mac | orange bag, brown cross-body bag (gift), straw bag, b/w woven bag, b/w foldable sun hat, black velvet scarf, teal cashmere scarf, brown belt, leopardskin, terracotta belts, burgundy phone bag, viridian/burgundy pashmina, b/w Crocs, blue/amber print scarf, berry, blue, green bandanas, Yayoi b/w bandana, Warhol skull bandana, | swimsuit, 6 black camisoles, | grey/citron, navy/white t-shirts, 2 tunics, 2 dresses, 3 cowls, bandanas |
| 2022 | Tops | Bottoms | Toppers | Accessories | Loungewear | Ambiguities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-loved | b/w swan print shirt, Free Guy blue linen shirt, | luxe midi skirt, camel linen trousers, Free Guy beige barrel leg trousers, | blue/black/cream check blazer, green/burgundy plaid blazer, camel wool jumper, Cos linen dress | navy polka dot silk scarf, blue/mixed silk scarf, | - | - |
| New | black, cream thermal tops, | blue cargos, ginger cord skirt, wide-leg jeans, cropped jeans, black, | Superdry hoodie, l/l olive hoodie, white hoodie, blue hoodie, l/blue wool vest | black loafers, Blues Brothers black tie, | b/w, navy/pink stripe joggers, blue jersey skirt | - |
| 2023 | Tops | Bottoms | Toppers | Accessories | Loungewear | Ambiguities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-loved | - | - | denim vest | - | - | - |
| New | navy thermal top, | green cargos, black leggings | print cotton duster coat, denim blazer, Antwon denim duster coat | Antwon Hiker Crocs, pink cashmere scarf (gift), Barbour black bag, Moleskine green backpack, navy gloves, red, amber h/k Sophie scarves | 12 prs briefs, thermal socks, | - |
| 2024 | Tops | Bottoms | Toppers | Accessories | Loungewear | Ambiguities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-loved | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| New | purple/ginger, green/blue print shirts, Barbour, JLP crew, Quay boat white t-shirts, oatmeal/black, oatmeal roll necks | - | ecru utility jacket | green/ecru print scarf, Barbour olive cross-body bag, black belt, brown gloves, green, citron cowls, | 2 prs cotton/linen striped pyjamas, amber cotton pyjamas, 3 prs briefs, 9 prs sports socks | - |
| 2025 | Tops | Bottoms | Toppers | Accessories | Loungewear | Ambiguities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-loved | grey check wool wide leg trousers | leather vest | - | - | - | |
| New | RL teal shirt, RL paisley shirt, blue mix collarless blouse, red linen shirt, Quay striped, 2 Easel, 2 Luminary white jersey t-shirts, chalk mix print cotton shirt | black barrel leg jeans | black summer loafers, blue/rococo handyband, b/w shopping tote, 2x bone crocs | black tencel pyjamas, green/white stripe pyjamas, black embroidered robe, Boss Argyle, plain green socks | - |
| 2026 | Tops | Bottoms | Toppers | Accessories | Loungewear | Ambiguities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-loved | - | - | Silk/cotton jacket | - | - | - |
| New | 2 Easel white tops, navy gingham top | - | Brown wool vest, maritime jumpsuit | Animal print scarf, black walking boots | Ecru pyjamas. 6 brassieres, 5 sloggi knickers. Boss beige/black socks. | - |