Why I Don’t Buy New Outfits for Every Trip

Introduction

Why I don’t buy new outfits for every trip? A question that I don’t see many travel creators discuss. For years, I have seen people fall under the trap of fast fashion. Myself included the rise in Temu, SHEIN and other fashion brands is scary. To be honest I think even the Zara’s, H&M and others are similar. Fast fashion is killing our planet.

And honestly? I get it. That feeling of needing a new look for every trip. Can’t be seen wearing the same thing on the gram right? I get it. But what if we agreed today that buying new outfits for every trip is what’s making your travels more expensive?

In the last few years I pivoted to: I realised buying new outfits for every trip wasn’t just expensive, it was exhausting and unnecessary. And much worst for the sustainability of the planet (that’s that renewable energy talk right there). So now? Well now I travel differently.

My most recent trip to Cape Verde, I didn’t buy one new outfit. Why? Because I’ve already done island trips like the Dominican Republic, Zanzibar, Bali and knew that I really didn’t need to buy new outfits for this trip. I have used my washing machine and re-wore clothes because one it saves me money, two it’s kinder to the planet and three who really cares if you wear something more than once and post in on the socials? I don’t. And neither should you. I’m sure you know where I’m getting at right?

Of course you do.

This post is to encourage you as a reader to think about your next trips, holidays or vacations you have this year and ask yourself. Do I really need to buy new outfits for this trip or, can I go shopping in my wardrobe.

Related Post for you to read – Sustainable Travel: What is Sustainable Travel?

Section 1: The Pressure to Look “Brand New”

The social media and mainly Instagram culture has put a lot of pressure on individuals to buy new clothes and not be seen in an outfit more than once. I’ve seen people speak about not taking photos and being happy because that means they can rewear the outfit again! lol it has often made me chuckle when I think about the culture of buying a new outfit for every single outing let alone for every single trip.

It’s led to us collating unnecessary clothes that are poor quality and quite frankly don’t even last that long.

And I’ve been there there was a short time in my life where I felt that as a travel creator that I couldn’t repeat outfits. That I really had to go out and buy a new outfit for every single trip and outing. Especially as a travel creator.

Section 2: What Changed

At some point there was a mindset shift. I don’t know if it was when I got into the renewable energy sector. Or the fact that I wanted to continue travelling but didn’t want to keep over spending but something changed in me and I’m glad it did.

I started asking myself: what would happen if I wore that dress again? and took a picture of it and posted it? Spoiler alert: absolutely nothing.

What I started doing instead was buying more quality clothes. Getting my clothes made for me and rewearing them over and over again. I’m a travel creator encouraging you to travel and taste the world without breaking the bank. I want to show that you can live your dreams. That you can go out and explore and it doesn’t have to break the bank. And one of those ways is by not buying a whole new wardrobe for every single trip you go to!

Section 3: How I Pack Now

Although my wardrobe never changed I can honestly say that my mindset changed. I started “shopping in my wardrobe” speaking more openly about rewearing clothes and doing so with pride. #Sustainabletravelfashion

Today I pack with fewer items that I love. Over the last few years. I’ve been falling more and more in love with African designers so I’m buying more into that. The good thing about African clothing is that they tend to be statement pieces. So you can rewear again and again and still remain comfortable, versatile with confidence.

Whether it’s African designers, buying a few statement pieces is always a good way to help you pack for your trips because you are not swamped with so many decisions.

Section 4: Not Buying a New Outfit for Every Trip is The Real Flex

Honestly I truly believe that the real flex isn’t buying a new outfit for every trip or country you visits. Its actually feeling like yourself no matter what you’re wearing.

The memories the things you taste and do from your travels are so much more meaningful than the material things you are wearing.

Repeating outfits has allowed me to feel more present, confident, and less performative. Because I’m just being real. I’m being me. And while travelling does add pollution to the air. I like to think not buying new outfits for every trip is my small token of saving the planet.

Final Views

We have come to the end of my message I guess. I’ve been encouraging my community to rethink about not just how we pack. But also about how we should consider rewearing clothes for quite some time. I’m often the traveller or friend that has the lightest luggage load. Why? because I plan my outfits and only bring clothes that I want to wear on a trip.

It’s rewarding to rewear clothes again and again, not to mention saves me a fair amount of time in shopping online and money for more trips around the world. You don’t have to buy new outfits for every trip you go on.

The next trip you are going on try and go shopping in your wardrobe. I promise you. There are probs some clothes that still have the tags on them that would be perfect for your next trip.

I would love to continue this conversation in the comments. What do you think. Have you ever felt pressured to always wear something new when you travel?

I also have an expert packing guide for you to read which you can find here. And if you need a checklist then download The MBV Travel & Food Toolkit now.

Speak soon,

MBV x