The Real-Life Underconsumption Series: Minimal Closet, Maximum Style. A No-Buy Wardrobe Refresh for 2025
Let's talk about the closet.
Not the Pinterest-perfect, color-coded dream.
I mean the real one-the one overflowing with things you forgot you owned, that somehow still leaves you feeling like you have nothing to wear.
I'm Meg Ann Lee, and this year I've been on a mission. Between saving for a house, paying off my car, and prepping for a move, I've been taking a hard look at what I actually use, what I really wear-and why I kept buying stuff that didn't truly serve me.
And spoiler alert: my closet needed a detox just as much as my budget.
When Shopping Became a Habit (Not a Solution)
There was a time when I couldn't walk through Target without grabbing a "cute" top I didn't need. I'd scroll and shop just to give myself " a little treat"-telling myself it was a small treat, or that I'd totally wear it one day.
But those small purchases added up, and so did the mental clutter. I'd stand in front of a full closet (in my case a whole second bedroom full of clothes) feeling overwhelmed, uninspired, and kind of guilty.
And then came the no-buy challenge. At first, it was just about saving money. But when I started really evaluating the space I was living in-and moving out of-I realized the way I was shopping didn't match the life I was trying to build.
The Closet Cleanout I Didn't Know I Needed
I didn't expect it to feel emotional. But when I pulled everything out and started asking real questions-"Have I actually worn this?" "Do I even like this?"-I saw how much of my wardrobe was tied to old versions of myself. Clothes for jobs I no longer have. Sizes I don't wear. Trends I bought into because I felt like I had to for content creation or an Instagram post.
Letting go of those pieces felt like making space for who I actually am now. It wasn't just about decluttering-it was about taking back control.
And no, I didn't replace everything with beige basics and call it minimalism; Because YUCK. I just got honest about what I really like, what fits, and what I want to reach for without hesitation.
Your Clothes Should Work For You
So if your closet is packed but still leaves you frustrated, maybe it's not that you need more. Maybe you just need to edit it down to the things you actually love.
Fashion is supposed to make you feel good-not guilty, stressed, or stuck in a cycle of constantly needing something new.
You can have fun with style without constantly shopping. You can get creative with what you already own. And you can absolutely be the most stylish version of yourself without buying a single new thing.
Next week, we're diving into your home-the candles, the "cute stuff," the little things that sneak into your cart and take up space in your life. If you've ever said "this would be cute on a shelf" and then… never touched it again? You won't want to miss Part 4.
Until then, here's your gentle reminder:
You don't need more to be more <3 Meg Ann Lee