Well, here we are at the end of 2025. Can you believe it? As we close out this year, think about what you’d like to change about your wardrobe or style in 2026. A new year is the perfect time to rethink how we engage with our closets. Fashion is fun—expressive, creative, confidence-boosting—but the way we shop and care for our clothes has a huge impact on the planet and on our wallets. The good news: small changes add up. Here are six fashion habits worth carrying into the year ahead.
1. Buy Less (And Buy with Intention)
Fast fashion thrives on impulse. But the most sustainable piece of clothing is the one you wear over and over. In 2026, make “buy less” your mantra. Instead of grabbing whatever’s trending, pause and ask yourself a few quick questions:
- Will I wear this multiple times?
- Does it work with a few things I already own?
- Is the fit good and the quality there?
You don’t have to eliminate shopping—you just need to shop thoughtfully. Intentional buying leads to a more cohesive wardrobe, fewer regrets, and clothing that reflects your style and works for your lifestyle.
2. Buy Second-Hand Whenever Possible
Second-hand is no longer a compromise; it’s a fashion treasure hunt. Thrift stores, consignment boutiques, vintage shops, and online resale platforms are overflowing with high-quality pieces that have barely been worn. My favorite finds are “new with tags.” There are lots of these, too, for prices under retail. If you spot something in the store that is a bit outside of your budget or comfort zone pricewise, search for it second hand. I’ve done this with success!
When you buy second-hand, you cut down on the demand for new production and extend the life of items that would otherwise end up in landfill. Plus, I find more interesting items for my wardrobe second-hand. I found this Zara dress recently at Clothes Circuit in Dallas for $35. I’ve received oodles of compliments on it – bonus! It’s not the amount you spend but whether it’s right for you.
3. Edit & Donate Responsibly
Start the new year with a wardrobe edit. If you’d like help with this, email me. Keep in mind how you let pieces go matters. For good condition clothing, fill a bag for ThredUp (and get a bit of credit), or take the items to one of your favorite small charities that will use the items responsibly. My two favorite places to donate in east Dallas are White Rock Center of Hope and Second Chance Treasures.
If the item is beyond resale condition, send it to ReTold Recyling. You will pay for the bags but remember they are performing a valuable service that is worth paying for. They are keeping these pieces out of landfill! The bags are small, so get at least three if you have a lot of donations.
If the item is in excellent condition, you can sell it yourself. This takes time and patience. I have a small collection of items listed on PoshMark. My handle is my first and last name. PoshMark has allowed me to buy items for our family for less because every time I sell, a portion goes into my balance. You’d be surprised how it adds up. Sometimes I’ve “purchased” pieces for $0 because my balance covers it.
Lastly, if others are interested, do a clothing swap with friends or a neighborhood group. Whatever isn’t taken can then be donated. Getting stuff for free that you need is helpful!
4. Shop In Person When You Can
Online shopping is convenient, but it has a carbon cost. Shipping items to your door—and returning items—creates significant emissions. In-person shopping eliminates back-and-forth transportation and drastically reduces returns.
There’s another upside: you make better purchase decisions when you can feel fabrics, assess quality, check fit, and compare colors in real light.
5. Wash Less Often, at Lower Temps & Hang to Dry
Most of us over-wash our clothes. Washing too frequently wears down fibers, fades colors, and shortens garment life. I recently washed a pair of jeans I had not washed since I purchased them (in the summer of 2024!). Jeans rarely need washing. Spot clean, hang them to air out for several hours and return them to your wardrobe.
A few washing tips:
- Wash only when needed. Unless they are undergarments, wear multiple times.
- Use cold water. It preserves fabrics and saves energy.
- Spot-clean instead of full washes. The Tide Stain Remover Pen works great for me.
- Hang garments to dry. Heat breaks down elastic and fibers much faster. Plus, driers release microplastics and use a lot of energy.
Your clothes will last longer, feel better, and keep their shape. Plus, you may reduce your energy bill.
6. Buy from Responsible Brands
Not every brand operates with sustainability in mind—but plenty are trying. Look for companies that are transparent about their materials, production practices, and labor standards. Certifications and detailed sustainability pages are signs they’re putting in real work, not greenwashing.
Responsible brands may cost more upfront, but you’re investing in higher-quality pieces produced with care. Over time, this reduces turnover in your wardrobe and supports companies that prioritize people and the planet. You can check Good on You for brand ratings.
Final Thoughts
Just as with New Year’s resolutions, which can quickly fall by the wayside, don’t allow too many changes at once to overwhelm and stop you from making changes in the New Year. Pick one or two habits to start, build from there, and celebrate small wins. Let your 2026 wardrobe work for you and for the world around you.
If you want help with your style and wardrobe in the New Year, contact me. A discovery call is always free. I look forward to hearing from you.
Wishing you a beautiful holiday season and a fantastic New Year.
Photos of me by Dahlias and Daisies Designs shot on location in Highland Park Village and Denim Manor.
