What Is An Anti Haul?
In the Urban Dictionary, an Anti-haul is;
‘A term used to describe new products or items from a company, brand, or seasonal release that you won’t be buying. Usually referred to products that create a lot of hype and publicity that most people purchase due to advertising rather than necessity.’
The Anti-haul came about in response to the bombardment of influencers touting products and services on social media that proved ineffective or not up to standard.
If you think of the anti-haul as a way of being more mindful about what you purchase, you are heading in the right direction.
How To Make The Most Of The January Sales
When the January sales arrive, there is more temptation out there to buy something you do not need. Companies are desperate to flog you items that they can not shift and will create great deals to do so. Remember to tread carefully. To ascertain if something should go in the buy or anti-haul pile, ask yourself the following questions before you buy;
- Does it fit well
- Does the colour go well or fit with the rest of my wardrobe
- Does the material feel comfortable to wear?
- Do I feel good in it?
- Does it serve my lifestyle requirements?
- Will it work for the current climate?
- Does it meet my ethical standards?
- Does it work for my budget?
- Is it the best quality I can afford?
- Is it a style that will last and not date quickly?
How To Build A Capsule Wardrobe
Before you start to build a capsule wardrobe, you need to ask yourself a series of questions. Write the answers down because it will help you focus on your plan.
- What items do you like in your current wardrobe and why?
- What do you wear to work?
- What do you need for hobbies or leisure activities?
- Where do you tend to go on holiday? Is that regular? What do you need for that?
- Do you need clothes to be with the kids?
- Are there any special events you attend each year?
- What is the environment like where you live, and how do you need your clothes to protect you?
- Are there seasons?
- If you have seasons, do you want one capsule for the whole year, two for autumn/winter and spring/summer or four for all four seasons?
- What style do you admire?
- What’s your authentic style?
- Is there something between the two, and does it meet your practical needs?
- How long does it take you to get ready?
- How do your clothes make you feel?
- How do you want to feel?
- What types of clothes do you need? Exercise, work, formal, etc or a variety of different styles?
- What clothes make you feel good and why?
- What clothes feel comfortable and why?
- What do you buy and never wear and why?
- What do you wear over and over again and why?
- Are there fabrics that you find uncomfortable?
- Do you prefer ethical brands?
- Do you have a strict budget?
- How often do you go through a wash cycle, so how many options of each style do you need?
When you answer all of these, you will start to look at your wardrobe differently from how you do at present. Build your capsule wardrobe around your personal requirements so that your wardrobe works for you.
The Benefits Of A Capsule Wardrobe
There are many benefits of a capsule wardrobe;
- Less clutter
- In the colours you love
- Easy to maintain
- Easy to replace an item
- Creates space
- Less washing and ironing
- You feel more confident
- Better for the environment
- Rewards quality over quantity
- Easier to create outfits
- Quicker to get ready
- Saves you time
- You feel more stylish
- Reduces stress
Maintaining Your Capsule Wardrobe
Now that you have the start of your capsule, the last thing you want to do is to mess it up with impulse buys. Old habits die hard. If you are someone who wants to be more sustainable with a capsule wardrobe but has had problems in the past with impulse shopping, you need to be particularly careful.
It is challenging to avoid the temptation of a bargain at any time of the year, particularly when the sales are on. The best way to avoid an impulse buy is to repeat after me;
It is only a bargain if I use it. Otherwise, it is a waste of my hard-earned cash!
Take note of what you need and search for that only. Be very clear in the detailing. For example, instead of looking for a black pair of trousers for work, maybe you are looking for a black, woollen, lined, straight pair of trousers with a side fastening and pockets. Think about what suits your body shape, colouring, the rest of your wardrobe, the purpose, your budget and most of all, what looks and feels good on you. If it does not meet ALL of those requirements, leave it on the shelf.