The surprising way moving abroad completely reshaped my shopping habits!
For as long as I can remember, the allure of living overseas was a persistent dream. And in January of 2025, at the age of 28, I decided it was finally time to turn that dream into a reality. With my visa in hand and passport ready, I packed up my life into a few bags and boxes and embarked on the well-trodden path from Australia to the northern hemisphere, landing in the beautiful city of Paris.
A year has passed, and my curiosity about life abroad has been more than satisfied. But amidst all the adventure and personal growth, I've noticed a subtle yet significant shift that I never anticipated: my relationship with shopping has fundamentally changed.
While the concept of mindful consumption has been a popular topic online in recent years, I've always considered myself a "considered" shopper. This means I prioritize ethical transparency and quality over fleeting, inexpensive trends. My background in fashion studies and years of thrifting since I was 14 mean that sustainable shopping isn't a new concept to me. However, what started as a practical adjustment to higher living costs and limited wardrobe space (not to mention the future challenge of packing it all back home!) has blossomed into a profound reevaluation of my consumption habits.
Embracing the Old and the Enduring
I anticipated some degree of "reverse lifestyle creep" – that quiet adjustment where your spending naturally aligns with a smaller income. Suddenly, everyday purchases I once made without a second thought, like a spontaneous takeaway coffee or a midweek sweet treat, felt like luxuries. This prompted me to pause and critically assess where my money was going, especially concerning non-essential items, like yet another pair of shoes I didn't truly need.
With less physical and financial space for new additions to my wardrobe, I had to get creative. It was like being a kid in a toy store again, but instead of new toys, I started "playing dress-up" with the clothes I already owned, rediscovering and finding immense joy in remixing my old favorites. As I looked at my clothes with fresh eyes, it became clear that the most reliable pieces were those I'd owned for years – items that prioritized longevity over fleeting trends. My five-year-old oversized denim jacket became a cornerstone of my new capsule wardrobe, a testament to how quality and timeless design consistently outlast passing fads. I felt re-energized by my existing clothes, not because they were new, but because I was seeing them in a completely different light.
Learning to truly value the functionality of my clothing was a major turning point. It's one thing to admire an item on its own, but mastering how it fits seamlessly into your daily rotation is an entirely different skill.
Cultivating a Slower Approach to Shopping
Surrounded by a distinctly different pace of life, I noticed my urge for impulse buys began to wane. When you spend extended periods in the same environment, with the same people, and are exposed to the same social media algorithms, it's easy to be influenced by what everyone else is wearing, potentially losing sight of your own unique personal style and what genuinely resonates with you.
Inspired by a city steeped in history and culture, I've found genuine delight in exploring the vibrant flea markets on weekends. The few pieces I've acquired this year each carry a story, a history that predates my ownership, which now feels particularly sentimental. There's a unique thrill in hunting for a one-of-a-kind treasure, knowing you can imbue it with a whole new lease on life. This kind of sartorial treasure hunt has sharpened my sense of personal style, liberating me from the constant pressure of "new in" collections and fleeting "must-have" trends.
The Joy of Reinvention and Intentionality
My mental checklist for new purchases has become considerably more thorough. Inspired by the recent "Thneed" movement – a playful nod to multifunctional fashion – I now actively seek out pieces that are both versatile and inventive. Think of a dress that can be layered over pants, or a midi-skirt that can cleverly double as a strapless top. These are the strategies I'm employing to inject fresh energy into my wardrobe without succumbing to the relentless pursuit of newness.
Somewhere between scrolling through Pinterest boards and folding laundry, I've realized that living with less isn't about deprivation, but about intention. In a world that moves at breakneck speed and constantly pushes for faster consumption, slowing down has become my own quiet act of rebellion. Turning inward – to my habits, my home, and my own sense of self – might just be the most sustainable and authentic form of self-expression for me.
But here's where it gets controversial... Is the constant pressure to buy new things a reflection of our society's values, or is it simply a personal struggle we all face? And this is the part most people miss: by embracing intentionality, are we not only saving money and space but also cultivating a deeper connection to the items we own and, by extension, ourselves?
What are your thoughts? Do you agree that a slower, more intentional approach to shopping is the future, or do you believe that newness and trends still hold a vital place in personal expression? Let me know in the comments below!
Ella Taverner is a writer and freelance creative from Naarm/Melbourne whose work spans fashion, beauty, health, and First Nations culture.
