The Wardrobe Project: A Year of Buying Less and Liking Yourself More

by Emma Edwards

One year. A whole new perspective on style, spending and self-image.


Have you ever stared at a wardrobe full of clothes thinking ‘I have nothing to wear’? You're not alone. Millions of women are stuck in the frustrating cycle of shopping for the perfect outfit, only to find themselves overwhelmed and confused as to why no matter what they buy, they never look the way they want to. This expensive obsession drains our wallets and leaves us feeling empty, especially when we face new cost-of-living pressures.

Emma Edwards, financial behaviour specialist and founder of The Broke Generation, broke free from this cycle with a radical one full year without buying any clothes. No new clothes, no second-hand finds, not even rentals. In The Wardrobe Project, Emma shares her raw, honest journey of stepping away from what she calls the ‘hamster wheel’ of spending. She confronts our culture of consumption and the impossible standards women are forced to chase, and reveals the empowering transformation that followed.

What you'll

How to understand your buying habits and ways you might be outsourcing your identity to consumption

Real-world strategies for surviving weddings, work events, and ‘nothing to wear’ days ? all without buying something new

The link between body image and fashion consumption, through Emma's raw month-by-month insights into changing the way she saw herself

The unexpected power that lies within your existing wardrobe and how wearing what you can have can change everything

Practical techniques for saying no to impulse buying, whether you're in the store or shopping online

Ways to find confidence beyond the perfect outfit and rediscover what brings you joy


The Wardrobe Project is your guide to gently shifting your spending habits and finding confidence within yourself instead of searching for it on a rack. It might even tempt you to take on the no-buy challenge as you discover your inner brilliance, without the need to add to cart.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook

288 pages, Paperback

First published December 2, 2025

Reviews

[Ramona Mead · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really landed for me. It was a right book at the right time situation. It's the start of the new year and one of my golas (for a few months now) is to acquire less stuff in general.

Before I'd read this, I'd already done a huge cull of my wardrobe, then listening to this inspired me to go a step farther and decide I won't be buying many clothes this year. Usually I'm constantly picking up cheap clothes at thrift shops and it got to the point where I had piles of clothes everywhere because they all couldn't fit in my drawers! This book made me realize I'm stuck in a cycle of looking for "better" clothes over and over, thinking this pair of jeans will make me look slim or tons of other similar thoughts.

I love how the author addresses that these issues are most common with women and we've been trained to look to fashion to solve our problems and it never works. I'm sure you can relate to standing in front of a closet full of clothes saying you have nothing to wear, I have too.

After listening to this audiobook, narrated by the author, I ordered a physical copy so I can revisit it and do the exercises she recommends.

Some of the things she mentions that helped me are normalizing re-wearing outfits (I'm even weird about not wanting to repeat close together at work and I wear scrubs!) and topping off an outfit with an accessory to make it "different."

If my review hits home with you, this book will help you as well!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was actually on the hunt for another book by Emma Edwards but couldn’t find it...so I “settled” for The Wardrobe Project. Turns out, it was exactly what I needed. This book was the thump on the head I didn’t know I was begging for.

It dives headfirst into overconsumption and the toxic body mindset women have been fed since we were young. It completely reframes how we purchase, why we purchase, and how much of it is tied to chasing a fantasy version of ourselves instead of loving the person we already are.
I could talk about this book until my jaw falls off. It’s heartwarming, brutally honest, and deeply freeing all at once. Emma Edwards...your gift words is real.

[Katrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I‘m a huge fan of Emma‘s podcast and I loved this book. What I don‘t get is this: How can this fabulous book be packaged with a title like this (especially when „Polished“ would have been so much better) and this cover art work???

[Caley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this author feels like 'one of us' and I enjoyed not only following her journey but getting helpful and useful advice
Not to be overdramatic but Good With Money improved my quality of life by about 400% (actually giving myself a 'fun money' category has been amazing!) so I had high hopes for this one. My expectations were met

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

With her usual candour and wit, Emma takes you on a journey of a year of not buying clothes, and in the process emerges with better self-worth, a calmer mindset and a wardrobe that looks and feels like it was made for her... because it was. This book is empowering, practical and will leave you full of aha-moments. It's perfect for anyone who’s ever thought 'I have nothing to wear'.

[Abby Fergz · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! I especially appreciated the sections on thrift shopping, op shopping, and buying 2nd hand as this has always functioned as a loophole to justify consumption to myself.

"What's happened here is we've mistaken having for being. We think that if we have all the right things, we will be all the right things But it doesn't work that way.
We buy our way to trying to complete our style as though it's a game with an end point. But the game is neverending--the only thing that breaks' the cycle is actually being enough, and you have the power to decide your enoughness. As Edlinger et al. notes in the 2021 study 'Enoughness: Exploring the potentialities of having and being enough'- 'Enoughness celebrates singularity: it is what it is, simply for what it is-not for what it is not, nor for what it could be. This is the acknowledgement of an intrinsic value that is not subiect to any standard but its own. It is a value that arises from within a subject rather than being created and assigned to an object.'"
"I have this theory that buying clothes can be an avoidance tactic a wav of shielding ourselves from really seeing who we are or daring to discover who we are. When we're focused on the outfit. and what other people see, we don't have to face up to what we see. As a result, we think that if we can just look a certain way to others, we'l eventually like what we see as well. Almost like changing the label on a jar to convince other people of what's inside to avoid having to see what's inside for ourselves."

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not a big clothes shopper, by virtue of nothing much fitting me. But the psychological reasoning behind why we buy so many clothes really hit home. Was interesting to think of my own wardrobe and what clothes I’m truly looking for. Will definitely be slowing down for future purchases.

[Morgan Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick, easy read that was more impactful than I expected. I am inspired and feel more aware of the psychology of my purchases, making me want to buy less. I hope to read this again soon for a refresher. I will carry this nugget with me forever, too:

What is the most expensive part of a vacation? The two weeks before.

[Jaimief · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not what I expected... but a very interesting experiment into the
NEED for fast fashion and how to curb the need for random spending.

[ebony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big big fan. Reducing my purchasing & consumption is definitely an active work in progress (let’s pretend I don’t have parcels coming from Boxing Day sales…) and this is such a valuable resource.
After reading it do I think I can do a year without purchasing? I’d love to say yes but I am a weak human. But I’ve learned some valuable tools and definitely think I can be stronger. Will continue to refer back to this month on month and am hoping I can be more mindful this year.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read for any of my fellow shopaholics out there!

[Alicia Richters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed following Emma's journey through her year of not buying clothes. Her writing really puts you in her shoes and the sprinkles of practical tips and exercises throughout the book is super helpful, not just for clothes but for consumption in general.

[Jacqueline Maloney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny, entertaining and inspiring. Has definitely challenged the way I think about my own wardrobe and buying habits. Seriously considering taking part in my own version of 'buying less and liking myself more'

[B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adore this book! Flew through it. Such a relatable look at excessive clothing consumption and a practical take on how we can hit pause. I’ll be taking my own wardrobe freeze in 2026. Keen to follow Emma’s advice to refine my personal style without cramming my wardrobe with rubbish.

[Manda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma is a star. Her content is a big reason I’m planning to do a wardrobe freeze in 2026. Happy to have the book to turn to in tricky times ahead!

[Jan Mawdesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is it about body image we struggle to accept even though we see the same body in the mirror every day? Who is the ‘fantasy woman’ we all have deeply imbedded in our minds, our psyche?
Why do we shop, and shop, and shop for clothes that never, or seldom, achieve the look we are searching for, demanding and failing to create would appear to be answerless, that is until Emma Edwards had an epiphany and set out to find answers to this vexing issue!
The Wardrobe Project consisting of not buying any clothing for twelve months, came about after a particularly harrowing experience with online shopping, not for the first time, when the desired, lusted after garment finally arrived only to fall a very long way short of achieving the sought after look as depicted on a rail thin model on the site.
Emma, a plus sized gal, who has always had issues with her size, her chunkiness and lack of confidence used clothes to create or try to create an image to represent whatever she felt was required, spending time, effort and money towards this end.
Realising that something had to give she took the brave step of committing to total abstinence from any form of clothes shopping for one year. She set strict guidelines to ensure she did not regress.
Plunging in she had serious doubts, but as the year ticked past, she met the challenge of working with what she had, discovering so much about herself and her wardrobe choices. This helped create a greater understanding of why she craved the addictive dopamine hit of new clothes and the deeply ingrained psychology we are carefully trained to accept by modern day marketing.
More than just a book on meeting a challenge to stop shopping for clothes, The Wardrobe Project peals back the layers of a shopping obsession and by doing so has led to a way of life that is lived consciously for Emma Edwards and many other women who needed help to challenge their obsession with shopping.
Set out in a nice easy style, with absolutely no judgement, Emma Edwards illustrates clearly why we do what we do and how we can change our habits to make better choices, understand the mental directives that encourage wrong choices, leaning to say no to temptation via online shopping, sales, markdown and lets face it excessive overspending.
The Wardrobe Project is a book that is enlightening, even for those who really don’t like shopping but feel they must, as to why we do it and how to go about making serious changes which lead to so many unexpected bonuses in lifestyle.
With the Christmas and Boxing Days sales fast approaching, if you are someone who can’t resist a ‘good bargain’ treat yourself to The Wardrobe Project, enjoy the read and accept the challenge as your New Year’s resolution! Go girls!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book completely by accident, but it ended up being exactly what I needed. I started out just reading the first chapter to see how I liked it, and read the entire book. It really hit the nail on the head for me.

I was already doing some of the exercises myself because I am a perfume collector, and several years ago, I finally admitted that my collection was too large to the point that I wasn’t enjoying it. I decided that I would wear each bottle of perfume for an entire day before deciding whether or not to keep or sell it. It helped me reduce my collection at first, but I’d didn’t curb my impulse to buy more to make sure I had “the best one” from each category.
That’s when I discovered the Marie Kondo method and tried that next. It worked for a while, but also did not curb the desire for “newness”.
This book did it. It made me carefully and thoughtfully consider both my ridiculously large perfume collection as well as my bulging closet. I’m an artist and my favorite places are thrifts stores, estate sales, and swaps.
I didn’t even know what to do with myself when I went to a thrift store for the first time after reading this book and didn’t want to buy a single thing! It was such unfamiliar territory! I can’t even tell you how much fun I’ve had creating new outfits from my own wardrobe and naming them - today it’s “Ginger Rogers in Doc Martens”. I’ve also had a blast creating themed day challenges like “floral flash mob” day or “maximalist pattern party” day or “salute to an animal” day inspired by a vintage fur coat I wanted to wear without guilt by honoring the animal’s life by celebrating it.

Emma Edwards brought back the fun for me and helped me let go of the hang ups and guilt of overspending and overconsumption without sounding preachy or shaming. I loved this book and loved what it contributed to my life, rather than taking away from it. I am definitely beginning a one year no buy ASAP and I can’t wait to see what happens by this time next year.

The only part I struggled with just a bit is that there was no advice for those of us in uniforms and people like my mom who is retired. I suggested to my mom that she read it with her book club but they are all retired and couldn’t see the value in a wardrobe revamping project at this stage.
Even so, just get this book! You’ll be glad you invested in yourself.

[Dom :) · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Snorts derisively.

“I remember the first place I tried exposure therapy. It was at a Country Road store in Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. If you've been to that store, you'll understand why it was the epitome of throwing myself in the deep end. The store is simply stunning. It's got a sort of Hamptons feel to it, with timber decking at the entrance and green shrubbery lining the entrance walkway. It's one of their lifestyle concept' stores that invite you into the world of Country Road, which made it perfect for my mission, because not only did it house my fantasy wardrobe, but my fantasy home too.
Cleverly, theres even a cafe on site, so you can sit among the pretty plate-adorned shelves and momentarily pretend the shop floor is your walk-in wardrobe and the plumply rolled fluffy tea towels are yours to dry your hands on. I didn't stay for coffee.”

“Once again I'd like to thank my own brain for gaslighting me.”

[A.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must say this is the first time I have seen a - no, do not throw anything out - instruction for cleaning out your wardrobe. She thinks that if you purge everything, then you are way too tempted to replace things. What she wants, is for you to get to know the clothes you already own, to work out which ones you wear most, and why, and to get more creative with how you put outfits together. To be your own kind of stylist who knows you, your body and your life better.

And that is a very tempting concept.

Post covid Australia in particular has got really bad at purchasing clothes; we buy more on average than the US does. yikes.

Think about the emotions you feel when you do.

And I think there is a lot of merit in that.

Even if it did not stop me buying the PINK onesie with sleeping capybaras on it today… THAT is clearly different…

4 stars

So far this year, my library saved me A$793.16

[Elisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wardrobe Project is a holistic, realistic and crucial deep dive into our clothing consumption. I particularly appreciated the month by month format with the tasks you can complete yourself. I've been hanging out for this ever since hearing Emma talk about her wardrobe freeze on the She's On the Money podcast a couple of years ago. Since being introduced to her I've adored her Good with Money podcast and her first book of the same name. Emma is so genuine, funny and relatable. Her reflections have inspired me to reassess my consumption habits and style approach, which is handy as I underwent a huge lifestyle change and became a Mum. It's still a work in progress but the changes I've made have been good for my wallet, my self esteem and my wardrobe. Highly recommend.

[Kesia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to it and enjoy hearing it read from the author herself. I do think though that it would have been more helpful for me to read a physical copy to better be able to engage with the tasks.

Great insight in her year of not buying any clothes and what one might expect to face during such a challenge. I like that Emma lays it out so that someone can take on the whole thing, or parts of the year long challenge. Surly a good guide if you find yourself in a similar position as her.

If you are not looking to embark on a year long no buy challenge you might find some portions repetitive and irrelevant.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a useful book, equally interesting and full of insightful and hard hitting tips to change the conversation and relationship around your wardrobe. I hadn’t thought too deeply about my own relationship with my wardrobe before, outside of that I generally feel lost within it - and this helped open up and directly confront the narratives I hold around my own clothes. Just the right mix of memoir and self help, this is one I’m sure to come back to - has inspired me to really do a deep dive on my wardrobe and potentially my own wardrobe project!

[Eimear Devlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this, the way it is sectioned by months, the very practical advice and candid personal experience and the focus on how feeling better about yourself links with buying better. This is such a practical book that will also make you laugh out loud and slow think lots of different ideas and musings!
It is such a tonic to a world currently consumed by ultra fast fashion and honestly anything Emma puts here name to from literature to content is so refreshingly relatable!

[Kristy Macpherson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book 📕. Although I couldn’t relate to huge parts of it - because I don’t shop for a fantasy version of myself, or buy cheap things on sale and I don’t buy things that don’t fit. But I love to dopamine shop and I love the hunt and the process of trying to decide what to buy - and I just love buying clothes.

I still loved the idea 💡 of being even more intentional about what I put in my wardrobe. So I’ve commenced a 1 month no clothes shopping with some friends. Would recommend.

[MS DYLAN · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Emma gives great honest insight into a year without buying clothes, managing your existing collection and answers the questions on the tip of your tongue. I love the creative format and am encouraged to review my own wardrobe and realtionship with clothing consumption.

[Rebecca Widdows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. Thanks very much been trying to shift my clothing addiction for a while, and also been struggling with my body and comfort shifting due to perimenopause. This was just what I needed. We all hate that feeling of a groaning cluttered wardrobe with nothing to wear!

Key takeaway: dress for my real self, not my fantasy self!

[Refiloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this on audio. As a girl who loves adding to cart and has a wardrobe that is bursting from the seams I felt soooo seen. The observations and suggestions were practical which I appreciated. Bravo 👏🏾

[Jenny Sebright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant book!
I am going to do my own wardrobe project next year having heard about Emma last year. This has motivated me whilst being an incredibly enjoyable read. im going to buy her first book!

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calm, clear, inspiring and really insightful look at how stepping back from buying clothes for a year can bring a range of financial and mental health benefits. Excited to try my own no buy year. Thanks Emma!

[Emma]

This book was a bit too diary-ish for me, so I decided to DNF about halfway through. Not to say this book is bad, but it’s just not what I was hoping for right now. And life is too short to read books you don’t love after giving them a fair shot!