Sounds like a few Rule of Fivers need to start SEW-IT-YOURSELF on your old denims too? Please give it a try (Go over to instagram to @wastedthreadsofficial to download our free denim skirt upcycling pattern and instructions pack. It has been specifically designed for hand sewing or machine sewing, for those who have no sewing machine - yet)! Try this as well as going along to ELV Denim , especially if you are not in London!
After buying above my 5 last year due to an unplanned surgery, I hope to be back on track this year. I bought a pair of dark wash, straight slim jeans from my fav brand. My last pair had reached gardening jeans only status and so I reasoned a new pair every 3-5 years was ok. I also unearthed a pair of barrel leg jeans in the back of my closet that I had since the last time they were in, but never worn because the waist band needed altering. So, I decided to get them fixed and wear them too, giving me 2 pairs. Mostly, I've learned to think about what I would actually wear and what I just appreciate looking at with Rule of Five.
I’m enjoying this so much - I feel as though I’m curating, not constantly purchasing. I’m also struggling in a good way of imagining new outfit combinations….
Its really hard styling. Do you have a friend with good taste who can come round and look at your wardrobe in a different way? Sometimes you just need another perspective on how to syle things
I love the idea of more fun/statement clothes as part of our everyday wardrobes. I understand the thinking behind having mostly “foundational”, basic and understated pieces for versatility and to maximize wear, BUT who says we a statement piece can’t be worn a million ways? I like the creative challenge, and I think it’s just what we need in terms of reframing our relationship with clothes and style (ie. who cares if it’s obvious I’ve worn this top a million times before?) And maybe this means we can focus on picking pieces that speak to who we are and our true style vs. trying to pick pieces that will let us blend in to different trends etc.
Great piece and I love ELVdenim! I’ve been wanting a pair of their jeans for a while now as well.
I collect vintage Levi’s - some as early as 1983 - and have about 40 pair on rotation. I encourage people to look for pre loved (eBay is so great for Vintage, if you know what to look for). I see inseams nearing 38 often!
Nothing bought yet in 2025 but I am itching to buy something (anything). Holding my nerve until I find something I actually want rather than a £20 snack from H and M to feed my compulsive consumption habit....
Hi , I’ve purchased three items, practical rugby polo top and rugby jumper and a cord jacket. I am trying to buy for the current weather and not get distracted by latest fashion. Thankyou for the encouragement your Substack gives.
Omg good luck with buying for the weather. I normally find myself leaving the house in the mistaken belief it's summer when it's in fact 8 degrees. At the Fashion Fair yesterday (see recent posts) we were all dressing in vintage for the lives we want rather than the lives we've got. Cord jacket sounds like a winner though
Do I need some type of mentoring or rehab? My wardrobe is most probably something like 99% things I can wear on a daily basis to work and 1% that is more party-like. I simply hate to have pieces in my wardrobe that cannot be worn more often. Now, that said, there are many 'personality' pieces among my foundational items...so, maybe I'm ok :)
I have a question about what counts towards the five: if my sister makes me clothes- do they count? Maybe yes if it’s new fabric, no if she uses an old tablecloth? What do you think? Thank you!
Making your own clothes (or having them made for you) is such a brilliant Rule of Five work around. The time, love, care and attention that goes into it means inevitably we have a better value relationship with each item. I think if it is from upcycled or old fabric it really doesn't count. With new fabric, maybe that counts as half?! Ultimately this exercise is about slowing down consumption, so having one or two things made for you/yourself each year is probably one of the best things you can do. Also wildly jealous as this is way outside of my comfort zone.
Thank you! I’m really lucky my sister loves sewing. She’s making my wedding outfit - a blue skirt and cream lace top that can both be worn separately after the big event to be more sustainable. And the skirt has a kind of wrap pattern, meaning it will be veryyyyy flexible sizewise and fit for the rest of my life :)
I hate shopping for denim. I was so excited because Reformation had a long size as well as regular. Well, their long is 33 inches which is too short. Frame had a good length but the pockets are biodegrading daily and have basically falling apart. Have repaired and repaired. Will have to totally replace the pocket material. Initial check of Elv denim shows 28 inches. What about the subset of us with both hips and long legs?
Ellen - email them as they will make you a pair to fit. That's the whole point, that it should be jeans for every body! (Jealous of your long legs, but get thats a fittings nightmare)
I think that a wardrobe made up of 80% foundational basics sounds dull as dishwater. That said, if I reframe foundational basics to mean functional and flamboyant, then it brings me much more joy. Wear the pink coat!
Sounds like a few Rule of Fivers need to start SEW-IT-YOURSELF on your old denims too? Please give it a try (Go over to instagram to @wastedthreadsofficial to download our free denim skirt upcycling pattern and instructions pack. It has been specifically designed for hand sewing or machine sewing, for those who have no sewing machine - yet)! Try this as well as going along to ELV Denim , especially if you are not in London!
Love this
After buying above my 5 last year due to an unplanned surgery, I hope to be back on track this year. I bought a pair of dark wash, straight slim jeans from my fav brand. My last pair had reached gardening jeans only status and so I reasoned a new pair every 3-5 years was ok. I also unearthed a pair of barrel leg jeans in the back of my closet that I had since the last time they were in, but never worn because the waist band needed altering. So, I decided to get them fixed and wear them too, giving me 2 pairs. Mostly, I've learned to think about what I would actually wear and what I just appreciate looking at with Rule of Five.
brilliant stuff
I wish I lived in London again!
I’m enjoying this so much - I feel as though I’m curating, not constantly purchasing. I’m also struggling in a good way of imagining new outfit combinations….
Its really hard styling. Do you have a friend with good taste who can come round and look at your wardrobe in a different way? Sometimes you just need another perspective on how to syle things
I chuckled at "The result? Bored" 😅
I love the idea of more fun/statement clothes as part of our everyday wardrobes. I understand the thinking behind having mostly “foundational”, basic and understated pieces for versatility and to maximize wear, BUT who says we a statement piece can’t be worn a million ways? I like the creative challenge, and I think it’s just what we need in terms of reframing our relationship with clothes and style (ie. who cares if it’s obvious I’ve worn this top a million times before?) And maybe this means we can focus on picking pieces that speak to who we are and our true style vs. trying to pick pieces that will let us blend in to different trends etc.
Great piece and I love ELVdenim! I’ve been wanting a pair of their jeans for a while now as well.
Its a balance! I feel like I may be constantly yo-yoing on this one
I collect vintage Levi’s - some as early as 1983 - and have about 40 pair on rotation. I encourage people to look for pre loved (eBay is so great for Vintage, if you know what to look for). I see inseams nearing 38 often!
Nothing bought yet in 2025 but I am itching to buy something (anything). Holding my nerve until I find something I actually want rather than a £20 snack from H and M to feed my compulsive consumption habit....
Stay strong Dahlia!
Hi , I’ve purchased three items, practical rugby polo top and rugby jumper and a cord jacket. I am trying to buy for the current weather and not get distracted by latest fashion. Thankyou for the encouragement your Substack gives.
Omg good luck with buying for the weather. I normally find myself leaving the house in the mistaken belief it's summer when it's in fact 8 degrees. At the Fashion Fair yesterday (see recent posts) we were all dressing in vintage for the lives we want rather than the lives we've got. Cord jacket sounds like a winner though
Do I need some type of mentoring or rehab? My wardrobe is most probably something like 99% things I can wear on a daily basis to work and 1% that is more party-like. I simply hate to have pieces in my wardrobe that cannot be worn more often. Now, that said, there are many 'personality' pieces among my foundational items...so, maybe I'm ok :)
80/20 works for new/second hand too
I have a question about what counts towards the five: if my sister makes me clothes- do they count? Maybe yes if it’s new fabric, no if she uses an old tablecloth? What do you think? Thank you!
Making your own clothes (or having them made for you) is such a brilliant Rule of Five work around. The time, love, care and attention that goes into it means inevitably we have a better value relationship with each item. I think if it is from upcycled or old fabric it really doesn't count. With new fabric, maybe that counts as half?! Ultimately this exercise is about slowing down consumption, so having one or two things made for you/yourself each year is probably one of the best things you can do. Also wildly jealous as this is way outside of my comfort zone.
Thank you! I’m really lucky my sister loves sewing. She’s making my wedding outfit - a blue skirt and cream lace top that can both be worn separately after the big event to be more sustainable. And the skirt has a kind of wrap pattern, meaning it will be veryyyyy flexible sizewise and fit for the rest of my life :)
genius!
I hate shopping for denim. I was so excited because Reformation had a long size as well as regular. Well, their long is 33 inches which is too short. Frame had a good length but the pockets are biodegrading daily and have basically falling apart. Have repaired and repaired. Will have to totally replace the pocket material. Initial check of Elv denim shows 28 inches. What about the subset of us with both hips and long legs?
Ellen - email them as they will make you a pair to fit. That's the whole point, that it should be jeans for every body! (Jealous of your long legs, but get thats a fittings nightmare)
Thank you Tiffanie.love being tall, hate shopping for jeans. I will pull out the measuring tape and get going.
I think that a wardrobe made up of 80% foundational basics sounds dull as dishwater. That said, if I reframe foundational basics to mean functional and flamboyant, then it brings me much more joy. Wear the pink coat!