
Do you spend too much on clothes? So much that your closet looks stuffed? Marge Igyarto, the wife of a United States Navel Academy 1974 graduate, a mother and grandmother from South Carolina, put her foot down and didn't clothes shop for a year. Here is how you can do the same, why and how she did it, and how I am trying to do it, too.
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The Frugal Catholic: Marge, at the USNA 50th reunion this year, you excitedly shared your "No New Clothes for a Year" experiment, and I knew immediately that my readers would benefit. Tell me how and why this began.
Marge: I was having a landmark birthday in 2023 and wanted to challenge myself to do something that required discipline. I am not athletic, so I needed something else. One day, I walked into our closet, saw how many clothes I had, and said, "This is ridiculous." I knew what I was going to do.

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The Frugal Catholic: What parameters did you give yourself, Marge? For example, you mentioned that a friend suggested you quickly recycle all incoming clothes catalogs without opening a page. How did that work for you?
Marge: I started by throwing away catalogs that had clothes. I researched how others did this. I also learned manufacturers purposely use inferior quality so things will wear out quickly. Landfills all over the world are filled with clothing. It was interesting how many people felt they wasted time shopping for things they didn’t need. One lady said she started art classes. Another learned to knitÂ
Most of my friends said they could never do it. It was strange initially, but it got easier after a month. I had fun shopping in my closet, mixing and matching new outfits. Accessories like scarves and jewelry can totally change an outfit.Â
It might have been easier for me because, as a nurse, I wore uniforms. Later, as a teacher, I wore comfortable casual clothes. The only exceptions I had to buy that year were underwear, socks, and shoes. COVID might have helped, too, because I spent so many months in yoga pants. Thus, I had items in my closet I never wore.Â
TFC: Were you saving up for something special or to prove to yourself something in general? Also, on a spiritual note, what did the Holy Spirit teach you from this investigation?
Marge: The Holy Spirit was with me, especially in times when I felt tempted with an impulse buy.
And with my extra money, here is how I used it.
I adopt a sea turtle nest every year
I adopt a dolphin every year
I adopted a manatee
And I could easily support other charities and causes I care about
Two sweet friends introduced me to Thrift Store shopping when my year ended. It is really fun—like a treasure hunt. Now, if I do buy something new, something gets donated.Â
  TFC: If we fast-forward your "No New Clothes for a Year" test, what can we readers apply to our lives? Also, my husband, Captain Mike, wants me to quit purchasing new clothes in 2025. I don't think I can do it and don't want to. Thus, how would you motivate me to be less greedy in my closet?
Marge: I would advise finding a substitute for mindless, impulsive shopping. Find a new activity to pursue or meaningful volunteer work. I am a knitter, and I love baking, especially bread. Spend time in nature. Garden. Read. We always have a jigsaw puzzle going on. Spend quality time with friends, playing games, and sharing meals. Whatever.Â
I think I realized how very blessed I am. I think it helped me be more generous. I support several food pantries. That is so easy. BOGO. I keep one and give the other awayÂ
I also like supporting companies like SEERV and UNICEF.Â
Finally, I realize this isn’t for everyone, or you could even do something like taking every other month off for clothes shopping. But, if the truth be told, with six young grandchildren, I got and still get my shopping fix by shopping for them. AND you will be amazed at how many new outfits you will create by shopping in your closet!!
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So, there you have it. You, too, can go without any new clothes for a year, just as Marge did. And what will that do to your savings account? Will you feel the tension of a tight budget loosen up? Because of what God says in Matthew 6:28, you bet, "And why are you anxious about clothing? Observe the field lilies and how they grow: they do not toil or spin, but I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory was dressed like one of these."  Try this grand experiment and watch how your finances and attitudes improve.

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 Martha Wild King, M.Ed., author
The Frugal Catholic: Learn to Live on Less to Give and Save More
Frugality gave us wealth, BUT The Catholic Church made us rich!
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