Can I Commit When I Need More?

Let's "Window" Shop

Despite what the title might suggest, this isn’t about love—or any kind of relationship. It’s about my wardrobe. I have what you could call a “mommy uniform.” It’s basically the same outfit I throw on day after day to make mornings just a little bit easier. Maybe “uniform” is generous—it’s more like reaching for whatever’s easiest and most practical.

Truth be told, I am not a morning person. My daughter, however, has to catch her bus at exactly 6:23. If I don’t drag myself out of bed to ensure she’s ready, she’d be walking out the door at 8, long after school started. (Can we talk about how ridiculous early high school start times are? But I digress.) My oldest sons are in middle school now, so I wake my oldest at 6:40–6:45 for his 7:13 bus, while my husband leaves at 7:30 to drive my bonus son to school, since there’s no bus route near our house.

This leaves me about 45 minutes to get dressed and sip coffee while scrolling Pinterest—if my youngest hasn’t woken up yet. Usually, he doesn’t make an appearance until 8, which seems about right for someone who shares his sister’s sloth-like tendencies. Since we bike to school (it’s in our subdivision), I do need to look somewhat put together.

So, my uniform: striped button-down, jeans, and sneakers. My slip-ons are so worn I can probably feel the pavement through them, and my button-down is begging for a break. My everyday bag? Fraying at the edges, much like my patience on Monday mornings. I wear my clothes until they’ve truly earned their keep.

But here’s the catch: I’ve committed to a low-buy season. That means just five new items for three whole months. FIVE. How on earth am I supposed to stick to that when my uniform desperately needs a replacing?

Now that I’ve vented, here’s my plan. I’ve done my homework and narrowed it down: a new pair of sneakers and a button-down—my top priorities for replacement. After that, I still have room for a new everyday bag and two more “fun” pieces to add a little personality to my fall wardrobe. With a little strategy, even a low-buy season can feel exciting instead of restrictive as I don’t do well with restrictions.

black button up | crop button up | beige button up | white button up

I feel caught between practicality and style. Without this challenge, I’d already have all four in my cart—the oversized white for practicality, the beige for style, and the other two for a mix of both. But my low-buy commitment forces me to pause and think instead of acting on impulse. Even though the cost per wear is reasonable across the board, there’s really only one piece I know I’d reach for again and again. And I’m proud to say I’m a chronic outfit repeater.

Before checking out on the tops, I plan to stop by my favorite thrift shops first—that’s usually where I score the best button-ups. I often find J.Crew, Madewell, and similar brands for a fraction of the price. That said, since button-ups are such a staple in my wardrobe, I’m not opposed to buying new if it’s something I’ll wear often.

red adidas | leopard keds | metallic adidas | leopard adidas | KG red sneaker

As the season shifts from summer to fall, I’ve been leaning on my Birkenstocks for easier mornings. Still, it’s clear my sneakers need replacing. These four pairs caught my eye (my current ones are snake-print slip-ons), but for the first time in ages, I’ll actually be trying them on in person. Years of impractical shoe choices—like wearing my Louboutin heels while six months pregnant for a fashion show or 4-inch heels through a nine-hour Nordstrom Beauty Trend event—have left my lower back paying the price. Comfort has to come first now. I’ll save my flair for impracticality for other occasions, just not school pick-up.

So, with the essentials handled, I’ve carved out just enough space for more fun pieces. Guess this low-buy challenge might not be so bad after all.