As humans, we’re wired to crave novelty.
That little rush you feel when you discover something new? That’s dopamine doing its job. Researchers believe this trait helped early humans adapt to their environment—those who sought out new experiences learned more, evolved faster, and were more likely to survive.
But in our modern, tech-saturated world, novelty is everywhere. We can get that same dopamine hit by scrolling TikTok, opening a new browser tab, or—yes—buying something new online.
And that’s where it starts to mess with our closets.
Why You Keep Buying Clothes You Don’t Wear
When we crave novelty, shopping becomes a really easy way to scratch that itch. We buy a dress because it feels fresh. We grab a new pair of boots because they look different from anything we own. In the moment, it feels good. But too often, that high wears off fast—and the piece ends up collecting dust in the back of the closet.
Impulse shopping can lead to:
- Owning way more clothes than we need
- A diluted personal style
- A disconnect between our wardrobe and our true identity
And all of this at the expense of the planet! When we buy something new to chase that dopamine hit, we rarely ask ourselves: Will I love this six months from now? Will I actually wear it again and again?
And that’s the difference between chasing novelty and cultivating personal style.
True Style Is Built on Connection
Personal style isn’t just about trends or having a perfectly curated closet.
It’s about feeling connected to your clothes—loving them so much you want to wear them over and over again.
So how do we meet our brain’s need for novelty without falling into the trap of constant consumption?
How to Satisfy Your Craving for Novelty—Without Shopping
Here are a few ways to get that “newness” feeling without buying something every time:
1. Seek Novelty in Experiences, Not Just Things
Take a new route home. Try a new recipe. Go to a museum or pick up a new book. When we fill our lives with interesting experiences, we’re less likely to try to fill the void with stuff.
2. Restyle What You Already Own
If you’re bored with your wardrobe, set aside time—when you’re not rushed—to play dress up. Mix and match pieces in unexpected ways. Try combos you’d normally rule out.
Make it playful. You might surprise yourself.
3. Switch Up Accessories
Even small changes can create big impact. Try adding:
- A bold earring to a repeat outfit
- A scarf in a new way
- A different belt or bag
Accessories add visual interest and variety without needing to buy a whole new look.
4. Give Your Clothes a Makeover
If you sew—or feel brave with scissors—consider altering or upcycling something you already own. A simple hem change, new buttons, or a creative cut can make an old piece feel exciting again.
Not your skill set? No problem. This is actually one of the services I offer my clients. I love helping people breathe new life into their clothes—making them feel fresh, personal, and just a little bit novel.
5. When You Do Buy, Buy Secondhand
Sometimes, you really do need something new. When that’s the case, try to buy secondhand. Not only is it better for the planet—it’s also a great way to find more unique, interesting pieces that feel special and stand the test of time.
The Takeaway
You don’t have to stop loving fashion or enjoying new clothes. But when we understand why we’re reaching for something new, we can make more aligned, intentional choices.
Personal style is built on love and connection—not dopamine hits.
And when you love what you wear, you won’t need something new to feel excited about getting dressed.
Need help restyling or reinventing your wardrobe?
This is exactly what I do. Whether you’re local to Austin or want to work together virtually, I’d love to help you fall in love with your closet again.
Let’s connect. Schedule your free 30 minute consult, subscribe to my blog, or follow me on social media.
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ERIN SIMMONS STYLING & DESIGN 