Minimalism: Project 333

coffee-1284041_1920Early on in my minimalist journey, I discovered an interesting concept. Reduce the number of clothes you use on a daily basis to reduce stress and increase efficiency.

I’d recently switched from a retail job to an office job at the time. My uniform changed from casual to business casual and most of my wardrobe became superfluous. Project 333 sounded like a promising solution.

Project 333 is the minimalist fashion challenge that invites you to dress with 33 items or less for 3 months. (website here)

The rules are simple. Choose 33 items to wear over the course of three months. This gives you four ‘capsule’ wardrobes per year (I switch things up twice a year instead as it’s easier). This includes clothing, accessories, jewelry, outerwear, and shoes. However, sentimental jewelry (like a wedding ring), underwear, sleep wear, lounge wear, and workout clothing doesn’t count towards your total.

It seems a bit daunting at first, but trust me, it’s worth giving it a try (worst case, it doesn’t work for you and you can go back to the status quo). I gave away and donated a lot of my extra clothing, but you can just keep anything extra in storage. If you need any inspiration, look up ‘capsule wardrobe’ or ‘Project 333’ to get some ideas. Here are a few benefits I’ve discovered:

1. Everything is your favourite.
When narrowing down your wardrobe to 33 items, you end up picking the things you like most. This means you’re always wearing your favourites. It’s a big confidence boost and always makes you feel well dressed.

2. Save on time.
I no longer have to flip through tons of hangers, pulling out different outfit combinations, only to reject them. Even if I’m short on time, it’s so easy to grab something quickly, already knowing it goes with everything I own.

3. Creates your own personal style.
The more you deliberately choose pieces of clothing for your wardrobe, the more your sense of style develops. As a result, you wear stylish clothes that suit your body type on a daily basis.

4. Saves money.
When I’m considering a purchase, I always ask myself whether it will fit within my style and match the clothing I already own. It’s allowed me to shop more deliberately, rather than purchasing something I’ll never wear, simply because its on sale.

What do you do to make your life easier?

 

26 thoughts on “Minimalism: Project 333”

  1. lucyannluna says:
    Reply

    It is much easier when you have your own style. It’s the first I’ve heard of project 333, but I think I’ve been doing something similar for a while. I have lots of dresses, but they vary through the year depending on the weather/ season. However I’m reluctant to part with them if they are still good, so they go in & out of storage. The kids at school are fascinated by my dresses & the speculate how much I spend. If only they new the truth I probably only buy 4 or 5 dresses a year or make one or two. Have fun with your wardrobe, & keep people guessing how you do it.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Ally says:
      Reply

      That’s awesome! When I was in school, there were a few teachers who had the neatest dresses. I love packing away my clothes and then pulling them out later in the year. It makes it seem like they’re new and exciting 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Salvageable says:
    Reply

    Like you, I have two wardrobes–summer and winter–and it’s a minor occasion when I rotate them. If each contained only thirty three items, that would be progress for me. I think I may try diminishing the clothing in my closet. That way, the next time I move, there will be less work involved. J.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ally says:
      Reply

      Moving four times in two years was the main reason I wanted to downsize. It definitely makes you question how much you want to keep bringing with you 🙂

      Like

  4. Britta says:
    Reply

    I love this idea, Ali. I’ve been working on purging my wardrobe lately. I’m finding that, having a smaller selecton of clothing that really feels like me in is less stressful. Ii have so many clothes that I never wear, and I’d rather give them away to people in need than have them holed up in my closet.

    Liked by 2 people

  5. mawil1 says:
    Reply

    As years go by I have refined my wardrobe, regular clear outs of items that I don’t wear for one reason or another has left me with a core of things that I like, so now I know that I try to replace them with similar items (over time even fave’s look shabby). The best thing I did for my wardrobe was to take up running! Because I spend time running instead of shopping, and clothes look better on a slimmer body😊 So I’m not constantly shopping, trying and failing to find something that makes me look and feel good !

    Liked by 2 people

    • Ally says:
      Reply

      So true! There are several things I wear on a constant basis (like tank tops and cardigans), and when they wear out, I just replace them with a similar item. Totally agree, exercise definitely makes the clothes I do have fit better 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  6. pearlgirl says:
    Reply

    I’m so glad it’s worked out well for you! Thanks for sharing. 🙂 I’ve thought about doing this for a while now, I just haven’t gotten around to it. Did you have a hard time selecting items when you first made the switch?

    Liked by 1 person

  8. VTNessa says:
    Reply

    I’ve not tried this project 33, but have done “clothing swaps” with friends. Basically, everyone brings whatever items they are tired of, then they are given 1 ticket per item. Everyone goes around 1 at a time, turns in 1 ticket per 1 item they choose from the entire collection of items they and friends brought. You go home with as many items as you brought unless you choose not to use all tickets. Anything left over gets donated to a clothing bank, etc. Might be a good idea to try out after doing the project 33 thing if you get bored with some of your options.

    Liked by 3 people

  9. Ysobel Luna says:
    Reply

    These tips were so helpful! I’ve been meaning to go down the minimal road myself but it’s so hard to figure out where to start. Rotating my wardrobe selection to suit the season seems like an excellent way to go. Thank you! 😘

    Liked by 3 people

    • declutteringmylifeweb says:
      Reply

      It seemed to be hard for me as well. Actually I went through all my stuff step by step 1) official papers, bank accounts, work contract 2) books 3)books again :):):) why to keep already read books 4) clothes actually everybody knows what they wear just afraid of throwing away items , they don’t want to acknowledge failed consumer decisions 5) kitchen cupboard, I had 3 different types of grater!!! 6) decoration in the flat so many tiny dusty colourful little items. 7) mobile phone, laptop, camera. 🙂 I don’t know how many times i have pushed DELETE :):):)

      Sometimes when I am a bit bored I want to go shopping a little bit. My free time should be spent in another way. :):):)

      Liked by 2 people

      • Ally says:
        Reply

        That’s awesome you were able to go through everything and get rid of clutter. Having less things makes a big difference to my mindset and I’m a lot happier and content too 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  10. Athena says:
    Reply

    I spend most of my time in gym clothes but the going out clothes I do own are always in style. Black dress pants, a nice pair of jeans, white blouse, etc. It truly does make life easier.
    Great post

    Liked by 2 people

Leave a comment