I wrote about Project 333 a few weeks ago — and guess what? I’m doing it!
Here’s a quick recap: Project 333 is a minimalist capsule wardrobe challenge created by Courtney Carver, who, after an MS diagnosis and the realization that she needed to simplify, decided to pare her closet down to 33 items for three months (hence, 333). Then she wrote a book about it and started a movement of sorts. I found it inspiring, so here we are.
Project 333 Rules
You curate a capsule wardrobe of thirty-three items total, including shirts, pants, jewelry, hats, bags, scarves, shoes — anything you wear outside the house — to wear for three months. Fortunately, sleepwear, underwear, workout wear, and lounge wear don’t count. One other thing: it’s also a three-month commitment to not buy any clothing.
It sounded daunting, and I was dubious and reluctant, but still wanted to give it a try. I gave myself a long runway -- six weeks -- to get ready, and with the hard start date of April 1st it actually came together.
Paring Down for Project 333
Following the author’s recommendation, I hauled everything out of my closet, piled it on the bed, and started three piles -- Love it // Maybe // and Nah. I donated all the “Nahs” right away, and stashed “Maybes” downstairs. Over the next six weeks I chipped away at everything that had stayed upstairs, moving more downstairs. By April 1st, I was down to 38 items, which was good enough for me.
A few ideas that helped: three months is a manageable time frame; really, it can be thought of as an extended vacation. Also, you’re not getting rid of everything that doesn’t stay in the closet. Whatever you don’t immediately donate is just moving to a place where you can’t see it. So life can go back to how it was if this doesn’t work out.
And the long lead time was helpful for me, because it allowed me to pull some things back before the start date when I realized I actually wanted them. The hard start date meant I was working with a deadline, so that helped too.
Bend/Break Rules as You See Fit
One essential principle in the book is that the rules are bendable, and breakable. You make this challenge your own. So it’s ok if your numbers are different, or you make other modifications. What’s important is that you take part in the challenge, however you see fit.
In my case, I chose not to count jewelry. I have a few pieces that I wear all the time, and pared down a lot, but kept some of it around just because I like to look at it. I found it too hard to count what I was actually wearing versus what’s sentimental, so chose to leave it out.
“Project 338” (Close Enough!)
I landed at 38 items, including clothes, shoes, and four baseball caps. Not surprisingly, since moving to Colorado, our lifestyle has gotten more casual, so this challenge was easier to take on than it might have been in my city Realtor days. That said, I think anyone can take on this challenge and make meaningful changes, no matter where they live or what they do for a living.
The book poses many good questions to help prepare for this challenge. Some are specific to clothing, like “what are your favorite colors to wear” and “what activities do you do?” Some go deeper, like, “can you admit you have enough?” and “can you admit that you are enough?” Taking on this challenge might not just be about clothes.
Project 333: How It’s Going
Honestly? It’s going great. I haven’t missed a thing. OK, I missed my long-sleeved black t-shirt a few times but I was too lazy to dig it out from downstairs and the weather is warmer now so I’ll be ok.
A few things I’ve noticed:
Getting dressed is easier. Fewer choices truly means less decision fatigue, which frees up mental energy for the rest of the day.
Outfits come together more easily, because I picked items that play well together and are somewhat interchangeable. Those pants I was thinking of are dirty? No worries, I’ll wear the skirt that also works.
My closet and bedroom stay tidier. With fewer items, it’s easier to just put things away right away. Clothes aren’t strewn everywhere after a “time” of trying to figure out what to wear.
It’s easier to track things. If something’s missing, I notice pretty quickly, and can usually find it.
Shoes are no longer a disaster zone in the entryway. Each pair has a spot and actually gets put back when I come home.
A Few Project 333 Looks
Embracing “cozy chic”
Project 333 Takeaways
The Function of Clothing
When pared down to the essentials, clothes are like tools — each piece serves a specific purpose. A few weeks into this challenge, I noticed room for improvement in my closet — like I might want a smaller white T-shirt, one that works on its own but also fits more nicely under a cardigan. And I could use a cuter light jacket.
But now, rather than bring home a random item from a sale rack or Poshmark, I’ll be really specific about what gets to live in my closet. And the “no shopping” rule allows me time to consider what’s actually needed and make an intentional purchase.
Simplified Choices
I honestly feel more at ease. It’s subtle, but the days are easier. There is less to look at in my closet, which saves mental energy scanning items that I don’t wear, or that might even hold negative baggage. I love the simplicity of throwing something on that looks good and doesn’t complicate my morning.
Ready for Another Round
Every three months you reset the closet, to make adjustments for the weather and such. So I’ll review everything again July 1st, to work in some new things from downstairs, or make considered purchases if needed. I’ll probably let go of more things from downstairs, if I haven’t missed them.
Recommend!
I recommend trying this minimalist capsule wardrobe challenge! If you’re interested in taking it on and would like a community or support, there are lots of resources here. And of course I’d be more than happy to chat, offer support and be your cheerleader if it’s helpful!
Are you interested in a group decluttering Zoom session? It’s an idea I’m working on — we meet on Zoom at a designated time. Share what you’re up to and get cracking for an hour. Working together, separately, it’s a designated time to get things done. Let me know and I’ll add you to the list. jess@spruceyourspaceco.com
As always, thank you so much for reading!
"Decision fatigue". An expression I needed.
Question: How does the 333 notion apply to people living in various parts of the earth? For example, those in Southern California have only two seasons: rainy, and the rest of the year. Those in areas with four seasons have a different challenge.