My Spring capsule wardrobe is complete. I used one of the bonus rules, and worked on my little collection through the first week of April. Before we get to the actual how to, I wanted to look at how capsule wardrobe is defined. It sounds like something out the The Jetsons, but it’s pretty simple.
Capsule Wardrobe Defined
- a collection of clothes and accessories that includes only items considered essential
- a person’s basic collection of coordinating clothes that can be used to form the basis of outfits for all occasions
- a set of clothing, normally around 24 items, which can be mixed and matched to create a wide variety of outfits.
Each of those definitions came from a different dictionary-ish website.
Project 333 definition of a capsule wardrobe: A small collection of 33 including clothing, shoes and accessories built for use during a 3 month period of time.
It’s my intention to have 4 capsules, one for each season, with items overlapping for each. Not each item is essential in terms of survival, but essential in the name of minimalist fashion. 
Now that I only use one small side of my closet, whenever I am creating a new collection, I hang the pieces that I know I will keep on one side, and the maybe’s on the other. If the maybes aren’t put into the mix, out the door they go.
How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe
Make a list of how many of each item you think you will need. I didn’t know for sure, but this is where I started:
1 Sunglasses
1 Purse
1 Laptop/Camera Bag
2 Dresses
2 Skirts
1 Jeans
2 Shorts/Capri
1 Dress pants
2 Light Sweaters
2 Blazers
2 Tanks
1 Button Down Shirt
5 Shirts
1 Sweatshirt
4 Shoes
1 Trench Coat
2 Bracelets
1 Necklace
1 Scarf
__________
33 Total Items
Mid-March, I started finding my pieces to match my list. On Friday, April 1st, it was 70 degrees. I pulled out one of my lawn chair, set it up on the deck and sat in the sun thinking about how fun it would be to wear a spring dress and start with a new collection.
On Sunday, I woke up to nearly a foot of snow covering my chair and everything else.
I know I can expect some varying temps. I know I will be cold some mornings and hot on some afternoons. Between now and June 30th, I think there will be a range of 50-60 degrees. I’ve built just the wardrobe to handle it. I know some of you live in very hot or cold weather, but I think 33 items is enough.
Next step.
Make a list of 33 numbers, yep 1-33 with a blank space next to each, and start adding your items.
Here is what I ended up with
- Black Purse
- Aviators
- Black Dress
- Ivory Dress
- Gray Dress
- Black Skirt
- Sequined Skirt (inspired by this look)
- Jeans
- White Capris
- Gray Dress Pants
- Chinos
- Rose pullover sweater
- Emerald green open cardigan
- Ivory Blazer
- Black Blazer
- Black Tank skinny straps
- Black Tank wide straps
- Orange Tank
- Light Green Tank
- White short sleeve button down
- Light Blue pinstripe long sleeve button down
- Soft denim long sleeve button down
- Blue/white stripe shirt
- Black V-neck short sleeved shirt
- Black wrap shirt
- Black sweatshirt
- Black flats
- Black sandal heels
- Purple Heels
- Flip Flops
- Recreational shoes
- Black Raincoat
- Bracelet husband gave me for 5th wedding anniversary
- Bracelet from Sayulita
- Necklace that my sister gave me
35? Seriously? I am the founder of Project 333, master of the minimalist closet, and I end up with 35? This is not Project 335. So what goes? I need your help. Please take a look at the list above and let me know what you think I should dump. Leave a comment below. Please don’t ask me to give up my very non-essential sequined skirt. If you let me keep it, I promise to share pictures.
Kristin from ALL of US Revolution recently posted about her Project 333 experiement. Don’t forget to share yours on the Facebook page or on Twitter with #project333.
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Image courtesy of xoxoReese and J.Crew
Loving my minimal wardrobe, Courtney! On the subject of shedding two pieces from your spring capsule, would you remind us of your needs? Are you regularly in an office setting? Do you go out a lot at night? My initial reaction was to get rid of a blazer- but I’m at home full time, so that’s influencing my reaction.
Robin, I’d love to hear more about your collection. I am not in an office setting, but out meeting people regularly. I don’t go out and party the night away but love to get out to dinner with my husband and friends.
I’m still paring down my clothing. Ready to oust my two boxes marked “Project 333″ in the garage. Meanwhile, we’re getting rid of memorobelia- sheesh, that one’s hard.
On your capsule wardrobe, I have a really hard time telling you to get rid of your purple heels or your sequin skirt. A girl has needs- and this feels like telling a 5-year-old to get rid of her pink sparkly shoes. If you wear them regularly and you love them, they should stay. Based on my experience thus far with project 333, I would put all 35 items in your closet, and it will become apparent what you should get rid of- because you’ll find yourself not wearing it. Call it cheating, but I put 35 items in my closet when I started. It became very clear in the first week what was going to go- because I always found myself not wanting to wear it for one reason or another . . .
So, I’m guessing that you’re feeling pressure because this is the gig that you started- but I would say that you should cheat for a couple of weeks and let it play itself out.
Seems to me the black wrap shirt and the stripe button down are close duplicates of other items on the list and you might be able to use the duplicates in the same settings and outfits. HTH
Those are two of my favorite shirts!
Am I being difficult?
The two items that jump out at me, are the black sweatshirt and denim button down….
I love this project! Still working on my final selections for spring—and of course it’s in the 50s here today so a bit chilly!
The sweatshirt is so easy and cozy but definitely might get voted out!
Why is your black raincoat on the list? Isn’t that outerwear? I wouldn’t count it.
You might also consider the rose pullover. Or make it one of your swap-out items as the weather changes? And hold a tank top back until then?
I posted a list of my 33 items on my blog but have changed it since then, so will repost.
Jeanine, Outerwear does count as part of the 33.
Outerwear counts??? Yikes! Well, I don’t have any on my list so it better not get cold again
I think you are one dress too many and on pair of purple heels too many. You’ve got three dresses, on top of your sequined skirt which is “dressy”.
Purple heels? Can’t you wear the black ones with everything?
Just sayin’ not trying to cramp your style!
Sarah, I can’t wear my sandal heels for a few more weeks based on the weather and my purple heels are a must for my pants that are a bit too long for flats. May need to think about the dresses!
Hey,
i love that the purple heels are there do not remove it, you put them on to revamp your look.
A gal needs a pair of sexy heels
maybe remove one of the bright coloured tanktop and one of the cardigans and/or one of the dress
I was thinking along the same lines as Sarah! Also, do your recreational shoes count? Aren’t those workout wear?
Bernice
Bernice, I plan to wear them as casual shoes, not to workout, so they count!
I’d scrap the white capris, but I’m not one to wear white bottoms. Too much dirt!
I’m also with Sarah in that I’d cut a pair of shoes. If you have one just to wear with one pair of pants, consider hemming the pants instead.
Why 2 black tank tops? Especially if you were either under a blazer, the width of the straps won’t matter, so keep whichever one also works better with night’s out.
I tend to agree on the purple heels, too (though I don’t know if I would be able to part with purple heels either LOL ). You can hem the slacks to wear with the black heels.
There is a great book from the 80′s called “Working Wardrobe” that talks about building capsule wardrobes out of 12 pieces. The styles are dated but the concept is good. They all mix and match so all the tops go with all the bottoms and you get a very cohesive look. One set was able to make 72 outfits out of the 12 pieces!
My first thought is eliminating one of the black tanks and either the sweatshirt or one of the button downs. Personally, I’m not a big sweatshirt person and a sweater or jacket could function in its place. I would never suggest eliminating shoes or the sequin skirt – it sounds too fabulous!
To me it looks like one of the black tanks and one of the dresses would be the way to go. I would fight for the purple heels. You gotta let your color pop sometimes!
I’d have to say the chinos and the flipflops, because I loathe them, especially flipflops.
I’m not sure if you’ve made the decision yet, but if it were my list, I’d cut the skinny strap black tank (wide straps=more useful; can be worn as a layer or on its own), and as much as I love orange, probably the orange tank as the other ones will work great with everything already.
Hi Courtney, I have just started project 333 for the first time. You have been a huge influence on me. I too am looking to create four capsule wardrobes and this will be the main focus of my blog.
Keep the skirt in please, I want to see those pics!
Carli, Your blog is adorable, let me know if I can help!
I think I would get rid of the flip-floops (bad for your feet!) ad the black tank with the skinny straps. Like Beverly above, the wider strapped tank is more versatile. Just don’t let go of those purple shoes!
i was wondering about capsule wardrobes for younger girls? could you help me out? thanks!
Sam – I think it’s easy for little girls, but probably tougher for teenagers. How old is the girl you’re working with? I’m working on my daughter’s Project 333 wardrobe, starting her in May. She’s 2, and her outfits are largely mix-and-match. She has 3 shorts, 2 skirts, and 6 tee shirts that can all be paired together to make dozens of different outfits. They’re all teal/purple/pink, which she’s happy with. She also has a few dresses with leggings, and the leggings could be paired with the tees and skirts for even more options.
One item eliminated itself. The clasp on my Sayulita bracelet is broken. Still on the chopping block: flip flops and pinstripe button down.
Thanks for protecting my purple heels and sequined skirt!
Hi. You gyus have inspired one girl from Wales (UK) to give this project a go. I’ve actually ended up with less than 33 items – although I have about 8 work items which I’ve not sorted yet. Anyone else a lover of maxi dresses? These can be used all year round. These are best bought from high quality brands and mainly solid colours (subjective). Also, blck leggings – again from extra high quality brands. There a few tunic and all-occasion tops in my less=more wardrobe. Jewellry is down to one ring and one necklace (everyday). Girls – use your hair as your main accessory lol.
Loving all your comments!!
Please expand your thoughts about maxi dresses. I live in the mid southern united states. I only wear maxi dresses at night around the pool when it is hot sticky and the air is perfect for drinking mint julips. I guess I had never thought of wearing them in the winter.
I would get rid of the purple heels (never wear interesting shoes= my 1st rule) and get rid of the orange tank (orange is a color which is rarely flattering)
Why can’t you just keep 35 and vow not to get any more until you’re ready to give up one or more of the 35?
Hello. I wondered what you eliminated from this final list.
I find this very helpful. I’ve been inspired to edit my clothing down after reading the Zero Waste Home; http://www.zerowastehome.blogspot.com/
however, I know out of practicality I would not be able to go as minimal as the author there; she lives in California; I live outside of Chicago. Your blog has really helped me with the idea of getting started. It’s been a while since I’ve done my first major steps toward minimizing items in my life and I’ve subsequently returned to the workforce part-time and lost weight, so I’m overdue.
i am trying to joing the progect, but the tuff thing is not that i have a lot of clothes…. i am attending school (2 pairs of scrubs) and working in the restaurant (black pans, 3 colored shorts, 2 apinse…. + work shoes) and all the underware and soks, and snekers for runing and the work out outfit!!!!! I dont know what to start up with????
ok never mind just found an answer!!!!
Love love love this!! Can’t wait to start! Went to look for a couple of pieces to fill in that would work better (tops,etc.) and found I was so much more focused; less overwhelmed about in the dept store. Ended up leaving without a purchase but that’s a GOOD thing; means I’m more likely to only buy something I love & will wear alot rather than because it’s on sale!
First time I heard about a capsule wardrobe.
I love the idea. It curbs the excesses of fashion.
I would leave out the denim shirt and the black spaghetti strap tank.
Hi. I am really keen to start this, but have my wedding next year to save for so cash is a bit tight so this project may have to wait until next year!
By the way, can I ask what you guys did/are doing with all your old clothes? It feels wrong chucking them, do you give them away or sell them on ebay, or..? Thanks!
I think, let go of the denim long-sleeve button-down and recreational shoes
This is where I have soooo much trouble… my wardrobe at the mo basically consists of 2 pars of jeans and 4 vest tops….. I really have to start from scratch…. and Im not where/how to start.
Im a SAHM at the moment so I have no need for suits or any sort of formal clothing. We dont go out on a night or on holiday really/ regularly…. so all I really wear is my clean toilets and fetch n feed kids uniform (jeans and vest top)…. and my gym clothes (1 pair leggings and a baggy tee).
Im just finding this sooooo hard.