After more than 2 years, my commitment to dressing with 33 items or less every 3 months is still going strong. That really speaks to the amazing benefits of simplicity and the strength of this community.
My friend Amanda recently wrote about 10 ways to become part of a community and it immediately reminded me of you. I love that we are connected through what started out as a “crazy idea” and something that was labeled as “too extreme” in several newspaper articles.
If saving money, getting ready on time and starting my day with less stress is crazy, then call me crazy. For most of us practicing Project 333, we know this is not crazy or extreme, but instead a tool to open up time and space to focus on what’s most important in our lives.
My Current 33
- Laptop bag
- Purse
- Sunglasses
- Bracelet
- Bracelet
- Gray/white scarf
- Green scarf
- Gray wrap
- Casual hat
- Winter ha
- Gloves
- Walking shoes
- Boots
- Black heels
- Black flats
- Green trench
- Cream winter coat
- Jeans
- Dress pants
- Black tank
- Red tank
- Gray tank
- Skirt
- Dress
- Black long-sleeved shirt
- Gray long-sleeved shirt
- Blue/white striped shirt
- Pinstripe button down
- Black sweatshirt
- Teal sweater
- Cream blazer
- Black blazer
- Black long jacket
We are already half way through the season and there are still 3 items I haven’t used. If I don’t use them by the end of March, I’ll donate them.
Join me and create your capsule wardrobe for the next season of Project 333 starting April 1st!
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This is a great color palette! Would love to see a few shots of outfits that you’ve put together. Love that you are donating what you don’t use — you lighten your load and give someone else the opportunity to use what you no longer need. What a win win. Thanks for the inspiration.
I would love to see pictures too..
I’m trying to simplify, but I’m nowhere close to 33 yet. I agree with Melissa. I would love to see your outfits. Thanks.
I’m just starting to try to do this for the first time. I’m finding it a little challenging to limit myself to 33 items, because of the climate where I am. In the past week for example, I have worn a short sleeve tee, a thin long sleeve tee over a tank and a thick long sleeve tee with a sweater because the temperature varies so much. If I only keep one short sleeve tee but then we end up with warm weather for 3 days in a row, I’d have to break open a box or wear the same shirt for 3 days. Does anyone have any ideas for working with this?
Also, I am mostly a jeans & tee girl and fortunately my job has no dress code. But I am on the board of a non-profit and have to dress for community events about once every 2 months. I have a ‘go to’ dressy outfit for those events: black pants, black jacket, sleeveless top and black flats. In the summer I switch out the black jacket for a short sleeve pink one (also matches the top). This works fine but I don’t want to use up 4 items of my 33, for the once in a while event. Since I rarely dress up more than jeans, it’s not like I would simply use those pieces in my regular wardrobe. How has anyone else worked with this situation?
The last thing I wanted to say was that I have always lived with overflowing closets. I don’t over buy, but I never get rid of anything. It’s always a drag to get dressed. Trying to start Project 333, I started off by pulling out anything strictly for summer or things like my xmas sweater, plus stuff that doesn’t fit but I don’t want to get rid of it. I know I need to deal with those later, but I found that after I pulled half my stuff out and put it in tubs, I was left with basically my most favorite clothes and my least favorite clothes. It suddenly became easy to grab things I didn’t want to keep and toss them in a giveaway box. It’s so liberating to see 50 empty hangers in my closet. And it’s so wonderful to get up in the morning and simply walk to my dresser and closet and grab something, with no more than 30 seconds thought. I have a long way to go, but I am so happy I came upon Project 333.
I am fortunate that I must wear a uniform to work, but I like to think I am a very stylish girl all the same. I am quite curious about the project, but am dubious of the number.However, what I own is close to that of the project, so here I am offering my details. I move often, usually to places with little closet space, and travel much. I have a system that works for me and the climate I live, as well as most occasions anywhere in the world. I have a Fall/Winter wardrobe and a Spring / Summer Wardrobe, both keeping in mind after 23 years I was made single and must plan to include all being appropriate for any special date…ahem. It revolves around three neutral colors with a pop of color in an accessory or two to follow the trends. I have the same exact type/number of clothes for each season set. It is a bit silly, but I make it a game. I have also made sure everything but the sweaters has been tailored to my body and is very classic in style, that’s what accessories are for. This not only makes my clothes look nice and expensive, but it makes me certain of my purchases, and to pay extra attention to my weight. I can’t afford to shop and tailor.
Well, here it is:
Fall/Winter: Black, Creme . I have chosen wine this year for my pop of color in what I admit are crazy hot suede shoes.
I have :
1 pair of dress jeans.
1 dressy white button down top
2 Merino wool tops. Creme and Black
1 “Dressy Casual” top in black and creme
1 pair of very light wool casual trousers ( I wear with my Spring/Summer casual top too)
1 morning day dress
1 Afternoon dress
1 early evening outfit (velvet skinny pants and chiffon sleeve top)
1 night time cocktail dress that would be appropriate anywhere.
1 Skirt Suit with Top .
Shoes:
1 dressy flats
1 pumps for suit and day dresses
1 pair crazy hot suede wine colored heels can go with jeans or dresses.
1 pair black satin slingbacks.
Spring/Summer:
1 pair of jeans
2 button down short sleeve tops
2 sweaters to go with tops
1 casual top for black pants
1 Skirt Suit and top
1 day dress
1 afternoon dress
1 early eve dress
1 cocktail dress
Shoes:
1 pair of dressy low (hot) heels sandals- with some bling.
1 pair of metallic pumps for cocktail dress
Additionally:
1 tall boots
1 pair sneakers
1 pair loafers
1 pair of flat sandals
Belts:
Trend pop of color this season: yellow!
Black skinny for dresses
Ribbon belt for dresses and tops
Scarf:
1 yellow for pop.
1 long creme silk for Fall/Winter wardrobe
2 silk scarfs for color I tie in my hair to down play the black and white in Spring/Summer
1 winter casmere
1 neck stole (faux) but gorgeous
I also got lucky and scored an Hermes’ hot to tie scarves book that I use to the hilt.
gloves:
1 winter . dressy for morning/afternoon if needed
1 long leather with buttons for dressy and early eve events
1 long black Audrey style pair for evening dresses
bags:
1 messenger for work and town errands
1 clutch for night time, so I can dance without needing to worry.
1 black for all seasons, dressy but not too huge.
Umbrella:
1 dressy
1 for messenger bag
Coats:
1 for cold weather – jacket to run about in (Fall/Winter/Early Spring)
1 for snow ( lots this year)
1 for early spring/ late summer in wool blend ( I have had it 7 years and still get stopped everytime I wear it.
1 vintage Ivory opera length – lucky etsy find , for nights outs that are special.
I wear little jewelry and break my dress color up with hot lace or patterned tights and seamed stockings. Glad lingerie and nightwear are off the list or I would not have the conscience to write this.
I find it strange to write what I own on a blog, but I thought it might help those find a balance and have something for all occasions.
I’m almost one month into my first Project 333 cycle and there are only 4 items I haven’t worn – one skirt, my capris, sandals, and flip-flops. But that’s because it’s still winter here in Virginia, and I fully expect to need them all by the end of April. It has been a very enlightening month; I’ve learned way more about what suits me and what I love than I ever had before!
Michelle – I’m a jeans and tee girl myself
I have three tees and a tank in my wardrobe for the approach of spring, and then rely on layers like my casual button-down, cord blazer, or cardigan to keep me warm right now (and of course a coat for going outside)
I think its important to not ‘loose sight of the forest’ here in attempting to count trees, or clothes in this case! It doesn’t matter if the number is 33 or 35 etc….it is having a capsule that works for the totality of your life.
I keep a basket near my clothes rack, where I put any item of clothing that feels even a little boring or hasn’t gotten used in a month or so. I call it “the rest basket”, where those clothes can take a little rest. I think it’s better to hide them from view, than look at them every morning and allow the bored-ness grow stronger. When I dig then out again, they feel somehow refreshed (or if they don’t, then it’s time to let go of them).
Currently there is a grey-brown wool dress and a beige knit in the rest basket and didn’t replace them with anything else. Funny how even 31 items are totally enough!
This is such a nice reminder that I need to get back on track with my routines which includes not putting any more clothing into my closets. As much as I love something that might be cute or whimsical, does it add to my sense of calm? Probably not.
Thanks for sharing your garments with us! I, too, would like to see how you pair these up into ensembles!
Courtney and others doing Project 333, do you keep many/any current season clothes in storage? I’ve tried the project a few times and I think my biggest hang-up has been that I know I have clothes that I like, that fit, that I would wear in storage and I want to wear them so I eventually do and 33 items becomes 50 quickly. I’m curious if you keep many extra items or if you’ve pared down to just the 33 items per 3 months. I’ve pared down a lot over the past year and certainly there are always a few things I could get rid of, but I feel like I still have 50-60 wearable items per season.
Allison, It really is a process. I’ve narrowed things down so that I don’t have extras, but that came from paring down after every season over the past two years. Keep letting go of what you don’t love. If you bring a piece in from storage, put another one away.
I own 200 pairs of jeans-omg,the maths there doesn’t bear thinking about. I have begun a blog to document giving or getting rid of one thing a day…please stop by.
I stumbled upon your blog today–VERY thought provoking! My husband has worked in Mongolia for the past 9 years and I am on a plane to-from-inbetween about every 6 weeks. The last 6 weeks have involved two trips from -20 F Mongolia to 90+ F tropic climates. Still, the 333 resonates. I think I’ve paired life down to the basics to fit into 1 or 2 boxes on wheels which must cover everything from winter to formal to beach to workout, etc. plus health/household things we’re unable to get here. And gifts. And stuff for other people. Every few months. You get the idea. Still, to really focus on a very basic wardrobe to cover 3 months is pretty exciting. Especially since I’m a sewer! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Courtney and Laurie, I was interested in Laurie ‘s adventures Courtney and I tried her blog but couldn’t connect could you please pass on my email address to her as I am wanting to travel like her to Africa later this year
Cheers Susie(poppet)
When I first read about this, I though “33 things is not enough”! After looking at your list, I’m inclined to say there’s loads of stuff there, things I would not thinks would be present (accessories). I believe I could actually do this. I’m starting a new chapter in life soon and this will work perfectly with the new “life”.
I’ll post some updates on my blog. Thanks for starting this!
I just stumbled upon this “project” through a blog entry from Matt Frazier (No-Meat Athlete) and am so relieved. I’ve been practicing this concept for months now though not intentionally. I just got too busy to deal with clothing. I end up wearing the same 4 or 5 outfits all the time (in actuality I would be happy with 2 but feel compelled to add more variety) and have been feeling a little guilty about it. For the first time in my life I’ve started wearing things twice (some even three times) without washing. It’s so liberating and as far as I can tell I don’t smell! So happy to know there are others out there like me. Once tax season is over (I am a CPA) I am going to go through my closet and do the 33 thing. Thank you for this site!
I LOVE project 333. After years of hoarding clothes I have slimmed down my wardrobe and drawers. My sister screamed when see saw what I had left behind, “You have nothing to wear” she screamed at me! Little does she know it takes me about 2 mins to select an outfit now and I feel much more free. : ) Thanks again for all your help and support.
I’m in the first part of this project, and its turning out to be a bit more of a struggle then I thought it would be. I had no idea just how much I normally layered or even switched clothes during the day thanks to the wildly varying weather here in the Midwest. I did want to tell a little bit about how I’ve handling the too small clothing situation, as like many people when I became pregnant I left behind a very well loved wardrobe. When I was first packing all the clothes not currently in rotation I separated it out into too small clothes, and likely to be donated clothes. I’m giving myself six months before the first donation time. For every week that I don’t stick to my goal of eating and living more healthy (and naturally shrinking in the process), one item goes from the too small box to the donation box. I don’t know exactly how it will turn out just yet, but I find its surprisingly freeing, knowing that when I hit my donation time either I will be close to fitting in to most of these clothes and they might show up in next quarter’s rotation… or… that somewhere along the way life became more important than a size, and I’m willing to let go of them.
I’m intrigued! I have a closet full of clothes…but only wear a few items from it anyway. I used to work part-time in a clothing store and was always coming home with an item that I didn’t need. Now I am retired and haven’t bought anything for 3 months…this in itself is very freeing. My next step is to truly look at what I have (some stuff I haven’t wore in 10 years) and donate what I don’t need or want. I love this project…thank you for sharing it.:)
Your #16.Green trench coat is the cutest coat ever! Where is it from?
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