If you’re living in the same materialistic consumer culture that I am, you likely feel pressure to own certain styles of clothing and dress in a particular way. Appearances are deemed important in our daily lives and they require a lot of decisions: what am I going to wear today? Does this make me look fat? Is this outfit socially acceptable? Is this skirt too short for this activity? I have found myself in this position countless times with 15 minutes to spare before an 8 a.m. and it has caused me to look for a solution. The other day, I found one in the form of Project 333.
According to the website, “Project 333 is a minimalist fashion challenge that invites you to dress with 33 items or less for 3 months.” Also known as a capsule wardrobe, this collection of 33 items includes accessories, shoes and all of your other typical clothing items (not underwear, thankfully). For me, this project seems really difficult and almost impossible. For my readers who are all likely fortunate enough to participate in higher education, I would guess that y’all have more than 33 clothing items in your dorm room right now. So how do you narrow it down and why?
First of all, only keep basics that can go with multiple outfits on multiple occasions. For example, your favorite pair of jeans, a dress that can switch from casual to professional to formal, layers upon layers, your favorite statement necklace that you wear with everything, etc. Start to make a section of “yes” in your closet, and box the rest away either to give away or reopen after the three month challenge.
Why would this appeal to someone? For one, it is travel friendly. Packing becomes so much easier. Also it saves time and money, though you may need to do laundry a little more often. You learn to appreciate a minimalist lifestyle and stop wanting more and more things that you do not really need. Needs versus wants is a fun game to play, and it will brighten someone’s day when you can donate half of your untouched closet to his or her need.
Warning: different seasons will call for different wardrobes. Plan accordingly. Additionally, everyone’s wardrobe choice will vary upon his or her personal preferences and his or her profession or current vocation. A college student’s Project 333 will likely look a lot different than a woman with a desk job and family.
Obviously, if you have to pick only 33 items, you will likely pick functional, comfortable items that fit you well. You won’t have to feel bad about trying on your old jeans from last year, because they aren’t a part of your 333 wardrobe. Goodbye “fat jeans” and “skinny jeans”- hello functional and fashionable comfort!
This is perfect to start in the summer since we have three months of break, and summer is often a time for travel and exploration. I don’t know about you, but I would rather focus on the adventure than what I am wearing to the adventure. If you want to learn more, visit the Project 333 website linked above and enjoy a creative minimalist experiment.