The seventh season of Project 333 begins on April 1st. This minimalist fashion project began on October 1, 2010 as a personal experiment and challenge to readers to dress with less.
Who knew that the idea of whittling down wardrobes to 33 items would appeal to people around the world? What some thought was extreme became a way of life for most who gave it a try. Experiencing the benefits of dressing with less had people talking, blogging, Facebooking and Tweeting about Project 333. Once Project 333 hit the news, clothes donations went through the roof as more and more people said enough really is enough.
Here is what people have to say about Project 333
- “Changes your outlook on not just clothing, but life period.”
- “I’m more grateful for what I do have and less lustful after what I don’t have. This has meant a tangible and recognisable change in mood and outlook. I’m happier because I have less stuff.”
- “Project 333 has been a great vehicle for me to look carefully at how I spend my time and energy on everything.”
- “Getting dressed in the morning isn’t the chore that it once was. I feel refreshed with less.”
- “My wardrobe became so simple, but it was all the clothing that made me feel great.”
For me, 33 items are more than enough. I don’t think I’ve used more than 30 items in the last 2 1/2 months. That said, it took time to get here. I had to assess what I had, what I needed and what was getting in the way of keeping things simple.
How to do Project 333
- When: Every three months (It’s never too late to start so join in anytime!)
- What: 33 items including clothing, accessories, jewelry, outerwear and shoes.
- What not: these items are not counted as part of the 33 items – wedding ring or another sentimental piece of jewelry that you never take off, underwear, sleep wear, in-home lounge wear, and workout clothing (you can only wear your workout clothing to workout)
- How: Choose your 33 items, box up the remainder of your fashion statement, seal it with tape and put it out of site.
- What else: consider that you are creating a wardrobe that you can live, work and play in for three months. Remember that this is not a project in suffering. If your clothes don’t fit or are in poor condition, replace them.
If you are trying Project 333 for the first time this April …
- Take inventory. I recommend the How to Make Space approach.
- Working with your “I Love” pile of clothing, start to build your wardrobe. It will help to make a list on paper.
- Consider signature items like a trench coat or pair of boots. Your signature item might be your sunglasses. You will find that having one well made version of something will be far better than 10 of the knock-off.
- Once you start dressing with less, pay less attention to what you are wearing, or not wearing and more attention to something more important.
- Get connected and ask questions. The Project 333 community is awesome!
- Visit the getting started page for more information and helpful links.
If you’ve ever looked into a stuffed closet and thought, “I have nothing to wear” or if you long for simplicity and serenity in your closet and your life, join us. I’d love to hear about your experience in the comment section. Are you new to Project 333 or a veteran that has make Project 333 a way of life?
P.S. Saturday is the last day to register for Create Space, a lovely course.
