I am no Coco Chanel, but style and fashion is part of being more with less. We spend so much time thinking about what we wear, that I think it is time to simplify the concept of getting dressed. I’m not suggesting that we don’t get dressed, just that we stop giving it so much attention. Then again, when you stop paying attention and start wearing your yoga pants everywhere, it’s time to get yourself together. (I am speaking from experience and knew I had a problem when my daughter told me she was going to secretly throw my yoga pants away).
Eating at a restaurant with a 24 page menu can be overwhelming. The choosing becomes more important than the dining. Having too much to choose from is not always a blessing. Imagine never looking at a fully stuffed closet and thinking “I have nothing to wear” again. What if you knew exactly what you were going to wear every day?
For me, the purpose of dressing with less is twofold. First and very simply, I want to live with less for a healthier, happier life, and second, I have used clothing to express my creativity, and tell a story about who I am. Now, I am ready to tell the story myself.
I have decided to start a minimalist fashion project that I hope can be long lasting for all of us, if you are interested.
You are invited to Project 333
3 months with 33 items
When: October 1 – December 31
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, underwear, sleep, in-home lounge wear, and workout clothing (you can only wear your workout clothing to workout)
How: over the next two months, outline your 33 items, by the 1st of October, 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. If you purchase items for project 333, stick with the one in, two out approach. Consider the essentials and stick to 33.
Here is my initial list. I will post the final list a few days before we (yes, we) get started…
- 1 pair of heels
- 1 pair of dress boots
- 1 pair of casual boots
- 2 coats
- 2 pair of jeans
- 2 skirts
- 2 dress pants
- 1 dress
- 2 blazers/jackets
- 2 white button down or dress shirts
- 3 sweaters
- 1 sweatshirt
- 2 v or crew neck shirts
- 2 tank tops
- 1 purse
- 1 pair sunglasses
- 1 hat
- 1 pair gloves
- 2 scarves
- 1 bracelet
- 2 necklaces
Update: Since I wrote this post in 2010, Project 333 continues to grow and simplify wardrobes around the world. Learn more and join in …
- Check out the new getting started page for all things Project 333
- Join the Facebook Page
- Visit the P333 Community Pinterest Board
- Try the Project 333 Microcourse: Dress with Less and Create Your Capsule Wardrobe.