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Project 333 is a minimalist wardrobe challenge created by Courtney Carver (read more about it here) that asks you to choose 33 items from your wardrobe and wear only those items for 3 months. I started the challenge after reading Carver’s book and wanting to challenge myself to try a capsule wardrobe. What better time to try an experiment like this than when I’m working from home. 😊 You can read how I cleaned out my closet and chose my 33 items.

I started the challenge on October 1 and I provided a couple of updates on my Instagram page but I wanted to flesh out my thoughts in a longer post. After 60 days of the challenge I learned a lot of tips for styling the same clothes again and again.

Minimalist Wardrobe 101: It’s OK To Repeat Outfits

How often have you thought: I can’t wear that again, someone will notice that it’s the same outfit? First of all, most people will not notice or care if you wear the same thing. Second of all, why is this a problem? In the U.S. you can buy a new outfit for less than the price of a nice meal at some restaurants so it’s easy to fall into the trap of constantly buying new clothes. But if you only have clothing pieces that you love, you should wear them over and over again.

Repeating outfits means it takes less time to decide what to wear in the morning. When you have an arsenal of outfits at the ready, it’s super easy to get dressed. I like to snap photos of my outfits and keep them in a folder on my phone so I have easy access to them. We already know that decision fatigue is a real thing, so start your day off right by removing one decision.

Experiment With Shoes, Jackets, and Accessories

Even if you don’t want to wear the same outfit twice, you can make small tweaks to make it feel new. Changing out your shoes, jacket, or accessories (or all 3) makes a huge difference. This is also why I’m becoming a basics evangelist. Starting with a core foundation of wardrobe basics, you can create tons of outfits without buying new clothes. The next time you’re tempted to buy clothes, challenge yourself to make as many outfit combinations as you can with things already in your closet. Start with a basic top and bottom and play around with different jackets (or blazers, cardigans, vests), shoes, and accessories to see if you can create at least 3 new outfits that you would wear.

One thing you don’t see in these photos are my sunglasses and purse that also count toward my 33 items. To be honest, since I rarely leave the house these days, I don’t have much use for them. I won’t include these items in my next capsule because they make so little difference in my life right now. But a purse can change your outfit like any other accessory, so don’t discount it.

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Layers Are Important

My husband and I keep our house set at 68 degrees in the winter. I’m sure that sounds cold to some of you, but as long as you wear warm, cozy clothes, it’s a comfortable temperature. (The first few years of our marriage when we had barely any money, we kept the heat at 65!) This is why I will always preach about layering. Even if you keep your heat set warmer than I do, or live in a warmer climate, you can never go wrong with knowing how to properly layer your clothes to stay toasty warm.

Scarves and vests are also key to staying warm. Sometimes you don’t want to wear a jacket but want to keep your core warm: put on a vest! You’ll be surprised how much warmer you feel with that extra layer over your torso. The same goes for wearing a scarf. Somehow having that extra material around your neck goes a long way to keeping you warm.

Try A Minimalist Wardrobe For Yourself

Have I convinced you yet to try a minimalist wardrobe? Even if you’re a little bit interested, try it out! The worst thing that happens is that you hate it and go back to a larger wardrobe. But, if you’re in a style rut or feel bored with all your clothes, choose 30-40 items and only wear those for a while. It doesn’t have to be 33 items for 3 months, lots of people do 30×30 or 10×10 capsules (30 items for 30 days and 10 items for 10 days, respectively), or whatever works for you!

While you’re here, check out my recent posts

• Striped Shirt Styled 4 Ways
• Fall Wardrobe Essentials for An Everyday Style
• Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021
• Dress For Your Lifestyle – Wardrobe Revamp Part 2
• Summer Wedding Guest Outfit for Outdoor Wedding

In case you are wondering, you can read about my 33 items here.