For Christmas in my friend got me the book Project 333: The Minimalist Fashion Challenge that Proves Less Really is So Much More by Courtney Carver. We both read the book and on Presidents Day 2022 we started the Project 333 challenge.
What is the Project 333 Challenge?
In its most basic form Project 333 is a challenge to dress with only 33 items for 3 months. This includes tops, bottoms, shoes, jewelry, accessories, and purses. It excludes undergarments, workout clothes, socks, and lounge clothes. Additionally, during the 3 months you aren’t supposed to buy any new clothing items.
The deeper meaning behind the challenge is to test out minimalism, make you realize how little clothing items you really need, force you to make new outfits with the clothing items you have, and take the stress out of getting ready in the mornings.
Getting Started
Before starting the challenge Courtney recommends you do a closet clean out. To best see what you have and what to get rid of she suggests pulling everything out of your closet, dressers, bins under beds, etc. and putting them on your bed to see what exactly you really have. I did exactly that and was completely shocked. For someone who felt like she never had anything to wear I had a ton of clothes. I ended up donating and repurposing a ton of items. I didn’t get rid of all but 33 because that’s not what she initially recommends, but I put items that I knew I wore or couldn’t part with (dinosaur t-shirt, neon yellow sandals, etc.) away in a bin, out of sight out of mind.
My 33
Courtney doesn’t tell you what items to buy or what exactly should be a part of your 33 it’s really about determining what items you already have in your closet that you really wear. My 33 items include: 2 purses, 5 pairs of shoes, 4 pairs of pants, 2 pairs of shorts, 1 raincoat, 2 pant bodysuits, 1 pair of earrings, 1 watch, 1 blazer, 3 cardigans, 1 dress, and 10 shirts. My main colors are black, purple, grey, and pink.
The book
I thought the book was very well laid out. Courtney covered not only why you should try the Project 333 challenge, but also how to clean out your closet and decide what stays and what goes. My favorite part was how flexible she made the challenge; you can make it work for the clothes you already have no matter your style. She emphasizes the purpose of this challenge is to show you how much you really need and to clear out the stuff you don’t.
I’m excited to start this challenge and can’t wait to see how the next 3 months go!
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