Simplifying my wardrobe with Project 333

Since the beginning of April I’ve been taking part in Project 333, a minimalist fashion challenge where you can wear only 33 items for 3 months. The 33 items include clothing, accessories, jewellery, outerwear and shoes. Not included are things like jewellery you never take off, underwear, hosiery, sleepwear, loungewear and exercise clothing.

This isn’t the first time I’ve undertaken a challenge like this, back in 2020 I took part in Labour Behind the Labels six item challenge. However, whilst the six item challenge was very illuminating on how few items I could get away with, Project 333 is definitely more realistic for the number of items.

In the UK alone the average person has about 118 items in their wardrobe, but one quarter of that (31 items) will not have been worn in the last year. I counted in my own wardrobe roughly 89 items (not including the 9 jewellery pieces I wear all the time).

Honing in on what items to include in a capsule wardrobe can really put into perspective what your personal style might be and make you consider what exactly you most often wear. I’ve also found having a smaller wardrobe makes you more conscious about what you bring into it and leads you to being more intentional with purchases.

The fashion industry produces 10% of all humanity’s carbon emissions and is the second-largest consumer of the world’s water supply. This is why its especially important to slow down consuming things, especially when we’ve broken temperature records every single day for the past year.

Top line: Jean jacket from Seventy Mochi | Padded blanket cardigan from Nadinoo | Green raincoat from Protected Species | Green cardigan from Studio Frida

Second line: Jumper from Jaggery London | Pink top from Sideline | Vintage brown floral shirt | Black button up top from Toast

Third line: Vintage embroidery blue top | Stripe t-shirt from Beaumont Organic | Linen puff sleeve top from Linen Handmade Studio | Beige linen top from Orvis

Forth line: Vintage white cotton top | Beige line top from Beaumont Organic | Vintage beige linen top from Laura Ashley | Denim dress from Beyond Nine

The pieces I went for are mostly in neutral colours which makes it easier to mix and match, although I have also included few items in blues, greens and pinks for a pop of colour. The weather from April to June in the UK can be very changeable so its important to be prepared for whatever it throws at you. I have things for warmer days as well as knits for the colder ones and of course the always essential rain mac.

Top line: Pink trousers from Bug Clothing | Green trouser from Toast | Black trousers from Toast | Black jumpsuit from Sideline | Denim dungarees from Lucy & Yak

Second line: Pink stripe dress from Faith Rowan Leeves | Gingham dress from OffOn Clothing | Gingham patch dress from MuttiLove | Orange floral dress from Bump&Milk

I’m hoping at the end of this experiment that I will be able to look at my whole wardrobe with fresh eyes and consider what I can pair it down. I’m also hoping it’ll help with lessening my desire to shop and perhaps I may continue with a no spend year.