Project 333: Capsule Wardrobe

Guest Post by Emma Joyce

Ever looked in your wardrobe and exclaimed, “I’ve got nothing to wear!” but in reality your wardrobe is so full that you have no idea exactly what is hidden inside? Have you ever gone to the mall and purchased a random top because you’ve made an effort to go to the mall and it would be seen as a waste of time not to have purchased anything?

Up until recently, I was that person. After moving house three times in one year, and wanting to reduce my consumption of fast fashion, I became interested in the concept of capsule wardrobes. Capsule wardrobes are having a bit of a moment with people recognising that style has little to do with a full wardrobe of on-trend pieces. Blogger Anuschka Rees says a good capsule wardrobe should consist of “a small selection of key pieces, express the essence of your style, be optimally adjusted to your lifestyle and allow you to quickly pull together an outfit for every occasion.”

I stumbled across the Be More with Less website, and specifically the Project 333 challenge, while browsing the interwebs for capsule wardrobe inspiration. Project 333 is a challenge to wear only the same 33 items for three months (excluding underwear, socks, activewear, nightwear and accessories, shoes optional). Could I do this? Could this clothing maximalist really become a clothing minimalist?

Many of the bloggers who have capsule wardrobes favour neutral colour palettes or monochrome. They work in creative fields so require few formal pieces, or conservative office attire. I describe my weekday style as ‘urban professional with a vintage twist’ but on the weekends I’m at home in a pair of jeans or sweatpants paired with a simple tee. I like colour, particularly in a New Zealand winter where fashion choices are limited to black or grey. My 33 item capsule wardrobe needed to be equal parts office appropriate, pay homage to vintage fashion, colourful, and also a bit casual.

From 1 May to the end of July, I vowed to wear only the same 33 items. Several lists later, I had narrowed it down to 33 items. I chose items that could be mixed and matched – a black skirt can go with anything. A harlequin print top with a pencil skirt is colourful, office appropriate, and 1950s inspired. I paid homage to vintage fashion by including two colourful Miss Candyfloss dresses. A pair of black jeggings from The Warehouse could be ‘casual Friday’ when worn with a River Island blouse, or weekend fare with a striped tee.

During the three months, I was surprised that I didn’t feel any angst about picking an outfit for the next day. I agree with Anuschka Rees that a capsule wardrobe reduces decision fatigue and is an opportunity to see how you can style your existing wardrobe. Project 333 taught me that less is more. My most worn item was the aforementioned black skirt, and the red Miss Candyfloss dress. In fact, I had so much to choose from, the green Miss Candyfloss dress did not get worn at all.

Also, to answer my Mum’s question, no I didn’t find myself doing more laundry.

Would I do it again? The short answer is no. There were days when I wanted to wear something different. There were items in my wardrobe I would look at and think “why didn’t I add that to my capsule”. I like wearing nice clothes, and I want to be able to dress up in a bright orange skirt on a dull winter day. For me, Project 333 wasn’t life changing. But it did show me that it is not a full wardrobe that brings me joy but a wardrobe full of clothes that fit, show off my personal style, and represent a commitment to being a conscious consumer.

Would you try a capsule wardrobe? Let us know what your essentials would be!

Guest Blogger: Emma Joyce

Emma is a 35 year old public sector worker who combats the beige and suited corporate world by showing off her love of colourful fashion. Outside of work, you’ll probably find her with a camera around her neck taking photos of interesting people and things. You can find her sharing her style adventures on instagram as @theshortfatchick.