Stepping into Project 333 - Boho Style.

The 10 Steps I Took to Create My Boho Capsule Wardrobe of 33 Items

Creating a capsule wardrobe has gained popularity in recent years. As a couple striving for minimalism, we have given this concept considerable thought. The idea of a minimalist boho style truly resonates with us.

My journey began years ago after watching Tidying Up with Marie Kondo on Netflix. The inspiration I gained from this show opened my eyes to a new way of living. The freedom I felt after decluttering my home was incredible. It wasn't long before I turned my attention to my wardrobe. I had no idea how many clothes I owned, but statistics suggest that the average person has around 148 items of clothing and shoes. I was likely somewhere near that number.

My wardrobe was overflowing, and my drawers were stuffed with clothes. It was time for a significant change.

The Challenge of Downsizing

The task of reducing my clothing collection was daunting. Over the following months, I repeated the process of decluttering. Each time, I removed and replaced items, striving to keep only what I truly loved. I had been living with a capsule wardrobe for a while, but after learning about Project 333, I wanted to fully commit. This project challenges you to live with just 33 items for three months.

Understanding Project 333

1 - 33 Items

Your 33 items include clothing, footwear, outerwear, and accessories such as bags, jewellery, belts, and sunglasses. However, it does not include wedding rings, sentimental jewellery, watches, exercise clothes, sleepwear, loungewear, or underwear.

2 - 3 Months

You must make your 33 items last for three months. After that, you can switch items for the next season or continue with what you have.

3 - No Shopping

During these three months, refrain from buying new clothes. You can replace items that wear out or get damaged.

4 - Out of Sight, Out of Mind

Pack away the pieces not included in your 33 items. You can revisit them after the three months are up.

Steps to Create My Capsule Wardrobe

Before you start this process, set aside enough time. It may take a while!

Step 1 - Get It All Out!

I emptied my entire wardrobe onto my bed. I did this in stages, separating coats, shoes, and bags into different piles.

Step 2 - Out of Season

I removed any out-of-season items and packed them away for later consideration.

Step 3 - Create Piles

I made three piles for my clothing: yes, no, and maybe. The items in the yes pile were those I wore regularly or felt confident I would wear in the coming months.

Step 4 - Hang It Up

I hung the items from the yes pile back in my wardrobe.

Step 5 - Ask Some Questions

Next, I focused on the maybe pile. I examined each piece and asked myself why I was unsure about it. Was it too small, uncomfortable, damaged, or mismatched? If it didn't fit, I removed it. If it was damaged, I considered whether I would repair it. If not, it went into the no pile. Some items I couldn't part with went into seasonal storage for future consideration.

Step 6 - Take Notes

My wardrobe was filled with items that were almost perfect. A skirt in a favourite colour that was the wrong length, or a dress that fit beautifully but had the wrong pattern. I noted the colours and fits I loved, which would guide my future capsule wardrobe.

Step 7 - Make It Match

I ensured that all the items I kept matched each other. This would help create the maximum number of outfits and reduce decision fatigue each morning. This step was crucial in narrowing down my collection to 33 items.

Step 8 - Get Creative

Having all my clothing visible allowed me to view them from a new perspective. I rediscovered a jacket I had borrowed from James. I thought it wouldn’t match anything, but I found it looked great as an oversized piece with several of my dresses. This process revealed combinations I hadn't considered before, turning them into new favourites.

Step 9 - Bag It Up

I removed the items that didn’t make the cut and prepared them for donation, recycling, or sale.

Step 10 - Fill the Gaps

There’s no rush to fill any gaps in your wardrobe. Now that you understand what you like, dislike, and what styles suit you, you can make thoughtful purchases if you choose to.

And Finally - Enjoy!

I am excited about the next few months and how I will adapt to my new reduced wardrobe. I would love to hear about your experiences with Project 333. Please share any hints, tips, and mishaps you encounter along your journey.

Hopefully, this will mark the beginning of a new way of living for all of us.

"Dress with less and create a life that is full of what matters most to you." – Unknown.