Stepping into project 333 - boho style.

The 10 steps I took to create my Boho capsule wardrobe of 33 items.

The idea of the capsule wardrobe and project 333 have been bounced around a fair bit in recent years. And as a couple who strive to own less, and dare I say become more minimalist (Minimalist boho - love it!) we have definitely given a fair amount of thought toward the idea of creating a capsule wardrobe.

This journey began several years ago after watching 'Tidying up with Marie Kondo' on Netflix. The motivation and inspiration I drew from this program really opened my eyes to a new way of being. The freedom and relief that I felt after removing unwanted items from around our home was definitely worth exploring further, and it wasn't long before my attention was drawn to my wardrobe. I have no idea how many clothes I owned at that stage, but statistics show that the average person owns approximately 148 items of clothing and shoes, so let's assume that it was somewhere around that number.

Not only was my wardrobe overflowing, but my drawers were heaving with more clothes than I knew what to do with. It was time to take some drastic action.

 The mammoth task of sizing down the number of clothes I owned was to begin.

Over the following months I underwent this process a number of times. Each time removing and replacing items as I strived to create a wardrobe containing only the items that I love to wear. I think it would be fair to say that I've been living with a capsule wardrobe for a while now, but ever since hearing about Project 333 I've been wanting to go all in and see if I'm capable of actually living with 33 items for a period of 3 months at a time. Just in case you haven't heard of Project 333, this is what it's all about.

Project 333 - The rules

#1 - 33 items.

This includes: clothing, footwear, outerwear, and accessories such as bags, jewellery, belts, and sunglasses.

It doesn't include: Wedding rings and other sentimental items of jewellery, watches, exercise clothes (which can only be worn for exercise.) Body piercing jewellery, sleepwear, loungewear, and underwear. You don't have to count those items.

#2 - 3 months.

That's how long you have to make your 33 items last. After those 3 months you have a choice to either switch items out ready for the next season, or continue with what you have.

#3 - No shopping.

Avoid purchasing any new clothes during those 3 months, although you can replace items that become worn out or damaged.

#4 - Out of sight, out of mind.

Pack away the pieces that you have not included in your 33 items. You can get them out after your 3 months are up.

Here are the 5 steps I took to create my first capsule wardrobe! Before you begin this process yourself, remember to set some time aside - This might take a while!

Step #1 - Get it all out!

Yes. The entire contents of my wardrobe was emptied out onto my bed. I had to do this in stages with coats, shoes, and bags placed in a separate pile.

Step #2 - Out of season.

I removed any items that were out of season and packed them away to be considered at a later date.

Step #3 - Piles.

I created 3 piles for my clothing. A yes, a no, and a maybe pile.

I made sure that the items that made it into the yes pile were pieces that I regularly wear, or that I felt sure that I would regularly wear over the upcoming months.

Step #4 - Hang it up.

Those items in the yes pile were then hung back up into my wardrobe.

Step #5 - Ask some questions.

I then turned my attention to the 'maybe' pile.

As I looked through the pieces I considered what it was about them that I felt unsure of.

Was it because they were too small? Uncomfortable? Damaged? Or did they not match anything?

If the item didn't fit then it was removed.

If the item was damaged I needed to consider whether or not I was likely to actually repair it, and if not, then it was removed to the third pile. There is no point in an item taking up space in your wardrobe if you are not likely to repair it any time soon.

Of course there are exceptions of items that you simply cannot bare to part with at this time. In this case I packed it away with my other seasonal items to be considered at a future date.

Step #6 - Take notes.

My wardrobe was full of so many items that were Almost perfect. A skirt in a favourite colour that just sat at the wrong length. A dress that fit me in a super flattering way that had completely the wrong pattern on it. Gorgeous pieces in styles that I just never wore. I took this opportunity to make a note of those colours and fits that I knew I would love, and cherished as part of my future capsule wardrobe.

Step #7 - Make it match.

I also took the time to make sure that all of the items I kept matched one another, to help create the maximum number of outfits. The better that clothing items go with each other, the less decision fatigue I would face each morning. - Which is one of the main reasons for undergoing this project. This step really helped me to narrow down my items to 33, the items that went with each other best were kept, and the ones that didn't go well with everything were packed away.

Step #8 - Get creative.

I also took advantage of having all of my clothing visible and in one place, to view them from a new perspective.

I saw that jacket I stole from James several months ago, which I loved but thought nothing went with it, and discovered that it actually looked great as an oversized piece that went with several of my dresses! In fact there were a few combinations I hadn't considered before that actually became new favourites through this process.

Step #9 - Bag it up.

I then removed the items that had not made it into my wardrobe and prepared them to be donated, recycled or sold.

Step #10 - Fill the gaps.

There is absolutely no rush to do this step, if you even do it at all. But now that you know where the gaps are in your wardrobe, and that you have a clearer idea of what you like and dislike, and what styles suit you, you can begin making a well thought out purchase or two.

And finally - Enjoy!

Personally I am really looking forward to these next few months and seeing how I cope with my new reduced wardrobe. I would also love to know how well you get on with project 333, please share any hints, tips and mishaps that you might come upon along your own journey. Hopefully it will be the start 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.