Project 333: Your Guide to a Stress-Free Wardrobe (Podcast Ep. 36)

Do you have a closet filled to the brim with nothing to wear? Are you looking for a way to test out a minimalist wardrobe?
Today, Dawn is joined by Courtney Carver, the originator of project 333, a minimalist fashion challenge that invites participants to dress with only 33 items of clothing for 3 months.
ABOUT COURTNEY:
Courtney Carver is a writer, speaker, and minimalist lifestyle advocate known for her work on simplifying life and embracing minimalism. She gained prominence through her blog, "Be More with Less," where she shares her personal journey of living with less stuff and less stress.
IN THIS EPISODE:
-What surprised dawn about project 333
- Recap of project 333 and common objections
-Encouragement for the woman feeling like she’s doing too much
Links:
One Sec app: one-sec.app/
Courtney’s IG: / bemorewithless
Courtney's Website: bemorewithless.com
More details on Project 333: bemorewithless...
Welcome to The Official Minimal Mom Podcast channel. If you'd like to hear previous episodes, you can find them on all podcasting apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and iTunes.
Thank you so much for listening and could I ask a favor? Would you mind subscribing? It helps KZbin recommend this podcast to more friends. Thank you! Dawn
ABOUT THE MINIMAL MOM:
Hi, I'm Dawn, if we haven't met before, I'm married to Tom and we have four kids ages 8-13. We live outside of the Twin Cities in MN and have called ourselves minimalists for 8 years now. We got rid of 85% of our stuff and don't miss ANY OF IT!
If you'd like to see more instructional videos about minimalism and decluttering, be sure to check out my other channel @theminimalmom

[@darlenebergantzel1534]

Just got a chance to listen to this podcast today. I tried Project 333 about 6 years ago and I unfortunately didn’t last 30 days. However, I learned that I didn’t need all the clothes in my closet that I had (a stuffed 8 ft closet). The 33 items became my starting point and I added other items I really loved and fit and flattered. I ended up with 55 items, but some were seasonal so weren’t worn year-round. I adhere to the one in, one out rule, so the number has remained pretty much the same over time. Project 333 was, and still is, my inspiration.

[@idid138]

55 is amazing to me. Also considering you don't put away your seasonal.

[@bananie2383]

May I make a suggestion? I think finding one small clothing store that has great quality clothing makes having a minimalist closet easy. Shopping is easy too because I don’t have to figure out where I’m going to shop- I just go to my favorite store. If I can’t find anything there, I don’t buy anything. Simple. I do not shop often for clothing because I LOVE all 29 items in my closet. It’s enough- I feel satisfied. In the long run, it’s much cheaper than running around buying tons of cheaper items. 😊

[@mstorry9325]

I found project 333 11 years ago. Just before returning to work from baby 1. It was life changing! I had 6 great work outfits and 2 weekend outfits. I felt put together and it was easy. On sunday nights Id make sure it was clean and pressed and it was 1 thing off my brain each morning. Thank you Courtney for helping me as a new mom.

[@Heather.C.ButterflySage]

"Is scrolling my new shopping?" Powerful aha moment.

[@Travellingisagift]

I do not have Instagram and I do not think I missed anything. KZbin is enough and listen to podcasts like this while I am doing chores or a hobby.

[@juliannetaylor9989]

I tried Instagram, but didn't install app on new phone. KZbin keeps me busy😊

[@bethsummerville341]

I agree! I choose not to have a TV, so no stress or garbage or $ re: that. I only have & use KZbin & can watch only what interests and blesses me & gives me instruction, encouragement & joy!

[@kristyleavitt8007]

Dawn, you have a whole second channel?? 😮 How did I not discover this until today?! Now I have two places to go to get my Minimal Mom “fix”/motivation, haha.

[@jennifershaw4756]

Very inspiring. I always enjoy listening to Courtney.

[@sl9906]

I love project 333 and developed so much freedom removing all the toxic stuff. I now have changed it to 100 total items (all 4 seasons) including underwear, socks, jewelry, accessories etc. Basically if I wear it ever, it counts.

[@alamedadanceparty]

Amazing!!

[@margiekline1948]

Both of you inspire me to be better. Thank you for being you.

[@melanieoconnell6390]

I so need to do this with my wardrobe !!!!! I am definitely going to follow Courtney on instagram and do this 333 project very soon ! I need more peace and rest in my life !! Working full time at 52 after being a blessed stay at home mom for years has thrown a wrench into my life - finding things to be thankful for like the good will super store with drop off convenient area right next to my workplace - such a blessing !!!!!!!!

[@judymitchell27]

I recently lost 35 pounds and have had to get rid of a lot of clothes and bought new to fit me. It was so fun! But I hope I’ll never cram my closet full of clothes again!

[@elwiub]

Great job!! Losing 35 pounds is definitely something to be proud of! 🤩🙌

[@Shiryone]

Snail mail! A beautiful lost art. I thought I was the only one who was still doing it.

[@kateanger5560]

Me, too!

[@azbuckeyegirl9523]

I got a card recently from an old high school friend. (I'm 57.) it was about 10 sentences and so sweet. I cried. (Literally.)

[@alamedadanceparty]

I still do it 🎉

[@kathychatterton5623]

I look at the items in my wardrobe at the end of each season and get rid of items that are damaged or I am tired of. I have more than 33 items (for all seasons)but my wardrobe is slowly shrinking and I am ok with it taking longer to declutter as it fits well into the space I have and is easy to manage.

[@julielinthicum5652]

Thank you for having Courtney on your podcast! You both are so inspiring!

[@KellyBoettcher-qo9tx]

I love this i wear a uniform jeans and black sweater tutrlenecks i own 5 different variations. I ❤ it. I have a hard job with tons of things to do during my work day.

[@AmySimmonds-luv4Jesus]

Great podcast. So helpful.

[@kaywilliams1065]

I've been afraid to try doing this challenge, but I feel ready to give it a try. Everything I've done that Dawn has suggested has improved my life so much, so Why Not! ❤

[@alamedadanceparty]

I tried but had such a hard time deciding how to limit my clothes for 3 months. I just couldn’t make the final decisions. However, I tried the 10x10 challenge, 10 pieces for 10 days and it worked! The shorter timeline was easier for me to manage. Now I am doing the 10x10 on repeat and over time I think I will find my year round capsule.

[@kellyn1977]

Holy. Crap. The mere thought of 833 items of clothing blows my mind. I hang everything I own except panties and socks (yes, I even hang my bathing suits and shorts!) and I only have 75 hangers.

[@susanstellwagen3657]

Could you not easily fit 33 items on 75 hangers? You'd still have hangers left over to hang your non-included items like bathing suits. The third 3 is meant to mean "for 3 months", so one season.

[@kellyn1977]

We don’t have seasons where I live. My closet is quite literally less than 1/4 full. I have no intentions of trying 333 because I have no issues managing my wardrobe or closet space. My comment was merely that I am astounded by the idea that anyone could have 800+ items of clothing.

[@cheriy8750]

@@kellyn1977not sure where you got that number from -833? It’s 333 project = 33 items for 3 months (1 season)

[@megankuchta9145]

I just decluttered my kids to 8 outfits each because that’s what fits in the storage and laundry system I’m testing. At max and accounting for weather it’s 32 items. 1 pair of pants, 1 pair of underwear, 1 t shirt, and 1 sweatshirt per outfit.

[@anaalves3658]

That is amazing. Just out of curiosity, how old are your kids? I have a 9 year old daughter and she doesn't have a ton of clothes, but definitely more than she needs, I keep reminding her that if it doesn't fit or is not comfortable to say thank you and good bye. She got rid of a pair of jeans on the weekend. I think that I need to try this 333 challenge for myself.

[@lizajane2971]

Last week it was highs in the 30s where I live, this week it's highs in the 50s or 60s and next week we might hit 70s a few times! But I'm sure we're not done with colder days... Maybe I'll wait until summer to try this.

[@shaeoetkenoshkosh]

Same! I do 33 pieces for each season. Sometimes I have my winter wardrobe mixed with spring for awhile 😂

[@MsDoglover02]

My sister rented a mother of the bride dress.

[@ritabutler1951]

When you choose a smaller wardrobe, you can thoughtfully add better quality clothes that will last way longer.

[@karenhilton4684]

You may not remember what they wore but you do remember if they are sloppy or clean or neat or attractive

[@melissabickham8877]

How do i find what i like, not just make do with? Current styles dont appeal to me. However, wearing the same thing every day doesnt either.

[@louiselecouffe4679]

What clothes in your wardrobe do you wear the most? What feels good to wear? When i looked, i saw that i feel comfy in wool, highwaisted pants fit my body well and my chest looks best in shirts with square necklines. So if i need more clothes i'll get more pieces like that. I realised i never wore the dresses or v necks so i stopped bringing those in

[@pippas5808]

Try second-hand. If you see something you like online (even if it's not for sale) try a reverse image search as this might bring up similar items that are for sale. And if your style stays the same from year to year, don't be afraid to buy two of something when you find an item you love, and store the second one away for the future. It's taken me a while, but I've found a couple of brands that I really like, and now I can search for them second-hand online. Or buy new if I have to, because I know I will wear what I love until it falls apart. If you get really stuck, find a local dressmaker and ask them to make items for you - yes, it will be more expensive per item than buying off the peg, but if you only have a few items that you wear for years, it will work out way cheaper than buying loads of cheap items that you get rid of quickly because you don't like them.

[@ritabutler1951]

Pull out the items you wear and love first. Get rid of anything that does not fit. It is so liberating. I purged my closet the end of last summer. I have empty space in my closet. The bonus to that is I actually hang up the clothes that I have worn that can be worn again. I limit my shoes. It really is a case of having a place for everything once you get rid of the stuff that is just taking up space. I have somewhere between 40 and 50 pieces of clothes. Some of those need to go.

[@sinkintostillness]

Have you heard of the hanger method? Turn all the hangers in your wardrobe the "wrong" way around and as you wear clothes and put them back into the wardrobe put them back the "right" way. You'll soon discover the items you actually reach for and those you reject and start to get an idea of your personal style. Anything you take out and reject, don't bother putting it back, keep a donate bag/box in the bottom of wardrobe for those items to go straight into so you don't have to deal with them again!

[@frogleymom]

Do people actually spend $77/month on clothes?! Our current FAMILY clothing budget is $150/month...and we have 12 kids. We just can't justify spending more on clothing when things like food are a higher priority.

[@dianasimplifies]

It's just hubby and me and we absolutely do not spend that much a month. The only thing we spend a lot on is a really good pair of shoes a couple times a year bc we both have very physical jobs and foot issues. Otherwise I wouldn't be spending on that either. I have lots of clothes. Love my clothes and wear my clothes. All were bought a little at a time over several years. I take care of them and they don't wear out. I also declutter regularly.

[@kbb8201]

Rarely purchase clothes. Maybe $50-60 once.oe twice a year

[@maeb7723]

Definitely not us! And we're a family of 5! No way.

[@kathychatterton5623]

I spend that much ($ 70 )about once every one to 3 years. But then I am retired and don’t need a fancy wardrobe.

[@MyFocusVaries]

I imagine some people spend a lot more. Especially those who buy designer goods. It blows my mind when I hear people talking about multiple $2000 purses.

[@melaniecortes1011]

I suggest a youtuber from Denmark who uses wardrobe capsule for seasons and almost everything is second hand her channel name is USELESS. I like that she si a minimalist, a mom, and she is a personal styling

[@deenathevegan5171]

I will take a look at her channel. Thank you for this suggestion. I like the KZbin channel "Diane in Denmark." She attends clothing swaps and follows a minimalist philosophy. She is a terrific routines mentor.

[@angeladiehl6170]

I would love to do this challenge. I honestly don’t have a ton currently, and even fewer items that I put on and love. I’m currently standing in my closet and everything I own is second hand, and every item has something that I don’t really like about it.(Like the items I bought that I did love at one point is fitting less flattering now because I’ve worn it so much, or my body has changed a bit and it makes me uncomfortable). But I can’t afford to buy new items that fit me well. How do you suggest I go about getting a wardrobe that I love?

[@innerwoods]

Have you thought about learning clothing alterations? It's really not that difficult. It helped me in a similar situation. I found I hated everything, and just decluttered until I literally had nothing to wear, but then I realized some items can just be altered and then they become your favourite. Or new ways of layering helps too.

[@angeladiehl6170]

Thank you for this suggestion! That will definitely help me think through each piece differently!

[@sherryblazek9605]

What do you think of the newest craze challenge of 3 tops, 3 bottoms and 3 shoes? Seems to be a spin-off of her 333 project.

[@mommy3950]

Sounds good to me!

[@soak785]

A couple more tops to make it through the week, especially in the summer where wearing a top twice without washing would be a no.

[@barkerpoe9221]

What do you do with the other stuff in the 3 month period? Thank you for the email I hope to join soon This 2 closet full of storage containers really needs help well I need the help P with them.

[@amydepaul3039]

It would be 1089 options for outfits

[@lindasg99]

❤

[@latebloominghippie]

💚💚💚

[@latebloominghippie]

🤟I had no idea she is in Utah too UtahLocal 💚

[@camelia261]

So many ads😫

[@Maiju86]

Dawn, I love your message but one thing that bothers me is how often you repeat this is for WOMEN. I always send your videos to my husband and for sure he doesn't mind you saying that, but I don't get why. Why would your content be just for women?

[@denisecarter5117]

I do not spend $77.00 in a year.

[@amychen2504]

Really not a fan of the man voice cutting in... feels very 2016 ish podcast

[@karenrader2160]

Right, very annoying. Love the content. Glad the narration is only at the beginning and end.

[@cindytilbert1403]

The constant head nodding and phoney laughing is annoying

[@MyFocusVaries]

I have been becoming more minimal over the years, and during COVID took another step into deeper minimalism, which included severely decluttering my wardrobe. I only recently heard about project 333 and decided to count my clothing items. That made me take an even deeper cut, realizing there were still a few items I don't wear, even in my tiny wardrobe. Now I'm actually under 33 items, and that's my yesr round wardrobe because I'm in a mild climate in coastal western Canada. It's so easy to get dressed every day. What a great concept.

[@Elizabeth-490]

I just counted my clothes, for fun, including the dirty ones and the ones in wearing, and there are 35…but two were out of season leftover from a trip to Florida! That leaves 33!! ( not counted: underwear socks or pajamas)

[@patdennis2586]

8 dresses and 5 sweaters is my wardrobe for all year long. Don’t need anything more.

[@kristyleavitt8007]

That’s awesome! You inspire me, Pat!!

[@MakingLemons2Lemonade]

It’s funny how once you get started your perspective changes. I have worked hard to eliminate my clothes over the last few years and when I just counted I only have 44 pieces. But I still look in my closet and see so many shirts I never wear. 33 items really is a lot especially if you switch things out every 3 months with the seasons.

[@nicolemoreland6257]

I love matching with my son as much as i can. ❤️ I'm only planning on having 1 so I'm getting in the matching this way. Lol.

[@JohnieArgo-qm7vx]

I want to buy a black T and become a minimalist but I have dandruf and a white cat. Is there hope for me? I truly have been trying to declutter for twenty- five years.😊😊

[@bluegreenyellowme]

Do you look good in white or cream?

[@dianasimplifies]

Why do you have to wear black to be a minimalist??

[@kch4580]

A heather grey is a game changer

[@TraceyStebbins]

I don’t wear black. I’ve chosen beige and blue as those colors look much better on me.

[@frogleymom]

@kch4580 I currently have 6 heather gray v-neck t-shirts for my "uniform." Love them.

[@stacygarcia6201]

How do you do this when you have nothing that's nice anymore or fits well. Not only am I changing into a different season of life, but I also have gained weight. I feel guilty having clothes from my previous station of life, but wanting new clothes to fit the new me. Does any one have some tips they can share?

[@melissabickham8877]

No tips but I am in a similar time as you! You are not alone.

[@stacygarcia6201]

@melissabickham8877 as I was typing it, I think what I probably should do is add one or two pieces that fit what I'm looking for slowly. Like maybe a pair of pants and a blouse, so that way I could at least have 4 outfits that I like at least 50% of the outfit idk lol

[@persephonebasilissa5109]

I reevaluate my wardrobe at the change of each climatic season, replacing former favorites with new items that better fit my new season of life. I also donate, rag or toss any additional items that I've not been wearing and/or don't actually like. For instance, I just brought out my spring/summer clothes. I am ragging my long johns and donating a couple of pairs of leggings without pockets. I'm also donating a few shirts that wrinkle too much or scratch. If I notice anything else to get rid of as I pack things away for the garage, I'll do that. To better serve my lifestyle this summer, I'm buying 2 gray bike shorts with pockets and a lavender gauze or seersucker button-up shirt to go over my tanks. This will replace a wrinkle-prone shirt. In this way, four times a year my wardrobe evolves to better suit me and my current season of life.

[@JillSwords]

For me I realized keeping clothes that don't fit just hung there mocking me. I wish I weighed 100 pounds less but I don't and I haven't in 5 years. I have only things now that fit and make me feel good.

[@trudyberry3267]

If you have trouble letting go of what no longer fits the body stage you are in now, just remember there is another woman out there whose body has also changed and struggles with a wardrobe of clothes that no longer fits her. She would love new clothes that will fit her new body but can't afford them at the moment but if you donate them to a charity shop she could afford them and they will bring her joy and confidence. Look at them as a gift you are giving someone in the same stage of life as you. Then move into acceptance of the new you, embrace yourself because you are in the same position as most women on this planet, so ditch the guilt.

[@kristinpetersen5709]

Thanks for another helpful video ❤❤ Still hate that opening voice-over ugh so impersonal

[@ana419]

Gosh, this lady never stops superficially yapping without saying much like a little kid chewing bubble gum. Meaningful and succinct dont seem to exist in her vocabulary. She's in non-stop catharsis and barely lets her guest speak! Please respect your listeners' precious time. Has to listen a full 10 minutes, a full third of the interviene before giving the guest a chance to introduce the topic of the vídeo.