Spring 33 Capsule Wardrobe 2024

Do you have a closet full of clothes that make getting dressed in the morning feel like an effort?

I came across an article by Courtney Carver called The Project 333 Challenge. She challenges her reader to have 33 pieces of clothing for 3 months. It’s an interesting project I would recommend for inspiration.

I have loosely followed her guidelines for a few years. Now that spring is officially here, and I am losing weight, I have decided this is a good time to unclutter my closet.

Sorting through your wardrobe is a great way to make sure your closet is full of the clothes you love best. In addition, these articles of clothing all fit well and they make dressing in the mornings a snap!

Table of Contents

• Step 1:
• Step 2:
• Step 3:
• Step 4:
• Step 5:
• Step 6:
• Conclusion:

Step 1:

Game plan: Sort through my current closet and pack away clothes that no longer fit or are winter-heavy. I plan to choose 33 pieces to carry me through the next two months. I am optimistic that I will be down to a size medium by June 1^st which will be time for the next closet adjustment.

Typically, the concept encourages you to pick specific colors to build a “core capsule wardrobe” around using several neutral colors and a few seasonal accent colors. I often lean towards ivory, black, pinks, and greens. Being that it is still March with temperatures still in the 20s and days ahead hitting in the 80s, it requires some thoughtful consideration to make sure I am covering all my future clothing needs.

My theme for this go-round is “pretty”.  What makes my heart sing? 

As I move forward with my level 10 goals I am finding that I want less. A whole lot less. Fewer items of clothing, jewelry, socks, shoes…well let’s be real, maybe not shoes, but clutter in general, less food to consume, and less food in the pantry and fridge. A simpler life. 

Decluttering, limiting, and organizing my wardrobe feels like an energizing activity!

In the original project, Courtney counts shoes, accessories, etc. But for my go at it, I am ok choosing 33 pieces of clothing that are my primary wardrobe. This does not include shoes, workout clothes, outerwear etc.

The Vivienne Files is also a great place to look for inspiration. Janice has also done the 33 project and has blogged about it.

Now that I am retired a big challenge is what do I wear? I spend the bulk of my morning working out. First thing in the morning at 4:15 I jump into my yoga clothes and a sweatshirt. After doing my Miracle Morning routine (more about that in a later blog), I proceed to do yoga, weightlifting, abs, stationary bike, an hour walk, and whatever else is on my morning agenda. Before I know it, the morning has passed, and I am still wearing workout clothes. I run into this challenge on weekends, too. Challenge: How to incorporate a doable wardrobe that will meet all my needs. Do I need to have cuter workout clothes that I can wear all day? I am still trying to figure this out.

For now, I have pulled out 33 articles of clothing that will be the core of my wardrobe for spring. 

Make sure you try on everything! You want to feel good in your selections.

Also, consider each item. Can you make several outfits out of the pieces? For the most part, do they harmonize?

I don’t usually wear brown but I did buy a pair of brown pants in February. I am going to give them a try with my 33. 

Also, I like flexibility. If I want to switch an item out for something else down the road, who cares? It’s my wardrobe and I want to make sure it works well for me.

And this spring, I am determined to go with what I have and NOT purchase anything new. (Saving money is also on my Level 10).

TIPS:

Don’t pay attention to size tags. Some of the items I am keeping range from size large to size 3 X. (My ivory knit pencil skirt is a size 3 X but really fits more like a large). Go by fit, not size. Look in a full-length mirror. Do you feel good? You want to say YES to each item that makes the cut. No exceptions!

Invest in a good steamer. These are lightweight and do a great job of getting the wrinkles out.

You will also want a good lint brush. This one on the link is on sale on Amazon for $13.99

Invest in a sweater depiller also known as a fabric shaver.

Consider wearing a belt if you are in between sizes. I was ready to toss out my dark denims because they kept getting baggy in the wrong places. I grabbed a cute belt that I never wear…problem solved. My pants have stayed put and there is no more bagging where they shouldn’t be. My jeans should last me for at least another month as I continue to lose weight and adjust with a belt.

You will also want to invest in one of my favorite products: a stain remover!

As I began to wear my selected items, I found one other tip that is very helpful…keep out a pair of thermal underwear. A lot of my Spring selections are of a lighter fabric. Having some warm thermals underneath for the earlier Spring months is very helpful!

Step 2:

What do you do with the clothes that don’t make the cut? 

First thing; you want to examine what is not going back in your closet.

1. Do they fit? If you love them and think you may fit into them someday go ahead and keep them. If not, bye-bye! And be ruthless, how long have you been holding on to those old tiny jeans? Are they even in style anymore?
   
2. Do they have stains or rips? This is a definite bye-bye!
   
3. The clothes that you do love should be packed away in a box or tub and clearly labeled. I often will label by season and size. Well, I used to do that, but when we moved, I said heck with it and gave away about 90% of the items. Let me tell you, that was actually a relief! I gave them to my friend Joanna to take to one of her trans conventions where they are most welcome. I also love a good treasure find at the Goodwill so I often donate there as well.

Step 3:

Here’s what’s making the cut:

• 1-Ivory yoga pants
• 2-Ivory cardigan
• 3-Ivory silk blouse
• 4-Ivory knit pencil skirt
• 5-Ivory cashmere sweater
• 6-Light Apricot sweater
• 7-Cotton Apricot sweater
• 8-Light yellow tee
• 9-Pink Stripe shirt
• 10-Pink long-sleeve tee
• 11-Pink short-sleeve tee with pocket
• 12-Pink sleeveless blouse
• 13-Pink cardigan
• 14-Light pink sweater
• 15-Pink merino wool sweater. This sweater is getting a little large but I don’t care! I love it!
• 16-Pink paisley blouse
• 17-Raspberry tee
• 18-Pink dotted dress
• 19-Pink dress with little flowers (A good casual dress for around the house)
• 20-Pink polka dot dress
• 21-Pink boho dress
• 22-Green floral chiffon skirt
• 23-Blue floral chiffon skirt
• 24-Floral wrap skirt
• 25-Pink pleated skirt
• 26-Pink and black floral skirt
• 27-Black short sleeve tee
• 28-Black cashmere sweater (Quince is a very reasonably priced brand with nice sweaters)
• 29-Black pants (XXL but again fit perfectly)
• 30-Brown pants
• 31-Pink patch jeans
• 32-Light denim jeans
• 33-Dark denim jeans

Step 4:

Accessories, shoes, jewelry, scarves, bags

Step 5:

While you’re at it, you might as well sort through your drawers as well.

What’s the status of your underthings? Do they need to be replaced?

How many pairs of socks do you really need? (Molly, I am not looking at you)

How are you set up for sleepwear, workout clothes, lingerie? Shouldn’t they all make you feel good as well?

Step 6:

Can you make outfits that will cover the events and adventures in your life?

Some outfits and suggested events that I am planning for this spring.

As I continue to lose weight and start switching out clothing items, I am also trying to get a better idea of what clothing I feel best in. Any opinions on what outfits you think look best on me? Feel free to leave your comments and suggestions in the comment section below. And thanks!

Conclusion:

Take a few minutes to think about the status of your current clothes closets. Do they fill you with joy or dread? Now imagine opening your closet door and seeing neatly hung clothes that you enjoy wearing. And look at that, they are all freshly laundered and pressed as needed. Everything is so easy to grab and wear. And everything you put on is your perfect 10!

It is definitely a project worth engaging in this spring!

Good luck and let me know in the comments below if you have tried the 333 wardrobe project. 

And thanks for reading this post! I always appreciate your comments and support!