Issue 25. Project 333 (Week 4)

Including two new sweaters and what I wore to host a party over the weekend!

During this incredibly sad week in U.S. history, I’ve turned to writing for Substack as a necessary solace and source of creative expression, hence my continued posting about personal style. Please know that I am deeply dissatisfied with the outcome of the election, and I’m taking action by donating and getting involved with the organization FairVote.

FairVote is a nonpartisan organization working for better elections for all through research and advocacy. In particular, I support their advocacy for ranked choice voting, a system which leads to better choices, better campaigns, and better representation. Consider looking into FairVote and ranked choice voting, if you too, are dissatisfied and want to make change.

---

This is part of a series about my experience with minimalist style challenge, project 333 - selecting ~33 articles of clothing to wear for three months. To read why I’m doing this and what I’ve included in my wardrobe, check out the first installment.

---

Each installment, I’ll reflect on the same short list of questions, to see how things change over the 12 weeks. Below are the questions, should you want to join in. Also, please feel free to suggest additional questions for the list!

• How did you feel about the challenge this week?

• What was your favorite outfit this week?

• What was your least successful outfit this week?

• What was your biggest challenge this week?

• Any key changes ahead of next week?

---

WEEK FOUR

How did you feel about the challenge this week?

The challenge continues to be excellent. experience. I feel great about having a relatively small number of clothing that I can truly wear on repeat.

There are a few items I have yet to wear since the start of the challenge in October - none of my maxi dresses, my raincoat, nor my anorak jacket- so I’m curious if these things will get their time in the light later in the challenge, as the weather cools down.

What was your favorite outfit this week?

Over the weekend, I hosted a few friends to swap clothing, books and accessories over dinner. I was excited to wear my new Abrand tube top with some relaxed jeans. The outfit felt like the ultimate ‘my uniform but a little elevated.’ Wearing cloud slippers since I was at home!

Abrand tube top (on sale for $27); Quince Cardigan; Gap baggy jeans

TAKEAWAY: Having go-to outfit formulas (in this case a white top + wide leg pants) creates consistency while allowing space for variety.

What was your least successful outfit this week?

I didn’t end up taking a picture of it, but I parted with one of my pairs of knit pants after wearing them a few times this week and wanting to switch into my jeans or Lululemon flare leggings. The Spanx pants were really comfortable when I bought them, but over the last few weeks I’ve been feeling less and less comfortable in them. Since they were a pretty expensive item for me, I’m glad I wore them as often as I did before I let go of them. I dropped those into my donations bin this week.

TAKEAWAY: Parting with clothing is easier when I know I’ve worn it a lot in the time I did have it. Having fewer items at-a-time makes consistent wear more realistic.

Biggest challenge this week?

Shopping for sweaters this week was fun at times, frustrating at times. For a full look at my in-store shopping experience, check out this come shopping with me post.

TAKEAWAY: I highly recommend trying things on in-store for a better sense of what does and doesn’t work for you personally. However, shopping in-store can be extremely frustrating—or perhaps impossible—when stores don’t offer your size.

Any key changes to the capsule for next week?

SUBTRACTIONS

• I donated a pair of Spanx knit pants

• Over-the-knee suede boots, I tucked these away in my closet. The weather just hasn’t been cold enough to warrant wearing them.

• I sold a few items that I hadn’t included in the capsule (embroidered denim jacket, heavy puffer coat, merino wool top, and a pair of cropped jeans). The money I earned through selling that clothing went directly towards the additions, below:

ADDITIONS

• The Quince Organic 100% organic cotton polo sweater in white (L). I’ve already worn this twice and felt great about it both times. I love the cropped length, thickness of the material, and the collared neckline. A great, seasonless option, comfortable for WFH while being elevated enough for nicer occasions.

  • note: I also ordered this in navy to see which I preferred, and will be returning the navy because I so clearly preferred the collar and overall boxy shape in the white.

• Sezane Pierre cardigan in blue multicolored (XL). This is one of the few Sezane cardigans compromised of 100% natural fibers - 50% alpaca, 35% cotton, 15% wool. I can’t speak to longevity yet, but find the style, comfort and quality worth the price.

  • note: I also ordered a similar Sezane cardigan in pink, and ultimately returned it because while I loved the fit, I didn’t feel as enthusiastic to wear it. One of my shopping rules is to buy things I’ll wear once a week.

• Pink wool beanie - 100% wool from Arket, picked up from a friend at the clothing swap I hosted over the weekend! I’ve actually had a pink beanie on my wish list, so I’m excited to have one that I didn’t purchase new :)

---

Let me know if you have any additional questions or plan on joining me in Project 333!

Best,

MM