Issue 27. Project 333 (Week 5)
a low-energy week, perfect for a low-effort wardrobe
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.
WEEK FIVE
How did you feel about the challenge this week?
Getting dressed this week felt like an afterthought. With cold, rainy weather, more layoffs at work, and the results of the election, I didn’t want to spend a ton of energy getting dressed. Thankfully, I didn’t have to! My easily mix-n-match wardrobe meant I could spend my energy in equal parts ~healing and ~disassociating.
What was your favorite outfit this week?
I didn’t have a favorite outfit this week, but I did have a favorite makeup look. Despite my efforts to not self-soothe via shopping this week, I did purchase a new lip balm in store. Unsurprisingly, I have a long list of criteria for choosing makeup products, so walking away with something was actually not 100% guaranteed, but Dior Lip Addict in Pink Bow was just the right amount of balm & payoff for daily wear, plus the right color (not too blue, not too orange). I generally give myself permission to splurge on lip products, since lips are my favorite feature to accentuate.
TAKEAWAY: Not every week can include shopping for comfort, but this week did.
What was your least successful outfit this week?
Genuinely, nothing important or urgent. I do wish my raincoat was in another color, and its currently too fitted to wear with anything other than a tee underneath. But, I really don’t know what I’d replace it with, and this raincoat is both stylish and high quality, so I’m trying to remain grateful and not rush to replace something that’s working just fine.
TAKEAWAY: Getting dressed isn’t always the most important part of my life, so its nice when my wardrobe mostly *works.*
Biggest challenge this week?
Not buying a bunch of stuff online. I did end up ordering two things: a pair of white rainboots on Amazon, and a suede bum bag on Etsy. I’m actually reasonably excited about the bum bag. I’ve been overusing my dark brown crossbody, and think this will mix things up a bit. The rainboots arrived this week, and even though it was actively raining at the time, I did think “what have I done?” Jury’s still out.
Here are the boots styled with my raincoat and jeans:
TAKEAWAY: I forgive myself for shopping online for comfort this week, and I give myself permission to return anything that doesn’t work.
Any key changes to the capsule for next week?
SUBTRACTIONS
I finally parted with my favorite white linen pants this week after the holes I had previously repaired busted again. I custom ordered a similar pair on Etsy a month back, still waiting for them to arrive. I’ll share an update (especially if they’re good) once they do arrive.
ADDITIONS
White rainboots - which I may return, to be determined….
Everyday hoops in white gold from Quince. I have actually been on the lookout for everyday earrings that are comfortable enough to leave in 24/7 and these are seeming pretty good so far.
I purchased with store credit I received from Quince after I let them know the strap on a dress broke after only a few months of owning it. Big plus for customer service, if not for sewing quality (I was able to easily repair the dress and keep wearing it).
Any key learnings this week?
Adding a question this week, since I finally accepted the part of me that wants my entire wardrobe to mix and match. I really want to put on *anything* and assume it will look good with *anything* else in my wardrobe. I.e., if I’m wearing a top and jeans, I want to be able to layer that with any sweater, coat, shoe or bag which is appropriate for the weather, without a fashion faux pas. I’ve known this about myself for a while, but thought this priority should be hidden or downplayed because I believed “any self-respecting person interested in fashion likes playing with their clothes.” I’m putting this into the ether to see if anyone else agrees; what’s so wrong with getting dressed relatively well, being easy? Does getting dressed have to be difficult, to be meaningful? Let me know in the comments!
Let me know if you have any additional questions or feel inspired to try out Project 333 in the new year!
Best,
MM