STYLE
When
less really
is more
Laura Morel takes on the capsule
dressing challenge, Project 333, in a
bid to curb her clothing obsession.
I
SHIRT
£159,
SEASONS
BOUTIQUE
f you’re like me, a complete fashion
addict, the idea of a capsule wardrobe
can be terrifying. By defi nition it
means limiting yourself to a few
essential items that should never
go out of fashion, interplaying these with
more seasonal pieces. In an eff ort to curb
my spending I stumbled across a capsule
dressing challenge called ‘Project 333’, which
is creeping its way into closets around the
world. With fashion moving at such a fast
pace it’s hard to imagine that less could mean
more, but it turns out the biggest trend this
year could be going without!
Project 333 is the ultimate test in
decluttering your wardrobe and getting to
grips with a clothing obsession. Th e aim is
to make fashion choices simpler, freeing up
time, money and reducing worry. Th e rules
are simple, select thirty three items to wear
exclusively over the period of three months,
including accessories. Th e kicker? Th ere is
to be NO SHOPPING during the whole of
this time! As painful as it may sound, there’s
a lot you can learn by embracing a capsule
approach to dressing.
SUEDE BOOTS £175.50, MARC2
30
What do you love?
Select your capsule collection by fi rst
picking out what you love. What are those
pieces which you’re always gravitating to,
irrespective of trends and which work for
every occasion? Build your wardrobe around
these, looking at what will complement
and intermix. As we move towards fall I’m
pulling my suede biker jacket and throwing
a dependable designer handbag into the mix.
Black or white
Th e basis of any good wardrobe is founded
on basics, usually in black or white. We are
led to believe that black is fl attering and suits
everyone but this is simply not true. As a dark
blonde, black can wash me out and leave me
feeling dull. So the foundation of my limited
selection was multiple white basics (shirt,
vest, camisole etc.). Invest in quality that will
last through repeated wears.
Work to play
You want to have garments that can easily
transition between your working and social
environments. As my work has a relaxed dress
code it was easier for me to err on the side of
casual, with some more formal pieces thrown
in such as a soft blazer and some tuxedo
trousers. My favourite transition garment is
a good, crisp white shirt that works dressed
up or down.
What can you live without?
Only during a crisis like this can you truly
assess your priorities, it’s like choosing what
you would save during a fi re! I’ve realised that
I don’t value footwear much, a neutral pair
of heels and some on-trend metallic loafers
will serve me well. And as we move into these
cooler months I limited my jewellery choices
and opted for a more versatile printed scarf to
bring my outfi ts to life.
Challenges like Project 333 are becoming
more commonplace as people move towards
a more sustainable future and embrace
modest living arrangements. Dame Vivienne
Westwood has been outspoken on the topic,
stating that people should buy fewer clothes
to help protect the environment, encouraging
fashion followers to “buy less, choose well,
make it last.” Investing in fewer, quality
pieces to update our wardrobes each season
will hopefully make clothing less disposable,
and reduce fashion waste.
I’m guilty of being brainwashed by the
industry as nothing feels quite as special as
slipping into something new.
Th rough Project 333 I have learnt to be
more resourceful with my wardrobe, to rely
on styling rather than splurging, which really
is the lazy option. Th irty three pieces may not
be enough to take me through the changeable
Jersey summer but they’ve certainly made me
realise the value in what I have. ■
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