Project 333: The Minimalist Fashion Challenge That Proves Less Really Is So Much More

by Courtney Carver

Wear just 33 items for 3 months and get back all the JOY you were missing while you were worrying what to wear.

In Project 333, minimalist expert and author of Soulful Simplicity Courtney Carver takes a new approach to living simply--starting with your wardrobe. Project 333 promises that not only can you survive with just 33 items in your closet for 3 months, but you'll thrive just like the thousands of woman who have taken on the challenge and never looked back. Let the de-cluttering begin!

Ever ask yourself how many of the items in your closet you actually wear? In search of a way to pare down on her expensive shopping habit, consistent lack of satisfaction with her purchases, and ever-growing closet, Carver created Project 333. In this book, she guides readers through their closets item-by-item, sifting through all the emotional baggage associated with those oh-so strappy high-heel sandals that cost a fortune but destroy your feet every time you walk more than a few steps to that extensive collection of never-worn little black dresses, to locate the items that actually look and feel like you. As Carver reveals in this book, once we finally release ourselves from the cyclical nature of consumerism and focus less on our shoes and more on our self-care, we not only look great we feel great-- and we can see a clear path to make other important changes in our lives that reach far beyond our closets. With tips, solutions, and a closet-full of inspiration, this life-changing minimalist manual shows readers that we are so much more than what we wear, and that who we are and what we have is so much more than enough.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Fashion, Audiobook, Personal Development, Lifestyle, How To

219 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 3, 2020

About the author

Courtney Carver writes things. She wrote a book called Soulful Simplicity and the simplicity blog, bemorewithless.com. She shares things that make her laugh and cry on Instagram (@bemorewithless). She doesn't know her Myers Briggs Type but she knows she's an introvert because she needs to be free from humans several times a day (cats and dogs are always welcome). Aside from her seasonal wardrobe, she doesn't count her things.

Carver doesn't have an impressive degree, awards, or a big, fancy home full of stuff. Instead, she selectively surrounds herself with her favorite things and people she loves. She does work she truly cares about, goes on adventures (in the world or in her own backyard) and likes chai lattes with almond milk while reading or writing.

Her new book, Project 333, The Minimalist Fashion Challenge That Proves Less Really is So Much More will help you create a capsule wardrobe and a beautiful life.

Reviews

[Agnieszka · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really like Project 333. I have used it to simplify my wardrobe and it worked brilliantly. However, everything you need to know about it can be learned from one blog post. No need to put it in a book format. It was really repetitive and did not say anything new.

[Autumn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book could have been just a blog post, which, thankfully, it actually is! https://bemorewithless.com/project333...

[Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having had a strong interest in minimalism (and intermittent actual success, but hey, it’s the effort that counts, right?) for years, I don’t know why I even read this at this point. I’ve been around the block with all the minimalism books and basically got all I needed to know about Project 333 from other sources and other mentions, works, and blog posts surrounding it. Actually reading this book added nothing new.

The first chunk of the book is basically Carver trying to convince you why you should try it. And honestly, if you’ve dabbled in the 2010+ minimalism realm at all, this book really has nothing for you. I like Carver though, and I think her “movement” as she calls it, is great. I just don’t think this book is it…unless it’s your first foray into this space.

I read it because I was looking for reinvigorating motivation, which it DID in fact provide. So a star for that.

[Heather Lorenz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book. I live a minimalist lifestyle already and enjoy challenging myself to live with even less, so I was excited about the hype around Courtney Carver’s “Project 333” challenge. I enjoyed the content of the book that explained the challenge guidelines and gave practical recommendations about how to go about minimizing your wardrobe; however, this content took up maybe 15% of the book. The remaining 85% was an overstated case for how every aspect of your life will improve if you adopt this lifestyle, repeated references to her Instagram and blog, and name dropping of other influencers in the minimalist movement. Overall, the content struck me salesy and self-promoting and I was left feeling disappointed.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first 10 chapters of this book try to convince you not to be afraid to try the Project 333 challenge. Since I was sitting there with the book in my hand, I’m not sure I needed that much convincing. Chapter 11 tells you the actual rules of the challenge, which involves creating a capsule wardrobe containing 33 items. Then chapters 12-32 tell you all the ways your life will be changed for the better if you do this challenge. This whole book would really have been better as a blog post (which it was based on).

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review is biased... While I do not know Courtney Carver, I really like her work and what she has put into the world. To be honest, Courtney has covered some of this content over the years, but 1) it is nice to have the information stored in one place and 2) it is wonderful to support the authors whom we like.

Interestingly Carver gently invites to reader to consider other challenges: express your creativity, create a morning routine, connect with yourself and with others, etc.

The amount of time, attention and, love that Carver put into this book is obvious. It's more than "just" rehashing the reasons for and the rules of Project 333 -- so much more.

Finally I purchased both the ebook and the audiobook, and I am glad that I did. Carver has such a calm voice, and she does an excellent job narrating.

[Ivan · Rating 1 out of 5]

This sure had a lot of useless filler for a book on minimalism.

It's cringe that she wrote 33 chapters for this, just for the #branding. Most of the book felt like she sat down and brain-dumped a bunch of obvious/commonsensical ideas without putting much thought to it. I skimmed most of the book. If you want to try this challenge, you don't need to read this book. Just do the damn challenge.

Editor: Yo, we can edit this book down to a 3-page infographic.
Carver: Yeah, but then how will I have a product to sell to these middle age white women to get this quick bread??

[Anne White]

2020 review: Is it ironic that I read this on 3-3 and finished it at 3:00?

If you've followed Courtney Carver's website articles or watched any of her live chats, there will be few surprises here. If it's still new to you, the book is a good place to find all the how-to's.

2023: Quick revisit as a break from some heavier reading. I noticed some points I had not thought about before--there's always more to consider about our complex relationships with stuff.

[Jquick99 · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don’t understand how or why this is a book. Should be a 2 paragraph magazine article.

[Julie Tull · Rating 1 out of 5]

There was no new info here! I loved her last book, “Soulful simplicity”, but this one just was so repetitive and non informative. Not worth the money I spent for sure.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were definitely a couple throw away chapters in this book… (environmental blah blah) BUT it’s weeks since I listened and the main points I gleaned are still helping me so much (hence the 5 stars ⭐️!)
-people don’t care what you wear (not sure why this was so helpful to me 🤪🤣)
-i do buy clothes often for the wrong reasons (emotional coping mechanism)
-so if I drew I Venn diagram of the book—my main takeaways align well with Biblical values and this book was the little gem to convict me!!
-right info, at the right time I guess!!

[Nicole · Rating 1 out of 5]

A good idea that didn’t need a whole book. Also I just could not identify with the level of stress this author has (had) about her wardrobe. Like I want to simplify but I really don’t have all these FEELINGS about my clothes. Ymmv!

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author provides a challenging look into why we shop and accumulate clothes. Her insights about our society's obsession with image and how we look is spot on. She does expand briefly into other areas besides the closet, giving a good overview of minimalism in general.

I will confess - I did not accept her challenge to downsize to 33 clothes/accessories items for 3 months. It just didn't click for me. However, she did inspire me to attack my closet with open eyes and I now have a bag full of clothes for donation.

I have her blog bookmarked on my laptop and will visit her site and advice often.

[Samantha Thomason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought I'd just skim this, but ended up reading the whole book. There are a lot of decluttering, downsizing, capsule wardrobe books and resources out there, but this resonated for me. Carver explored the emotions associated with things - clothes in particular - and why we hang on to stuff we don't like and doesn't fit, then continuously pursue the acquisition of more things we don't really like.

I was't able to follow the project strictly (only 33 items per season including accessories and shoes), but I accomplished the most dramatic closet clean out of my life and feel so much freer for it. It's clear it will be an iterative project, and I can't even think about my jewelry situation yet. But, for the first time in my adult life I'm the closest to having a closet full of clothes I really like, that fit, and express my style. I can truly be more creative, and more "me" with less. Also, I much more aware of what - if anything - I may truly need to buy. I know it will be A LOT less, and generally better quality than before, when "new" and quantity was the focus.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked up the book because a girlfriend said she wanted to take up the challenge. I said I’d do it with her. We are starting the challenge on April 1. Before that time I will take on the closet clean out before our start date. Is there anything revolutionary in the book? No. Not really. However it really aligns with the other books I’ve found myself interested in - Daring Greatly and Boundaries. It’s about living a fuller life - one step at a time. Finding what brings fulfillment and love into your life and what really matters. It’s a worthwhile and quick read. If it sparks a movement towards ones fulfillment even better. I’ll look to read another minimalism book because this seems like a good intro to the whole concept.

[Natalie Park · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book goes into more detail about the Project333 minimalist fashion challenge - 3 months of 33 items (clothing excluding underwear, workout clothes, lounge and sleepwear; shoes; accessories and purses/bags). It was straightforward and also covered areas one might not think about as related to one’s wardrobe. I’m excited to try it out for the next cycle which starts on April 1! I have a feeling it may be very simple for the first several weeks as we’re sheltering at home. It’s been sweats, T-shirts and flip flops for several days!

[Stacia]

I like CC's blog & the idea of capsule/minimized wardrobes. However, I've tried reading this book twice & it seems awfully long for a minimalist book. I feel like I've been reading it for awhile & I am still at just 49% finished. I'm already well familiar with the ideas of Project 333 (from being a semi-regular reader of her blog through the years) so perhaps I am not the ideal audience for this book. I really do like (& prefer) her blog.

[Michelle Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been following Carver for years in my minimalist journey. This books shows the benefits of simplifying your wardrobe and how that positively spills over to every area of your life. Since I’m not currently wearing “real” clothes this seemed like the perfect time to revisit this project.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book just changed my life.

[Eve Dangerfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this! I started my capsule wardrobe a couple of days ago and I found this really easy and charming to listen to while sorting out my clothes.

[Broken Lifeboat · Rating 3 out of 5]

More repetitive and self-promotional than your average self help book with some words of wisdom throughout

Reduce your wardrobe = reduce your stress and I am a believer. I got some ideas from this to reduce my wardrobe even further after a large recent purge, so that alone was worth the read.

I mostly enjoyed the first third of the book for decluttering and minimalism inspiration and could have skipped the rest and never missed it.

This book goes on so long, you'll forget it's about minimalism.

[Sadie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who wants to try Project 333 with me? I put off reading this book because it seemed so self-explanatory: choose 33 items of clothing and accessories to use for 3 months, pack up everything else and live for 3 months with a simple wardrobe and a clean closet.

Courtney Carver does explain the nitty gritty details of how to do Project 333 but she also explains her why, and guess what, it's not about fashion and or clothes or trying to currate your perfect French capsulewardrobe. I found it inspiring. Even though I clean out my closet often this brought me to a new level of ease and simplicity.

[Mercedes Yardley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Carver's minimalist challenge to do a 33 piece wardrobe for 3 months is intriguing. The book is written in a cool, easy-to-read style that is encouraging. It's also full of lists, hers and others, and seems more like a gimmick than a complete book on the concept of capsule wardrobes. I found myself disappointed and had difficulty finishing despite how simple and short it was.

[Kristi Heins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little squishy but over all a great book encouraging any reader to experiment with what they think they are to supposed to wear or be. Loved how she used the word "edit". Edit your closet as a start to editing your life in other positive ways as well. It was more of a why to dress this way than a how to dress this way---as I was hoping--- but that was intentional by the author and well thought out. I am already working on my spring collection 333. Thank you Courtney.

[Heather Moon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good content, like the questions and reflections

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finished this book…sorta. Full disclosure, I didn’t read every single page. It’s a pretty information dense book. Probably more likely I would buy the book to have so I could refer to it. It does have very interesting information about our connection with clothing. The emotional side of shopping and hanging onto clothes (and “stuff” in general), was eye opening. My closet is emptier now. I’m grateful for this book with aiding me in that accomplishment.

[Lindsay Reinke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life-changing for me! Will spill over into way more areas of life than just your closet.

[Kelly (miss_kellysbookishcorner) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Title: Project 333: The Minimalist Fashion Challenge That Proves Less Really Is So Much More
Author: Courtney Carver
Genre: Non Fiction Self-Help
Rating: 2.50
Pub Date: March 3, 2020

T H R E E • W O R D S

Simple • Unnecessary • Repetitive

📖 S Y N O P S I S

In Project 333, Courtney Carver offers an approach to simplifying ones wardrobe to live a better life. The project puts forth the notion of living with just 33 items in your closet for 3 months. Filled with tips and ideas, this manual shows readers that we are not what we wear.

💭 T H O U G H T S

In the past year, I have become increasingly interested in simplifying and minimizing my personal wardrobe in a sustainable way, so when I came across Project 333 online my interest was piqued. This book seemed like the perfect first step. Unfortunately, pretty much everything in this book can be found in the author's original blog post introducing the project.

It does offer some guidance with approximately 20% of the book related to what the project is, how to prepare and getting started. The remaining 80% felt like useless filler with lots of self-promotion and convincing pleas how one simple project can change every aspect of your life. It all felt very preachy and redundant, which actually turned me off.

In sum, I skimmed 60% of the book because it basically just kept repeating the same thing and induced some eye rolling. If Project 333 is something that interests you, I'd recommend an internet search to find everything you need to know, or if you insist on picking up the book do so from the library.

📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• readers starting to explore minimalism

⚠️ CW: chronic illness

🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S

"Consistency matters more than intensity."

[Panda Incognito · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is vastly overwritten, and I ended up only skimming through it. People who are interested in Project 333 should read the author's blog posts about it, or read Soulful Simplicity: How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More, the author's previous and much more engaging work, which covers her capsule wardrobe challenge along with other topics. This new book is mostly just fluff.

I expected that this book would provide additional details and clarity, but Carver just rehashes what she has already written elsewhere, goes into far too much detail, repeats the same lifestyle change mantras and promises again and again, name-drops other people in the minimalist movement, and keeps guaranteeing that changing your wardrobe according to her program will change your life. This book could have been just a fraction of the length, and really did not need to exist at all.

[Tawanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled so much to get through this book. I was given the impressions that a majority of the content was just page fillers. The break down of how many outfits you can make out of a specific number of clothing was mind numbing and added nothing. The author seems to get agitated and angry at the thought of people not doing her brain project. I'm glad it's over.