https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/report-a-core-wardrobe-for-winter-of-33-pieces Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 16 May 2026 23:56:08 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/report-a-core-wardrobe-for-winter-of-33-pieces/page/2#post-829754 Sat, 26 Jan 2013 20:58:28 +0000 Isabel 829754@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ingunn, isn't it ironic ? That MORE choice can be paralyzing ? My parents' came to the US to give their children more choice and I am overwhelmed by it ! LOL...</p> <p>Yes, there is so much on the internet regarding minimalism. I have read quite a bit on it over the years. In fact, I started over 20 years ago with Your Money or Your Life. My conclusion has been that , for me, there is a huge difference between simplicity and minimalism. Though I am finding that for things to be truly "simple" there needs to be an "enough" component. </p> <p>One thing that the Minimalist Woman has really made me think about is the stocking up for "what ifs". The reality is that I will never go to a red carpet event . Ever. And if I do, I will want a new dress. LOL !!! The auther also addressed an issue for me : the weather extremes. I just didn't know what to do. But both your post and the book haver really helped. And I am loving my merino wool. Just loving it. My God, what did I do without it. One globe circumnavigator said that he wore his merino wool t shirt 40 days and 40 nights in a row ( it sounds almost Biblical ). I don't think I will be doing that. Hahaaaaa.</p> <p>Hopefully, in March, I can relate to you that I did the 33-40 clothing pieces for all of February and will be heading into March doing the same. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/report-a-core-wardrobe-for-winter-of-33-pieces/page/2#post-829697 Sat, 26 Jan 2013 19:19:33 +0000 Anonymous 829697@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ingunn, that is true!! I am already there in being able to live with a small wardrobe and I probably don't need to make it smaller.</p> <p>I have had two interesting insights since I tried whittling my list down to 33, and for that the exercise was very valuable:</p> <p>1 - I have two white striped button downs. One with very thin blue stripes that I rarely wear and one with more pronounced black stripes that I wear regularly. The one I don't wear is high-end that I snagged at a super bargain at Nordstrom Rack. The other is Jones New York. I realize I wear the JNY shirt because I love the fact that the stripes are more obvious. So the high-end shirt will go in the bag and if I don't wear it by summer...it will be donated.</p> <p>2 - The number of items may not matter as much. It's more important to me that everything, other than special occasion wear, is in regular rotation. By regular I mean I wear it at least once a month.</p> <p>I also have to add that I love your outfits. You have the effortless chic look down pat. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/report-a-core-wardrobe-for-winter-of-33-pieces/page/2#post-829578 Sat, 26 Jan 2013 16:04:08 +0000 Amy 829578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I admire your discipline and creativity! Each outfit looks so good and so different from the others! I'd love to be able to do this some day. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/report-a-core-wardrobe-for-winter-of-33-pieces#post-829577 Sat, 26 Jan 2013 16:04:03 +0000 Suz 829577@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for this update, Ingunn! It's wonderful. I intend to come back and study it more fully when I am able to. (I'm away from home now so am pushed for time.) </p> <p>I definitely want to try a version of this for my spring season. I am not entirely sure whether I'll choose 33 items -- my sticking point on this is often the number of items to choose. And what to count or not count. </p> <p>Do you know if there is any particular reason for 33? </p> <p>You look wonderful in all your outfits, by the way. Terrifically Euro-chic! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/report-a-core-wardrobe-for-winter-of-33-pieces#post-829496 Sat, 26 Jan 2013 14:23:56 +0000 krishnidoux 829496@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Big thanks for this update! Most useful and educational. You look stunning in each and every look here. You are very inspiring. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/report-a-core-wardrobe-for-winter-of-33-pieces#post-829415 Sat, 26 Jan 2013 11:12:54 +0000 Ingunn 829415@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Carole, thank you! You ask if I will consider to re-evaluate my stored away items, and I will for sure. Some of them might be put into rotation again next winter season, or I make a final decision to toss them by them. I've also purged a lot during the last year. You mention your wardrobe being too big for a commitment like this. I totally understand that. But how about making a partial commitment? Like - pick four of your favorite dressy tops, and four of your casual favorites, and store the rest for a while? </p> <p>Jayne, how nice to hear form you again. I read your post about 40 items today, very inspiring! I don't have any tips you haven't heard already, I guess. What I do is sticking to a fairly consistent color scheme - like blazers and jackets in neutrals (black, grey, beige etc). Then they are an easy match with most tops! I also have several quite neutral tops that match my green velvet blazer.</p> <p>Thank you, Atlantia! Try the 333 if you want to, then we can compare the experience:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/report-a-core-wardrobe-for-winter-of-33-pieces#post-829403 Sat, 26 Jan 2013 10:40:04 +0000 Atlantia 829403@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for sharing this. I've been considering a 333 approach to my wardrobe, and love seeing your pictures. Your WIW are outstanding, and very inspiring. Fashion is fun, and you are proof of that! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/report-a-core-wardrobe-for-winter-of-33-pieces#post-829397 Sat, 26 Jan 2013 08:34:12 +0000 jayne 829397@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great stuff Ingunn. I like how your wardrobe is so clearly a mix and match one. Everything seems, for the most part, to work together. I think that is where I struggle with mine..trying t o get pieces that match each other, like having just blazers that match all or most of the shirts that will be under them.....do you have any tips for achieving that? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/report-a-core-wardrobe-for-winter-of-33-pieces#post-829382 Sat, 26 Jan 2013 07:59:42 +0000 Ingunn 829382@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Henley, I think that the 333 project is right for you if you want an exercise in making do with less. If you are there already, it wouldn't be as useful. The point, to most people, is probably not pairing down to 33 items, but the pairing down in itself. That't at least how I see it. After an initial year of 33-capsules, I intend to end on a smaller selection. I've already learned that I have way too many skirts, for example. </p> <p>Thank you, Angie, I can feel it, too! The process I've been through during the last few months has been very valuable to me, and I credit you and the fab ladies in YLF for helping me work things out. I thrive on fewer choices, thus a limited wardrobe is better for me.</p> <p>Caro, I agree - the selection must be loved if it is limited, that's how to make it work for you. </p> <p>Carolbee, I can't wait to see your tops! I totally agree with you, this is not about suffering at all. Making fewer, but better choices is one of my goals, and to have a wardrobe only of pieces I really want to wear.</p> <p>Thank you, Cheryl! Will do :)</p> <p>Mo, I think you are beyond the stage where rules are liberating for your choices. You seem to be very adept to curate your wardrobe, and I admire that in you.</p> <p>Isabel, I have been editing my selection several times, too. It is never easy. I think you've made a good decision to exclude shoes and accessories, that was key to me, too. After all, this is not about suffering. I also love the idea you had to include under-layers that help regulate the temperature better for you. I do that too. I have wool camis for Winter that I couldn't do without. like you, I've read The Minimalist Woman, and I find a lot about minimalism around the web these days. I guess it is dawning on a lot of people that fewer choices can be better, because too much clutter brings you down. The wardrobe is a great place to start a simplifying process. I hope to get rid of a lot and own less in general to be able to use my time and money more freely. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/report-a-core-wardrobe-for-winter-of-33-pieces#post-829309 Sat, 26 Jan 2013 04:27:32 +0000 Isabel 829309@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look fantastic. What a great mix. I love your conclusions. Thank you.</p> <p>Well, I told you that I would try it...and I got stuck immediately on choosing pieces. I just couldn't do it. I have decluttered some more, quite a bit. Shoes, boots, bags and several pieces of clothing and jewelry ( my love ). It finally dawned on me while reading your post that I don't want to do 33 including shoes and bags and jewelry. I love almost everything that I have left and I want to wear them. So I am going to try 33-40 pieces of clothing and not include the rest. </p> <p>Also in trying to choose, I realized that a couple of things were sorely missing to really make it work. This was something that escaped me because it is a totally "new" need for me. Because of my health issues that are relatively recent, I over heat very easily. I started wearing lighter tops and sometimes skipping sweaters or bulkier things, but then I would be cold with my regular cotton camis or T shirts. So today in the mail arrived my light weight merino wool camis ( 2 ) and lightweight merino wool T shirts (2 ). Smartwool and Icebreaker. I can use the Ts and underlayers or overlayers. We will see how that goes. Please keep updating.</p> <p>Coincidentally, I was reading the mini-book The Minimalist Woman's chapters on Project 333 ( which I didn't know were in the book ) and then I logged on and here was your post. LOL.....someone want me to manage my clothes better......could it be my husband ? LOL. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/report-a-core-wardrobe-for-winter-of-33-pieces#post-829297 Sat, 26 Jan 2013 04:12:45 +0000 Mo 829297@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Brava! It's like the BR capsule on steroids I had trouble with just that, and realized those 'rules' made fashion no fun for me, but you show how it works great for your personality and wardrobe. Well done! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/report-a-core-wardrobe-for-winter-of-33-pieces#post-829293 Sat, 26 Jan 2013 04:07:53 +0000 cheryl 829293@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ingunn, you have done a fantastic job with this. Your photos and outfit choices are just fantastic. Keep sharing </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/report-a-core-wardrobe-for-winter-of-33-pieces#post-829106 Sat, 26 Jan 2013 01:13:16 +0000 carolbee 829106@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ingunn, thank you so much for showing us this, it is brilliant.</p> <p> I have been doing my version of 333 for 2 seasons now, and I allow myself to have 33 items of clothing plus shoes, scarves jewellery etc, after all the whole intent of the project is to get you thinking about reducing the number of items you have not to punish yourself in the process. I went a bit off the rails when on holiday a couple of months ago and bought two new tops -but I don't care as they are a change in style for me, they are better quality/higher price (for which I am not feeling the least bit guilty) and I've had lots of compliments.</p> <p>I've been meaning to take photos for ages so,that I can play around with combinations. You have inspired me to get on with it, thank you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/report-a-core-wardrobe-for-winter-of-33-pieces#post-828960 Fri, 25 Jan 2013 23:38:06 +0000 Caro in Oz 828960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like Angie said - you are there. You have done the hard work. </p> <p>It has been so interesting following your style journey. I feel the urge to define &amp; simplify too, but my eclecticism is sometimes a barrier to refinement:)</p> <p>I joined the Project 333 last week.; not with the intention of following it exactly (I would find it a little too restrictive on shoes &amp; accessories too) but to get some ideas about what to actually keep. I realise I don't have that many clothes, I really need to make sure they are all things I love. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/report-a-core-wardrobe-for-winter-of-33-pieces#post-828907 Fri, 25 Jan 2013 22:49:13 +0000 Angie 828907@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can't offer any suggestions for improvement, Ingunn! Your lessons are extremely valuable. You have found your style groove. Each outfit has a high happiness-factor. You are THERE sister! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/report-a-core-wardrobe-for-winter-of-33-pieces#post-828860 Fri, 25 Jan 2013 22:15:06 +0000 Anonymous 828860@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How timely! I have been reading about Project 333 recently and considering trying it myself. I searched YLF and found your original post two days ago! It's great to hear how well it's going for you and I'm suprised that even with those few items, there are still some that go unworn. I guess it really makes you think how much you really don't need. </p> <p>I was a little concerned that I would need to count my winter coat, hat, gloves and winter scarf as separate items when they're cold weather gear and not part of what I consider to be a wardrobe. I like that you adapted it for you own purposes, while keeping the intent the same.</p> <p>I already have a small wardrobe, but I am curious as to whether I can scale it back more. I have several "just okay" items that are similar and they could be replaced with fewer great items. I'm not sure what the benefit would be, though. In general, I want to reduce my number of personal belongings in all categories, but I wonder if this would be taking it too far. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/report-a-core-wardrobe-for-winter-of-33-pieces#post-828810 Fri, 25 Jan 2013 20:57:21 +0000 Beth Ann 828810@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>(Sound of clapping) Brava! This is so well executed -- contained, but not confining. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/report-a-core-wardrobe-for-winter-of-33-pieces#post-828805 Fri, 25 Jan 2013 20:45:34 +0000 Astrid 828805@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, Ingunn. I'm going to give it some thought! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/report-a-core-wardrobe-for-winter-of-33-pieces#post-828804 Fri, 25 Jan 2013 20:44:09 +0000 Carole 828804@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations, Ingunn! This was such a success. I would love to try this, but I won't have the time to invest in the project for awhile, but I am gearing up in my head. One road block I consider is that my closet is very large and full so it would mean storing most everything elsewhere and having very little hanging in my closet! It would look so "naked"! I am curious if you intend to re-evaluate the items you stored away, or are you planning to never add them back to your closet. </p> <p>You have quite a knack for creating the most amazing capsules, I am in awe! Each outfit is fantastic and, as Rae mentions, you have such variety in your choices it doesn't look like you have a limited wardrobe at all.</p> <p>Super impressed. Thanks for sharing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/report-a-core-wardrobe-for-winter-of-33-pieces#post-828796 Fri, 25 Jan 2013 20:29:33 +0000 Anonymous 828796@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations!!!! I too am developing a winter core of 33 items. You are further along than me though. I bow to you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/report-a-core-wardrobe-for-winter-of-33-pieces#post-828784 Fri, 25 Jan 2013 20:09:29 +0000 rae 828784@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very cool. I usually look at bloggers who do this and feel like they are wearing basically the same outfit every day, but yours are so varied. Hm, really making me look at a wardrobe of this size in a new light. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/report-a-core-wardrobe-for-winter-of-33-pieces#post-828774 Fri, 25 Jan 2013 20:01:31 +0000 lyn* 828774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow. What an inspiration. I totally need to do this! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/report-a-core-wardrobe-for-winter-of-33-pieces#post-828767 Fri, 25 Jan 2013 19:48:00 +0000 TraceyLiz65 828767@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a success this has been for you and your photos are all wonderful! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/report-a-core-wardrobe-for-winter-of-33-pieces#post-828756 Fri, 25 Jan 2013 19:37:06 +0000 Ingunn 828756@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Spiffy, thank you for suggesting a shell in the purple color! I think you are onto something as I agree that the color is beautiful. However, around here lately we are having frigid temperatures and anything without sleeves are too cold right now. I would really love to have a blouse in a pop color, though, and that could be an alternative serving a similar purpose as a shell.</p> <p>Thank you Raisin, it is true that it takes some effort to do this, but it is easier if you break it down into smaller units. I used my cellphone to take snapshots of my clothes, a few at a time (tops one day, dresses another etc). Then I made the notes, and now I only have to add any new items I buy, which is no effort at all. It is easier to play with outfits on my computer, because I can do it wherever I am. </p> <p>Sarah, I agree that a more mindful approach to my consumation is a motivator here. I hope to leave lighter footprints from now on - because I can. This is no judgement of other people's choices, It only makes me feel better. </p> <p>Thank you, Asingh, MaryK and Texstyle! It means a lot, coming from you fab ladies!</p> <p>Astrid, I'm very happy if I inspire you. I think you would discover that you already have a lot of versatile pieces in your wardrobe if you tried this. Your personality is evident in your outfits already, and I think you would feel the limits of a core wardrobe freeing, really. </p> <p>Lyn, thank you! I'm glad you noticed my shoes:) I tried to include them in the 33 items, but I realized that I wanted a broader selection because I like many of my soes so much. Thus, a shoe capsule instead to bend the rules a little. This is the beauty of 333 for me - you don't actually cheat, but are rather making it work your way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/report-a-core-wardrobe-for-winter-of-33-pieces#post-828680 Fri, 25 Jan 2013 17:56:10 +0000 lyn67 828680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are all beautiful, I like all your looks-they seem to be so effortless put together, and am amazed you achieved this with the project 333. All your clothing items are well thought and true workhorses but the shoes... THE SHOES enhance them with your true personality! Thanx for posting this. You are a great photographer, too:-) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/report-a-core-wardrobe-for-winter-of-33-pieces#post-828647 Fri, 25 Jan 2013 17:24:54 +0000 Astrid 828647@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is really inspiring! Thank you for posting this. I think you've chosen your items very well and your outfits look all great. I think I also would like to try this some time. Although I worry it might not work out so well because I'm lacking some versatile pieces. I still have too many items that only work worn in a certain way... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/report-a-core-wardrobe-for-winter-of-33-pieces#post-828638 Fri, 25 Jan 2013 17:19:06 +0000 MsMary 828638@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow. I'm just agog at how fabulous you look in each and every one of these outfits! After having been on a shopping binge for much of the past two years, I am super interested in contracting my wardrobe, and I find this incredibly inspiring! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/report-a-core-wardrobe-for-winter-of-33-pieces#post-828621 Fri, 25 Jan 2013 17:07:25 +0000 Asingh 828621@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ingunn, what an insightful post. And you look so sophisticated and put-together in all the outfits. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/report-a-core-wardrobe-for-winter-of-33-pieces#post-828609 Fri, 25 Jan 2013 16:57:53 +0000 texstyle 828609@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You've been extremely successful with paring down some beautiful looks with your 33 items! You look so polished and pulled together in every outfit - so well done! And each one seems very unique. No suggestions yet but I'm off to look at your other post in more detail! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/report-a-core-wardrobe-for-winter-of-33-pieces#post-828605 Fri, 25 Jan 2013 16:55:59 +0000 Sarah A 828605@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find these types of challenges very fascinating. Love your lessons learned so far. I like how you posted a pic of each item on the hanger at your blog. I would like to consider trying a similar idea, although I have a tendancy to put off doing the laundry and worry upping the amount I do for myself would feel cumbersome. I like looking great but the sustainability (both on the micro and macro scale) of having lots of clothes is something I think about a lot. Your WIW are fab BTW... </p>