No Repeat November

Here in the Limousin November can be a difficult month for the Autumn capsule. Last year we were huddled in front of the wood burner, whereas today the temperature is forecast to reach 26^o in the south of the department and last night the news had footage of people swimming in the sea. Since the Toussaint festival France has been enjoying a very late Indian summer. Perhaps it’s an effect of climate change?

I haven’t actually designed the autumn capsule wardrobe on paper this time round. With such a reduced number of clothes I’ve found that the seasonal capsules fall naturally into place. Now there’s enough room for everything in the wardrobe – no need to keep a suitcase of clothes under the bed. Of course, the phrase ‘reduced number of  clothes’ is itself ridiculous given the poverty levels in other parts of the world, and nearer home. I spent some time last week helping a friend sort out donated clothes destined for the Syrian refugees in Greece. It was a stark reminder of all the people in the world who have almost nothing.

I came across a new challenge recently on the Oversixtyandoverhere blog – No Repeat November. Not unlike some of the Project 333 challenges, the basic rules to wear a different outfit every day in November, however the change can be as little as a different scarf or accessory. Although I am not big on the accessories I’m sure this is achievable with a 33 piece capsule, so I’m taking the challenge even if I’m starting a little late. The ratio of tops to bottoms is 9:13 for Autumn, so I reckon that alone gives the potential for at least 117 different basic outfit combinations.

In the way that the internet whittles away at time, the discovery of this challenge then led me to explore a whole new raft of blogs and websites devoted to midlife style and dressing, including the fabulous Midlife Makeover blog. It is surprising how many people take up the Project 333 principles at this stage in life and also begin to adopt minimalist practices, usually starting with a massive clear-out of ‘stuff’.