Note: This is a guest post by Becca Ehrlich of Christian Minimalism.
At the beginning of this year, I wore the same dress for 100 days in a row. Yes, the same dress—every day. For 100 days.
I saw the 100 Day Dress Challenge as a way to break myself of bad spending habits and limiting beliefs around what was actually enough. As a recovering online shopping addict (mostly buying clothes I didn’t really need), I wanted to rid myself of thoughts and behaviors that held me back from simplifying my life and focusing on what’s most important.
It was a challenging experiment in living with less—and I learned a whole lot. Here are 7 key things I learned:
1. We Need Less Than We Think We Do
Before starting the 100 Day Dress Challenge, I had already pared my wardrobe down to 1/3 of its original size. I definitely saw the benefits of having fewer clothes, but I had the sneaking suspicion that I wasn’t at my “enough” amount just yet.
I was right. Wearing the same dress every day showed me how little I truly need. Most days during the challenge, I only wore the dress with a pair of leggings underneath (it was cold weather where I live for much of the experiment!). The wardrobe pieces I used went down to less than 10 a week, excluding undergarments.
I don’t think I’d personally want to wear less than 10 clothing pieces a week all the time (and if you do want to, power to you!), but this experiment illustrated just how little we actually need. Our closets tend to be full of clothes that we almost never wear—what if we just had our favorite pieces, and that was it? My “enough” amount of clothing is even less than what I thought it would be, and since finishing the challenge I’ve pared down my wardrobe even more. We need so much less than we think we do.
2. People Don’t Pay Much Attention
Starting the 100-day experiment of wearing the same dress, I was worried that people would notice and say something. But (except for those who knew about the experiment!) no one noticed. No one. During the whole 100 days.
I even had several job interviews with one potential employer (with many of the same interviewers) over multiple days, and no one noticed or cared that I wore the same dress each day. It was about the interviews and what we talked about—not about the repeat outfit! (In case you’re wondering, I did end up getting the job, proving that wearing the same thing for multiple interviews with one employer can be totally appropriate and doable.)
Turns out, we think people notice us way more than they actually do– it’s called the spotlight effect. Oftentimes we own more clothes and other possessions because we think people will notice repeat clothing and objects. But the reality is that people don’t really notice. We can own less and not worry about other peoples’ reactions about reusing things. And on the off-chance they do notice, it gives us an opportunity to talk about living more minimally!
3. Experiments Are Powerful
One of the best parts about the 100 Day Dress Challenge is that it was a short-term experiment. It gave me an opportunity to try living with a lot less for a designated amount of time, to see what minimalism looks like for me, personally, in my own context.
Experiments are exactly what they sound like—it’s about playing around with less for short amounts of time to see what makes the most sense for you for the future. We are much more likely to try something for a short amount of time, rather than trying something and saying “OK, this is how my life will be FOREVER.” Experiments are bite-sized ways to try different simplifications in your life, in the short-term.
Through this 100-day dress experiment, I learned so much about myself and living more simply. Find ways to experiment with simplicity—you may be surprised what you discover!
4. Quality Matters
It’s no secret that fast fashion clothes have a huge impact on our environment and fall apart quickly (so that you buy more). But these clothing pieces are cheap and convenient and make a quick buck, so the fast fashion industry continues.
Doing this experiment with a merino wool dress that was sustainable, well-made, and temperature regulating meant that I could wear the dress every day and not worry that it would fall apart on my body while I was wearing it or get super disgusting. I also got to do a lot less laundry (merino wool doesn’t hold on to odors like other materials do), which meant more time, energy, and less environmental impact during the challenge. And after I wore the dress for 100 days, the dress still looked almost new!
Clothes that are well-made and of good quality serve us much better in the long-term. Quality clothes are much pricier and less convenient—but when you’re living more minimally and spending less money, you’re better able to both buy quality pieces that will last, and own less clothing pieces altogether.
5. Decision Fatigue is Real
When I started the 100 days, I worried that I would get bored wearing the same thing every day. What I discovered instead is that I loved not having to think about what to wear every morning—I could just grab the dress and go. It saved me time and brainpower that I could use elsewhere in my day.
It sounds a bit funny that not having to choose something to wear each day could make such a huge difference, but decision fatigue is a real thing. We make hundreds of decisions daily, and having one less thing to decide and think about can simplify your morning routine and save that decision-making energy for more important things.
There’s a reason that many high-powered people have chosen to wear the same thing every day. Having a chosen uniform means that you have more decision-making energy when it really matters. Wearing the same dress everyday truly made a difference for me—I felt like I was able to make much better decisions when I had one less decision to make each day.
6. It’s What’s Inside That Counts
There are many clothing phrases that are often used as advice: “Clothes make the [person],” “Dress for success,” etc. Most of these phrases assume that people judge us based on our outer appearance, and we should dress accordingly. They also imply that we are what we wear. I had internalized these advice phrases and wondered if wearing the same thing every day would be a mistake.
But as we’ve already seen through the spotlight effect, people notice what we wear and what we look like a lot less than we expect. Sure, there are some work and social situations where we have to wear something specific. But those particular situations aside, we have the freedom to own and wear a lot less because no one notices or cares. Wearing the same dress every day helped me realized that it’s not about what I put on my body—it’s what’s inside that matters.
Our clothing and our possessions (along with our salary, job title, and net worth) do not define us. We are not what we wear. Our identity is not based on our stuff or our “success.” We are who we are because of our gifts, our skill sets, our personalities. Don’t let things outside of you define who you are.
7. Simplicity Makes Space for What Matters Most
My biggest takeaway from wearing the same dress for 100 days, hands down, has been the basic fact that simplifying your life– even just one aspect of your life– can make more space for what’s most important. Because I wasn’t focusing on what I was putting on my body as much, I had more time, energy, and resources to focus on my family, my writing, and my faith.
Wearing the same thing every day was a simple change to my routine, but it drastically changed how I functioned the rest of the day. I was able to shorten my morning routine and have a less hurried start to my day—which meant that I was typically much calmer and less stressed. I spent less time and brain space on outward appearances and used that time and brain space for learning and creative activities. And overall, I found myself better able to focus on the most important things just from one simple change.
Imagine if we all simplified one, or even multiple aspects of our lives—what amazing change we would see in how we live and interact with one another! I was shocked that just one basic change could do so much.
Find some ways to experiment with less. It doesn’t have to be 100 days of wearing the same thing; create an experiment that will both work well in your context and also challenge you to simplify. I promise: experimenting and challenging yourself to live with less short-term will help you make space for what’s most important and change your life!
***
Becca Ehrlich is a pastor, wife, and writer who holds three masters degrees and a doctorate in theology. She blogs at Christian Minimalism and is the author of Christian Minimalism: Simple Steps for Abundant Living. You can also follow her on Facebook.
Kaz says
I am making small steps towards becoming a minimalist… I am just wondering if you washed the dress every evening and whether you considered the impact THAT has on the environment and your time. If part of the idea of minimalism is to lighten your burden on the environment and free yourself from the difficulties of owning too much, how does that balance out… after reading an article that came through from becoming minimalist, probably over a year ago where someone decided 1 towel each was enough I began to wonder if this is just hypocrisy and vanity, doing something to prove you can… then an article about a rich guy in Europe somewhere who only owned 4 shirts… probably great if you can afford to replace things when needed, and can afford to rent 5 star luxury…
I am not saying that reducing the number of things you own is not a great goal for many of us, but taking it to such ridiculous extremes is quite perverse and I suspect it is counterproductive and environmentally not as friendly as you claim the minimalist movement aims to be
Becca says
Hi there! I address the fact that I did laundry only five times during the 100 days due to the dress being made of merino wool, which definitely helps the environmental impact (the dress is more sustainable than fast fashion materials since it’s made from merino wool, too!): https://christianminimalism.com/2021/01/25/faqs-100-days-one-dress/
More info on merino wool and why it needs less laundering: https://christianminimalism.com/2021/01/25/faqs-100-days-one-dress/
Blessings!
Becca says
Oops, the first link should be: https://christianminimalism.com/2021/04/12/wearing-one-dress-for-100-days-a-review/
Madhu Reddy says
Again laundry and how many times u Sasha. Garment depends on the climate unlive in.I live in hot tropical climate where I sweat a lot more so clothes have to be washed often than colder climate where u don’t sweat also my country is dusty and polluted which causes clothes to be washed everyday! I make my own detergent with just 3 ingredients which are environmentally friendly . Again there is no linear way for anything yet this article helps to focus more on bigger picture and our bit of decisions which have a huge impact versus not doing anything at all n going with the flow of over buying things.
William says
Doing this experiment with a merino wool dress that was sustainable, well-made, and temperature regulating meant that I could wear the dress every day and not worry that it would fall apart on my body while I was wearing it or get super disgusting. I also got to do a lot less laundry (merino wool doesn’t hold on to odors like other materials do), which meant more time, energy, and less environmental impact during the challenge.
Tom Adams says
Kind of like a 100-day diet – glad its over, now I can EAT! Hmmm! :-)
Nancy Girard says
I have done the same thing…i wear the same clothes for one week at a time….i am modifying my wardrobe …..hemming pants to be the same length….wearing blundstones all year round ….narrowing things down ….i will check Wool&……thanks for this great article….
Lauren says
Becca, you are so right. Back in May, when it was announced we’d begin returning to our offices–I work on a college campus in the adult education division–I knew the heat of summer would make me, as usual, miserable. (I hate summer.) So I went online to see if I could find an inexpensive plain cotton tee shirt dress. It took a while because there are more expensive than inexpensive ones out there or ones that are rayon or poly/cotton.
I finally found exactly what I was looking for at Target: all cotton, black, and $20. I bought ten of them.
What I hadn’t really anticipated, and what you pointed out, is that it doesn’t get boring–and it is SO easy. Three items of clothing, two underneath, plus sandals. And I am done. It is amazing how much easier it is to get ready when I just reach for that dress in the mornings. If I ever want to get a bit jazzier I put on a necklace or scarf. But that’s rare.
I laugh whenever I watch Josh’s video on having one thing to wear. That’s now (mostly) me. With no make-up any more either. If there’s anything good to be said for this pandemic it is that it has made me simplify even more than I had previously. I love it!
Bonnie says
I did almost the same thing. I got t-shirt dresses and have worn them for 2 years. But I got 2 black, 3 gray, 2 olive green, 1 blue, 1 teal, and 1 bright orange. I do wear 3 different necklaces.
Karon says
Love this experiment confirms what I thought. I did a similar but not so extreme thing when I decided to just have black same style dresses to wear in my business. It’s so great not to have to think about what to wear. I do however still admire some peoples creativity in what they wear.
gary fagg says
as male age 73 i have taken these principles to heart for the last 10+ years…and to closet. no belts. no buttons. no clothes that require dry cleaning. basically all shirts are pullover aka t-shirts but some fun designs and varied fabrics. all pants are no belts. no zipper. elastic waistbands. shoes are all slip-ons. couldn’t be happier!
Maria Pinto says
I love your comment Gary! When I moved into a small but comfortable one bedroom apartment I brought a table top ironing board and iron. That was almost a year ago & I haven’t even used it. I only have a couple of things that need ironing, & heck some things I just don’t worry about. What are a few wrinkles anyway! LOL. Keep it simple, do what feels good because you need to be happy with your choices & feel comfortable with them.
Jessalynn Jones says
This was a great article Becca. It sounds like a very intriguing idea! Your point that people don’t notice as much as we think we do is so true. I used to be very shy and it was holding me back a lot but then one day my mom had a heart-to-heart with me. She told me that I was thinking about myself way more than others think about me and that they wouldn’t pick apart my words and actions and appearance like I did to myself so I might as well stop worrying about it and start focusing on others and participating in my life. It was truly a lightbulb moment that changed my life!
But I love clothes and I am always changing it up so clothing is still a challenge for me but I’ve been pairing down a lot. It is the hardest with the dresses I have made for myself but I’m letting go to make room for more creativity!
Melanie Carter says
Jessalynn,
I love that you make your own dresses. I was just telling my husband that I wish I could make my own clothes. I guess I could try to learn, but I’d probably be wasteful with homemade clothing fails.
Georgia says
When I taught myself to sew I started by using old sheets so that I could master the various techniques. Only then would I buy good fabric and make the item a second time for actual wearing. My husband still uses a pair of short pants (made out of an old shite sheet using orange cotton) They were an experiment but he still loves them.
Georgia says
When I taught myself to sew I started by using old sheets so that I could master the various techniques. Only then would I buy good fabric and make the item a second time for actual wearing. My husband still uses a pair of short pants (made out of an old white sheet using orange cotton) They were an experiment but he still loves them.
Yvonne Hellyar says
I also love to sew but agree that it can be very wasteful – I have had plenty of handmade fails. Interestingly, I am way more critical of anything I make, as opposed to the clothing that I buy.
Lisa says
Thank you for sharing this life lesson, I only wish I had learned this and other minimalist teachings earlier. Even more, I wish my husband would enter in to this lifestyle!
Thanks again. ?
Maria Pinto says
Think of it this way Lisa, that you are learning something very useful now, and we as humans are constantly changing & evolving. I have been into minimalism & voluntary simplicity for a while now and at 66 I am always open to learning new things.
I have also shared Joshua’s blogs with other family as well and they really appreciate it. We all have something to add to the mix.
Embee says
I don’t know that I agree that no one would notice if you wear the same clothes day after day. I worked once with a lady who had two dresses–she wore either the blue one or the green one every day for years. No one commented since that would be rude, but that doesn’t mean we didn’t notice and wonder why.
Mrs Em says
Embee, I have that same thought every time I read an article claiming “I wore the same thing every day and nobody noticed!”
I definitely notice what people wear, and I do notice if people wear the same things over and over. Do I care? Not really. But I do notice. And I would never, ever say anything to the person.
Dede Fitch says
I agree!
Maria says
Karla, your attention goes to ONE misuse of the word FEWER instead of LESS? So you are rather focused on mistakes! Wow, I feel for the people in your every day interactions. You must be judging and pointing out their mistakes all the time. And it must be very difficult for you to be perfect all the time, to not make mistakes that others can point out. So sad.
Deborah says
Some of us notice. It drives some of us to distraction. Some of us don’t comment anymore because there’s always somebody to tell us how wrong we are. Some of us assume that those people are just as wrong, miserable, bitter as those they have just corrected.
Sarah Brock says
Sad 😞 sad
Berth says
Yeap, I feel like I am so behind in what I do. Something that was reminded b y my younger daughter who got frustrated by how much he has to keep up with this trend of reaching the goal set by others than herself. And to say the least, I believe that whatever you wear be sure those are washed and clean. Otherwise, showering and wearing the same clothes every day could give the same results. imho
Paula says
I live in an ever changing weather zone. Lots of cold and wet windy weather. We have a short summer with cold evenings. I find it extremely difficult to keep my wardrobe small and packing to travel here is a nightmare. I usually have a bag of extras in my car in case it rains, temp drops etc. Impossible to dress in the morning for the whole day. Any suggestions?
Ali Wade says
Same issue here. We live in Pembrokeshire, West Wales (UK), and I often have to change my outfit during the day if the weather suddenly goes from hot to cold or vice versa. I have had a capsule wardrobe for 3 years now, but still regularly have a clear out. Even now I am thinking there are clothes that I haven’t worn for a while, and I wouldn’t miss them. We used to travel to Spain regularly, so I had lighter clothes for there – but they really are not needed now.
D.L. says
If you search for wool& The 100 day wool dress, you will see how women accessorize the dress for all types of weather.