One Item Five Ways

As a part of my life ethos and – therefore my blog ethos – I have this desire to live simply. I want to do more with less. Be more with less. I even want to want less. When some of my gal pals came up with the challenge of wearing one item five different ways, I thought it would be a good exercise of doing more with less.

We all know a striped shirt is probably one of the most versatile tops out there; it is a staple loved by bloggers the world over. However this particular shirt has given me more trouble than I would like to admit. It’s ‘the Boxy Striped Tee‘ by Everlane.  I purchased it because I was drawn to the modern, wide-fitting cut. I love volume in my tops. But this winter I have been struggling to style this top for the very reasons that initially drew me to it.

Bring on the perfect candidate for this challenge!

LOOK 1 – Paired with mom jeans. Vintage jeans, mom jeans, boyfriend fit, whatever you want to call these jeans, I am a big fan. I love how worn they are and the slightly higher waist. They remind me of my beloved 501’s (which are currently on hiatus due to the cold weather). Here I feel good and not ‘mommish’ at all. ;) (necklace/shoes)

LOOK 2 – Layered with skinnies. Looking back on the pictures, I think this is the look I like the least, but it felt pretty good on. I do not know why it took me until this challenge to consider layering longer items under this top. I think this look could have been a touch more pulled together with a longer pop of black, or some black boots.

LOOK 3 – Over shirttails with flares. Yes! Volume everywhere makes me feel like a lady. When I was a girl I dearly wished I was living in the early 1900’s, when girls wore skirts and dresses to their ankles. It seemed so romantic and girlie. I think I even tried to make my own at one point. I suppose this is a bit of a modern day counterpart. (similar bag/similar ivory tunic/necklace)

LOOK 4 – Like a sweater. One of the qualities I love about this striped shirt is that it’s made out of thick, heavyweight cotton, and worn over a button up top it’s almost like a sweater. In fact this combo was so dang cozy, once I left the house I thought I might get too warm. Turns out cotton + cotton is just what the doctor ordered for some Oregon winter days.  (white shirt/similar boots)

LOOK 5 – With a skirt. This pairing is particularly awesome because the side slits allow the top to rest over the high-wasted skirt. Fun and chic – two things I could definitely use more of in the winter time. (necklace c/o Natalie Borton)

I am a little surprised at how this little challenge made me way more content with this top. Beforehand I was second-guessing the purchase and even wondering if it didn’t deserve a spot in my closet. If you are struggling to style an item, put yourself up to a challenge like this – it leads you to a new way of seeing what you already have. This makes me even more excited for the mini capsule wardrobe challenge I am starting on Monday.

In photography circles I have seen photogs challenge one another to photograph the same object everyday for thirty days. The repetition forces you to challenge your conventional view of something. By the end you have no choice but to think outside the box. What an excellent exercise in creativity.

Need some more inspiration? Check out how Natalie styled her item five ways. Harben is street chic in her awesome Everlane trousers. Lizzy is gorgeous in her denim jacket. And check out how my girl Paige styled her stripes.

[ Natalie / Harben / Lizzy / Paige ]

Cheers to a great weekend,
andrea