It’s about to get real simple in here. Just how I like it.
I tend to go back and forth about sharing these types of looks on the blog, but they are, time and time again, what I am actually wearing on a daily basis. I love simplicity. Basic shades: black and gray; simple pieces: skirt and tee. These are the kind of outfits that make getting dressed a breeze. I feel most comfortable in them, and I spend more time doing and less time getting ready. It’s one of the perks of summer I think.
I’ll admit, I was starting to grow weary of the 10×10, but I had kind of an ‘ah-ha’ moment this weekend. I was packing for a quick overnight getaway with my family, when I realized I had packed in the quickest, most effortless manner ever. Remember, I’m a chronic over-packer. My bags have been embarrassingly big in the past. But this time, because I only had ten items to choose from, it was so very simple. I was even heading out of town for a big family party – something that would normally cause me to overthink what I would wear. This time I just wore what was clean! But what made it work is that I’ve already done the culling and curating, so everything I had to choose from I already loved and felt wonderful in. It makes me think I could probably go through another round of culling in my regular closet.
LOOK 5:
[ micro stripe top, Everlane | Cole skirt, c/o Bridge & Burn | bracelets: 1 + old, Madewell | bag, Baggu | sandals ]
LOOK 6:
[ top, Jamie + the Jones | shorts, vintage, similar | Swedish clogs | tote, c/o FashionABLE ]
Another ‘simple’ look but each piece has character. The denim shorts are loose and provide a different silhouette than most cutoffs, which are snug. The raw silk top is drapey and has the prettiest – yet subtle – neckline. Brown sandals, with a small heel round out the outfit, adding enough interest that I didn’t feel a necklace or ‘statement’ accessory was even necessary. I love that I can create an impactful look with simple pieces. Again, lessons learned from this wonderful 10×10 exercise.
If you’re stopping by for the first time, you can catch looks 1+2 and 3+4 respectively. Also, be sure to pay a visit to my gal, Paige, over at Style This Life for her take on the 10×10 closet challenge.
Hope your week is off to an excellent start!
xo,
Andrea
Andrea, beautiful as always! I know I’ve said it before but it deserves repeating — your new haircut is SO CUTE.
I really enjoy how you’ve been pairing loose cutoffs with the small heel of your clogs lately. Very chic!
Ah, thanks Erin! I really like the hair. I got a curling wand, and it’s pretty easy to style with that too – and pretty quick!
Thanks, it feels a little bold to wear the small heels with the shorts, but I really like how it looks/feels!
Both are great looks! I love the ivory top….so pretty!
Thanks Rebecca! I still like the top, but still figuring out how to style it best. ;) Hope you’re surviving the heat – it finally got hot here!
It’s funny that you say you hold back from posting such simple outfits, because my first reaction to these was that they are SO great! I think the ‘real you’ seems to come through more because you feel so comfortable and relaxed–you look just beautiful :) And from an observer’s perspective, they are actually still quite complex, it’s just that you’ve spent so long studying outfit forms that it only seems simple because it’s become more effortless for you than, say, someone like me just starting to bumble along into more than just a tee+jeans! :)
I also own that Everlane micro stripe u-neck, and it’s my favorite of the u-necks. It fits a little smaller than the other mediums I have and the knit is so soft–Vietnam seriously knows its knits!
Wow, thanks Ann! You know how to make a girl feel good. Thank you for your kind words and observations. I think you make a great point, it’s all about perspective! I hadn’t thought of it that way, but yes I think I fear outfits are too ‘simple’ for the blog only because I spend so much time looking at other, more complex, or just busy, outfits. But, here’s to hoping real-life and non-consumerism always win out! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Yes, that micro stripe is more fitted than the others, I like it that way, and endlessly soft!! Pajama-quality. :)
Really love Everlane tees, but can’t for the life of me figure out my size. I’m a small in some, medium in others. Curious what size your tee is in these photos, if you don’t mind me asking? Just stumbled across your blog, and LOVE it. Just getting into this capsule / minimalist / quality clothing mindset and shedding the quick fashion ways for pieces that I feel good in. Thanks for the inspiration!
Never mind, I see you did a review of their shirts :)
Hi Megan!
I’m glad you found my reviews, just in case, here’s the answer to what you asked. In this post, the micro strip u-neck shirt I’m wearing is in size M, which runs just slightly smaller than their regular u-neck Mediums. Let me know if you have any more questions about their sizing!
Thanks for taking the time to reply! I find it so hard to order on there, because I see the smalls on the teeny models and think it won’t fit me, then buy medium and it’s too big! I wish they would show their clothes on different body types. Thanks for your help :)