It feels good to be back in the saddle sharing outfit round-ups! Even though this is a little different. I’ve really, really missed publishing my 7 Days of Outfits series, and I’m excited to bring it back very soon.
For now, let’s talk 10×10. How is yours going? Are you having fun? I am enjoying the ease of getting dressed, but I’m starting to miss parts of my closet. When choosing my 10 I made the mistake of not including any boots or sweaters – seems like a crime for a fall 10×10, right?
On building outfits.
One thing I forgot to include in the introductory post – the importance of brainstorming outfits. Taking a few minutes at the beginning of the challenge to work through your options is a very helpful approach for honing your creativity, and avoiding burnout. This is what I did. Otherwise I’ll just end up wearing the same jeans and tee each day because it’s easy. Twenty minutes of brainstorming one time can change the whole course of your 10×10, AND it makes getting dressed a snap. I use my outfits list each day when deciding what to wear.
A swap.
I mentioned on Instagram that I made a quick clothing swap. I was feeling a little too casual in my faded, vintage jeans when getting dressed over the weekend, and I had just picked up my darker wash vintage jeans from the tailor, so it was a no brainer to make the swap. Something about the fall makes me crave the dressiness of darker denim.
I found the old Levi’s on Etsy. I’m not sure if they’re old enough to be ‘vintage,’ but they’re at least old enough to have been made in the USA. I compared the measurements to my other Levi’s so I knew they’d be a (mostly) good fit. I took them to the tailor and had the waist taken in a bit, and now I’m totally in love. They are the 505 style, so sort of in between a bell and a boot cut, with a nice, high waist. I almost feel like I should be in Stranger Things when I wear them.
First 5 looks.
1 | FRIDAY:
Long Cardigan, c/o Vetta (use code: SEASONS for 10% off at Vetta!) | U Neck tee | Wide Leg Crops | Blush Oxfords, c/o | Scarf | Bag, second-hand Madewell (better option)
I kicked off a few days earlier than most people. And I was very excited to wear this outfit. But looking at the pictures, I don’t love it. I think it’s the scarf. It makes the outfit feel too busy. I’ll have to try it again with a simpler look.
Style Score: 6
2 | SATURDAY:
Wool-Blend Shirt (S), c/o Power of My People (use code SEASONS&SALT to save 20%!) | Jeans, Levi’s 505’s via Etsy | Clogs | Bag (Similar)
I can’t say enough good things about this shirt. It’s very versatile. This fall I wanted to add a blue oxford to my closet because I love how classic they are, and I’m really happy with this instead. It has the same general sturdiness and a classic fit. Plus the added bonus of texture, my favorite accessory! If you’re looking for a more neutral shade, The Potter is beautiful, in bone white with gray texture.
Style Score: 10 // Overall I love this look. I’d wear it a million times over, and I probably will.
3 | SUNDAY:
Long Cardigan, worn as a dress! c/o Vetta (use code: SEASONS for 10% off) | tights, old | Oxfords, c/o Everlane |Bag (Similar) | Verge Necklace, c/o Favor Jewelry
In my mind, when I dreamed up this outfit, I was not wearing tights. And then it got cold, and tights were in order. I have a pair of black, patterned tights, that almost look lacy, I think those would have worked better. Or nude tights. Do those even exist? Are they just called nylons? I think I need a good pair of nylons, but I’m not sure how I’d avoid snagging them on the first day out.
I loved wearing this cardigan as a dress. It felt very easy and effortless. It gave me shape, but wasn’t a body-con fit. I’m wearing a size small, and I think it’s perfect. I especially love the added belt detail. I look forward to styling this again with better tights (nylons?) and these boots.
Style Score: 8
4 | MONDAY:
British Tee, c/o Zappos | Denim Jumpsuit, Reifhaus | Clogs | Bag | Necklace
Another winner! It’s hard to go wrong with this basic palette of colors. It’s slightly augmented by a necklace I picked up a few weeks ago by The Pursuits of Happiness. There was a necklace-making bar at an event I was at, and it was hard to pass up on all the beautiful colors! In the end, because I’m indecisive, I bought an already made one that has tan, teal, rust, white-flecked, and cream ceramic beads.
I love the structure in this outfit. The bold, sleek shape of the jumpsuit and the simple, sleek shape of the purse. It’s a look I feel really ‘at home’ in.
Style Score: 10
5 | TUESDAY:
British Tee, c/o Zappos | Jeans, Levi’s 505’s via Etsy | Shoes | Bag
Brr, it was cold this morning, in the 40’s! This was the day I got bummed that I didn’t include any sweaters. I decided to make a simple look and top it with one of my warmer jackets, and all was good. It’s not a super-sexy combo, but it was very functional without being boring.
Contrast is another one of my favorite ‘accessories’ when outfit building. Here, I adore the way the polished bag juxtaposes with the vintage jeans and white sneakers.
Style Score: 9.5
I’ll be back next week with looks 6-10.
Meanwhile, I’d love to hear what is and isn’t working for you.
Remember not to get too hung up on the rules (which I tend to do!). If you need another shoe, wear it. If you need to make a swap, do it. The important thing is to have fun and learn to style and love what you have in your closet. And don’t forget to leave your link in the comments, if you’re doing a 10×10, so we can follow along!
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I also wore that same scarf on my day one (#scarftwins)! Have you considered a slightly more sheer pair of black tights with the Vetta cardigan? I know they’re not everyone’s cup of tea, but sometimes they are great for softening an all-black or mostly-black look.
I’m envious of you getting to wear jeans more than once each week, though I am enjoying playing with my work-wardrobe. I’m only on day four, so I haven’t faced any challenges yet, and I will have access to my full wardrobe this weekend. We’ll see how I feel next week though!
Yes Krystal! I was actually looking for tights just like that last winter. Do you have any good leads on a pair?
Wearing jeans all the time is great. But sometimes, when I play around with my style I feel ‘overdressed’ for my day to day life. It almost makes me wish I had a place (like work) to dress up for. ;)
Wolford is supposed to be the gold standard, but I’ve never owned any of theirs, since I can’t justify dropping $50 on something I’m sure I’ll snag on the first wear. The past few seasons I’ve been wearing Uniqlo’s Heattech tights (not the most ethical option, but their heattech stuff really does work). Once I’ve worn through the ones I have, I think I might check out Swedish Stockings, as they have a wider range of denier levels.
Great outfits!
Could you do a piece some time showing how the waist of your jeans look post-tailor? I got the waist of some jeans taken in and am not crazy about the result. I don’t know if there is a “better” way to do it, or if my tailor didn’t do a good job (he has been solid with everything else, but did seem reticent about taking in a jean waist)…Everyone seems to be getting their jeans taken in like it’s not big deal but I’m reluctant to try it again without knowing more!
Yes! I will try to get a shot of the backside next time I wear them. The look them in at the middle seam in the back. The re-sewed the main seam, and concealed the waistband seam under the belt loop. How did your tailor do it?
Ahh interesting! That sounds much more invisible. My tailor created two darts in that narrow, horizontal, v-shaped panel below the waistband. I don’t mind the darts themselves, but because that narrow panel between the waistband and the main body of the pants was taken in, it creates a bump where each of the darts meets the main body of the pants, where there is still a wider expanse of fabric :/
Oh, and he took in the waistband itself too, similarly to how you describe yours.
I love your vintage jeans but I’m not sure I could pull them off. I still want to try Everlane’s boyfriend jeans (keep saving my pennies!) I also love the wide leg crops! I’m obsessed with my Everlane Slouchy Chinos, but these might be a good addition to my work ensemble when I’m ready to replace some skinny pants. I actually prefer your Power of My People shirt to a traditional blue oxford (one of my work wardrobe staples) because you don’t have to iron it! These are all great outfits. How tall are you? I feel like some of the wider parnts would be overwhelming on my 5’3″ frame, but you do a great job of balancing proportions – something I’m learning!
Yes! I am not a fan of ironing, I didn’t even think of that!
I am 5’7″…. there is a learning curve to wider pants, for sure. But most of the time, if they are well-fitting in the waist, it’s easy to make them look good!
I am 5’2” and am wearing wide-leg cropped pants very similar to Andrea’s as part of my Fall 10×10. I agree with her that they need to fit well around the waist and hips, the rest will be gravy.
Would you mind sharing what size you got in the 505’s? I like the look, and I always get my pants waists taken in anyway, but I have no idea how they fit size-wise. Thanks!
I bought them based off the measurements, and not the tag sizing. I think they were about 29″ in the high waist and 40″ in the hips. The tag says 33×32.
Love your first batch of outfits. Those jeans are magic, and I’m falling in love with that cardigan-dress. I actually think sheer black tights may be coming back…I saw a few in fashion week pics from this season…
Yes, I think they are totally coming back! Like old school, like our moms used to wear. They are just hard to find! I saw some at Nordstrom but they were $$$.
I recently dropped some $$$ on Wolford stockings (although I did find an un-opened pair on eBay at a slight discount), so I’ll let you know how those go…it hasn’t really been cold enough to wear them yet.
Those Levis are so good, I’m completely envious. I decided to photograph how I look in each and every one of my jeans and ended up donating most of them based on the photographs. I tried mom jeans but they are just not for me. I really hope I can find a pair that is as good as your two vintage ones!
Oh man, jeans can be tough, can’t they?! I had good luck finding my second pair of jeans on Etsy, and then I had them altered slightly once they arrived. All totaled, I spent $70, not bad for a great pair of jeans! I hope you find some!
Sundays outfit was my favorite! That cardi dress is so cute.
Thank you Beth! I really like the cardi dress too!
The fabric on your Power to the People shirt is so gorgeous, I wish I had jumped on the kimono before it sold out! It always hits me like a ton of bricks in the fall how short I am on midweight layering pieces/cardigans etc. I need to remember that the next time I’m tempted to buy a short sleeve or sleeve less top!
RIGHT?! Wearing short sleeves in the fall feels so tricky sometimes! And I agree, that kimono was gorgeous!
I love outfits 2 and 4, but that may be because they’re just so ‘you’! The new jeans look amazing on you. I can’t wait to see how all these items fit together next week :)
Thanks my friend, I loved those looks too! I felt very ‘at home!’
How are your ankles not cold with all those cropped pants!! It’s around the same temperature here and I’m sure I’d be cold with my ankles bare. I love my ankle length jeans I wore all summer but I can’t figure out how to wear them in the fall. I’m often out with the kids at the park and stuff and hate being cold. Also, I feel you about being too dressy for your normal life. As soon as I try something interesting or different I feel way too dressed up for school pick up. :) I miss work only for the occasion to dress up a bit! Thanks for your posts. I love reading your blog!
Hi Charis! Most days I did okay because I wore a pretty substantial, warm jacket. But the second week I had to add some ankle boots for my chilly ankles!
I know, it’s so tricky to dress for momlife, right? I suppose the upside is that we only have to worry about dressing for ourselves rather than a corporate environment.
I like the bangs!
Thank you Lesley! I do too, expect for when they’re being a PITA ;)
I really like Monday’s look. It’s so stylish, yet looks so comfy. :)
Thank you Shelbi!!