Well, we did it!
If you participated in this season’s 10×10 Closet Challenge, you are probably about to wrap up wearing the same ten items of clothing for ten days. Bravo!!
It’s not exactly easy, is it? I’ll be totally honest, I am usually tired of my clothes at the end of every single 10×10 challenge. And this was no different. But wow, it really makes me appreciate all the wonderful pieces in my closet! Today is officially my last day, I photographed my 10th outfit ahead of time so I could have this post ready to share. I am excited to wear some different pants and shoes tomorrow.
At the end of of the post I’ll dive into my thoughts on how this Winter 10×10 Closet Challenge went for me. I will say, I have been struggling with my hair this week. I’m at a crossroads of long/short, bangs/no bangs, so please pardon me while I sort it all out.
On to the outfits!
Day 6:
Cardiff Work Jacket in Camel, OS Regular, c/o Only Child (use code SEASONS10 to save 10%) | Crewneck Cardigan, Everlane | Black Denim, c/o Everlane | Isa Nubuck Bootie, c/o Nisolo
Style Notes: I like this outfit enough, but I feel like it could have been improved with some subtle accessories. If the sweater had been a pullover, I would have gone for the obvious, a necklace. Something about the lineup of buttons made that spot feel like it would be too busy with a necklace. BUT, looking at the photo, I’m not so sure.
I’m really looking forward to testing out this jacket with other combinations in my closet after the 10×10 is over. I can’t wait to mix and match it with different shoes and bottoms. A friendly reminder: the 10% discount code for Only Child expires tomorrow, January 31st at midnight PST.
Style Score: 7
Day 7:
Crewneck Cardigan, Everlane | Striped top, old thrifted (similar) | Jeans, vintage Levi’s 505’s, Etsy | Clog Boots, No.6 Store (similar) | Bag, Thrifted Madewell (better option) | Coin Necklace, Nashelle
Style Notes: I have worn this exact outfit before, so I knew it would work well for me. I really like the combination of the fitted top with the loose, vintage bottoms. The elevated boot pairs perfectly with these jeans. A black, navy, blue palette almost always means success for me.
Style Score: 10
Day 8:
Cardiff Work Jacket in Camel, OS Regular, c/o Only Child (use code SEASONS10 to save 10%) | White Button Up, c/o Tradlands (sold out, try this or this) | Black Denim, c/o Everlane | Clog Boots, No.6 (similar) | Bag, Thrifted Madewell (better option)
Style Notes: I was a little nervous about how this combination would come together so I put it off until nearly the end of the challenge. I ended up liking it a lot more than I expected. The button up shirt lends more a professional feel to this jacket, making it wear almost like a blazer. It’s a fun switch-up from the artsy vibe I normally get from it. And, surprise, surprise I’m wearing these boots yet again. They seem to improve any outfit I add them to.
Style Score: 9
Day 9:
Cardiff Work Jacket in Camel, OS Regular, c/o Only Child (use code SEASONS10 to save 10%) | Raglan Sweater, several years old (very similar) | Jeans, vintage Levi’s 505’s, Etsy | Clog Boots, No.6 (similar)
Style Notes: I wanted to try this jacket with these jeans one more time. It worked a lot better than it did last week. But, I think ultimately, a more delicate shoe would be best, or at least one that shows some ankle. Also, please note: in an impulsive move I cut my strings off, and look how sad my jeans look! I think I prefer my ‘stragglers.’
Style Score: 8
Day 10:
Crewneck Cardigan, Everlane | White Turtleneck, Splendid | Jeans, vintage Levi’s 505’s, Etsy | Clog Boots, No.6 (similar) | Senza Necklace, c/o Loop (use code SEASONS10 for 10% off) | Tirhas Saddlebag, c/o ABLE (currently on sale for $108!)
This is basically day 7 with a different top, but the proportions work for the same reasons. My jeans still look a little sad without my fringe. Going to throw them in the wash to take care of that stat. I added a burgundy bag to lend some color to this outfit. I love black, but I rarely love all black.
Style Score: 8
Reflections:
I wish I had included more than two bottoms. That made my outfits feel pretty redundant. I’ve learned over the last few years that I often express my style through my pant choices, and being limited to two, similar silhouettes made my overall looks feel limited. I wanted to include my beloved denim jumpsuit, but I shied away from doing that because I included it in the fall 10×10, and I was worried it would have been too redundant. But, would it really have mattered? Nope. I should have traded my unfounded fears for a more satisfying 10×10 selection.
Biggest Takeaways:
1 // Pre-planning outfits is absolutely key for me. I did some of that beforehand, and it was great. When my creativity started to wane, I planned again and it helped me finish strong. The wake-up-and-grab method never works for me in the morning. Spending 20 minutes the weekend before, or even 5 minutes the night before has a tremendous impact on my ability to pull together an outfit.
2 // Including key pieces can set the stage for an entire challenge. I kind of did that with my Cardiff Jacket, but I’d love to be even more conscious of this the next round. I love Helen’s approach of picking three key items, and planning her 10×10 around them.
3 // My clog boots were a kick ass purchase. I am nowhere near close to sick of them, even after nearly ten days straight. I am kicking myself for not buying them a year ago when I was weighing them verses chelsea boots. Now, I have them and the chelsea boots. It’s generally better to just wait and save for what you really want. You’ll waste less money in the long run. In my case, I could have saved the $$ I spent on the chelsea boots.
Yay for the 10×10 being over!
My biggest lesson RElearned is I can make do and be happy with so much less!!!
If you were asking for hair opinions I couldn’t tell so I hope it’s not out of line when I say short (just above shoulder) with bangs.
You just look really great with it like that and I think it adds to your artsy chic look you rock so well!
Looking forward to wearing more clothes. Purged a bag of maybes from my closet and a pair of stacked heeled boots I’ve worn like 3x a winter since I got them 2 years ago!
Continuing on my month of no shopping. Returned 3 items I’d bought before the challenge too.
For me I’ve found over the years through trial and error that it I keep a fall/ winter wardrobe under 50 pieces, including shoes and coats but no accessories, pajamas, etc and do the same for spring/ summer wardrobe that’s kind of my sweet spot.
Have a great week! Xo!
Hi Jodie! Gosh, I am always re-learning lessons too, and that’s a good one! Thx for sharing. Thanks for the hair feedback. I think my sweetspot is right around shoulder length. I’m still on the fence about the bangs though! I liked them way more before I had my stylist put a little color in them. Now, patiently waiting for that to grow out. We’ll see what happens.
I love that you found your sweet spot, that’s awesome! I think that’s a great place to be.
I love capsule wardrobing and have been following the 10×10 challenges for you, Paige, Lee, and Elaine, but haven’t tried it yet. I think I’d be inclined to take a break on weekends and do M-F two weeks in a row. I’m in the process of culling and curating right now. I’m on a tight clothing allowance while I pursue other goals, and my youngest is only 9 months old, so I’m still figuring out what I need from my closet and what works for my body after three kids in two years. I love the inspiration and love the reviews. I’m a big fan of Everlane and Eileen Fisher am considering some bigger-commitment (for me) purchases from places like Tradlands, Cuyana, Nisolo, and Elizabeth Suzann thanks to lots of reviews and different bodies wearing the clothing. It’s very helpful to know you’d skip the Chelsea in favor of the clog boot, and that Lee is tiring of the Acne Pistol (I’m weighing that versus the similar and much-less-expensive Nisolo Dari), as I really need a black low/ankle boot!
Hi Rebecca, I am glad that my feedback on boots is helpful. If I didn’t already have a heeled black boot, I would be all over those Dari boots by Nisolo. My friend Ellie (https://www.instagram.com/selflessly_styled/) has them, and she wears them all the time, and they look SO GOOD with everything. You should definitely keep those in consideration. I’ll share with you, that at 9 months post partum, my body was still changing (I was nursing at the time). Best of luck as you carefully weigh what is best for your wardrobe.
Love those clog boots – do you find they rub your heel when you walk though? I struggle a bit with shoe soles that don’t bend because I walk a LOT. Shoes that are great for standing a lot and just walking a bit don’t always work for me. Thanks for your thoughts!
They did at first. There has been a pretty substantial break in period on these boots, while the leather has softened and formed to my foot. They wear just like clogs, so my heel comes up with I walk, and the platform stays stiff. These have a pretty springy rubber sole, which I really like. These are definitely way more than just standing shoes! Let me know if you have any other questions!
This was my first time doing the 10×10. I’ve been refining my closet and doing Project 333 for a year and was excited to try getting even simpler. It’s been great following you and others as you document your looks and reflections. My biggest takeaway was that I wish I’d picked more pieces that I loved versus pieces I thought were more practical for a challenge like this. I didn’t always feel great in the outfits I put together (also I’m 27 weeks pregnant – so a changing body might be a contributing factor), but that’s a good learning experience, too! Why am I not wearing the pieces I love everyday? What am I saving them for? Next week my husband and I are headed to Southern California for a babymoon, and I am going to try for a 10×7 (since I’ll be gone 7 days). I’m excited for how light I’ll be able to pack and I’m going to bring the pieces that I love and know I feel good in!
Hi Traci! I remember that feeling during pregnancy, that was the stage where I felt like my body was changing faster than I could learn how to dress it. It sounds like you are in a fabulous place!
Thanks for the great reminder to wear what we love, it’s so true! Life is too short to ‘save’ those items for ‘later.’ I think I needed more of my ‘love’ items in my 10×10 too.
Good luck with your 10×7 on your babymoon!
Another one in the books, my friend! And as always you knocked it out of the park. I agree that when we are pretty well settled in our wardrobes the challenges can start to feel redundant. I suppose that is a good sign that we know what we like? And that feels like something to celebrate after years of trying to figure it out. Your Cardiff jacket was so versatile, I really missed not having a cardigan/jacket type layering piece in this round. They really change up a look so easily.
Enjoy your full wardrobe tomorrow!
xo,
Paige
Thank you friend. You make some interesting points!! I hope I am getting more settled in to my style!
I found this round a bit harder than my last, and definitely felt sick of the clothes I’d picked by the end. I love the key pieces idea too, and I think I’ll try that next round, so the whole thing feels more cohesive. I love all the different ways you found to wear that cardigan!
Thanks Lo! Thanks for sharing her post, that’s where I first noticed it! Good luck on the next round. :)
I loved all your casual looks Andrea. So easy, and your clogs are kick ass! ;)
Thank you Shelbi! It was fun to see your looks too.
This was my first 10×10, and I struggled. There was some unexpected drama at work that left me wanting to crawl into a hole for a week during the challenge, and I mostly picked polished pieces, not crawl into hole pieces. So I hated most of what I was wearing because it didn’t match my mood. I also struggled with being on social media again – I hadn’t been on since 2014, but, man, the insecurity around likes comes back with a vengeance. Not sure it’s for me. Sorry, this is kinda heavy, not light-hearted fun 😝
I feel you Lindsey! I am a total mood-dresser, so I understand for sure. I think that’s why I tend to overpack when I go on trips, I never know what I’m going to be in the mood for. Kudos to you for sticking it out. In the past I have found, just running through the exercise of planning ten outfits from ten pieces can be immensely helpful, even if you don’t wear all ten. It’s like a 10×10 dry run. ;)
I am sorry about the social media was rough. I swear, it’s like a drug! I love/hate it. I was glad to see you there, even if only for a bit! :) Thanks for sharing your 2 cents here, light-hearted or not. ;)
Thanks, girl! Have a great rest of the week!
Anxious to hear more about your hair decisions. I am struggling with length decisions also but have decided bangs stay to cover a multitude of 65 y/o forehead issues.
Right?! I feel like bangs really do soften things up. But they can be a pain in the rear to maintain!
I always love seeing your outfits pop up on my Instagram! And you definitely inspired me to try the 10×10 challenge again (despite a bit of cheating/and unplanned events popping up)!
Aw, thanks Helen! I was really inspired by how you laid yours out!
Love love love the clog boots! They rock and they really make every outfit!
I was ready to get back to my whole wardrobe too… :)
Bangs are so frustrating! I keep thinking they will look great and I always forget they go flat and limp in our cold, dry winters. Ugh! Yours have looked really nice though!
You got so much wear out of that jacket, I love outfit six – the dark colors and then the jacket and boots look great together. I am so sorry about the strings on your pants, it doesnt seem like it would make a differance but it does. Little details I guess, at least you can pull the strings back out again.