Closet Challenge: A Week #beyondjeans

In attempt to break out of my winter fashion rut, I put myself on a little closet challenge this week. Starting on Sunday I challenged myself to give up jeans for a week. And by week, I mean five days, work week style.

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed getting dressed each day. The night before, I would lay out a few options and in the morning, I would adjust a little until I got a combination I liked.

I learned that it really only takes a little bit more effort to wear something besides jeans and a sweater each day. For some reason, in my mind, picking layers, wearing tights and creating new combinations had become a herculean task. But I realized it’s not. Breaking out of my jeans rut just took a little bit of extra intention and maybe ten more minutes in the morning (or the night before).

Here’s a look at what I wore, including outerwear!

SUNDAY:

I was shocked at how well this outfit turned out. I’d toyed with the idea of it for quite some time, but assumed it would be too fussy so I never bothered to execute it.

This is a wrap dress with flutter sleeves, which happened to fit very easily and comfortably under this sweater. I thought the tie of the wrap would present problems, but it turned out to present a solution. I tied it in a bow and then flipped the hem of my sweater under and into the ‘belt.’ This meant the bow and tie were concealed and my sweater had a cropped effect to it. And this arrangement stayed in place all day. I only adjusted it once or twice. I loved every minute wearing this!

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Classic Coat Camel (M), c/o the Curated
Alpaca Crew (M), c/o Everlane
Tiered Wrap Dress (S), c/o Vetta
Boots (10), Freda Salvador (back in stock!)
Backpack, old (very similar)

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MONDAY:

It was bitterly cold on Monday so I ‘hacked’ my outfit by layering fleece-lined footless tights underneath my pants. They seamlessly flowed down to my socks and tucked into my boots for a very warm bottom half. On top, I had a merino wool turtleneck (very warm) and a denim jacket, finished off by a puffer coat.

I’ll admit this outfit feels a bit traditional and not super unique, ie, high-waisted, wide leg pants with a cropped jacket, but I enjoyed wearing it. A chore jacket might have been more interesting. Or, even better, a trench as a top layer. That’s what I truly wanted to wear, but needed to be able to wear a coat on top.

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Puffy Puff (M), Everlane
Shrunken Denim Jacket (M), c/o Everlane
Cove Pants (M) in Oatmeal Linen, c/o Only Child (SS’19)
Ralf Boot (10), Freda Salvador

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TUESDAY:

On Tuesday, I created a bright color combo to lift my winter mood. These pants sort of border on jean-like, in that they have a zipper and button closure, but I still went with it. I love the brown on rust combo, finished off with a dark blue chore jacket. Later in the day I ended up wearing the latter all the way buttoned up and I think it made for a more well-styled outfit.

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Shearling-style Jacket, (S) Aritzia
Denim Chore Jacket (M), Everlane
ReCashmere Vintage Crew (M), c/o Everlane
Slim Emmett Wide-Leg Pants (27), Madewell
Made in USA Center Hi Top, PF Flyers (women’s 10)
Hollow Hoops, Bagatiba
Sunglasses, Ray-Ban

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WEDNESDAY:

Another dress in the dead of winter; who am I?! We were lucky enough to have milder temps on this day, so non-wool tights sufficed. The colors of this ensemble make me happy. Too often, when I wear a dress/tights/boots combination, I feel like I’m living in a sea of black. This was a nice change.

I would have preferred to wear a cropped sweater over this dress, but I don’t own one! That’s on the list for next fall (100% planner over here!). For now, I think the loose hemline on the sweater works pretty well with the dress.

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Black Linen Dress, c/o Ode to Sunday (from this collaboration in 2017)
Juliette Sweater (customized in the color – Beige), c/o L’Envers
Tights, old
Platform Boots, Dr. Martens (9 – runs big)
Medallion Necklace, Missoma
City Anorak (S), Everlane
Scarf, made by Mom

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THURSDAY:

Styling this outfit was deliberate dance between old world feminine and edgy. The dress is soft linen, with a button bodice. For me, this demanded a contrasting element and I chose the leather jacket. Because the jacket was bold, I opted not to wear my current favorite Dr. Martens because I felt like it would be too harsh overall for my taste. Instead, I opted for the clog boots with the western detail and the wood bases.

I think black tights or black semi-sheers probably would have been more flattering to my legs, and I almost wish I wore them, but I am trying to remind myself that the goal when getting dresses isn’t always to wear exactly what’s the most flattering. Sometimes the the goal is to wear what’s the most interesting, or in this case, the most practical. These tights were warmer, so I went with it. Plus, they’re really cute close up.

This leather jacket is a new and exciting addition to my closet! In the fall, I sold my beloved leather jacket because it was too tight on my arms. I searched without success for a replacement, but they were often too thin or too square or too bulky (the darn shoulder tabs!), so I thought I’d try living without one for awhile. Eventually, I missed it too much, so I decided to look again. Unfortunately, the one I fell for came with a hefty price tag. However, after a short search I found the exact one on Poshmark for less than a third of the original price!! You’ve probably heard it a million times, but it pays to be patient! (Sometimes literally!)

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Jayne Leather Jacket, (M) Veda via Poshmark
Pima Micro Rib Turtleneck, Everlane (M)
Dress, Pyne & Smith, SS’17
Tights, old
Clog Boots (42), No.6 (similar)
Fisherman Tote, Esby (this color sold out, love this vintage-y option)
Scarf, sold out, (similar)

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The Big Takeaway + Moving Forward

Playing with the variety in my wardrobe led to a deep appreciation of what’s in my closet. It reminded me of the depth and breadth of what I have. I enjoyed pulling out garments I hadn’t worn in awhile and styling them with intention. Wearing a variety of shapes and styles gave me new appreciation for everything, even my jeans!

In the future, I like the idea of creating occasional weekly themes or prompts. I think it would be especially helpful in the middle of the season when I start to feel like I’m in a bit of a rut.

Have you ever participated in a closet challenge? Maybe when you needed a creative boost or to get out of a rut?