I’m staring out my window right now at the orange-tipped trees and feeling really inspired to mix and match the warm shades from my closet for the Fall 10×10 challenge. Last month, I learned a lot about which colors work for me when I took an online color course. My key takeaway was to stop trying to make cool neutrals fit (like light, heather gray). I learned that muted warm tones are my BFFs, so it’s no surprise that’s what I’ve selected for my 10×10 picks!
WHAT IS A 10×10?
The 10×10 Style Challenge was created by my talented friend Lee Vosburgh, over at Style Bee. It’s an exercise in creativity and contentment. By putting strict limitations on your wardrobe for ten days you’re pushed to get creative with a handful of items. I’ve participated on and off over the years, and every single time I come away feeling creatively refreshed and having better learned how to style myself. It kicked off yesterday and I’ve already worn my first outfit, and I plan to see it straight through for the entire ten days.
The Details:
To get started you pull ten pieces from your closet, and reconfigure them daily for a different look. In the end, you get ten unique outfits you may or may not have thought to wear otherwise. It’s pretty simple, and I would suggest not overthinking it. However, you may want to keep a few things in mind when selecting your items.
// Make sure (nearly) everything is interchangeable. For example, don’t include a top that only works with one pair of pants, or you’ll feel stymied toward the end of the challenge when you’re trying to pull together your 8th or 9th outfit.
// Include unique shapes, or anything that’s signature to your style. I am a big fan of wide leg pants; I like the unique shape they bring to an outfit. I like to mixup the silhouettes of the looks I create, so I make sure to include some items to help me do that.
// Go low on the shoes. In the past, I’ve done two shoes, anymore seems to take up too many precious spaces in this challenge. This year I’m actually skipping the shoes. More on that down below!
// Check the weather. This step is key! You don’t want to be stuck with the wrong shoes, or without a sweater when that cold fall weather rolls in on day five.
// Plan out some looks to make sure it will all work. I like to make a quick list of outfits on my phone ahead of the challenge. It only takes a few minutes and it gives me a good indication of whether I need to make any last minute changes before the challenge starts.
// Consider your goals. What are you trying to work on with this challenge? Are there any items you want to get better at styling? This is a great opportunity to do so! I’ve included one top in my closet I’ve been shying away from in the hope that I get a little more comfortable wearing it.
MY ITEMS:
I chose to work with a simple color palette because that’s what feels the most effortless to me. I’m a big fan of wearing lots of white and cream so, of course, that makes up a big part of my selection. Normally, at this point in the year, I find myself craving darker colors. But this fall has been a little different. We’ve had lots of sunny weather and I’m sure that has something to do with it.
1 – Cognac Button Up (L), c/o Power of My People.I chose this for visual and literal warmth. I can’t get over how cozy this top is, it reminds me of my favorite sweaters, but this is machine washable. I sized up for generous fit. Use code S&S20 to get 20% off, exp 10/26.
2 – Shift Dress (S), c/o Pyne & Smith.I am excited for this dress to make all my dresses-over-jeans dreams come true. The railroad stripe fabric is beautiful. I will try to share a close up in future posts. Use code SEASONS10 to get 10% off, exp 11/6.
3 – Black Jeans (28), Reformation. These jeans are straight leg style and full length! Hoping this challenge will help me determine if they need to be hemmed or not.
4 – Peasant Top, Muumuu (I believe this one is returning with their fall collection.) One of my favorite shirts right now!
5 – Sweater jacket, c/o Hackwith Design House, FW ’17, sold out. This sweater is such a workhorse for me. The long lines and oversized shape make it interchangeable with most items in my wardrobe.
6 – Vintage jeans. (similar) Can’t live without these.
7 – Mockneck bodysuit (M), c/o Fauxgerty. This shirt is so soft and warm, but I always shy away from wearing it. Hope to get a little more used to it.
8 – White, wide leg jeans, c/o ABLE, SS ’18, sold out (similar with cute pockets). I am pretty sure I’m going to cut several inches off the bottom of these, for a nice, raw hem.
Following my friend Paige’s lead, I opted for eight items instead of ten, and did not include shoes. Those last two spots used to be for shoes, but I have found it works best, and I am the most content, when I can swap shoes freely. Especially considering we will see a dramatic weather shift in the course of this style challenge.
10×10’s REVISITED
Last fall I participated in the 10×10 Style Challenge and, looking back, I think my outfits were pretty cute (see them here and here)! I would still wear most of them today. If you want to play along in real time, follow the hashtag: #fall10x10 on Instagram. It’s a great way to share your combinations and get inspiration from others in this community.
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I am also considering cutting the hem on my pair of Able wide leg jeans – in order for them to stay cuffed when I wear them, I need to give them a really good iron, which I often just don’t have time for!
I just cut mine today! Four inches off and I LOVE it! I can’t believe it took me to long to do it!!!
I’m always so nervous to chop off the ends of my jeans just in case I’m not into the frayed hem look in a few years time. I just roll up all my jeans!
You could always have them hemmed! But rolled can be super cute too!