This year’s Fall 10×10 was certainly one for the books. But I’m not talking about the outfits. There was a big discussion over on Instagram about the lack of representation in the ethical clothing community. Many shared (and continue to share) their stories, and they are powerful to read. I’ll admit, it was hard for me to adjust to this usually light-hearted space being so heavy. But I am thankful to those who were open-minded and open-hearted enough to share. I hope we all remember to extend grace to each other as we navigate learning to use our voices to support each other.
That’s all I’m going to say on that topic for today. Now, on to the rest of the 10×10, shall we?
I had a pretty good run of outfits this round, but my style takeaways were even better. Read more on those below after the outfit recap.
LOOK 6:
This is me trying to figure out the best length for these pants. Previously I said I liked them full length, but after a few wears, I’m eating my words. Worn full length, the pants just feels too… adult-ish. Or maybe just not fresh enough. A few days later, I ended up trimming 2.25 inches off. More to come.
OUTFIT DETAILS: Sweater Jacket, c/o Hackwith Design House, FW17, (no longer available) – try THIS instead, and use code SEASONS10 to save 10% | Flannel Button Up (L), c/o Power of My People | Black Jeans (28), Reformation | Jacqui Bag, c/o Jacqui | Paloma Mule (10), c/o Nisolo
LOOK 7:
I really want a pair of white high top Converse style shoes (these ones in particular). BUT, I already own two pairs of white low top sneakers, so I am trying to find contentment in those. My solution: sneaking in white socks for a high top-ish look.
OUTFIT DETAILS: Sweater Jacket, c/o Hackwith Design House, FW17, (no longer available) – try THIS instead, and use code SEASONS10 to save 10% | Mockneck bodysuit (M), c/o Fauxgerty (very cozy!) | Jeans, Vintage Levi’s (501) (similar) | Sneakers (41), Veja | Classic Tote, c/o Cuyana | Padlock Pendant, c/o Aide-Mémoire
LOOK 8:
This was such a fun, outside the box look! I love the relaxed, semi-boho feel. The black bag keeps it from feeling too whimsical though.
OUTFIT DETAILS: Model No.20 Shift Dress (S) in Railroad Stripe Linen, c/o Pyne & Smith. Use code SEASONS10 to save 10% through 11/6 | Wide Leg Jeans, c/o ABLE, SS18, sold out (similar) | Cons, Thrifted (similar, made in the USA) | Padlock Pendant, c/o Aide-Mémoire | Initial Cuff, Able
LOOK 9:
This shirt is such a magic charm in my wardrobe. I love it every time I wear it. It’s pretty thick linen, but it’s still breezy, so I like to layer it with a tank for coziness. The shape and the cut are both beautiful to me. I love that it’s oversized and roomy, but not boxy. I love a good boxy look, but sometimes it doesn’t always love me. This shirt is still the right amount of feminine for me, even in it’s oversized state. I love the tie details at the wrist.
OUTFIT DETAILS: Cardigan no19 (one size), Babaá Knitwear *not included in 10×10 | Peasant Top, Muumuu (I believe this one is returning with their fall collection) | Jeans, Vintage Levi’s (501) (similar) | Waterproof Bootie, Aquatalia | Backpack, c/o Everlane (similar) | Padlock Pendant, c/o Aide-Mémoire
LOOK 10:
Here’s my phone-it-in look guys. Dirty hair and Saturday best. Trying to rock my white socks and sneaker look again too. Not the prettiest outfit but pretty comfy/cozy for a lazy Saturday.
OUTFIT DETAILS: Flannel Button Up (L), c/o Power of My People | Pima Micro Rib Scoop Neck Tee, Everlane *not included in my 10×10 | Jeans, Vintage Levi’s (501) (similar) | Cons, Thrifted (similar, made in the USA)
FALL 10×10 Style Takeaways:
I had a surprising amount of ‘ah-ha’ moments during this ten-day style challenge. And, full disclosure here, I actually completed mine over about 14 days. I found some freedom in taking a day off as I needed, and that worked out well for me. It helped me finish well and continue to contemplate the looks I was putting together. Over those days, I noticed a few things.
1 // The importance of a ‘third piece’ when pulling together an outfit.
I realized on nearly every day of this challenge I wore a ‘third piece.’ Most days it was the long cardigan. The last day, I wore my flannel shirt open as the third piece. And on the days I didn’t wear the third piece, I was definitely resisting the urge to wear the long cardigan yet again. Something about a third piece just makes a look feel ‘finished.’ You can read more details on the third piece rule here.
In the future, when building outfits and packing for trips, planning for a third piece will likely give me more contentment in my looks.
2 // Dusters are a part of my personal style uniform.
I can’t believe it took me so long to figure this one out. I regularly feel my best in my clothes when the look involves some sort of duster or long layer. Even my favorite looks board agrees with this.
3 // I like my inseam above my ankle
I wrestled with this seemingly trivial detail over the last few weeks. As I’ve said before, styling is often in the details, and inseams are no exception. I thought having pants that go all the way down to my shoes might be a nice thing in the winter months. But it turns out, I think I’d rather have my shoes rise to meet the pants. I self-cropped my black jeans to about an inch above my ankle, and felt much happier afterward.
4 // Dark days lend themselves to darker palettes.
All spring and summer long I’ve been reaching for the lighter shades in my closet: white, cream, oatmeal, tan, blush, etc. But in the last few weeks as the days have turned much darker, due to less daylight and frequent rainclouds, the blacks, charcoal and deep browns side of my closet has been more appealing. I imagine on some level this is due to practicality – i.e. wearing all white on a rainy, muddy day just doesn’t make sense.
Overall Bonuses of Participating in a 10×10:
– More motivation to pull together an outfit. Because I was trying to make each look count, I definitely put more effort into getting dressed. I didn’t have any ‘throw on whatever’ outfits (well, until the last day) like I might normally have. When it’s cold and rainy, sometimes all I can think about are cozy clothes!
– Packing is easer. We went for an overnight stay at my parents and you better believe packing was a snap.
– A lack of decision making is wonderful. I would say 75% of my struggles with getting dressed are decision making. Or rather, decision fatigue. Taking out the decisions was a nice mental break. I currently only own one working watch. A big reason why I haven’t added in another is because I don’t want to add yet another decision to my daily process. Each day I just put my watch on with zero thinking about it. Some might call that boring, but for me, the mental white space is welcome.
So there’s another 10×10 to review and reflect on. If you missed my first five looks, you can find them here. Mega kudos to my pal and creative friend Lee at Style Bee for creating and hosting this fun style challenge. Did you do it this year? Did you stay the course or decide to call it early? I’d love to hear what worked for you.
PS – Today is the LAST DAY to shop Pyne & Smith with my 10% discount code. Enter SEASONS10 at checkout to redeem.
This post is not sponsored, but it does contains affiliate links. That means if you make a purchase I may make a commission.
All your outfits were so good this time!
Glad to see you voted already!
Have a good day! :)
Thanks Jodie!! Hope your day was good too. <3
The third piece rule reminds me of What Not To Wear (remember that show from TLC?!)!!! The two hosts were so big on that rule that it is burned into my brain! I do think it is a key to tying looks together!
Yes! I loved What Not To Wear!!! One of my favorite all time shows! I wish I could re-watch it!!
loving your thoughts. Ankle length jeans are everywhere and I love them. But what do you do in the freezing cold winter months? (I live in NY). I am not a fan of freezing ankles. Is it possible to look cute in ankle length jeans in freezing cold temps? How would you style them?
Hi Andrea! On the cold days I usually wear boots with slightly higher shafts that tuck under my jeans or at least meet them. Or I’ll wear longer socks, that helps too! Not always the most attractive though. The struggle is real!
It’s important to understand that these spaces feel “light-hearted” because of your privilege. That “hard adjustment” is every day for so many people, so it feels a bit flippant to say how heavy it’s felt for you this week, without acknowledging it’s due to your inherent privilege as a white woman. I felt a lack of reflection and learning in this post, and more of a “okay, I’ve acknowledged it, now let’s move on”. I can’t help but feel that when people say they hope that grace and forgiveness is extended to people learning, they’re really saying “don’t be so abrasive in your calling out”, and it reads as a form of tone policing. I think the outrage and lack of forgiveness from BIPOC is totally justified, and if anyone is really invested in learning and changing, they would respect that anger. My hope is that you won’t simply ignore this or get defensive, but reflect on what I’m saying, as many BIPOC share this view.
Thank you for this Kerry. You articulated my feelings exactly, and much better than I could have.
The 10×10 representation matters conversation is super important and very over due. Thank you Kerry for having the courage to comment on this post and express the same feelings I had about how some in this community have responded to calls for greater representation of POC, non cis-gender and curvier men and women in the ethical fashion movement. It takes all of us together to make this movement strong, and dismissing people’s concerns as ruining a “light hearted space” is not the way to go about doing that. It might be a fun space if you are someone of privilege, but for those who do not feel represented in what they see in the ethical fashion community, it becomes not so fun. Empathy and giving space to those who want a seat at the table should be the name of the game. Andrea-you’re blog is really popular and inspirational for lots of women, maybe think about using this space to elevate some voices we don’t hear from as much. In the end, only by working together can we make sure we ALL benefit from a world where our clothing does not contribute to pollution, human trafficking and yes, privilege.
Hi Kerry, thanks for weighing in. I appreciate your honesty! You are right, I view this space as light-hearted because of my privilege. (I do hope you read my less light-hearted feelings here when I posted them last week.) I am sorry my words came across as flippant, that was not my intent. I think the 10×10 Representation Matters hashtag is a great movement that’s done a great job of drawing more attention to all voices in the ethical fashion community. I have learned so, so much from reading other people’s stories. And I’m amazed and encouraged by the women who’ve been vulnerable and courageous in sharing their stories. I am so grateful to be exposed to many new Instagram faces through this movement and have been quick to follow people I haven’t previously encountered before. And I will continue to do so.
I will add one final comment, and I hope you will take some time to let it sit with you if you choose to reply. I believe conversations like what are happening right now on Instagram are important to help bring to change. I also think your anger is completely justified. I feel that the anger can dilute the message though and shut down conversations rather than foster them. There are likely many women in our shared ethical fashion community who are ww and want to champion this cause, and participate in the movement without feeling like they’re going to be shut down for being privileged. More than anything I wish we could all have this conversation in person where we could look each other in the eyes and hear each others’ voices. Thanks again for speaking up.
As a white woman I very much understand the impulse to want to have a safe space to do this learning – it’s uncomfortable, and you’re right that anger will sometimes chase away people who would otherwise participate. But there are PLENTY of spaces (books, documentaries, internet articles, online trainings) where we can do our learning in a way that meets us where we are. A conversation started by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color is not one of those spaces – and suggesting that they tone down their feelings so that white women will stay on board misses the whole point of the conversation, which isn’t to educate white women (that’s on us) but to share their experiences authentically, anger and all.
I feel your point about looking each other in the eye – in my work I am often listening to and meeting people where they are and I find that doing that first means it is much more likely they will be open to changing the way they see things. But I deeply recognize that that is part of my privilege – because as a white/straight/cis/able-bodied/citizen etc. my own humanity isn’t on the line when I listen to and educate people who are struggling to understand their own privilege.
It’s got to be exhausting to be told, every time you express your genuine, justifiable (as you point out) anger, that it’s not helping white people learn. Making your own humanity take a backseat in order to make room for white people’s humanity and education just sounds…degrading. Untenable. And yet another reason for justifiable anger. (Plus I’m pretty sure if we could look each other in the eye…this same kind of conversation, complete with anger, would be happening. And we wouldn’t have the relative safety or lag time of digital conversation to help us process!)
I think as white people, rather than safe spaces we need to be looking for brave spaces* – spaces that challenge us, sometimes deeply, but help us become more decent human beings as we unlearn the perspectives we’ve been steeped in since childhood. If that means we mostly sit quietly, listening and absorbing and processing – and then admitting “wow, I’m uncomfortable in the face of your anger, that must tell me something about the way I’ve been conditioned to see things” – that’s a really good place to start. Asking someone who’s been living under the burden of that worldview we didn’t even know we had to change the way they’re communicating about their experience in order to make it more practical or easier on us…not such a good place to start.
*(borrowed that term from a conversation on Glennon Doyle’s IG feed when activists of color educated her about this – if you’re looking for an example of how to be an ally as a white woman, she’s a decent place to start, including watching the mistakes she makes and how she learns from them.)
Thank you for this thoughtful and articulate response! I was amazed by what you had to say. If possible (and if you see this comment) I’d love to repost your words (with credit if you’d like), as I found them extremely valuable.
Thank you for sharing this Leah!
This comment is all the YES. Thank you for using your privilege to speak what is so exhausting to communicate for us POC’s.
I have a really vivid memory of this community meeting we had at the college where I teach, the day after the 2016 election, when there had been a racist incident on campus. Students and faculty sat on the floor around a huge room and students shared how they were feeling. One of the Black students called out to white students/profs and said that we should try to “get comfortable feeling uncomfortable,” talking about these difficult issues, recognizing our privilege, working for change. That has really stuck with me. This is not an easy discussion, and I’m glad you’re trying to have it, Andrea. But my first thought was to be dismayed by your tone in the post (and, honestly, surprised), and I think Kerry and others make great points above. I hope that you will understand where the anger many BIPOC people feel comes from, and that it is not their job to make us white women comfortable. None of this is easy, but if feeling uncomfortable and worrying about being called out or shut down is the worst thing that happens to those of us with a lot of privilege, I think that’s okay. It’s a process, though. I’m far from perfect, but I’m trying to learn more all the time, so I can advocate for those who need it most. I think that fits in perfectly with the goals of the slow fashion community. I’m glad you’re joining the discussion.
Hi Janet, admitting in my blog post that it was hard for me to see a usually light-hearted fashion space turn heavy is me realizing my own uncomfortableness. I hope that came across in my original post (though I’m not sure it did). I continue to be thankful as people share their perspectives that are different from my own. I can see why that story stuck with you, that’s a powerful statement that was made at the student/faculty meeting. Thank you for sharing!
Kerry, Emma, and Leah, so well-put.
I have been a follower of your blog for a year or two now, Andrea, and I appreciate the work you do around ethical fashion. I have been happy to support you by clicking affiliate links and purchasing items you recommend. However, I found this “takeaways” post really off-putting for some of the reasons outlined above. Your remarks at the start undercut some of the thinking you were doing earlier in the week (as reflected in the post you keep mentioning) and seemed to suggest that the real problem was that white women were feeling uncomfortable. Your follow-up to Kerry’s comment read like a call for BIPOC to try harder to help white women – and that, from my perspective, misses the point of what she was asking of you. I appreciate the way you’re thinking through these issues, as the silence by some other well-known 10×10 bloggers is palpable and hugely problematic, imho. But there is so much important work out there on anger and white fragility, and I really hope you’re still reflecting. If the election results are any indication, we white women have a LOT of work to do.
Hi Andrea – WOC reader here and you’re probably bracing for more in-depth conversation on your post. Don’t worry, I don’t have time to dive into all my thoughts. I’ve read your blog for many years now. I’ve never commented here or on instagram because again I just don’t have time most days. I did want to say that your comment on “light-hearted” did sting at first, but I’ve also read enough of your posts to know you are kind-hearted. It’s why you got into ethical fashion rather than just trying to make a buck off fast fashion.
While some may want to correct you or engage with you here, I just want to encourage you to see new povs. You don’t need to apologize for being white and you certainly can’t understand what it’s like to be a WOC. I encourage you to read, listen and be more aware.
Also, this isn’t your cause or fight. It’s ours. To assume you’d take up this cause on your blog doesn’t make sense to me. Your cause has always been ethical fashion to get women to stop buying clothes that were made at the expense of someone else. In a way, you are helping WOC in other countries who don’t have a voice and are slaving away to make cheap clothes. I still think you are kind-hearted and I will continue to read and watch your work in promoting ethical fashion. Thank you for what you do.
Hi Jo, I appreciate you weighing in. I’m deeply sorry that my comment on light-hearted stung. That was not my intent, but rather my personal reflections on the space being hard, ie. uncomfortable for me. Which as many have pointed out, is a good thing to face, one’s own uncomfortableness. Thank you for your encouragement to see new POVs, it’s hard and exciting all at the same time.
It means a lot to me that as a long time reader, you would take the time in to share your thoughts. Thank you for taking this blog post in the context of me as a person, rather than a two sentence snippet. And lastly thank you for mentioning the work I do. I feel very passionate about changing the tide of the apparel industry that has exploited women in other countries for far too long.
Hey Andrea,
Just wanted to say that your honesty in this post has sparked some important conversations. Thank you to everyone for sharing your feelings and insights honestly, including you.
I love Leah’s comment on here about brave vs. comfortable spaces. As a sensitive person who tends to feel a lot of blame when someone is angry (due to family dynamics growing up), I have to remind myself that when someone is angry, it doesn’t mean I’m responsible for it. I have to literally tell myself that so that I can listen without being overwhelmed by shame. I believe that people should not only be free to share their anger, but that they NEED to share their anger. Anyway, this is just a personal reflection on brave spaces, not a comment on you. Hope you feel encouraged by the meaningful discussion that is taking place here.
Thanks again for what you do and for being brave. And thanks to everyone else who is sharing in these comments.
Hi Karen, that is really insightful. I can see why it would be so easy to feel responsible when someone is angry, even if/when we didn’t cause it. I definitely tend to skew that way in my perspective too. Again, super insightful, thank you for sharing this.