The first week of the June 30×30 Style Challenge is officially on the books! If you’re just joining in, I’ve teamed up with two of my blogger friends – Paige (Style This Life) and Lee (Style Bee) – for a month-long challenge to style outfits out of a 30 item (or less!) closet. Installing parameters is a great way to foster creativity, and that is a big reason why we do these challenges. It’s fun to see what emerges, especially when it’s style-defining.
The second half of this week went great! (See the first half here.) I’m quite happy with these looks, and they scored high in the effortless department!
DAY FIVE:
My new BFF pants! Clearly, I can’t get enough of these. I noticed the other day that there is no outer side seam. I think that is what helps give them their fabulous drape. That, combined with the thickness of the cotton, lends just the right amount of structure. As I’ve said before, it’s always the details that seem to take a garment to the next level.
This cotton tank is a favorite summer standby. In order to make it work with these high-waisted pants, I did a little knot in the back, converting it to an instant crop top. If you look close, you can see my Kite necklace by Loop Jewelry, the first one I ever bought from them. It’s a great, subtle layering necklace because the metals are very delicate, perfect for adding visual interest while maintaining a simple and clean look.
Effortless Factor: 9 – This look was super easy to throw on and wear, and I felt great all day. I rated this a 9 instead of a 10 because I’m still getting used to wearing pants with this high of a waist, and sometimes I feel like I have to tug them down a bit when I stand up.
TANK: Everlane | PANTS: Jesse Kamm | SANDALS: Birkenstock | NECKLACE: Loop Jewelry | BAG: Baggu
DAY SIX:
This is probably my favorite hot weather look. Because it’s almost foolproof! The fabric is light weight and hangs away from my body and the linen breathes beautifully. Again, I wanted to tone down the softness of this dress, so I paired it with black. The textured leather purse and black Pons were the perfect balance. Some day I might consider a nude or brown shoe, but currently I love the contrast of the black.
Effortless Factor: 10 – This dress is so easy to wear (pending availability of nude undergarments), AND after it goes through the wash (on hand wash cycle in my front loader), it air dries quickly and it doesn’t need an iron. If you were to fold it, the wrinkles would definitely kick in though.
DRESS: Pyne & Smith | SHOES: Pons, c/o Avarcas Canada | BAG: Baggu | EARRINGS: Seaworthy (Made in Portland) | BRACELET: Fashionable
DAY SEVEN:
Easy garments like these save me from ever having to consider a yoga pants outfit. The two easy basics – a white top and olive green pants – are so simple, putting them on isn’t even a commitment to ‘getting dressed’ or ‘creating a look.’ I’m simply keeping my body clothed, and it happens to look good too. I really love the black-olive-white color palette, it is interesting but uncomplicated.
I busted out my old hoop earrings just to mix things up, and I’m not sure if I’m a hoops girl anymore. Do you have an ‘earring style’? I think I do, and it revolves primarily around studs.
Effortless Factor: 10 – These pieces, including the shoes, are all very easy to wear. Nothing needs to be tugged at to stay in place, everything moves and breathes comfortably. Overall, I felt really great in this outfit.
TOP: Only Child x Seasons + Salt Alta Top | PANTS: Elizabeth Suzann | SHOES: Pons, c/o Avarcas Canada | BAG: Baggu
LOVING YOUR LOOKS!
This challenge is so much fun to do with you ladies.
The weather warmed up (to mid 70s) yesterday and will be getting up to 90 by Sunday so I foresee a lot of dresses in my weekend outfits, and wearing my ONE pair of maternity shorts A LOT.
Like I told Lee this morning I am loving having a much smaller closet than my normal non maternity wardrobe (Which this fall/ winter was only around 50 pieces), and it’s really given me a lot to think about and re- evaluate my spending/ shopping again.
Three years into focusing on a more minimal lifestyle, and ethical fashion style I am still learning. YES! <3
Have a great weekend!
Xo!
I love hearing about your journey Jodie! I think the smaller amount of items greatly reduces decision fatigue, and I love that! Far less time and energy spent overthinking decisions. You are rocking your maternity looks!
Thank you for the kind words! Enjoy your sunny weekend. Nachos are always a good idea. 💯
Love them all! White is just the best for summer right? I really dig the white/olive combo and the tie knot. I’m still trying to make that one work for me. I have to have some more courage :)
I’m on a forced 30×30 since I’m remodeling my kitchen and living at my In-Law’s. It was lovely when I was still going into the office, but I’ve been having to be on-site at the construction and wearing shorts and a very ratty tank non-stop. I canNOT wait to get dressed again. Hopefully we’re able to move back in in a few days!
A new kitchen sounds really exciting, worth a few days of ratty tanks. ;) But I hope you get access to your whole closet ASAP.
HI, I discovered your blog a few weeks ago and thanks to you I discovered Tradelands tops. I love all your outfits with the CLyde work pant. I’m curious what size you ordered and if you modified the tapering of the leg? Trying to figure out what size to order. THANKS
Hi Rebecca! So happy to have a new reader! I sized down in the Clydes. Normally I wear a 6, but I wanted a more fitted pant so I got the 4’s and they’re great! The leg is quite slim, but the cotton stretches out a bit with wear. I’m 5’7 and I for the regular length. Good luck!
What size Kamm pants did you get, if you don’t mind my asking? I know they are somewhat particularly (and peculiarly) sized.. Just curious, I think we are a similar size/shape ;) Thanks!
Ps: the olive/white/blk outfit was my fav lewk! x
Great question! I always forget to include sizing info… I got the size 8’s, and they are a comfortable, not overly-snug fit on me. They have loosened up a bit, but since I am planning on mostly wearing them in warmer months I didn’t want them to be too tight. If I were to buy a pair for winter (in a darker color), I would explore sizing down.
I have found with Everlane that some things are oversized… did you get S or XS for the tank?
Yes! That is so true, this tank is a Medium, but it’s two years old. The style is quite loose and long, perfect for tying ;)
I love your Effortless Scale ratings. What a great way to evaluate outfits…especially in summer when comfort and easy are key. I love all the light, airy colors and shapes.
Thank you! I think it’s a good way to keep the practicality of my styling in check!
Loving all of these looks and this series. Just goes to show how far good purchases will take you in both utility and making you feel great.
Yes! For me utility is just as key as style. In fact it doesn’t feel like true style without utility. Have a great weekend Alicia!
Love that last outfit! Would you do a post or talk a bit more about how you find linen wears during the day? Any pictures of you at the end of the day?
Thanks
Hi Miranda, great question! The linen definitely wrinkles and gets more textured. I wore the Salt Alta top yesterday and photographed it around 3:30pm and it still looked pretty great! (I’ll include it in Monday’s post.) I find that the longer the linen garment the more wrinkles. The Salt Alta top does well because it is shorter. Again, great question and I’ll try to include more info in my next blog post!
These are so good! I love the overall colour palette in these looks so much too! Of course I’m now convinced I need the Kamms in street haha. Have a great weekend Andrea! xo
The street is a pretty great color! A nice light shade without committing to white. We’ll see how that translate into my FW wardrobe. ;)
Those Kamm pants are amazing on you! Did you have to get them tailored at all? Looking at their size chart I think my hip and waist are 3 sizes apart and I’m hesitant to purchase pants that expensive knowing that I’d have to trust them to a tailor before wearing!
Hi Bev, I LOVE these pants! I sized up because they are super structured and I wanted them to feel comfortable. After wearing them for a few weeks they have stretched a bit and maybe I could have sized down, but I sort of like the more relaxed fit, especially in the warmer months. However I’m considering getting the waist taken in. If I buy a pair to wear in colder months I’ll try the 6’s on again. Hope that helps!
Total fan of all of these looks! And you ROCK those clyde pants! : ) All heart eyes over here! ;)
Thank you friend!!! I miss your blog posts. Hope you are well!
I love Day 7! I’m starting to think a pair of Clyde’s needs to make it a little higher on my ‘saving to buy for’ list. :)
Ah, thanks Beth! They are a great, practical pant, I love them!
Enjoying this series! I’m impressed at how well you know your style and how all your outfits look like “you.” I noticed the hoop earrings right away in your pic and thought they looked great – then read that you weren’t too sure about them. I like the ease of wearing studs too (and that you don’t necessarily have to take them out before bed ;)), but like the way the hoops look with the utilitarian Clydes.
Thanks for the feedback Julie!! I too am guilty of sleeping with studs in ;) They are just the easiest to wear!
Ok, that’s a great question!!! Why aren’t I into this?!!! And it took me a few days to figure it out…WHY aren’t I into doing a 30 x 30!? I just hit my one year capsule-anniversary…seems like a great challenge, right?! And fun!!!
But I just haven’t been into it!!! I finally figured out why: it’s summer. I’m a high school teacher–so summer (for me, most of June and July–we’re back August 3), I’m OFF. I NEED to be off…I’m EXHAUSTED!!! My summers are filled with house chores and yard-work; sweating at the barn and pulling weeds…riding and maybe the beach…now is just NOT the season for fashion (for me). It’s time to CHILL. It’s time for nameless, old, red white and blue flops and mismatched, second hand gym shorts with an old tee. I didn’t do my hair. I’m wearing sunscreen instead of make-up. I need to chill, let myself off the hook a little. Be free. My freedom summer.
I LOVE reading your blog (love your olive pants and white tee, btw!!!) and a few others and I love reading the comments…it’s beautiful and feels uplifting…I love my capsule…love the fact that in one year, I’ve curbed shopping dramatically and switched to purchasing 90% or better ethical, sustainable and/or made in the US. I’ve loved keeping track of what I’m wearing and editing down what I’m not wearing. And I’ve got a few holes in my closet. But I’m hanging it all on the hook for a few months.
Instead of a 30 in 30, I’m doing a 0 in 30. I’m not going to pay the slightest bit of attention to my wardrobe or fashion or shopping for 30 days…or longer…until I have to go back to work. Ahh. Feels good.
I was starting to wonder what the next step of capsuling was…I think I found it–freedom!!!
“How wild it was, to let it be.” Cheryl Strayed (and me)
See you in the fall! Later ladies!!!! ;) ;)
Oh man, I loved reading this Holly, thanks for the feedback! It sounds like a lovely time away!! Simplicity at its best. Enjoy your summer!! And mega kudos for all the changes you’ve made!!