Here we are, now wrapping up two weeks of dressing out of a 20 item wardrobe, and I’ll be totally honest: I am not loving this challenge anymore. My poor husband has to hear me keep complaining about how I want to wear something different. But I am determined to make it to the end. So one more week it is!
Despite the challenge, there have been some key takeaways for me this week.
The Good:
Albeit ‘boring,’ getting dressed in the morning has become extremely easy for me. Grab, grab, done. I get dressed before the sun rises most days, so I appreciate how easy it is when I am still 2/3 asleep.
This exercise has reminded me how a simple outfit can be quite chic. See Tuesday for example. I worried this look might be a bit boring, but as soon as I saw the pictures I loved it. It was a good reminder how three simple items: black turtleneck, dark jeans and chelsea boots can be totally chic. And easy peasy.
The Bad:
I am pretty tired of my sweaters. It’s been chilly the last few days, and I keep wearing the same few sweaters over and over. I have a cashmere sweater for spring that is just calling my name.
As I mentioned last week, I feel a little stifled when it comes to my creativity. That is one drawback of this challenge for me. Some days I just want to express myself a little differently than what my current mini capsule is offering.
And The Outfits:
MONDAY | chambray, old J.Crew (better option) / sweater, old (super cute duster option, made in the USA) / denim, Paige / shoes, Nisolo / necklace, BYCO
TUESDAY | turtleneck, thrifted (similar) / denim, Paige / chelsea rain boots, consignment shop / tote, Cuyana
WEDNESDAY | boxy stripes, Everlane / denim, thrifted Madewell (USA made option) / shoes, Frye (also super cute in suede) / scarf, made by Mom
THURSDAY | sweatshirt, old Everlane (similar) / undershirt, Everlane / black denim, Paige / chelsea rain boots, consignment shop / necklace, BYCO
FRIDAY | flannel tunic / sweater, old (better option) / black denim, Paige / chelsea rain boots, consignment shop
I feel like I am starting to look like Pete and Repeat, which I am mostly okay with except for the fact I’d like a little more breadth in my ability to express myself. I’m kinda nervous for next week, hopefully I can pull it off without everything looking the same as the last two weeks, we shall see!
What about you guys – still hanging in there on this challenge? What’s been hard for you this week?
Cheers,
andrea
I am also so struggling with this challenge now. Our weather has gone insane, fluctuating from 20 degrees to 70 and I feel like I don’t possibly have enough to last a whole other week next week. I have even had to make a swap earlier in the week because i overestimated how many sweaters i would need. I’m also kinda bored with my repetitiveness, but it is nice to flex my mind a little more. I just feel like it would have worked better in the dead of summer or something where I had guaranteed weather. But it’s always fun to try new things!
Great points Dani! And wow, your weather does sound wild! I agree, it’s good to flex my mind, and that’s why I want to keep this up!
How chic are you on a Tuesday?!? I think you’re doing a great job. And, if anything, the struggle to make outfits will only make you appreciate the rest of your options outside the mini capsule more, once you get to reintroduce them. Have a great weekend!
Aw, Erin, thanks so much for your kind words. Agreed – I have had similar thoughts. Living out of 20 items will lend great appreciation for a larger closet!
While you may not be digging the challenge anymore this week’s outfits have been my favorite so far. You look effortless, chic, and gorgeous!
Joanna, thank you! That means a lot. Effortless + chic = awesome!!
You are looking fantastic! Hang in there. ;) (BTW I have that sweater in grey in my winter capsule, and I can assure you, it will make you happy. 🎉 [You know, inasmuch as clothes can do that.])
Girl, I am loving your looks this week! It’s so funny, because you feel the looks are repetitive and I see anything but. I cannot wait to see what you pull together for week 3. My biggest struggle has been just missing my shoes, but the good thing is they’ll be there next week when I return to my full closet. :)
I do think I’ll need to think a bit more and get creative this week, so I hope to put some time into outfit planning this weekend. With fewer items I think it can almost become easier to get lazy and redundant and just pair your tops and pants in different combinations. I hope I can find an unexpected combination this week.
Yes! I couldn’t agree more, if I don’t make time to plan ahead, and I am just going to keep wearing the same combos. Time to think ahead!
Hah, I was saying the same thing to musband this morning! (most shoe regret, why did I choose so few shoes?! I don’t think he understood, he likes wearing the same shoes everyday.)
I know you were saying you aren’t digging the mini capsule but WOW, your game is strong this week! I can’t even pick out a favorite outfit, they’re all really, really soild. (i think this week was even better than last’s!). I’m feeling really uninspired right now, it’s really easy to get ready in the morning but then I look at my shoes and maxi dress and *sigh*. I need to take some inspiration from you and try to think of some new combos this week!
It’s going to be hard, but we can finish this out! I know we can! I am eager to hear your reflections afterwards.
I really like the outfits you’ve posted for this challenge so far! I’ll be in Europe for 6 weeks with nothing but a backpack to hold my belongings. Do you have advice for how to not get bored with the same ~15-20 pieces? I’m getting worried that I’ll start to hate everything after week two :(
Hey Nicolle!
I am definitely starting to get a little bored – BUT, I spent a few minutes yesterday, (barely any time at all really) brainstorming new outfit combos for this week and I think it’s really going to help. When I look at my closet to get dressed in the morning it’s hard to think of that stuff off the cuff, it’s like staring a blank paper and trying to write. But just a few minutes of brainstorming over the weekend and I feel pretty inspired for this week. I think it’s really important to remember to think outside the box on outfit combos and of course bring a few of your favorite accessories. Even the way you style your hair (top knot of curls…) can make your outfit look totally different. It will also totally be worth not schlepping around a giant suitcase! You should check out A Pair and a Spare, she has some great packing guides!
Hey Andrea!
I really appreciate your thoughtful response, and I’m excited to see your next set of outfits next week!
I’m sooo looking forward to not carrying a heavy suitcase around Europe. Taking your advice into account, I’ll make sure to pick a few favorites and tons of basics so I’m able to mix and match while I’m there. Heading to A Pair and a Spare now.
Thanks again!
You’re welcome Nicolle! An additional thought I had – variety is key in helping me not get bored. Variety encompassing casual and dressy items to mix and match. This allows me to dress a little nicer or a little more casually or creatively when I combo it up. Happy travels!
Oh, good point! I’ll make sure to remember that when I’m packing. :)