Happy Winter 10×10, friends! It’s been great to dive into the feeds on Instagram (#winter10x10 and #10x10friends) and see what so many folks are wearing. Seeing how other people style themselves is interesting and inspiring, and it’s fun to do it on this scale. Mega kudos to my friend Lee for creating this amazing challenge.
This is the first winter in a long time that I’ve been feeling really good in my clothing. Usually January is a tough month for me because it’s so cold and dark. And often, by the time I put enough clothes on to stay warm and dry, I end up feeling frumpy and mismatched.
This year I haven’t felt that way. I think it’s because I have finally started to figure out how to layer well – for both warmth and style. It’s leaving me more satisfied with my look each day. This winter closet challenge has been a great way to tryout what I’ve learned.
We’re just over half-way through the 10×10, and here’s a quick look at my first five outfits.
Day 1:
Cardiff Work Jacket in Camel, OS Regular, c/o Only Child (use code SEASONS10 to save 10%) | Striped top, old thrifted (similar) | Black Denim, c/o Everlane | Clog Boots, No.6 (similar) | Coin Necklace, Nashelle
I’ve been enjoying styling this Cardiff Work Jacket by Only Child. Previously, I have shied away from Kimono style jackets because they never seemed to work for my shape or my weather conditions. This jacket is different because the sleeves are full-length rather than cropped, which makes it more wearable for me. If I want them to be cropped I can simply roll them up. The second difference is the shawl collar, which is a favorite collar style of mine. It works with my body type and is comfortable to wear.
Style Notes: It’s hard to tell here, but the shirt is actually navy. I love the way the jacket warms up the cool black/navy/white color palette. I really like how this jacket takes a simple outfit, fitted jeans and a fitted top, and gives it more of an artsy feel.
Style Score: 10
Day 2:
Crewneck Cardigan, Everlane | Jeans, vintage Levi’s 505’s, Etsy | Clog Boots, No.6 Store (similar) | Earrings, c/o Passage Jewelry
Style Notes: I was inspired by Caroline’s Instagram stories to be more mindful of my accessories. I love how one additional item can influence a whole outfit. Here, I opted to add my favorite big earrings to a simple jeans and sweater ensemble. Without the earrings, the whole outfit would be a lot less interesting to me.
Style Score: 9 – Not sure I’m sold on the cardigan as a top look, the collar doesn’t quite lay right for me.
Day 3:
Cardiff Work Jacket in Camel, OS Regular, c/o Only Child (use code SEASONS10 to save 10%) | White Turtleneck, Splendid | Jeans, vintage Levi’s 505’s, Etsy | Isa Nubuck Bootie, c/o Nisolo | Necklace, no longer available
Style Notes: I did not love this overall look. At first, I thought it might be the combination of large proportions on top and bottom with the jacket and jeans. But I realized that wasn’t the case; it was the shirt and shoes that threw me off. These understated, flat shoes sort of get lost in the baggy jeans and strings, and proportionally they feel wrong for the outfit. Further, adding a turtleneck made me feel like there was too much fabric and coverage overall. Next time, I would opt for different shoes and a different top.
Style Score: 6
Day 4:
Cardiff Work Jacket in Camel, OS Regular, c/o Only Child (use code SEASONS10 to save 10%) | Raglan Sweater, several years old (very similar) | Black Denim, c/o Everlane | Clog Boots, No.6 (similar) | Coin Necklace, Nashelle | Rain Jacket (S), Everlane
Style Notes: It was cold today so I pulled all my warmest pieces for layering: sweater + canvas jacket. I was happy to see how easily my rain jacket fit over it all, thanks to the oversized style. This rain jacket was a last minute buy last spring, but I have worn it many, many times over. It’s a great topper over anything that’s not slim fitting (like chunky sweaters or mid-layer jackets!).
I could have easily worn my Isa Booties with this outfit, but it was raining pretty hard so I went for the clog boots. For me, this outfit would feel boring and too basic without the Cardiff Jacket. That is what drew me to this design. There are many days when I just want to wear a cozy sweater and jeans, but the combo feels too plain to feel like ‘me.’ This jacket, with it’s pop of dark camel and unexpected shape, is exactly the piece I need to take those ‘plain’ outfits to the next level.
Style Score: 10
A note on this jacket: I was chatting with the designer about it, and she said to expect the cotton canvas to break in just like jeans. It will soften and give with time. The discount for Only Child runs through the end of January!
Day 5:
Raglan Sweater, several years old (very similar) | White Button Up, c/o Tradlands (sold out, try this or this) | Jeans, vintage Levi’s 505’s, Etsy | Clog Boots, No.6 (similar)
I’ll confess, I only wore this half the day because I spent the morning playing with paints in my 3rd grader’s class, but I love how it turned out. This old sweater is a favorite of mine, but sometimes the wide neck is a little chilly on cooler days, so I decided to layer a collared shirt underneath it. In the five years that I’ve been wearing this sweater, I think this was the first time I tried this combination. That’s the beauty of a 10×0, making me think outside the box!
Style Notes: This shirt is so easy to layer under sweaters because it does not add any bulk. I like the way these shoes work with these jeans. The proportions are just right, and the boots don’t get lost under the fringe. Cream/black/blue is a palette I don’t wear enough. I am nearly always tempted to add brown in, but today I’m glad I didn’t!
Style Score: 10
I love this challenge and all your outfits!! I’ve been doing this too and it’s been really fun and enlightening. I love the idea of a cardigan as a top, definitely want to try that out!! Also those clog boots are sooo cute. If only I could justify buying another pair of boots haha
I know what you mean about boots, and I almost didn’t buy these because of that. But, these boots are the end of all black boots, they are just so good! They are comfy, warm, and rain friendly, which is exactly what I need! :)
Yay for doing the 10×10… are you sharing your photos anywhere publicly?
I find it really impressive how many “10” outfits you’re getting out of your 10×10! I guess you really know yourself and your style! Great job. I’m not doing a 10×10 but I am committing to being more content with my current wardrobe by mixing up what’s in my closet. So far it’s going pretty well.
Thank you! We will see how next week goes though, eek!
Yay for contentment and remixing. It is a great feeling to not be a slave to ‘more’ right?!
I’m loving those clog boots! They look so warm and sartorially cool!
Oh Lo, they are. They just are. I love them. The more I wear them, the more I want to wear them. My only wish is that I had gotten them sooner!
You’ve worn the Only Child coat so many ways! Makes me want one… :)
It’s a beautiful jacket! I really like the cream color too!
I feel like each outfit is completely different than the last – it’s hard to believe they’re all composed of the same ten pieces! Can’t wait to see what you do with the rest of the remaining days!
Thanks Krystal, I was feeling a little redundant, so I appreciate your comment! We will see how things go next week! ><
I’m having fun with the challenge so far! I think the thing that’s most helpful for me is that the challenge inspired me to actually sit down and plan out my 10 outfits before I started. On any normal day, I’ll just grab for whatever’s in my closet without too much thought – that leads me to a tee and jeans on most days. Since I have a bunch of brainstormed outfit ideas based on my 10 items, I’ve been able to spice up my wardrobe these past 5 days.
I’m still loving that Raglan sweater, but your recommendation is a little out of my price range right now :( Sustainable fashion can be so expensive. I know it’s the true cost of making quality garments, but it’s still a bummer, nonetheless. Any ideas for some more affordable brands (other than Everlane?)
Hi Cassi! You sound just like me. I always gravitate towards ‘easy’ when getting dressed in the morning, always! Pre-planning (even just a little) is such a game-changer!
As for the sweater, I can’t think of anything new (knitwear is expensive!!) but you could try sourcing it second hand. It’s by the brand Silence + Noise, and I bought at Urban Outfitters in the spring of 2013. You could try poshmark or etsy?? Good luck, hope you find something you love! (Don’t settle!)
Super cuuuute! And obv yes on the clog boots! 💗 Next year, you will want to add a brown pair on the high heeled base. You need to trust me on this, as you’ll feel the same about those as you do about these – They add so much to my wardrobe! Why didn’t I get these earlier?! – and I was right about these, no?! 👌🏼On a different note, im wondering how you like the cardigan buttoned all the way up? Too constricting?
Ahhh, don’t make me think about more! I love my clogs so much! I want to hoard them all, haha. Can I ask you a question about sizing? In regards to non-boot clogs, do you wear the same size in No.6 in both the mid and the high heel?
As for the cardigan, I made the mistake of ordering a size down (I thought it would provide a more fitted look), so I don’t love it all the way button up. It pulls on my shoulders too much. I think in my regular size it would have been great.
The sizing given by the store for each pair should be accurate. In other words, for the most part, you choose your size from the drop-down menu, and they will account for differences in fit of different bases. That said, I don’t actually own any non-boots in the lower heel – only the high heel and the platform high heel, both of which run true to size. The high heel is so comfy and flattering that I’ve never bothered with the lower for mules/sandals, though maybe next sample sale I’ll give it a go… Sample sale’s in August…you coming?! And yeah, sizing on classic jewel neck cardis can be tricky – it’s nice to have it nice and snug for a 90s-Kate-Moss thing, but too snug and things get dicey… I got the red one from Everlane, still playing around with it…
I feel you on the mid winter rut, it’s so cold and dark this time of year and with three more months of very cold temps it’s hard to get the mojo going. I usually just want to huddle in the house and stay warm! This year I don’t feel that however and I think doing the winter 10×10 helped me perk up a lot.
I love that kimono jacket, the full sleeves are so wonderful! I’m not really a fan of cropped sleeves on jackets because I always feel colder so it’s a nice feature to have full ones you can roll up. That color is so nice on you as well, earthy colors really seem to suit you – you always look so happy in them!