I’ve had so much fun styling this sweater all week!
To be totally honest, I often feel at a loss when I pull it out, which is exactly why I wanted to try to style it a new way each day. Looking at it on the hanger, it’s a little uninspiring — bland, shapeless. But it’s got so much potential.
So I just jumped in with it — I didn’t let myself off the hook until I came up with outfits that felt right. And it was fun.
Working within limits helps me get creative.
The relationship between limits and creativity fascinates me. It’s why I’m drawn to the capsule concept. It’s why I do the 10×10 challenge. Because it’s a powerful reminder that I can do more than I think I can with less.
So if you’re stumped on a particular piece in your closet, throw some limits into the equation and see what happens. It may take a few tries and a few frustrations, but you just might end up tapping into a whole new level of creativity.
Here’s a quick look back at this week’s outfits:
From top to bottom, left to right:
One | Two | Three (today’s outfit) | Four
Let’s switch gears a sec, and talk about how amazing yesterday’s comments were.
I am consistently enriched by you guys and this openhearted, thoughtful community we’ve got going here. WOW. I loved reading your thoughts on what flattering means to you.
I think we’d all agree that our relationship to clothes taps into deeper things, and I love exploring that with you guys. So, thank you, and here’s to more fun + fascinating conversations!
Have a happy weekend, and I’ll see you on Monday!
xo,
• • •
Liked today’s outfit? You can shop it and support Unfancy at the same time by using these affiliate links:
01 | Sweater by Leith (Fit note: I’m wearing an XS) | similar | similar
02 | Cardigan by Halogen (back in stock!) | similar | similar under $70 in a wool blend for colder days
03 | Jeans by Rag and Bone (made in USA) | similar
04 | Ankle booties (old by Sam Edelman) | similar | similar (made responsibly)
05 | Bag gifted by ONA | similar with zip top (made responsibly) | similar with open top (made responsibly)
06 | Necklace in Yellow Raw Diamond by Julia Szendrei (handmade in USA)
Loved this experiment! I have a couple of things in my winter capsule I need to test in a similar way, before they go back into storage only to go unworn again next year. My favorite is #2 – I believe that was the Sunday morning vibes one – a great concept to channel all week long.
Thanks for sharing, it’s really cool to see the same thing with totally different styles! It makes start thinking about purchases for the future!
-Kirsten // http://www.porkandcookies.com
I agree that limits inspire greater creativity! Just like jazz music and sonnets have their limits, but unlimited creativity within their confines. It’s amazing!
In terms of clothes, I pick clothes for a season (not a capsule, since there are about 60 items in there!) and I require myself to wear them at least 3 times each in that season (usually a 3-5 months span here in Boston). It has helped me get creative in the combinations I make and has helped me realize some of the clothes I don’t really love- that I’m wearing it just to get the numbers in, but I’m not really into that dress or shirt. It’s helped me realize how much I already own, helped me make decisions about purging clothes, and has staved off the shopping itch because I know I still have clothes in my closet that need wears!!
Hi Caroline – question for you – how many pairs of jeans do you have ? I’m a big fan of denim, but curious how much it makes up of your “bottoms” total.
Love the blog!
D.
I have been following your blog for some time now, and love seeing how your style has grown more sophisticated. Your approach has inspired me to shop for a need rather than to satisfy an itch for something new. I am considerably older than you, so I have lots of clothes..way more than 37, but I only keep things that are flattering. I periodically try everything on. If there’s something that bothers me, it never makes it back to the closet. You have inspired me to shop my own closet to come up with new ways to combine the clothes I already own. It’s fun to create new outfits without spending money. I just developed a personal Pinterest page where I can post photos of the outfits so I have a record of winning outfits. Thanks for the work you put into this blog.
Yes! Well said!
Kathy, I’m similar to you – a bit older with a lot of clothing collected over the years. What a great idea to create a private Pinterest page to record your outfits. My husband and I created an app (kloz.it) that is exactly that, an outfit tracker. I love how looking at photos of me in outfits helps me decide how much I really like a piece of clothing. And it has definitely helped me classify favorites.
I’m not sure why it works but it does. “Working within limits helps me to be creative”…great reminder!
I could not agree with the less is more concept and I just wanted to say THank you for this concept of restyling this sweater it gave me a lot of inspiration for some of the items in my closet. It also helped me realize I had one too many t-shirts and went from 8 to 2 and decided I would get creative with my two favorite ones. :)
Haha sorry meant to say, I could not agree more with the less is more concept lol just wanted to clarify. Spotted it while reading through all the awesome comments. Lol
I enjoyed seeing the same piece styled multiple times! showcasing a piece multiple ways is a reason I’ve continued to follow your style blog because you showcase how to use pieces in your closest more than once and from season to season – and I love that! Keep up the great work!!
– Ashley
http://www.ashley-landry.com
I love the idea of challenging yourself to style something, especially when you always draw a blank when you pull it out of your closet. I do that with so many pieces!
http://www.insearchofsheila.com
Working within limits makes me so much more creative! I come up with some of my favorite and most “me” outfits when half of my wardrobe is in the laundry. haha
Caroline, thank you!
Rich. Classic. Trendy. Feminine. Authentic. All of your posts!
What I find to be “flattering” ( appealing to the senses & authentic) is an underlying theme you reveal in all of your choices.
You have thoughtful choices you make regarding each piece. I am grateful for you/ your time & energy for Unfancy.
I am learning from you to be thoughtful, patient, & true to who I am.
This includes constraints as you mention today!
For example, I waited one year (saw it in your posts when I began following your posts last year), and just this past week, I received my Ona tote! I have so admired your commitment to it!!! Big lessons right there!!!! I love it!
Also, I just ordered the black cardi(above); I have a long one so the shorter version will be used much! And linen is superb!
I am also the pleased owner of an Aritzia wrap coat. Thank you.
I share these thoughtful purchases because my once rather gluttony-like shopping is no longer a part of my practices. Might as well be honest here.
Thank you, my closet is “growing up” in attitude and appeal and authenticity.
And I so appreciate all of the women whose posts I read. I value your input!
Continuing to be delightfully awakened…….:-)
I have an inner peace & joy in recognizing my true identity the way God created me to be. Unfancy is helping teach me all about my authentic self re: choices, color palette, mixing, limiting to journey into creativity.
I read the article you highlighted above on Constraints…excellent. All that is what you have been demonstrating.
Results are freedom, creativity, & FUN!
Never too late or too busy to step into anew flavor of all,of that!
I’ve kind of put a “shopping block” on myself lately because I’m just so tired of accumulating stuff. I have too many clothes as is and only wear a handful of them, so it’s been fun (though maybe a bit challenging) to learn how to style them in different ways. I also did a five day sweater challenge, where I wore the same sweater for five days and styled it completely different (no other repeat articles of clothing). I shared it here if you’d like to take a look. :)
https://wonderlandsam.com/2017/01/23/one-piece-five-outfits/
Hello Caroline,
I’m a newbie to your site but am already looking forward to Mondays post.
Thank you. S
Great post! unrelated question: your eyelashes are looking amazing I first noticed during the winter 10×10 challenge. What mascara are you wearing?
thanks
elli
Hey Elli! I’ve actually been getting eyelash extensions, and don’t need mascara as long as I have those. I love them!! :)
they look great!!
Have you read “Lust for Life” about Van Gogh? He add a tendency to apply Extreme restrictions to improve his art. He was a bit extreme, but you might find the book intresting :)
Love this look! My favorite for the week, but that may also be because it is still pretty cold where I am. I’m so excited about it, because I think I can recreate this look with pieces in my own closet. I love that you mix tan/brown and charcoal/black/grey so often. I’m getting better at mixing neutrals to make them more appealing. I tend to gravitate toward brights (also, because they are flattering on me), but I do like the option of neutrals at times.
I just wanted to say I love your blog. I keep coming back because it’s such a nice combination of beautiful styling but also there’s a “keeping it real” factor that is so important and necessary these days.
Love that sweater!
Alina
http://www.eclecticalu.blogspot.com
I can see why, this sweater is lovely and it’s so versatile!
http://ariadibari.com
Fashion is what I am totally in love with. And you know…no matter how many clothes you get, you will always want more :) I think you know what I mean :) Recenty I even updated my room with a real walk in wardrobe – perfect solution for all my clothes and shoes. And after your post I think I know what clothes to buy next! Thank youuu :)
Seriously! The power of limits is so crazy! I find I do my best creative work under a time crunch. I won’t get a blog post up for the life of me unless I give myself a hard deadline. And I’ve been loving the capsules too! Thanks for the inspo! xo
I love this idea but how do you wear the same thing everyday in an office setting?
I love how comfortable and casual outfit #1 looks! I find your commitment to the 10×10 project refreshing. It can be overwhelming to see bloggers who have new clothes every other day and I think all your posts are great because it inspires me to get creative with what I have!
xo, Sofia
http://www.thecozie.co
I am in love with sweater! The only problem is that I live in Southwest Florida, so I’ve only been able to wear it a couple of times. I love the fit and drape of this sweater and am looking for something similar but lighter weight for my climate. Have you come across anything similar in a short sleeve or 3/4 sleeve?