Woohoo! We’re at the halfway point! :)
In case you missed it, here’s what’s going on: My friend Lee of Style Bee and I are hosting a remix challenge: 10 pieces of clothing, 10 outfits, 10 days.
It’s not to late to join in! We’re all working on our own time table here — some are wrapping up, some are just starting, some are right in the middle. So hop on in — here’s my quick start guide.
First Impressions
About this time in the challenge, I usually find myself struggling to come up with creative outfits.
But it’s funny. This time around, I’ve let go of the idea that I should come up with ultra-creative, super-unique looks. Instead, my goal is simple: I just want to feel comfortable and feel like myself in each outfit.
Take this outfit, for example. It’s quite similar to Monday’s outfit. So at first, I tried to shake things up — I grabbed my pink crop top and put on top of this dress. It actually looked great. The crop top hit at the right spot and the mix of boxy crop top with fitted skirt was spot on.
But the outfit didn’t feel like me. At all.
So even though it might have been a fun way to show how to mix things up, I opted for this basic look instead. One that felt like me. :)
Anyway, today is another typical day — gym time, working from home, and errands. Then later, we’re headed out to dinner with two of our best friends. Hooray Friday! So this comfortable, non-wrinkling dress should work all day long.
Styling Notes
STATEMENT NECKLACE | Well, as much as I love going accessory-free, this basic outfit needed something to jazz it up. :) So I went tone on tone and pulled out this old (amazing) beaded necklace.
PATTERN PLAY | This might be a stretch, I know. But I like the pattern play between the striped dress and the spotted necklace — especially since they are in the same color palette.
MINIMAL STYLING | I’m almost laughing here because there’s practically zero styling to this outfit — so it’s kind of hard to come up with styling notes. But I suppose that’s a lesson that a great dress + great boots can just work. No fancy styling needed.
• • •
And there you have it!
Make sure to hop on over to Lee’s blog to see her outfit today, too!
So tell me are your outfits starting to look a little similar? Are you pushing yourself to come up with unique looks or are you just happy if each outfit feels like “you”?
Keep sharing your outfits on Instagram with the #spring10x10 tag — we love keeping up with you guys!
See you Monday for outfit six!
xo,
Photo Credit: Katie Jameson
Liked today’s outfit? You can shop it and support Unfancy at the same time by using these affiliate links:
01 | Sheath dress (old by Madwell) | similar | similar | similar
02 | Ankle booties (old by Sam Edelman) | similar | similar (made responsibly)
You hit the secret of decor with your quest to be comfortable and pulled together. No need to constantly try to overdo and make a statement. In my own personal wardrobe I strive to have people remember I looked nice, confident and appropriate. Not a particular outfit. You got this girl!-Laurel Bledsoe
Cute and super easy! Unfortunately those dresses are not flattering on me :( :(
-Kirsten // http://www.porkandcookies.com
Hey Kirsten! I’m sure you could find something with a similar vibe in a different fit! Maybe a t-shirt dress or a fit and flare, just depends on your personal style and what shapes are flattering. :)
I normally don’t like stripes but this dress is bees knees ;) I will have to try and find something similar. I can see it being great in the fall as well with some tights.
Kathleen, yes! I don’t wear tights much in Texas, but I do think that sounds very cute! :)
Man oh man! You are touching on exactly how I feel about getting dressed/my wardrobe. Trying to get rid of the “shoulds” (should look cool, should be trendy, should be creative) and just be me! Which is simple and comfortable. Thank you for putting what I’ve been feeling/aiming for lately into words :)
So many things online seem so fake nowadays, thank you for being your authentic self!
Happy Weekend!
So happy to hear that Carlyn! We put so much pressure on ourselves, don’t we?
I always opt for looks that feel like me! Even if I’ve worn the same exact piece the day before, it’s all about how the piece makes me feel. LOVE these posts!
I like your comfy, laid back approach to dressing. While I can’t wear some of the things you do as I am older and can’t wear tight, skinny pants anymore (would not look good), I like what you come up with. I also like your approach to color, quite minimal, nothing really bright, and mostly solid colors.
You always look so amazing! And your hair to be perfect all the time <3
http://www.myblackcloset.com/
I used to feel all this pressure to not “repeat” outfits or wear things that were too similar in the same week. Now I’m like, “Nah, I’m comfy and I look pretty good in this. I’m gonna wear it every other day!” Good for you for embracing simplicity when it makes you happy!
Most men I know literally wear the same 3 pairs of pants and same 5 button downs every week to work and always look put-together and professional! Why shouldn’t we do the same?
I am a chronic outfit repeater! Where did the idea come from to never be seen in exactly the same outfit twice and have enough accessories to always switch it around???
Once I find a combo I like I remember it and do it again! And it feels great when I do it again! Like ” Oh, yes, this outfit, which I love,”
Anyway…I have hopelessly fallen behind, worn more than 10 items and not photographed many outfits…I tried! Spring break and weather changes have thrown my routine. I just posted the last outfit I got a photo from which is from…. Thursday???
Spring 10×10 – Outfit 4 – http://wp.me/p7K4R6-4z
I’m not sure why we put so much pressure on ourselves to always keep it different and new. But I highly support the outfit repeating! :)
That’s what I love about your blog, Caroline! It always feels real and authentic :)
Wait, I didn’t realize you are taking the weekend off. So the 10×10 is 2 weeks of Monday through Friday? Ok, that might be a little easier. A bunch of girls in my family are planning to start on Monday, but for myself & my daughter it’s going to be a little more challenging this week because she has spring break, so we are going to do a little traveling. But then again, it might make the travel easier. Thanks for the inspiration! I’m having so much fun reading about your 10×10 challenge!
Hey Millie, Not everyone takes the weekend off, but specifically from a blogging perspective, it is a little more practical. :) Hope you enjoyed your weekend either way!
I love that you’re keeping it simple. During last season’s 10×10, I made it a goal to only put together outfits I would ACTUALLY like wearing, even if that meant I was being redundant. This year, I’m trying to get out of my comfort zone a LITTLE bit, but mostly going by the same rule. :)
Hey Lo! I like that goal and it’s harder than it sounds! I’m doing better with that this time around too. :)
Just lovely! The whay you can make a simple outfit look so elegant make my eyes bright! You inspires me so much! <3
You talk about "zero styling" but thats the key, i guess. Super simple, chic, awsome outfit. Love it!
Love the simplicity of this look…and of your and Lee’s 10×10 looks generally this go!
This is my first “official” time participating in this challenge and I’ve found that accessories help mix things up and keep my outfits feeling fresh. I love the idea of creating a uniform, but sometimes it’s the special little details that help differentiate and “complete” each look.
Easy, effortless and so chic! Love this outfit. I’m finding this series very inspirational!
Rebecca | morerebe.com
Enter my giveaway here :)
Comfort is key! I definitely agree with you, although I struggle sometimes to put comfort and “being me” in first place…the dress has such a nice colour combination, loving the greys :)
http://TEXTURECHARMSCOLOUR.DE