DAY SEVEN! We’re nearing the end of this beautiful challenge!
In case you missed it, I’ve teamed up with my best blogging pal Lee of Style Bee, and we’re hosting a remix challenge: 10 pieces of clothing, 10 outfits, 10 days.
Want to join? It’s never too late to start: details here. Want to get in on the inspiration without committing this time? Browse through the #summer10x10 tag on Instagram.
Now, onto today’s outfit!
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
I am SO happy to be wearing this top again. I could have worn it every day of this challenge and been happy as a clam. It’s so outside of my norm — so colorful, so romantic, so boho — and strangely enough, I feel right at home in it. Who knew it’d feel so natural to wear feminine cuts, billowy sleeves, and bold color? Not me, that’s for sure.
I’m so glad I pushed myself to try a new style during the summer 10×10. I usually approach these challenges with no pre-conceived notions or goals, but this time around, I went in with the intention to try out a different style — a more romantic and vintage style. The 10×10 has been the perfect chance to go all out and see how I like it in real life.
And boy do I like it! I think it’s going to stick. :)
STYLING NOTES
TERRA COTTA AND CHOCOLATE BROWN | Wow wow wow. I think I found my new favorite color combo! Which is fantastic because I always thought of this chocolate brown as more of a fall/winter color, so I’ve been giving it a rest lately. But pairing it with terra cotta gives it a whole new life! This might be my favorite discovery of the 10×10 so far.
BASIC OUTFIT, ONE STATEMENT PIECE | This outfit is straightforward: jean shorts, top, sandals. No accessories happening at all. But that top — the sleeves, the color! It’s a statement all on it’s own, elevating an otherwise basic outfit.
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And there you have it!
Make sure to hop on over to Lee’s blog to see her outfit today, too!
Keep sharing your outfits with our Instagram community using the #summer10x10 tag.
See you tomorrow for outfit nine!
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:
LINEN TUNIC (old from Anthropologie) / Similar / Similar (in white) / Similar (under $70) / Similar
SLIDES (old from Nordstrom Rack) / Similar (under $25) / Similar (made responsibly)
I’m glad you’re loving your new style! I know everyone evolves, and it’s good to embrace that evolution, even when it takes you to very unexpected places. I often find myself admiring the wardrobes of people who’ve embraced styles light years away from my own.
So I hope you won’t be mad when I say I definitely prefer your old style, by a lot. Not that I have anything against color (although I’m not much for it myself) or can’t accept a boho flavor (even though I’d probably never go for it myself). It’s just that there was an edgy timelessness, accessibility and simultaneous retro/forward-looking feel to your old wardrobe, which would translate well to many, many environments…while it feels like this wardrobe is attractive and accessible to way fewer people, is kinda basic, has a limited utility (maybe working well in certain cities and areas, but definitely not so well in others) and will be dated much more quickly.
Again: I know that sounds bad, but I don’t mean it that way…what I mean to say is that I wanted to wear literally EVERY item in your old capsule wardrobes – even things I’d never in a million years have dreamed I’d like! – but find barely any of the new stuff appealing, even though I am fairly open-minded fashion-wise, and really, really want to be able to embrace it. I can appreciate and admire other people’s wardrobes that feature daring items I wouldn’t necessarily wear myself – for instance, most of Leandra Medine/Man Repeller’s offerings – but so far I’m not seeing any of that here, and I’m often scratching my head as to exactly what style statement the new pieces are meant to express.
(I grant you it’s maybe just specific to my reaction, so feel free to ignore the feedback. It’s definitely nothing personal, since your posts remain as wonderfully written and photographed as always. And you should rock whatever makes you happy! I’m just weighing in as someone who used to love love LOVE your style, all of it, every post, but lately just…kinda likes it, maybe, on a few good days – and on most other days, is pretty disappointed, and not finding much useful fashion insight anymore. Which NEVER used to happen.)
On the other hand, Caroline, I love your new style with the flowy tops, high-waisted jeans and midi dresses. I’m not a big fan of the brown and orange (I prefer grey and burgundy), but I definitely love the new clothing items.
I have to respectfully disagree with this comment, I think the fact that Caroline is exploring a new style has been very informative for me. I’ve seen how with just a couple of new pieces one can create a whole new look + feel while still blending with the pieces they already own. Also, I don’t think her new style is that drastically different from before, in this challenge alone Caroline has still used lots of denim, stripes, and caramel leather- some of her signatures! Also, I’ve noticed the whole vintage boho thing has been there in smaller quantities for a while in Caroline’s style, like her Santa Fe trip, and even in her home tour- certainly lots of vintage desert vibes going on. I mean, she does live in Texas afterall, and its the perfect place to rock this type of look! I’m in the northeast, so it may not jive with my climate, but the principles of adding maybe one trendy item, or one item that really represents a new style, has been hugely helpful for me in seeing how minimalism can be maintained even while shifting gears. We don’t have to throw everything out or be discontent with our current closets just to experiment with a new style!
I think I can agree with this comment. Due to living in the colder climate previous style was more appealing to me too. Hope my English isn’t too bad. Anyway love Caroline’s blog as always.
Hey Rachel, thanks for the thoughtful feedback. I suppose that’s the beauty of using clothing to express yourself — it’s an individual journey and tastes and styles can change for some of us.
Although I still see myself wearing a lot of my older clothes again down the road, it’s been fun to experiment and bring some new spice to my wardrobe (along with the older pieces). I’m just stepping out of my comfort zone, which feels good and exciting right now. Living (and dressing) for this season of life.
And the good news is, it sounds like you’ve developed a very strong fashion sense of your own and you know what you like. That’s exciting and I really respect that! :)
Beautiful, tactful reply, Caroline. Here’s to everyone finding their style groove, and/or exploring new style frontiers. Cheers to all, Ardith
This line of comments is so much of what I love about Unfancy. I also feel a bit disconnected from Caroline’s current style, but I also agree with Stacy when she notes that adding just a couple of trendy items can transform a look without the need to buy boatloads of new clothes. That’s a valuable lesson. Not to mention, it really is true that Caroline has had elements of boho for a long time. Personally, despite not loving every look, I’m excited to see where she goes in her style evolution. :)
It also sure doesn’t hurt that Caroline has been teaming up with Style Bee periodically, so I can get that sunshiney Caroline vibe and the sleek, minimalist looks at the same time! But no matter what, Caroline is definitely my favourite blog to read. Thank you for staying with us!~
Wow, this is so timely. I’d been eyeing the Tirhas sadlebag for months, and finally bought one yesterday during their huge sale! I actually got it in pewter (since that was one of the more discounted colors lol, but I think it will be super versatile and a beautiful addition to my wardrobe), but I love how your styling your chocolate one here :)
Have a wonderful day!
Hey Emmy! Just wondering where you found this on sale? I’m not seeing it…thanks!
The sale was sent out to email subscribers and it was a warehouse sale that was only for a few hours, I think the heavily discounted items/colors are things they are discontinuing. I have the tirhas saddlebag in cognac and I also LOVE the slight vintage vibe it lends to my look. Be sure to water proof and condition it to keep it beautiful! :)
Hi Stacey,
What did you use to waterproof your bag? I’m definitely going to condition my Tirhas, but I know most conditioners (I’ll probably get the Fiebing’s Aussie one) don’t promise to protect the leather from liquid. do you know of another product that will?
Hi Jess,
The sale was only on for 4 hours yesterday (it was a special warehouse sale), so unfortunately it’s already over =/ I don’t know when their next sale will be, but I hope you’re able to catch it :)
Ah ha, thanks!
*you’re styling
Where was my inner editor ;P
Try chocolate brown with pale pink (the inside color of a shell) and see what you think. Like that you are using a little color. It looks nice on you.
Love Love Love! I love the contrast between the colors and I love how effortless yet stylish this is!
http://modemelanin.com/
Loving the terra-cotta + chocolate brown ?? I just painted a spare bedroom in my house terra cotta and have been trying to decide what colors in linens, etc to use in there… you’ve inspired me to pull my chocolate brown duvet out of storage now! ;)
I just love your blog ❤️ I’m from Munich, so I hope my english is OK ?
You should check out ‘gusti leather’! Their bags are just wonderful ? They’re made responsibly and I love them (not sponsored, just a big fan)!
It’s such a pleasure and a huge inspiration to read your blog! ☀️?
Oh I’m loving these series. That blouse is very elegant too.
http://www.underaytedray.co.uk
I have to disagree with the first person who said she does not like your new choices. They are exciting, rich in color and texture and a different side of you that is wonderful. Why not have both?- Laurel
I wanna see this dress as a dress too! I love the color and how you’ve styled it. I’m super curious about the length of the dress, especially since you can morph it into a shirt. And/or suggestions on how to style the dress while wearing it as a dress? That’s a struggle I have, that dresses feel slightly limited – style-wise – while still wearing them as a dress.
Hey Abi, it might be a little short as a dress — it’s more of a tunic length. However, it would make a great swimsuit cover up! :)
Ah! You DID say tunic didn’t you!!! My b. Do you prefer the length of a tunic, or if they had that same top in a more shirt style you would love that version even more?!
I like the color of this blouse and how it goes with the blue color! And these minimal flats, so nice <3
http://www.ennfrancosays.com
Super cute outfit! I can’t wait to see more
http://alexamjohnson.com
Love the chocolate and terracotta combo!!!! Very summer sunset!
I love everything about this look! I love that you never overdo an outfit, keeping it simple, yet fun. This shirt is the best-I have it too. I love that you’re trying something knew, but like one person said, you’ve always shown a little boho flair which is super fun! Love your style. Oh, and the terra-cotta and brown are delicious together.
Love your outfit<3
It looks super fashionable! xx
https://www.oneirojewelry.com
Love love love this style on you! The top is romantic casual sexy. The shorts compliment the look and the feel of comfy. I would complete the outfit with Converse. Beautiful rich color combos.