The summer 10×10 is officially winding down! I’ve had so much fun hosting this challenge with my lovely friend Lee of Style Bee and we’ve got today and tomorrow left, so let’s enjoy ’em.
Ready for outfit 9? Here goes:
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Well, hello yesterday’s dress! I’m using that same little hack I used on Day 3 — adding a button-down on top of a dress to give it the appearance of a skirt + top. Cool. :)
This top is from 2014, this dress is from 2014 (or 13?) and I just love seeing these pieces last — hopefully this is just the beginning for them. I chatted yesterday about how happy I am to see this dress hold up, but I’m also thrilled to see this top making a come back.
See, I was cooling on it for a while. For about a year, it didn’t get much wear.
I decided to keep it anyway — despite the common advice that you should get rid of clothes you haven’t worn in a year. But there’s really no one-size-fits-all advice when it comes to letting go of a piece of clothing — it really just comes down to listening to your gut.
I figured with it being such a classic cut, I’d be glad to have it again one day. And now I am. :)
Funnily enough, I’ve only worn it knotted on top of dresses during this challenge. (Except that time I wore it as a wrap on Day 6. Almost forgot about that one!) But I could have styled it a few other ways for the 10×10: tucked in with my mom jeans, untucked and buttoned all the way up with shorts, or tied in a knot with either shorts or mom jeans.
STYLING NOTES
WEAR A DRESS AS A SKIRT | Clothing hacks for the win! Simply pop a button-down on top of a dress, leave the last few buttons undone to create tails, and tie them up in a knot. Works particularly well when you’re traveling light.
SIDE BRAID | It doesn’t have to be Pinterest-worthy. <– This is something I’ve had to remind myself as I scroll through all those beautiful, thick braids on Pinterest. Should probably adopt it as a life mantra too. :) I’m sure I could master one of those braids with practice (and a clip-in hair extension, ahem), but I haven’t so that’s on me. Oh well, I’m enjoying improving my plain braid skills anyway. Want to see my plain braid tutorial? It’s right here, along with four other easy summer hairstyles.
• • •
And there you have it!
Make sure to hop on over to Lee’s blog to see her outfit today, too!
Don’t forget to share your outfits on Instagram with the #summer10x10 tag.
See you tomorrow for our last outfit!
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:
CHAMBRAY SHIRT (old by Madewell) / Similar / Similar (under $50)
BLACK DRESS (old by Ann Taylor) / Similar / Similar (under $30)
SLIDES (old by Nordstrom Rack) / Similar (under $25) / Similar (made responsibly)
SUNNIES by Ray Ban / Similar (for $20)
NECKLACE (old) / Similar in gold / Similar in black
Yay for plain side braids! I just moved from CA to North Carolina and am experiencing summer humidity for the first time. I’ve had to abandon my go-to top bun (too many fly-aways curl out of my normally strait hair the moment I step outside) but luckily it mostly stays put in a side braid. Happy to see I’m not the only one rocking that look this summer. :)
You are always an inspiration!
As I said before, I love this tip! I am going to use it today in same combo since I have these things in my closet. Loving your newish look!-Laurel
I like your thought about listening to your gut before letting go of clothing. The one year idea is just that, an idea, not a rule. Like your idea of wearing a top over a dress. Have always like blue and black.
Such a great idea to give your dress the appearance of a skirt! Love the casual and wonderful look!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Love this dress so much! Has me searching for a button front midi ? This has been one of my favorite 10x10s of yours! Ps. Not sure if you’ve seen, but Design for mankind has your blog listed as a fan favorite in her post today ☺️?? So cool!
A sleeveless denim shirt is a closet staple of mine, year round. It’s great in the warm months and fantastic to layer under a sweater when it cools down. Sleeveless button ups are my layering go-to. I love layered looks but loath bunched sleeves.
I’ve never done a capsule wardrobe, but do put certain items I haven’t worn in a while into storage. Pulling them out, it’s easy to see what is a rediscovered gem and what needs to go to a new home.
Love that you’re getting adventurous and trying out some simple boho/romantic attire. I’ve always liked and worn a mix of boho/romantic/gypsy/tomboy styles…..all of them being the simplest of those styles. Also the simple white button up shirt and jeans combo….a perennial favorite.
I also feel as you do about that “if you haven’t worn it in a year, get rid of it” school of thought. That’s just silly. I’ve grown tired of favorite things and retired them for a few years. Then I pull them out and find that I’m in love with them all over again! You can grow tired of wearing something without actually having come to the point of disliking it. And our tastes have an ebb and flow to them depending on emotional, mental, physical changes. I don’t hang onto everything but I do keep those things that I’ve really liked and enjoyed wearing. Some time down the road I know that I’ll likely enjoy them again.
I love how versatile those shoes have been during these outfits! I’ll go check out lee’s blog now!
Abigail Alice x
I love your perfectly-imperfect braid here :)
Loved the hair tutorial!!!! Thank you, Caroline!
Ugh, yeah, myself, I find pinterest and instagram so “curated”, staged, and unrealistic (or maybe, unattainable is a better word?). It’s not healthy for me to obsess towards that level of “perfection”, so I stay off them unless I need some quick, closet inspiration.
Love your blog, though!
I’ve had fun watching this challenge and I’m hoping to see that orange shirt again tomorrow.
I didn’t jump in this time around but I had fun doing 2 challenges in spring. it was the completion of my 2nd year living with a capsule wardrobe.
I hope to add a chambray vest. But right now it’s not a must
I don’t have Pinterest account but you can check out the looks on this post
http://www.travelingwallet.com/capsule-8-spring-2-years-of-capsule-wardrobes/
“It doesn’t have to be Pinterest-worthy” really would be a great life mantra! I’m neck deep in home renovations and wedding planning right now and this mantra might just help me keep my sanity! And for what it’s worth, I totally love your sidebraid just the way it is :)
Yay for a simple side braid! I’ve been rocking one as well most of the summer. It’s been great to have another go too hair style for hot weather that isn’t a ponytail or topknot — but just as fuss free. The messier it gets, the more I love it. AND I feel like it adds a touch of romance to anything I’m wearing. :)
I think this is my favorite 10 x 10 of yours yet! :)
Such a beautiful and simple summer look! Love it!
xx, Jeany from http://www.vogueetvoyage.com
Love your style!
Liv
http://livforstyle.net
This might be my favourite of your outfits this week! Adore that dress ?
Love your slippers <3
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