I can already see your puzzled expression. You’re wondering why this short sleeve nonsense is a “winter” outfit.
So let’s not waste any time. Let’s jump right into outfit two.
(In case you missed it: For the next two weeks, I’m partnering up with my friend and fellow lean closet enthusiast Lee of Style Bee, and we’re hosting a remix challenge: 10 pieces of clothing, 10 outfits, 10 days. Want to join? Details here.)
FIRST IMPRESSION
So yeah. It’s the dead of winter and I’m wearing a short sleeve tee and no jacket. Why? Oh, because it’s 81 degrees today. Texas has obviously stopped checking it’s email, and is missing all the winter memos.
Personally, I’m fine with this, grateful actually. As a lifelong Texan, I’m used to the random 80 degree winter day. (Plus, I know that a lot of you are experiencing extreme cold right now, and 80 degrees sounds delightful. If you need a break from the cold, come on down, we’ll pull out the murphy bed.)
But as a blogger, especially one hosting a “winter” remix right now, I’m mildly bummed about the warm weather.
Why? Well, because I’m actually making strides when it comes to successful cold weather dressing … and I kinda wanted to show off my newfound skills.
But, that’s just not in the cards right now. What is in the cards, however, is another lesson in being present and dressing for my real life — not my fantasy life. What can you do except say, “How fascinating!” :)
So, this is what winter looks like for me: Sometimes it’s bundling up, sometimes it’s wearing a short sleeve tee. Embracing the mix.
Today is a low key day, so I’ll be at home working and out running a few errands. No big plans for tonight, so this look will carry me through the day.
ITEM #2: ANKLE BOOTIES
These ankle booties are practically legendary in my closet.
I’ve had ’em since 2014, and they are probably the most worn shoe in my wardrobe. They almost always come with me on trips. And they just work.
Here’s why:
- An angled heel: Ever feel like you’re tipping forward when you wear a heel? Look for booties with an angled heel — it changes up your center of gravity, making it easier to walk.
- A low heel: At two and a half inches, it hardly feels like a heel to me. It’s comfortable even for heavy walking days.
- Seasonless style: Meaning, they are cool enough for the warm months, but warm enough for winter. Just add warm socks (I like either wool no-show socks or camp socks).
My ankle booties are old, but this pair from Eileen Fisher is my favorite similar pair. Same heel height, same color, same slanted heel. If I had to replace my booties right now (thankfully I don’t), that EF pair would be my pick. At $250, they are definitely an investment, but they are beautiful quality and responsibly made.
This pair from TOMS is a close second at $140. No slanted heel, but it’s got the same heel height and same color.
STYLING NOTES
SIMPLICITY TO THE MAX | This is a super simple look, teetering on the edge of boring, but I think it’s stellar. For my fall remix, I made the mistake of getting a little too into styling, trying to counterbalance the limited pieces by overstyling. Because of that, some of the outfits just didn’t feel true to my style. So this time, I’m just trying to keep things as real and as wearable as possible.
MATCHING BAG AND SHOES | You know me. Right now, I’m into matching my bag and shoes. I don’t treat it like a rule, but when an outfit needs “bookends” I do it.
LAYERED NECKLACES | I haven’t been into jewelry lately, but I wanted to add a tiny bit of interest to this plain jane outfit, so I layered two delicate necklaces. My fav combination for a v-neck.
• • •
And there you have it — outfit number two!
Are you taking part in the remix? It’s not to late to start! Here’s your assignment for today: Snap a selfie of your outfit and post it on IG with the tag #winter10x10 so we can all follow along.
Don’t forget to check out Lee’s outfit post today, too!
See you tomorrow for outfit number three!
xo,
01 | Tee (old by Everlane) | similar (made responsibly)
02 | High rise jeans by Madewell
03 | Cognac booties (old by Sam Edelman) | similar by TOMS | similar by Eileen Fisher | similar (made responsibly)
04 | Bag gifted by ONA | similar with zip top (made responsibly) | similar with open top (made responsibly)
05 | Necklace in Yellow Raw Diamond by Julia Szendrei (handmade in USA)
06 | Delicate circle necklace (old) | similar
I just saw your post 2 days ago and decided to spontaneously go for the challenge. I didn’t even pick out my 10 before hand – I’m just counting up to 10 as I go. I was pretty nervous because I’m just a beginner when it comes to blogging, but there’s not time like the present!
Here’s my first outfit post: https://lesslessyes.wordpress.com/2017/01/10/winter-10×10-outfit-1/
Relatedly, I recently made a post on trying to get the feeling of being ready to start something fresh and starting new habits WITHOUT having to buy new stuff, which for me, is a big part of this challenge. For me, this challenge is a start to a new habit and a fresh style WITHOUT buying any stuff. https://lesslessyes.wordpress.com/2017/01/02/new-year-new-you-new-stuff/
Thanks for the challenge, Caroline! It’s really helping me start working on my New Year resolutions (blog more and try new things without buying new things) right away.
-Louise
Thanks for sharing, Louise! :)
Girl! This look is perfect + 3 things:
1 | We are mind-melding in the best way! I used the ‘bookends’ idea in my post today too but for hats and shoes. Great minds! haha
2 | I feel the same way about my Mars Boots, they have an angled heel and the cognac/whiskey colour goes with everything. Took all my strength not to include them in this challenge.
3 | I am tremendously envious of your warm weather! Luckily it’s super mild today and a bunch of snow melted overnight so we can finally see the sidewalks again. It’s all relative I guess!
Have a good one lady! xo
Thanks, friend! :) This has been so fun, especially to do alongside you!
Great post! Have you done a post about what you keep in your purse? If so, point me to that post. How you stay organized/minimal there? I’d also love to see more of that amazing bag…I’m thinking about putting that on next year’s Christmas list!
Hey Kelcie, I haven’t, but I do have it on my list of ideas! :)
I’d like to see a post about this too. I want a minimal purse lol
The TOMS ankle booties you posted are AMAZING! I have the brown pair and they are easily my most worn shoes in my closet. They are so comfortable and easy to walk in, but still give me a little height with the small heel. They pair well with everything and I really feel like I can dress them up or down. Could not recommend them more highly! I’m considering getting a pair in black since my current black booties are just not comfortable to walk in and I take public transit to work so comfort factor is key.
Also, I love the layer necklace look! Layering delicate jewelry is something I do quite often and really feels like me (:
Are you me? I have the brown ones and I love them, and am debating the black ones too! Only negative I have found so far is that they have gotten super scuffed on the toes, I wish the leather was a little sturdier!
Love this look Caroline and it’s simplicity!! Plus, from here it’s so easy to add a slouchy cardy, or motto jacket & cozy scarf if need be… for me, that’s what’s so great about simple outfits you can easily add/subtract and it always works! Excited you’re doing the 10×10 challenge again. Can’t wait to see more! xo
True true! Sometimes simple is just the best all around! :)
I love when I buy a pair of shoes and I wear them all the time. It means I got it right. My favorites are very similar to the ones you’re wearing here. They are old, but the new version is here: http://www.luckybrand.com/basel-flat-bootie/LKBASEL.html?dwvar_LKBASEL_dimension=*N
Thanks for your great posts.
Leigh
Those are super cool, Leigh! :)
I really love your outfits ideas really!
Carolina ;)
https://carolinascornerblog.wordpress.com
Not boring at all! This is my all time favorite kind of outfit: plain white tee (hey, that’s a great name for a band! ?), jeans and cognac shoes of any kind! Love it!
So simple and stylish! Love it!
Liv
http://www.livforstyle.net
Gorgeous outfit! Sophie x
sophiehmstewart.com
huh, thanks for the tip on the angled heels and the no-show socks, who knew such things existed!
My outfit is going to be fuzzy snow boots (whee, I never get to wear them!!) and parka today with the freakish snow dump we just got in Portland Oregon, and also – Icebreaker wool socks! Definitely THE best socks I’ve now come across. I’ve switched my allegiance from Smartwool. You should check them out, Caroline. Well, when it isn’t 80 degrees.
You guys really got hit hard with the snow, Ann! I’ll take it from the expert that Icebreaker are good. Might have to look into those! Thanks :)
I’m in awe of all of you who change bags daily. I can’t manage that but it’s very stylish.
I have one work bag for winter (a herringbone canvas bag) and use the Frye Campus bag as my purse (a second-hand etsy score*)…it’s crossbody style. I’ll post it later today–I love it–it’s the perfect size.
Clearing out and minimalizing my BAG collection was the HARDEST PURGE for me…but I’m down to 4 work bags (one for each season), 2 purses (one more formal, and my Frye bag), and 3 clutches.
Love, love, love the leather touches in your outfit, Caroline!
Holly J
http://closetmatters.blogspot.com/
Hi Holly,
I checked out your blog! I like it. If I may, could I offer a suggestion? I would love to see the clothes you chose better. When they are folded on a chair or layered over one another it is hard to see the cut and shape. Is the shirt fitted? Loose? Is the sweater longer or shorter? I really liked the photos of you wearing the clothes (even with the dog poo on the boots. LOL )
Cool! Thanks Pam! I’ll try!
I love your simple style, this is totally me. I’m excited about finding basic pieces via your blog. I’m done purchasing items at target etc. that are uncomfortable or only last one season before it loses its shape. I’d rather have just a few quality pieces that I wear often and that go with everything than handfuls of clothes I only wear once in a while. So thank you for the time and effort you put into your blog, I’m excited about this challenge!
Thanks Amber! Sounds like you’ve got the right idea :)
I second the love for those Tom’s ankle booties… I have them in black and I’m considering them in the medium brown/cognac color (thanks in large part to your emphasis on adding warmth to neutrals this winter!). They last forever (even in slush & salt!) and are beyond comfortable!
I rarely enjoy wearing heels but I took only these for a weekend in NYC and my feet were so happy even after miles of walking!
That’s so great to hear, Sara! Love a good find like that. :)
Sam Edelman seems to be a clear winner with shoes. I have their Petty/Penny booties and it’s my most worn shoe – through all seasons! I actually found a similar one by Lucky – bonus points that they have cushioned footbeds!
Sam Edelman Felicia ballet flats are my go-to. Don’t want to talk about how many colors I have.
Can you do a post about how to care for your booties? I never seem to get mine through a couple of years!
I’ll add it to the list of ideas, Rachel! Thanks for the suggestion :)
I’m very tempted to come visit. ;) It’s been nonstop snowing, sleeting, raining, snowing for the past week and I’m over it! I picked out cute shoes for my 10×10 and the weather totally ruined everything, haha.
Kimi! Darn! That is sure to put a damper on things. Hope you can still find some joy in the experiment! :)
Love today’s simple, easy look! Also your guidance around planning for real life rather than fantasy life. That’s been a big takeaway for me, in following your posts this past while.
Plus…so cool that your warm-weather winter outfits complement Lee’s snowy-day ones! I’m in Canada and love our snow…but also like seeing a warmer weather 10×10 alongside the cozy sweaters. Cheers!
Thanks, Dana! It’s been so fun to go side by side with Lee! :)
I love how you’re staying true to your style and your lifestyle! It’s so refreshing! I’m doing my own version of this 10×10. I’m challenging myself to wear pieces that I haven’t worn recently and style them with pieces that I know I love, in the hope that I fall back in love with the unworn prices /get some new inspiration for outfits. I’m not limiting myself to ten pieces as I teach young children and do a lot of messy activities, which can make the repeating clothes part tricky. Loving style bee as well ?
Sarah xx
Awesome! Thanks for sharing, Sarah :)
I love this outfit! Even with chillier weather, throwing ng out n a jacket would have kept it going. Like the “real life” posts over “fantasy life” ones any day.
I would argue that you are successfully cold-weather dressing… well maybe not COLD, but at least winter dressing. Because that’s what it looks like for you right now. The fact you’re being realistic versus overdressing for fantasy winter and overheating – I’d say is a real improvement!
Going into this 10×10, I wasn’t sure what I’d pick just because it can get to be 0° here and we keep our heat set at 60° so I’m usually bundled up. I went with all the cozy knits and wool and yummy warm layers as that’s what I’d normally wear. instead
of feeling like I had to have a collared shirt to layer… I flipped it around and chose a oversized wool thrifted flannel that I’ve had for years. So freeing and I’m thoroughly enjoying this challenge! Always learning ?
Yay! That’s awesome Stefanie. Thanks for sharing your experience so far. :)
Your outfit looks amazing and it makes me wish for warmer weather ;) It snowed over a foot where I live :P
Cat // https://fromgirlc.wordpress.com
Hi Caroline,
Are your Madewell jeans new or from another season? The jeans in the link do not look exactly like yours…I like your wash better. Thank you!
Hey Sara, mine are from another season, so maybe a bit more worn, but still the same cut and very similar wash. :)
I always try to match my bag to my shoes! Sometimes I’m a little too lazy for it though. The good news is I tend to go for brown rather than black, so most the time it works out anyways. :) I love the simplicity behind this outfit. I’m a firm believe that simple can look just as good if not better than complex outfits. I also love that you share your simple looks. A lot of times when I’m thinking about sharing an outfit I wonder if it’s to boring to share, when they aren’t! Love this look.
I am loving your blog, having found it about 6 months ago, and you’ve really changed my sense of style.
I’m very curious about these angled heels you’re talking about. I look at some of the boots you’re wearing when you say you walked all over the place in them, and I picture myself hobbling after a few steps. How can I find other boots/shoes with the angled heels? The descriptions don’t mention it, and Google hasn’t been that helpful. Thank you so much!
I think the reason I love your style so much is because you look so happy and confident, which is what style should be about. I haven’t been feeling well lately but your posts really cheer me up, and remind me you can look good and feel comfortable with your clothes.