Happy Thursday!
Would you believe it, we’re already almost a third of the way through this #winter10x10 remix challenge! Lee of Style Bee and I are having the BEST time hosting this remix — and it’s not too late for you to join. You can start your remix in 15 minutes flat with my quick start guide.
Ready to get into outfit #3? Let’s do it!
FIRST IMPRESSION
Love, love, love, love, love. Too many loves? I don’t mean to be dramatic (maybe a little) but I’m just into this outfit. I don’t think I’ve ever worn anything with this vibe before, yet somehow it feels like it’s always been a part of my style.
And that is why I love the 10×10 challenge. Dressing with limited pieces pushes me to try new combinations I wouldn’t have tried otherwise. I always end up discovering a new favorite look.
Anyway, for me, today is a typical day: Working from home in the morning. Running errands in the afternoon. Yoga in the early evening. And, finally cooking dinner and relaxing with Aaron tonight.
There’s one little hitch to this outfit though: I avoid wearing black around the house because of my sweet pup and his little white dog hairs that get everywhere.
I mean everywhere, you guys.
So I’m probably going to shed the cardigan while I’m at home, and only put it on when I leave the house. The dress will be fine around the house though — it looks black in the photos, but it’s really a heather charcoal and dog hair brushes off of it easily.
I went on and on about the weather yesterday, so let’s keep this short: today is going to be beautiful and sunny with temperatures in the 60s. Hence the bare legs.
ITEM #3: CASHMERE DRESS
Oh, this dress. Be still my heart.
It’s the first piece of cashmere I’ve ever owned and YIKES I’m a convert. Warm, soft, and high quality? Please and thank you.
Even cooler, I found it at a resale shop last year.
It’s one of those unicorn pieces — comfortable, well-made, super versatile.
I regularly wear it with faux leather leggings for an evening look — it’s my fancy winter outfit.
But I also find myself hanging out on the couch watching Netflix in it too. It honestly feels like pajamas, which is why I’m comfortable hanging out at home in it. Even though it’s cashmere — something I’ve always thought of as fancy — it’s absolutely made to be used in real life.
Here’s the wild part: it already had a life before I found it, yet it still looks beautiful and still has lots of life left in it.
It just makes me want to continue slowly investing in high quality pieces. Pieces that can serve me for a long, long time, but then can possibly even serve someone else one day, strong as ever.
STYLING NOTES
SHORT DRESS, LONG CARDIGAN | I’ve always worn this dress with leggings because it’s just a little too short on it’s own. But, when paired with a longer cardigan, like this, it’s great with bare legs.
SOCKS, BOOTS, AND BARE LEGS | This is a new look for me. I’ve never worn socks with bare legs like this. But I’m into it! Anytime I try something new for the first time, I like to keep things subtle. So I opted for plain black socks (stole them from Aaron’s sock drawer) with these dark brown boots. Then I let just an inch of the socks peek out on top.
FLAT BOOTS | Okay, even with the long cardigan, there’s a lot of leg going on. I wanted to balance that out, so I went with my flat, more masculine Chelsea boots instead of my heeled ankle booties. I think it strikes the right balance between masculine and feminine.
• • •
And there you have it!
So tell me, how’s your remix going so far? Have you run into any challenges? Learned anything new about yourself? I’d love to hear about it — let me know in the comments below, or share on IG and use the tag #winter10x10.
See you tomorrow for outfit number FOUR! Can’t wait!
xo,
• • •
Liked today’s outfit? You can shop it and support Unfancy at the same time by using these affiliate links:
01 | Cashmere dress (old) | similar (in cashmere, $286) | similar (chunkier in a cotton blend, $89)
02 | Black cardigan
03 | Chelsea boots (old) | similar | similar (on sale)
Yes, I understand your love, love this outfit so much – it is perfect! I must check out my closet if I have similar pieces as I want to copy it! Thanks for the inspiration.
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
That is a gorgeous dress! I completely love jumper dresses they are so versatile. I am on the lookout for a new one – I had a gorgeous merino one from toast that the moths got :( . I love secondhand clothes too, we are very lucky here to have several charity shops nearby, one of which specialises in high quality items. I have been trying to mix up my second hand clothes this January to find new life in my basics.
MOTHS! I’ve had a terrible time with them in recent years. Curious if you came up with any good systems/protocols. I just bought a couple new sweaters and am trying to do everything I can to prevent a repetition.
I was just complaining about moths on my blog! I live in the country, along with every bug and moth on earth. A reader suggested using a combo of lavender + thyme + bay leaves + clover to keep moths away. You can check out the post on mudandgracestyle.com
Ugh! So frustrating, Tanya! Hope you find a good one! :)
As soon as I saw this I had to have this look. Me to a “T” – down to the issue with black and our puppy’s hair! And my closet is all black and grey and cream and denim! Love the blog. Great post!
Can you please wear the dress and leather leggings combo in a future post? Would love to see this fancy winter outfit in action!
Sure thing, Lara! It’s in the works. :)
Love the idea of pairing a long cardigan with a short dress like that. This is definitely a fantastic look! xxx
LOVE this outfit, honestly one of my favorite winter looks you’ve posted yet this year. For those of us in the East Coast we could easily add tights and call it a day. I will be copying this for sure :)
I’ve never worn an outfit with this vibe either, but I have to say I’m loving it! especially the socks with the boots. adorable!
XO Lo
thoseprettypieces.com
Hi Caroline,
I love the cashmere dress! Do you wear a base layer under, especially when it’s one of your pieces for a challenge like this? That’s what I’ve been doing to reduce dirty laundry for this challenge. I just wash the silk base layer in the shower and it dries really fast. That way, I can avoid having to wash wool or cashmere so often.
I also love how you played with proportion and had the longer cardigan over a shorter dress. I think this will be a great idea, especially with all the sleeveless duster/cardigans that have been showing up lately. Your silhouettes always inspire me. It was a wakeup call for me when you did the loose top/loose bottom silhouette, since the loose top/fitted bottom or loose bottom/fitted top is the expected/conventional advice.
I’m less creative than you’ve been – I just wore the exact same outfit for the first 2 days of the challenge with a different scarf. https://lesslessyes.wordpress.com/2017/01/11/winter-10×10-outfit-2/
Hey Louise — yes, I do wear a base layer to keep this clean longer. It helps clothes last in the long run, so it’s worth it. :) Hope you find some ways to mix it up! Have fun! :)
I can see why you love this outfit…it’s super cute!
Question about the cashmere…that’s great that you get a lot of wear out of it…I tend to avoid my wool/cashmere items because of dread of cleaning them. I’ve gently hand washed and they seem to kind of shrink and become uncomfortable to wear. How do you take care of pieces in these materials?
Ahh nevermind, I just found this post:
http://www.un-fancy.com/laundry-care/sweater-101-keeping-them-happy-pill-free-and-fresh-between-washes/
Thanks!
Glad you found the post, Christy! :)
You really pull it off! It looks great on you. But I was momentarily possessed by my mom and thought, “Her legs look cold.”
LOL! Happens to the best of us, MK. Luckily, it’s not so chilly today :)
Love the outfit! I’m now on the hunt for a similar dress.
Your dress is perfect! Love today`s look!
Looks great! Chelsea jodhpur boots are great…I’m so excited they are in vogue, because us horse gals live in them.
Yesterday, I read a blog by Lisa at At Least, and found out how to make a skirt out of a big button down shirt. So I’m doin it for date night tonite! So my 10 x 10 has become quite the adventure!
I’ll post photos on my blog this evening! Talk about wild and crazy!!! It’s an 11x 10 now!!!
Thanks for the inspiration and camaraderie Caroline!!
Holly J
closetmatters.blogspot.com
That’s awesome! Love the shirt as a skirt idea, Holly. That’s definitely one way to mix it up! :)
Dear Caroline, I love your taste but I have to keep asking myself why a girl who lives in Wisconsin ever signed up for your blog… was it before a vacation? Your winter wardrobe is not only an oxymoron but just makes me depressed. There is no way anyone here could wear any of your outfits and not die of hypothermia. Don’t tell me to move to Texas, that will never happen. I actually love it here. It’s snowing today and I’ll be wearing all wool or smartwool, every inch covered, and over that, hat, scarf, my down “ceiling to floor” coat, big utilitarian boots, two layers of mittens…. some of these things can be made fun (colorful) but you have to be prepared to shovel out your car, always. Under all of that, it’s rare that your actual clothes will be seen anyway!
Hi Jan! Totally get it. :) I live in Texas, and I’m learning to embrace the weather exactly where I am, instead of dressing for a fantasy version of winter that’s just not practical for where I live. It sounds like you’re trying to do the same — we just happen to be experiencing opposite weather conditions. I never want to make anyone feel bummed out, so embrace your weather, and if you need to unfollow me, go for it! I won’t be offended, promise. :) You may want to check out my friend Lee of Style Bee (www.stylebee.ca) — she lives in Canada and her weather sounds more like yours. You’d love her! :)
Caroline, THIS is why I continue to follow Un-Fancy even though I’m freezing up in Michigan. :)
I’m a Wisco girl and I never feel bummed looking at a Texan Wardrobe Winter line up ?. Will this look work for me?? Likely not, unless I pair it with great sheer tights and opt away from bare legs, but hey, would I have even gotten to that point without your example? Likely not. Keep on being true to your climate. I will still be tuning in! Thanks for the inspiration!
I am really loving the way you often combine brown or cognac bags and/or shoes, with grey and black outfits. I was always unsure of whether that worked or not… I like it though! though I must say I don’t have the time/motivation to change between purses each day, depending on which boots I wear. I pretty much stick to my black leather roots bag all winter! So at least half the days, my boots and purse do not match! oh well… :)
Sara, that’s ok! I don’t think it’s a “must” that your shoes and bag match, it just personally makes me feel more put together. Still plenty of good style to go around without matching. :)
I absolutely love this Caroline! I have a sweater dress that I’m always nervous to wear without tights because it’s a little too short, I’m gonna try the long cardigan tactic with it though. Our Dallas weather was divine yesterday but I definitely faced a crisis of dressing for the month/season rather than the actual weather we were having.
Love this look! Simple but bold. I would pair it with tights for our winter here in Ohio :)
Just curious, do you know the original brand for the dress?
Hey Christy, the tag says Pauw Anderson, though I haven’t heard of it before! :)
In LOVE with this look! Definitely a top contender in my books. Obsessed with the color palette of this 10×10.
i’m really loving this outfit, caroline. this is def my kinda style too! ox
I’m going to echo your first impressions and just say that I love, love, love this one. I think you hit the nail right on the head. I’m loving this challenge!
I am loving this series, thanks for sharing it !!
Carolina ;)
https://carolinascornerblog.wordpress.com
I love love love your look today. I’ve always liked mixing blacks and browns…I think I can copy your look with pieces from my closet….except the boots. I only have taller boots, but I could totally make that work.
I have been participating in the challenge….and I am learning that I did not do a practical job….I have too many outer layers and not enough basic layers. I live in West Texas as well and the weather changes so quickly and so drastically….I needed something for the warmer days…..Will have to make some adjustments. Thanks for the inspiration.
Kasey, I’m so glad your participating and learning. It’s all for fun anyway! Enjoy :)
PLEASE tell us more about the “faux leather leggings” you mentioned as sometimes wearing with the dress. They sound like something I would love and could use in many ways. What are they? Where to buy?
Thank you for this series!
Hi Samantha! Definitely! They are actually in my 10×10 challenge, so if you head on over to this post (http://www.un-fancy.com/remix-series/winter-remix-10-pieces-10-outfits-10-days/), you can find links to them. And you’ll see them in outfits coming up in the 10×10 too. :)
Definitely thumbs up for this outfit! Looks like it’s dress day today: my outfit # 3 was a black, loose silk dress with faux leather leggings and a grey oversize cardigan. Loved that look very much, too. I love secondhand shopping and the thought of giving a piece that has already had a life a new life.
How’s my 10×10 going? I didn’t decide on all ten pieces beforehand. Instead I just threw on outfit # 1 Tuesday morning by impulse and went on counting. So far, I have worn 7 pieces and repeated 3 of them. It feels great to have some options left.
I’m also giving myself additional assignments like including one second-hand piece or one piece I haven’t worn in a while.
Thank you, Caroline and Lee, for the fun you are bringing into my busy workweek;-)
Glad you’re enjoying it, Tina! :)
What a great thrift find! I wish I had the patience to scour the racks for gems like this. :) I bought my first cashmere from Everlane a couple of years ago and have been obsessed with it ever since!
Love this look! Some day it would be great to see a post with pictures of your complete closet and storage bins. It would be helpful to get an idea of the total quantity of clothes you own as I work on minimizing my own wardrobe. Thanks!
Thanks for the suggestion, Cara! I’ll add it to my list. But as a side note until then, I wouldn’t get too caught up in the numbers, just try figuring out what works best for you. :)
Thank you!
I love your outfit! I’m on day #3 as well and I’m wearing black ponte pants, brown riding boots, striped mock neck and a black blazer. It works for the office and I feel cool at the same time lol.
Sounds so cute and chic, Marissa! :)
Such a wonderful, classical outfit. I love seeing how you style your small wardrobe, keep it up!
LOVE this outfit on you! I may have to put a long cardigan on my wish list :). I am ready for Spring so I can have bare legs again!
Love this outfit, love all the photos…but my favorite is that last one where your smile just lights up the entire photo. Gorgeous!!
Oh, you are too sweet, Lydia! Makin’ me smile some more! :)
This is among my all-time favourite looks here, Caroline! Love it and also love those boots!
This looks great on you! And your smile in the last pic says it all about how you feel in it! <3
Well you style instincts are on point because you love love love this look and I love love love it on you. Its so chic and so you- as you said- even though you’ve never worn this combo before, it totally fits right in and looks just fabulous! My fav of the remix so far!
I love wool (and have mainly merino but I’ve heard good things about cashmere too). I just wanted to say I’m so glad that you are including the weather and daily activities in your posts. I often wonder where are bloggers going in their outfits because I’m unsure how to translate that ideas into my own situations (mainly work and family). Can’t wait for the next seven outfits!
Awesome! Thanks for the feedback, Alethea. :)
Hi! I love, love, love this outfit, too! Since you’re so fond of the dress, I wondered if you could tell us the brand? Thank you! :)
Hi Christine, it’s one I haven’t heard of. before — Pauw Anderson. :)
Caroline- I don’t know how I have gone my whole life without seeing your blog…but I found it the other weekend and probably spent more time than I am willing to admit browsing almost every one of your posts. I adore your style, but more, I adore the genuineness you portray through the blog. I appreciate that you keep it real and wear what you feel comfortable in, all while doing it responsibly. I love the 10×10 concept and am going to do my own (whether I post it or not!) I think appreciating what you have, and being more mindful of how you can cultivate your own style is such a refreshing idea. Thank you for sharing yourself and your style with the blogosphere :)
I love that dress. I’m definitely going to have to check out cashmere!
I seriously dig this outfit, it’s gorgeous. I’m quite new to your blog so I’m sorry if I’m asking a question you’ve answered before, but would you consider it cheating to steal from your husband’s wardrobe? I feel like it goes against the concepts you talk about, so I’ve tried not to since it started my capsule wardrobe. I know socks aren’t a part of the “37 pieces,” but I’ve been wondering about other stuff like flannel or tees. Thanks!
Great outfit but not a winter outfit at all!
I love your blog because it’s real. But this bare leg outfit reminds me of all those fantasy fashion magazines and instagram acccouts that look great but only work on a photo, not in real life. Either it’s too cold for bare legs or too hot for a wool dress plus a cardigan.
Sorry, but this post doesn’t live up to your standards.
I know you can so better and look forward to future posts showing outfits for real life again!
Hey Lizzy! Thanks for your feedback. I see what you’re saying. It actually worked perfect for the weather in Texas that particular day, since the cardigan is so thin. No complaints here :)
I love this look! I know the boots are old, but do you know the brand? I love the vibe and I’ve been having a hard time finding something a little more rugged like that.