Un-Fancy

10x10 Wardrobe Challenge, remix series

winter remix: 10 pieces, 10 outfits, 10 days

It’s 2017! And it’s my favorite time of the season — remix time!

This time, my friend Lee of Style Bee and I are hosting the remix together. I’m wildly excited to team up with Lee because she’s the original creator of the 10×10 challenge.

Over the next two weeks, Lee and I will share our daily remixed outfits on our blogs (you’ll probably want to bookmark her blog, if you haven’t already). We’re also hosting a live Q+A at the end of the challenge to share how the remix worked out for us and to answer any of your questions. More on that later, but for now let’s get into the challenge.

Here’s how it works: Pick 10 pieces from your closet and create 10 outfits from them over the next 10 days.

That’s it!

No need to buy anything. No need to throw anything out. No need to overhaul your wardrobe.

Instead, it’s all about embracing the experiment, challenging our creativity, and learning something new about ourselves.

Oh, and having fun. Like a lot of fun. This isn’t a serious, rule-based challenge. I mean, sure it has guidelines, but really, it’s less about the success of the challenge, and more about what it teaches us along the way.

This time around, I’m going into it with the intention to learn something — instead of being attached to the idea of it being a success or a failure.

So join us in the spirit of lightheartedness. And if you you mess up, or you aren’t able to make 10 outfits, or something just goes plain wrong — how fascinating!

Still on the fence? Allow me to give you three other reasons you might want to try it:

  1. It could get your style juices flowing again and shake off any winter wardrobe blues.
  2. It might help you rekindle love and gratitude for your closet, just as it is.
  3. It’ll give you clarity and direction for your 2017 wardrobe.

Are you in?! Keep reading to see the 10 pieces I picked for my remix, how to join the remix on social media, and how to plan your remix in 15 minutes flat (so yes, you can start today).

MY 10 PIECES

I ended up with the coziest little capsule you’ve ever seen. In my roster? A cashmere sweater dress — a treasure I stumbled upon in a resale shop. A swingy sweater — handmade in Minnesota. And comfy faux leather leggings — a staple from my 2014 capsule.

All in all, I included:

  • 3 tops
  • 1 dress
  • 1 outer layer
  • 3 bottoms
  • 2 pairs of shoes

I’m not including accessories, like bags, jewelry, or scarves — they’ll swap in and out freely.

Here’s the complete line up:

TOPS

| 1 | Swing sweater (made responsibly) | 2 | Blouse (almost sold out) | similar (on sale) | similar (on sale) | 3 | Tee (old) | similar (made responsibly) | 4 | Black cardigan | 5 | Cashmere dress (old) | similar (in cashmere, $286) |  similar (chunkier in a cotton blend, $89)

BOTTOMS

| 6 | Coated leggings (old) | similar | similar for less | 7 | Black denim (old) | similar (made responsibly) | 8 | High rise denim 

SHOES

| 9 | Chelsea boots (old) | similar | similar (on sale) | 10 | Cognac booties (old) | similar | similar (made responsibly)

PLAN + START YOUR REMIX IN 15 MINUTES

Keep it easy and approach it as if you’re packing for a trip.

1 | CHECK THE WEATHER / 2 min

Hop online and look up the 10 day forecast. Jot down any quick notes.

Crazy weather? Don’t let it deter you. When I checked the weather, I laughed out loud. It ranges from 30 degrees to 80 degrees. Eighty degrees! I know! There goes my fantasy winter. Also, yikes, that 50 degree swing.

But weather be damned, I’m jumping in anyway. I can always bend the rules a little if I need to. They are all invented anyway.

2 | NOTE YOUR DAILY ACTIVITIES / 2 min

Next, grab your calendar and make a note of any special activities you have coming up in the next 10 days.

I didn’t have any special occasions on my calendar, so my activities are more day-to-day and mundane. You know, running errands, working from home, and hanging out with friends.

Oh! And, just to be clear, life activities (gym, sleeping, etc) still call for work out wear and PJ/loungewear, so those will still go on in the background like usual.

3 | GATHER THE BASICS / 5 min

Start pulling together just two or three foundational pieces you know you’ll include, like jeans or boots.

For me, that was a pair of jeans, a cashmere dress, and cognac ankle booties.

At this point, it’s helpful to make a temporary space so you can see your 10 pieces as you’re pulling them together. You could use one side of your closet, a garment rack, or even your shower curtain rod.

4 | BUILD AND FINISH / 6 min

Begin to build on your foundation, pulling pieces you love to wear, while considering:

  • WEATHER + LIFESTYLE. Look at the notes you made earlier, and be ruthless here. You’ll enjoy this challenge so much more if you pick items that work with the weather and your lifestyle.
  • COLOR PALETTE. Keep it minimal and neutral so you can easily mix and match. Ask yourself, what colors go with the basics you already pulled? I ended up with an easy color palette of browns, denim blue, and black.
  • PROPORTIONS. Pick shapes and silhouettes that work well together, like fitted tops with fuller bottoms or high rise bottoms with crop tops. I went with my favorite proportion of fitted on bottom + volume on top.

Still need some guidance? Check out my fall remix and Lee’s 10×10 page.

• • •

And that’s that!

Are you joining in? Here’s your first assignment: Instagram your 10 pieces today and tag ’em #winter10x10 so we can all follow along. You can also use both of our ongoing hashtags — #unfancyremix and #stylebee10x10.

Now it’s your turn! We all have different reasons for doing this, and I would love to hear why you feel compelled to join this time — share away in the comments.

See you tomorrow for the first outfit!

xo,

Comments

    • Hi, there,

      This is such an awesome idea. In a world that constantly promotes buying new things and disposable clothing known as fast fashion, it is so refreshing to see a blogger get creative with 10 simple, quality pieces from her wardrobe. Anyone can be created when they have an unlimited budget and access to the latest trends, but true creativity and resourcefulness comes from working with what one already owns.

      I also love how you explained the process in-depth so that your readers can try it out for themselves. So many readers see blog posts online and think “I could never pull this off”, but this post (and many other of your posts) assures readers that this is possible for anyone, and anyone can make this happen. Your blog is definitely a must-follow in a world of bloggers who rely on fast fashion 24/7.

      Best,

      Madalyn LaMastro | mglamastro@mix.wvu.edu | madalynlamastroblog.wordpress.com

      Reply

  3. Oh, some lovely picks here, Caroline. I’ve been sort of doing this last week, it was freezing so I went for comfort, in a uniform of uniqlo heattech leggings, long h&m vest, long sleeved top and jumper under puffa coat and furry boots. This week will be more challenging as it’s milder and wet but then snow by the weekend in the UK.

    I like challenging myself not to buy new clothes this time of year, it’s kind of nice to appreciate what you’ve got after Christmas and all the gift giving. Good to take stock to decide what you really need.

    Reply

  4. Love, love love!!! The warmth of your mini capsule, the way you broke it all down and made this INSANELY approachable and the new shop you’ve turned me on to! :)

    I’ve done the 10×10 challenge with Lee twice now and have every intention of doing this again! I didn’t get my act together enough to post about it on my blog this time around (with what would seem all of the style bloggers I follow, haha!) but maybe I’ll join in last minute today and just share on social media…? :)

    Talk soon friend!

    Reply

  5. Where did you find that wonderful clothes rack? It is perfect for this 10×10 challenge. Living in Texas, I would need two racks….one for real winter (10 degrees) and one for fake summer (75) which happens all in one week. :-)

    Reply

  7. I’m doing this with you, Caroline! I’m so excited! At the last minute, I decided on 3 pairs of shoes (agggghh…I know, 3 pairs of shoes and only 10 items!!!!), but they gave me the MOST diversity in looks! I’ve really been looking forward to this!

    I just started my own blog, so I’ll be snapping photos at http://closetmatters.blogspot.com/

    This year, my goal is to make 100% of my fashion purchases either Made in the USA, made ethically/sustainably, or to be second-hand!

    I’m on my second FULL capsule wardrobe, so I’m still a capsule-newbie. And ethical-fashion newbie. And style newbie, for that matter!!

    All that cognac in your picks looks so LUSH! Gorgeous!

    Reply

  8. So happy to have you back :) I live in South Africa, so I’ll be trying out a summer remix. Love your blog, thanks for keeping it simple and honest.

    Reply

  9. You convinced me this time!
    Your items are great and so its the guide.

    Thank you for sharing this with us, hope you had great holidays and that you will share at least your New Years Eve outfit with us in a future post.

    Hugs,

    Andreea

    Reply

    • Hey Andreea, excited to see what you come up with. And I’ll try to keep that suggestion in mind for next New Year’s! :)

      Reply

  10. Love your choices! And to think I thought I was dealing with crazy weather here in Northern England, with temps from a springlike (for us!) 13c down to freezing and potentially snow by next weekend. I may need to swap out my chosen boots and coat, but otherwise hopefully I’m good. Have already started posting on Instagram and can’t wait to see your outfits :-)

    Reply

  11. Look at you incorporating a bit of color into your 10×10! Love that orange/brown color you’ve had in a few posts recently. Such a great “neutral” color :)

    I’m also super excited you’re back from your hiatus – makes my work mornings so much better to check your blog and get my creative juices flowing!

    Can’t wait to see what you and Lee come up with!

    Reply

  12. Shoot! I sooo wanted to participate in this, but due to a recent weight loss, nothing in my closet fits! I’ve been cleaning out my closet (and the tubs in the garage) and selling my items at The Buffalo Exchange and saving my money to make for better choices. Lucky for me, I’m in a uniform for work and then I’m in sweats after. And I feel ya girl with those extreme weather fluctuations….I’m in Austin! I’ll be sure to be ready for next time! I have to tell you…I’m so glad I stumbled upon your blog. Your down-to-earth approach to fashion is so refreshing. Keep up the good work!

    Reply

    • Thanks, Bonnie! I have to say I love your approach to changing out your wardrobe. Slowly but surely, you’ll get there :)

      Reply

  14. I’m so pumped for this challenge! I received a few clothing pieces for Christmas, and I haven’t had time to really work them into my wardrobe. With this challenge, I have the perfect opportunity to mix them in!

    Reply

  15. I’m wondering if anyone is doing this who has a variety of needs/events during their ten days. I would have 6 days of casual but work appropriate, 2 days of business formal (which unfortunately are back to back so I can’t just wear the same thing), one night of going out (bar/lounge), and a wedding. I was thinking of excluding the wedding and adding another work day, and probably not including coats. Weather for me ranges from 15F to 65F in the next ten days, and includes both snow and rain. Even with those adjustments, I’m still struggling to think if I could make this work even in theory. I don’t have laundry at home so I wouldn’t plan on wearing the same top more than twice. I know the point is to have fun and not think too much about it, but I’ve been trying to play around with combinations and I can’t seem to get myself realistically through all ten days. Maybe I’m just high maintenance?

    Reply

    • Hey Gabby! That does sound like a challenge. If I were you, I’d approach this with your regular day-to-day items first. Let the other events go on in the background. Or you might consider not counting shoes (or something like that). Ease up on the rules a tad to try the experiment and possibly learn something from it, rather than worry about doing it perfectly. Does that make sense? I just want you to be able to participate! :) Keep me posted what other challenges you might run into!

      Reply

  17. I’m joining in, but my Instagram is private, so if I post anything you won’t see it. I am 25 weeks pregnant with my first baby and I live in South Florida. It is winter for us today, but the rest of the days will be mid-high 70s F. Needless to say, I did not include any coats in my 10 items, but am wearing one as the low this morning was 41 F. My activities are going to be mostly at work in the financial services industry, so pretty conservative, but since being pregnant I have let myself be a little more casual. Over the long weekend, I will be mostly running errands. I am excited to do this to mix up the usual maternity clothes I have been wearing. I picked 1 pair of flats, 1 pair of booties, 1 black ponte pant, 1 black pencil skirt, 1 gray cardigan, 1 tank, 1 long sleeve T, 1 dress, 1 short sleeve “fancy” T, and am still figuring out my 10th item because I don’t know what still fits in my closet.

    Reply

  21. I’m in. I have 3 work days (in scrubs) so will probably do 10 days of non work outfits rather than include the leggings and cosy sweater I wear for the drive to/ from work

    Reply

  22. I am in! My goals this time around are to get more creative with my layering and break out of my jeans, sweater, booties rut (not that there’s anything wrong with that ;)). I love the warm tones and subtle statement pieces you’ve included.

    Reply

  23. Caroline! I hope 2017 is off to an amazing start for you!

    I read this post and felt so inspired. I’m making plans to travel this year (so, NOT buying new stuff) AND feeling in such a rut with how cold it is in Nashville right now. AND I have a little garment rack sitting dismantled in my closet right now :) kinda love the idea of simplifying down to finding 10 items I love.

    Thank you for sharing (and sharing Lee’s blog- wow!) Your palette is dreamy and I’m excited to follow along!

    Reply

  24. I was wondering about how to do this if my five day work uniform is scrubs. Could I do 10 days worth of weekends, or would that skew the whole point of doing the challenge? (I wear the same five pairs of scrubs in rotation.)
    Thanks! :)

    Reply

  25. I’m kind of surprised to see that you only picked three tops considering what you said during your last 10×10, but I’m excited to see what you put together. :) I’m also doing a 10×10 right now, but my first outfit is going up today (and I’m wearing #9 right now haha). Not gonna lie, I’m super jealous of your 80-degree weather forecast!

    Reply

    • LOL Kimi, me too! I questioned myself on it, but three tops feels right again this time, so hopefully it will work out! :)

      Reply

  26. I’m in! I’m looking forward to this challenge, particularly as I am 18 weeks pregnant and beginning to have a limited wardrobe selection anyways! I really appreciate the “how fascinating” aspect of things, and I’ve decided that if I get stressed or annoyed, I will adjust accordingly. This should be FUN!

    Reply

  27. Hello, this my first challenge. I already had a capsule wardrobe without actually building one. Because I don’t like shopping that much, I naturally chose versatile basic clothes and I don’t buy cheap low quality item that don’t last. I don’t want to have to go shopping for clothes every season. Once or twice per year is already a big effort. Fortunately I never get bored with my clothes and I’ve own some of them for more than ten years.
    That said, i have one question. You include only one t- shirt in your 10×10. Only two items to go directly on your skin. Do you plan to wash them every two days or do you wear your sweater and dress without anything underneath ? Or maybe your consider tanks and t -shirts like underwear and that’s the reason you don’t count them. I don’t understand how you can do else wise.
    Estelle from France

    Reply

    • Je me posais la même question (voir plus bas) ! J’ai pour le moment planifié en comptant 2 t-shirt et une chemise mais forcément ça laisse moins de place au reste.

      Reply

    • Hey Estelle, I do have a few tricks for freshening up my clothes in between wears — from a steamer (http://bit.ly/2iaYrML) to a freshening spray (http://bit.ly/2jclCYF) and finally hand washing, before I finally need to start a load of laundry. I am hoping since the weather is mild (for now) I won’t have to wash it more than once during the challenge. And if I get chilly, I might add a warmer base layer. We’ll just see how it goes! :)

      Reply

  29. Just a question, you will only put your white T-shirt under your sweater or will you use long sleeves ones but don’t count them?
    I would love to know how are dealing people with weather where you need everyday a long sleeve a sweater and a coat? I first started with the following list, but not sure it’s the best choice : 1. Black low boots, 2. Black pants, 3. Grey pants, 4. Black skirt, 5.black long sleeves, 6. Grey long sleeves, 7. Blue shirt, 8. Grey sweater, 9. Blue sweater, 10. Brown jacket +extra 1 coat.

    Reply

    • Hi Agathe! Since it’s not too cold here right now, I’ll probably wear my cashmere dress and swingy sweater without layers underneath. But if it gets colder, I’ll definitely bend the rules and pop on a base layer and just not include it in the count. I think your list sounds excellent!

      Reply

  31. 40s with rain in Chicago this week. I am not including my raincoat. My 10 items are a burgundy cotton/rayon sweater, burgundy rayon short-sleeved top, white V-neck tee, black cords, black chinos, indigo chinos, black cotton/acrylic cardigan, charcoal cotton/rayon sweater dress, black ankle boots and black flats.

    Reply

    • It seems stressful to include outerwear! Why freeze even walking my dog by not wearing my warmest coat, and why roast when driving to the grocery store and shopping? You have to keep it practical!

      Reply

  32. Love this! The blouse is cute – seems you are venturing out a little into color and different styles – way to go!
    I was just looking at sweater dresses on ThreadUp this morning while waiting in line… I got a nice JCrew wool turtleneck sweater dress on eBay earlier this winter in hopes of wearing it over jeans, but it is a little too fitted so I can only manage it over leggings. So I am looking for a more swingy sweater dress as we speak! Way to go on the thrifting too! :)

    Reply

  33. Hi Caroline!

    I already have a pretty small closet, so Breaking down to 10 pieces is not the challenge for me – BUT – getting some style into this 10 outfits! I will try to create a mix that not just “work” but look amazing ;) maybe i can learn something about whats the difference between some nice clothes and an outfit.
    Have fun,
    Marie

    Reply

  34. that sweater dress looks so cozy! I’m grateful Austin got its 20-30 degree weather out of the way, at least for the next little bit. Going into this challenge with a silk romper :joy: thanks to 80 degree weather.

    Reply

  35. So excited to join my first 10×10! I work from home and am also a yoga teacher so I’m remixing my 10×10 to be as comfy and stylish as possible!

    Reply

  36. I started my remix on the 1stof January, however since I live in New Zealand it was always going to be a bit different! I think the most important thing I’ve learnt do far is that rules don’t have to be followed exactly – 10 pieces for 10 days while nursing a spilly baby was never going to work out, even with washing every day :) it was fun to try though!

    Reply

  37. Hi Caroline!

    I’m definitely going to try this challenge. Do you have any tips for daily documentation without getting overwhelmed? I want to participate in the community event/idea share aspect, but daily outfit photos and blogging are a little intimidating!

    Reply

    • Hey Louise! To participate with the community, Instagram is the way to go. If you look at the #winter10x10 hashtag, maybe you’ll get some inspiration, since people are sharing their selections and outfits in many different ways! Don’t be intimidated, we are all here learning and winging it. :)

      Reply

  38. I’ll be doing the 10×10 challenge for a few reasons:
    1.) I’m tired of clothes thrown all around my room. Dealing with only 10 items of clothing for 10 days feels refreshing.
    2.) I keep toying with the idea of a capsule closet but never fully realize it. Maybe this challenge will give me insight into what works for me.
    3.) I desperately want to buy a fisherman’s sweater but I have a lot of clothes already and I’m trying to pay off some debt aggressively, I am hoping this challenge will help me to feel satisfied and excited about the clothes I already have.

    Reply

  39. Looking forward to observing this challenge (its summer here, and I just finished an office10x10 challenge last month) because for two winters in a row I’ve failed at my winter capsule. I feel like this year I’ll finally nail it though, so your remix will give me some good inspiration :)

    Reply

  40. Hey Caroline :)

    I discovered your blog late last year and read every post in about a week.The Chelsea boots and blouse in your 10×10 look delightful and everything looks so cohesive.

    I love the idea of a capsule wardrobe and it’s helping me get ready for a move overseas in March! I’m aiming to fit my wardrobe (all seasons) into a medium suitcase for the move and making a capsule wardrobe has simplified things immensely.

    The 10×10 challenge is great because it makes me think of how I’d plan my outfits if I were going away somewhere with carry-on only. Basically, all roads lead to simplifying things for stylish (and hopefully frequent) travel :)

    Keep up the great work. I love the positive energy of your blog.

    Nicola x

    Reply

    • Thank you Nicola! I’m so glad your learning what works for you. I wish you nothing but the best on your new adventures coming up! Sounds incredible :)

      Reply

  42. I live in Sydney Australia and we have high 30s (celsius) here at the moment. I did this a couple of weeks ago. The one thing that I learned from the experiment is how terrible t-shirts look on me. They cling to my middle and are very unflattering so it will be interesting if anyone else finds something just doesn’t suit them. I am now on the lookout for tops that aren’t t-shirt material, and have a bit of swing to them.

    I didn’t count singlets/vests that I wear under shirts. I had five tops, three pants and two shoes.

    Reply

  48. I love this because I have similar pieces to everything you have chosen! I’ll be excited to see how you style them so I can get some fresh ideas.

    Reply

  51. Love your ventures into new places, Caroline! By doing so, you inspire me to do the same (I’m a grey-and-black shirts-sweaters-pants kind of girl).

    My biggest plunge for this challenge will be actually wearing a black raw silk Marlena Midi Dress from Elizabeth Suzanne. I *don’t wear dresses* but requested it as a gift after Lee’s fall 10×10 and LOVE it. Now just need to muster up the nerve to wear…well…a dress.

    Thank you for your continued posts – they are a place of fun in my day!

    Reply

  52. I’m traveling to the UP for 5 days and don’t want to check a bag, so this is the perfect time for this challenge! (I don’t have to count ski pants, do I???) But I will count my Uggs and Sorels, because, let’s face it, I have to plan outfits around them when it’s 10 degrees outside. No cute boots for me *sigh*. Off tot the closet and will post on Instagram when I’m done!

    Reply

  53. I love this idea – thanks for the step by step on how to choose! I admit I was sort of unclear on where/how to start so that made it easy :) I’ve got a dress, a sweater, leggings, jeans, two tees, a skirt, a plaid button down shirt, a pair of walking shoes and a pair of tall boots. So far, so good, though it’s cold here in Seattle so layering is going to be challenging. But I already tried something new and wore a scarf for warmth instead of my usual cardigan. And I chose a few things I don’t wear a lot, to get more time with them :)

    Reply

  57. Great challenge! Excited to join. I’ve been doing modified version of Project 333 for the past few years, and this year I’m in good enough shape to pledge to buying zero clothes in 2017. So the next phase of the challenge was, for me, to plan work outfits for ten days ahead of time. This is the best kind of discipline — being mindful while at the same time not feeling deprived.

    My 10×10 are below. I don’t do instragram, so you’ll have to use your imagination!

    black ponte straight skirt
    black wool straight pants
    bone silk wide leg ankle pants (Eileen Fisher)

    black long sleeve T shirt (tencel)
    white/ecru silk sleeveless blouse (Eileen Fisher)
    black merino wool pullover (Eileen Fisher)

    olive merino wool cardigan (Eileen FIsher)

    black boots
    black patent combat-style boots
    red leather Maryjanes

    Reply

  59. I have a toddler and am in my 3rd trimester with #2. My laundry is getting out of control, and I find myself digging through a big pile just to find a tee that fits my growing tummy. I want to get back on track with a capsule wardrobe, and I think a 10×10 challenge would be perfect to jump start it! I’ll get to clear my head and my closet. Let’s start!

    Reply

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