I’m feeling the squeeze, you guys. The squeeze of “I only included three tops in my 10×10 challenge.”
(I’m curious, how many tops did you include?)
So y’know what I did?
Styled this dress as a shirt.
Yes, I did. And, you know what?
I love it.
Like discovered my new favorite outfit, love it.
Especially mixed with these slouchy jeans. Typically, I would have reached for my high rise skinnies, but since they aren’t in this 10×10 remix, I couldn’t. Good thing, because I discovered a new proportion I love! (More on that in just a second.)
This outfit definitely gets an A. It’s totally my style. In fact, it may be leading the charge as far as my style is concerned. It feels like it’s ahead of where my style currently is hanging out — in a good way. It’s where I want to be.
Isn’t that kind of funny? It’s made up of basic pieces I’ve had for a while, but for some reason, in this new combination, this outfit feels groundbreaking for me. Maybe it’s because I don’t have a top that’s this shape — so this is the first time I’m seeing a top like this with my beloved jeans.
Styling notes:
Tuck (or tie) a dress and wear it as a top: Here, I did a little front tuck, but it would also work beautifully tied in a knot at the hip or waist (or even thigh, if your dress is super loose).
Pinch (and pin) your jeans: I’ve covered this a few times already in this remix series, so I’ll just point you towards this quick jeans-rolling tip right here. (Scroll down to the very last photo in that post and you’ll find the tip right above it.)
Slouchy on top, slouchy on bottom: Remember my proportions for fall? This outfit could fall into the “fitted on bottom, volume on top” category. But, because the boyfriend jeans are a little looser, it feels more like a “slouchy on top, slouchy on bottom” proportion. And … well … I think I love that new proportion more than I want to admit. Even though “slouchy on top, slouchy on bottom” sounds like blobville, hopefully this outfit is evidence that it can be flattering with the right pieces.
So tell me, how many tops did you include in your remix challenge? Have you had any moments of “I didn’t include enough of …”?
We just have one more outfit! Thank goodness because I am fresh out of outfit ideas. :)
• • •
Liked today’s outfit? You can shop it and support Unfancy at the same time by using these affiliate links:
01 | Dress (old) | Similar (made responsibly) | Similar
02 | Jeans by Rag and Bone (made in USA) / similar by 7 For All Mankind (on sale + made in USA)
04 | Necklace (old) / Similar
05 | Bag (old) | similar | similar (made in USA)
• • •
xo,
This outfit has me written all over it! I think the shape of the front tuck keeps it from looking too blob-like. Thanks for sharing this series!
I love this! I’m saving it in my stylebook inspirations!
Love it! I tried the outfit you didn’t like so much the other day: black silk dress, black skinnies rolled up with low-heeled booties and a moto jacket. I felt the same sort of “this is where I want my style to go” moment. Except I also realized I’m dying for more light neutral non-black options. Love these learning moments! I opted for only 4 tops and this dress, and it’s worked pretty well so far!
Hey Kimberley, this dress proves it’s versatility once again! :) xo, Caroline
I remember way back when, you styled a striped dress as a top with a skirt. That dress was structured very differently. It worked, and well, this does, too!! I love it. Great job, Caroline!
It seems to work well because even though your jeans are more slouchy than skinnies, they still contour to your silhouette nicely, balancing the the top. The proportions work in my opinion. Lovely outfit and also a favorite of mine!
this is, like, the millionth time i’ve cursed the fact that this dress is no longer available. such a cute way of wearing it!!
I feel the same way!
I just checked today and it’s back in stock in S. I just ordered.
I just saw this dress come back in stock today. I just ordered.
This is my fave outfit of the whole series! Probably because black and denim and slouchy on slouchy is totally my wheelhouse. Relaxed and comfortable and screaming “realistic fall.” You look great!
Shana, aaaah! Thank you so much :) xo, Caroline
Brilliant! It’s totally works and totally you. Once again, a perfect example of necessity being the mother of invention. I am confident there is at least one more outfit based on these pieces in you:)
Oksana, thank you friend! Words to live by :) xo, Caroline
I included 4 tops — and it’s plenty to create new layers/looks… except it’s been so hot, layering is the last thing I want to do! Fascinating (and annoying) Haha.
I am loving this outfit. I am definitely going to try styling a dress as a shirt. Looking forward to your last outfit.
I love the 10×10 series! And seeing some new outfit inspiration on a daily basis. Please keep it up.
This is adorable!!!
I love it! And I would also give it an A – it’s so you! Though this outfit has the same “proportions” both in the top and bottom, it worked really well for you. For me, I believe I would have gone with the skinny jeans… I will try it when I have the chance! Thanks for posting this challenge :)
http://www.simpleness.com.br
I agree – the outfit really suits you, Caroline!
I think the reason the proportions work is because they are moderate. Although you have slouchy + slouchy, it’s not really baggy + baggy, you get me?
But also, there a defined waist and some visual direction. A good outfit really needs somewhere for the eye to go. Your necklace and your tuck accomplish this.
Way to go! You nailed it!
Yes – slouchy not baggy! Caroline when you did the post on fall proportions I noticed you didn’t cover a more straight silhouette, which is how I usually dress. Love it!
Thank you ladies for all the kind comments! :) xo, Caroline
Cute way to remix a dress!
Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com
This looks great. I agree the front tuck really makes it work. I wore a long, slouchy tee from anthropologie like this yesterday with kick flare jeans rolled up to make boyfriends. Thanks for the pinching tip!
Hey Tanya, sounds really cute! :) xo, Caroline
LOVE this look!! Both times I have done this exercise I have come away a with a few more looks up my sleeve but there has always one that has felt ‘ground breaking’. So excited you found yours!
Currently scheming if I can recreate this look… :)
Looks great! I started a little later with the challenge so I’ve only worn three outfits yet (and the fourth ready for tomorrow) but yes, I’ve thought the exact same thing as I also included only 3 tops. 3 tops, two pairs of pants, one skirt, two toppers and two pairs of shoes. The toppers don’t allow for a lot of creativity though, with temperatures here now I need them in the mornings for warmth but have to take em off by noon cause it gets too warm :p. So I can’t really build outfits around them, just throw them on when needed. Still, I remain curious as to what the coming days of this challenge will teach me.
Liesbeth, so glad you’re giving it a shot! Try something unexpected :) xo, Caroline
This combo is ???! I loved your blog before, but after this remix challenge it just might be my favorite. Thanks for all the inspiration and always keeping things in perspective.
You know what, I love it!
I’m just thinking by myself, I loved when you used a stripped dress “as a skirt”, remember? I guess you could do the same with this black dress and the stripped button-up… :)
Hey Aline, good point — it could work! :) xo, Caroline
I love this! I always look for dresses that could be styled as tops but then I never seem to actually wear them that way. Thanks for the inspiration!
This!! This is getting all the heart eyes from me. The tuck, the heels, the cute bag. Great styling
What a lovely combination. This outift is definitely one of my favourites.
xx
Renaud | http://xxmuchlove.blogspot.com
I’ve haven’t heard of cuff-pinching before… sure is refreshing to know that i could do something else to it other than the good ol’ roll.
Hey Mun, yes, definitely give it a try to shake things up! :) xo, Caroline
For my vacation next week, I’m taking 10 items, but 5 of them are tops. Re: today’s outfit, I do have tops this shape and most of my jeans are relaxed fit, so I wear this proportion all the time. It looks good on you.
Hey Carol, should make packing pretty easy! Enjoy :) xo, Caroline
I think this totally works. I have enjoyed this series very much. I like what you are doing with the blog and while I am a lot older than you, and live across the other side of the world, I think the feel of our wardrobe and size of it would be similar, and our approach is also similar. Quality but trendy basics, a few fun wildcards, a tight but realistic wardrobe that we enjoy wearing.
love it!
I love the jeans and dress combination. It helps me get more use of things as well as hiding my mum tum.
When you did the all black jeans and dress outfit, I was going to suggest that you tried blue jeans instead. Thrilled to see how good it looks here! It’s a lovely outfit.
You’ve also given me an idea for a blue top that I love but don’t wear very often as well. If I can track down the right grey or black jeans, I’ll get loads of use from it. Thank you.
Oh I love this! That dress looks like a tunic with the front tuck (wish I could pull that off, lol). The necklace and heels balance out and give sophistication to the slouchy look. That’s awesome that you discovered something new you love!