Hi! How’s your week going?
Can you believe we’re already almost a third of the way through this spring 10×10 remix? My girl Lee of Style Bee and I are having the BEST time hosting it. It’s actually become less about the outfits and more about the kind, positive, inclusive community around the challenge — just take a look at the #spring10x10 posts on Instagram! So thank you — thank you for making this a safe and fun space to get excited about style and try new things. It encourages me more than you know.
(And hey, want to join in? It’s not too late — here’s my quick start guide.)
First Impressions
THIS TOP — I’m so at home in it. I got it in 2015, and it’s been a steady favorite since then. In fact, we got to go to Paris that year, and I wore almost this exact same outfit on that trip. So anytime I wear it, I feel happy memories of that sweet, once-in-a-lifetime trip. Here’s one of my fav photos from that trip, taken by my friend Michelle. :)
Side note: I was on my blogging hiatus during that trip, so I never shared about it on the blog. It was two years ago now, but would you guys be interested in a packing list / travel post from that trip? Just let me know — I can make it happen.
Anyway, today is another typical day — working from home and errands — but tonight we have another community event at our favorite new pizza place. It’s the hip new spot in Abilene, so this outfit’s cool vibe will be spot on.
When it comes to today’s weather, it’s another glorious spring day in the 60s and 70s — perfect for bare arms but covered legs and feet.
Styling Notes
WARM UP A BLACK AND WHITE PALETTE WITH COGNAC | I wanted to keep things neutral, but add some interest. So I added cognac — it adds the perfect bit of color, while still staying in neutral territory. Plus, it warms up the palette and keeps it from feeling one-dimensional.
TWO FAVORITE PROPORTIONS IN ONE OUTFIT | This look hits two of my favorite proportions — crop top + high rise and boxy on top + fitted on bottom. I feel at home in ’em, so I love a good outfit that combines both. What are some of your favorite proportions?
OUT OF SIGHT BRA STRAPS | In this photo, I’m wearing my fav strapless bra that always stays put. But! Like I mentioned before, I brought this top with me when we went to Paris a few years ago, and I wore it with a black criss-cross back sports bra — the straps stayed out of sight and it was so much more comfortable for travel than a strapless bra.
NO ACCESSORIES | Again. :) To me, this outfit already has enough interest. That tulip back detail of the top is the statement, and I like letting it shine — instead of adding elements that might compete with it. However, if I had to accessorize it, I think a simple leather watch and sunnies would work well.
• • •
And there you have it!
Make sure to hop on over to Lee’s blog to see her outfit today, too!
So tell me, what are some of your favorite proportions? Tunic tops + fitted bottoms? Crop tops + high rise? Fitted tops + flowy bottoms? I’d love to hear what works for you. Also! Got any comfortable strapless bras (or strapless bra alternatives) to recommend?
Keep sharing your outfits on Instagram with the #spring10x10 tag — we love keeping up with you guys!
See you tomorrow!
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:
01 | Stripe tank (old from Madewell) | similar | similar in solid colors
02 | Black jeans by Mott + Bow (made responsibly) | similar (under $40)
03 | Bag gifted by ONA | similar (made responsibly) | similar (under $65) | similar (under $49)
04 | Ankle booties (old by Sam Edelman) | similar | similar (made responsibly)
Hi Caroline – yes, the community is awesome! I got so many helpful and encouraging comments (including yours!) about my skinny vs. wide pant question.
My go-to is boxy over skinny but I’ve enjoyed exploring other options during the challenge.
Thanks for hosting! It’s been great fun so far :)
So glad you’re having fun too, Karen! :)
I love this outfit, and I would also love a Paris post/packing list! I’ll be there for 10 days in July for my honeymoon and want to travel as light as possible (even though I’m a chronic overpacker!).
I would also love a Paris post! Very fun to hear about. Plus, I love that you were able to create a similar outfit that you wore… It feels so good to wear the same clothes and remember the fun!
I also wore a dress ai wore in Paris today. It wasn’t on my honeymoon though – my current girlfriend who I had just started to date at the time was in Paris for her cousin’s wedding, and prior to that, she had been visiting her brother who lived in Serbia. So, she had been gone for almost three weeks and I had such a crush and missed her so much. So I overpaid for tickets and flew into Charles Du Gaulle. It was probably the most romantic thing I will ever do in my life!
Anyway, I haven’t posted today’s outfit, but I’m still on outfit three (skipped outfit 2 because I was hiking in the mountains and didn’t have internet).
Spring 10 x 10 – Outfit 3 – http://wp.me/p7K4R6-4s
I am kind of concerned I will not be able to do it! Two of my items were sweaters and it is now about 80° here in Baltimore! And I keep getting dirty doing home renos and gardening during spring break. Any advice?
1. Yes please a Paris post, Caroline! I love that you’ve had that tank for this long and still love it so much. I have a handful of items I feel that way about and it’s my goal for everything: to still love it in three years.
2. That is SO romantic, Louise!
Louise! This is an insanely romantic story. I love it so much! Thanks for sharing. The stuff Paris dreams are made of :)
Stripes with black…always a great combo. In fashion and decor!-Laurel Bledsoe
Love the outfit and was thinking that if it was warm enough to wear that top I would wear sandals…and then I saw the photo from Paris.
Yup! Nailed it, Mary-Ellen! :)
Hi Caroline,
Although I’m not participating in this 10×10 challenge (too much going on right now) I’m enjoying seeing yours and Lee’s outfits! I did want to tell you about a post that’s proving so useful right now-the one where you talked about getting ready for a new capsule season by reevaluating things in your closet and making alterations/changes. Wow…this really got me thinking. Just altered a pair of jeans that I got a few months ago and hated the fit, took a fav pair of brogues in to be stretched, changed out buttons on a sweater that felt too formal and turned a pair of sandals into flip flops by removing the back strap. Bring on my spring capsule?
Denise! I am so impressed! Re-working clothes is ultimately the most sustainable and thoughtful option of all. Well done :)
Yes please to the Paris packing post! :)
There’s something about stripes that really makes me think of spring and summer. I know lots of people here in the UK wear breton stripes year round, but I definitely make them part of my spring and summer clothes! Lovely top.
Love the outfit. Yes, please… would like to see a post from your travel to Paris with your packing list.
Yes to the travel/packing post. Really enjoying the 10×10 so far!
Favorite Proportions:
– defined-waist, knee-length dress
– fitted boatneck top + a-line mini skirt
– high-rise skinny pants + button-down shirt, knotted at waist
I’m liking boxy tops and smocky, loose dresses these days, but I find they must fit perfectly through the arms and shoulders or they look sloppy on me. Fit is a little tricky with my body type (wide shoulders, large rib cage, and a generous cup size means I’m always rocking a “volume on top” look. Good thing I’ve got a big ‘ole butt to balance it out.) I sometimes wish I could dress less for my body type, but I find that my best proportions are also correctly fitted ones.
Sarah, it’s so great that you’ve learned to dress for your proportions. We all wish at some point that it didn’t have to be that way, but ultimately it really does feel better and easier to get dressed when you work with what you got! :) Great advice to other readers too! Thanks.
Love this outfit, it looks super comfy and wearable without being too casual. Also loving taking part in the spring 10 x 10 so far too. I would love to see you do a travel/packing post for Paris. I am obsessed with packing lists, even when I am not travelling, and have a pinterest board full of them.
They’re pretty fun, aren’t they Hollie? :)
I would love a post about Paris! I went there at about the same time you did (but in cooler weather). Hope to go back sometime :)
LOVE that shirt!!
-Kirsten // http://www.porkandcookies.com
What works best for me? Fitted bottoms with flowy tops! I had a baby last July and now more than ever, this is what I go for. I loved the look before but I *could* wear fitted tops with skits or shorts. Now I don’t feel so at ease.
What also works for me are elastic skirts (long or short) with a button down shirt, either tied or tucked inside. And Lou and Grey dresses! I live in the world of Eternal Winter AKA Vermont, so Winter dresses are an investment ;-)
Aurore, thanks for sharing. Those are great outfit formulas for sure! :)
Hi Caroline,
I would love to hear more about that trip to Pairs, maybe something like you did earlier with your trip to Santa Fe.
Nice outfits you got there with the spring10x10, i love that blush tee!
xoxo,
Andreea
LOVE this look! So sad this exact tank is no longer available. The back is my favorite part. And yes, PLEASE do a Paris post! It’s never too late for Paris. :)
Austin! I know, it’s a bummer when those cute details (like the back of this tank) are hard to find. If you really want to do some searching, you can try shopping “Pinafore Tops” on Etsy. I know I’ve seen similar things there at some point! :)
I would love a Paris packing post! I’m going to Europe this summer, your travel ideas are always helpful. Another post I would love to see is how you care for your various leather goods. Different types of leather and nubuck require different care products and I would be interested in knowing what you recommend. I’ve noticed that bags and shoes you’ve had for years still look great! Maybe you just don’t have as much unexpected rain where you are to sneak up and ruin leather items! Thanks!
Hey Stacy! I don’t use a whole lot of conditioners or care products for my leather pieces, since I like the worn-in look. :)
One of my fave outfits and YES to the post about Paris and packing! xo
I would *love* to see a Paris packing post!!! I always do carry-on only for trips, but it can get much trickier when it’s an overseas trip, especially to Paris.
I would love to see that Paris packing list!
Love your style so much! Simple, effortless but so put together <3
https://www.myblackcloset.com/
This outfit is definitely one of my go to’s in the spring! I have that same tank top, and love it so much, it is so versatile, and so comfortable. The bra strap issue is a little irritating, but like you, I just wear a racer back bra, or strapless with it!
Love this look!
-Mackenzie
http://www.kenzywho.com
Make it work, Mackenzie! ;)
Love this! Speaking of underthings, I noticed the longline bras that you recommended are no longer for offered (the new ones are racerback only). Love to hear your suggestions for a replacement,
Hi Jane! Sadly, I haven’t found a good replacement yet, but I’ll keep an eye out and let you know when I find one. :)
Hi. I would love to see a paris packing post! my husband and I are taking a long weekend trip to Toronto in june…sans kids! I love packing lists and am so excited to pack light for this little getaway since it’s just me! would love some inspiration :) Also, I have a question about black jeans. have you ever looked into dyeing denim? I have a great fitting pair of black skinny jeans that have developed some fading. at first I didn’t mind it but recently they also got an accidental crease on one of the pant legs that faded in an unfortunate line along the lower leg. :( I’ve never had this happen before, but it looks terrible. Anything you know of I can do to return these to a solid black again? thanks.
Hey Sara, I haven’t dyed many of my clothes since I’ve been enjoying the worn-in look, but you can definitely return your jeans to a darker black with dye! I think Rit is a pretty common dye (http://bit.ly/2o886Ya) and if you follow the instructions, I can’t imagine it being too difficult. You might also want to call around to dry-cleaners or local tailors and see if they can do it for you. Let us know what you find out! :)
Definitely would love to see the Paris packing list❤️
Since I’m petite (5’3″) I almost always wear high rise jeans to make me look taller! I also love leggings and flowy tops or slouchy sweater–so effortless, but still chic.
http://www.insearchofsheila.com
Girl. Yes. I think we need a Paris packing list post — filled with your photos of Paris too!
Hi Caroline
I would love to see a Paris packing list! I followed you on instagram during your hiatus, but really missed the posts to go with your fabulous pictures.
I would also absolutely love to see how you style sneakers into your everyday wardrobe, like the post with ankle boots and socks, as I am really struggling with this.
As always, I love what you do, thankyou
Jen
OK, good to know Jen! I’ll add some sneaker posts to my list of ideas! :) Thanks.
As I’m getting “older” (29), I’m been struggling a bit with the bra strap issue. In the past, a tank top would definitely not be enough to get me into a strapless bra. Obviously for anything strapless or halter or otherwise where a bra strap showing would be particularly egregious, I would do it. But for a top like this, I’d just deal with the bra strap showing a bit if it did so, even with cami tops – unless it was a more formal occasion. I’m a D cup, so wearing a strapless bra is agreeing to be uncomfortable and annoyed for the duration of wearing it, and I’ve tried many of them (although always open to suggestions). Recently, my laissez-faire bra strap attitude is changing a bit, as I’m trying to look more like a grown up. Trying to figure out how to balance this, as I’d probably sooner wear sweaters everywhere than a strapless bra to the grocery store…
I’m struggling with this too! Same age as you, and I used to not care so much about my bra straps showing but now I’m feeling more aware. The one time in the last year I tried wearing a strapless bra it would slide down every time I would pick up/carry my 1 year old son so I’ve avoided wearing one. I’ve noticed I’m leaning more towards wearing things I can just wear a regular bra with. But I just recently bought a sort of “athleisure bra” with a pretty, thin strappy back, so I’m going to try that out and see if I feel comfortable :)
I made an awesome little thing that helps with this problem! A piece of basic elastic… sew on two snaps on each end to make a loop I can fasten around each bra strap. It just pulls the straps together in the back… making them more hidden under racer back style tops. Doesnt work with spaghetti straps of course but I don’t wear those much anymore being 32 and also a D cup. ;)
I love this outfit! I wish I could buy that exact tank top still – the back is beautiful! I would really love to see a Paris packing list too :)
Question – this might be a long shot, but I love the flat sandals you are wearing in the picture with your husband in Paris. I’m looking for a pair just like that. Do you happen to remember which shoes they are?
Hey Liz! They were from Madewell. :) I loved them, but then Madewell recalled them so I returned them. I believe they have a similar pair this year though (and thankfully, they haven’t been recalled!).
LOVE cropped, boxy tops with high waists. Really digging the structure of this top. <3
http://www.wonderlandsam.com
Yes please to the packing list for Paris. Surprised that you would remember it though! :) We are heading to Paris for 8 days this July. Typical sight seeing and a couple of day trips around Northern France and Belgium. There are many blogs on how to pack for Paris but I never seem to find the balance between chic and functional (like which purse to take around with me that will be stylish yet safe from all the pick pockets Paris is infamous for). Thanks in advance! Also, I love your thoughtful approach towards personal style.
I love this look, caroline. It has such a cool spring vibe, yet is simple and relaxed. I would love to read a post about your packing list and trip to Paris!
It’s really cool to see that these boots are still such a big player in your outfits after a few years! I think I remember you using them in your 1st fall capsule? Ahh, it’s been a while but it is wonderful so see they’ve been such a great item for you and all of the ways you’ve worn them. They look really great with the crop top/high rise look and I love the warmth they bring color wise.
I don’t know that I could pick a favorite silhouette I love a draped tunic top over slim bottoms but I’m also a big fan of the high rise maxi with a cropped jacket. I feel at this point I have a good idea of where I like certain items to hit me proportion wise and that lets me play around a little with things I may have thought weren’t something I could pull off. (Cropped straight leg jeans. Eventually, I’m going to figure them out!)
It’s really lovely to see how much fun everyone is having with this challenge, thank you to both you and Lee for putting it together.
HI, I have just stumbled upon your blog and I’m totally enjoying it. I like the simplicity of this outfit, I am a less is more girl. I’m inspired by your cognac too, it’s such a warm colour. Thanks for sharing.
Love the outfit! You may have talked about this in the past, but do you use a certain hair product to get those waves? I always like the way your hair looks!
Hey Erin! I did post a bit about my hair routine here: http://bit.ly/2bZaqy2 :)
Love this outfit! I’m a simple gal so I like simple, classy outfit. I would love love love your Paris outfit/packing tips. I’m headed there this June with my husband!
I love a simple outfit with no accessories! I’m a minimal dresser myself and it’s rare if I ever wear jewelry that isn’t my engagement ring + wedding band.
xo, Sofia
http://www.thecozie.co
Yes to a Paris packing list post!
I love this look and those boots! I’ve been on a hunt for pair like that!!! And I would love to see your Paris packing and outfit tips!!!
I’ve always wanted to know what you packed for the Paris trip and how you fitted everything! A post like your recent packing for a winter get away would be really awesome! Please?
I would *love* a Paris post. I’m living vicariously through your travel posts until I can go myself ;)
Yes, please on a Paris packing list / travel post!
And adore this top…along with your and Lee’s colour palettes and pull towards simplicity. Thank you!
Again, such an effortless outfit. Nailed it! :)
Shelbi | Urban Girl’s Closet
Oh you look so lovely and I love reading your blog. I so wish I had a body to carry such clothes.
I would love to see your Paris packing list! I love your other packing lists for shorter trips and would love to see what you did for a longer journey!
Would also love a Paris post!
I would also be so grateful if you could share your jean size! I’m ordering a pair and taking advantage of the try an extra size option. It would help me so much to know what you are wearing! xx