Happy Monday! How was your weekend?
It’s day six of the 10×10 challenge! I’ve teamed up with my best blogging pal Lee of Style Bee, and we’re hosting a remix challenge: 10 pieces of clothing, 10 outfits, 10 days. Wanna join? Details here.
Let’s jump into today’s outfit:
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
I’m way out of my style comfort zone now and having a blast!
I actually ended up wearing this outfit over the weekend — even though Lee and I were technically taking the weekend off of the 10×10. It was nice to see that I’m not tired of these 10 pieces yet. I’ll take that as a good sign for the rest of the challenge. :)
I have to admit, when I came up with this outfit, it made me a little nervous. I liked the idea of it. But it included two pieces that are kind of out of my style comfort zone — mom jeans and a crop tank.
In fact, I almost decided to skip this outfit all together. It just felt like too big of a leap.
But then, a little voice popped into my head with an old mantra.
This little voice always seems to wait patiently for my inner dialogue to quiet — you know, as I tell myself all the reasons I can’t do something outside of my comfort zone.
And then it’ll pop in with that mantra:
Or…you might surprise yourself.
So I listened. And I tried it anyway.
And I definitely surprised myself. I ended up wearing it out to dinner and a concert with friends this weekend and I loved it. Yes, it was outside of my comfort zone, but it was fun being out there.
So here’s to more of that. :)
STYLING NOTES
IF YOU’RE TRYING SOMETHING OUTSIDE OF YOUR STYLE COMFORT ZONE, SURROUND IT WITH FAMILIAR THINGS | For example, this fitted crop top situation made me a little nervous. So I styled it with the plainest outfit (jeans and a tee) and the plainest palette imaginable (denim blue and white). By surrounding the new, scary thing with things that are in my style comfort zone, it made the leap easier.
CROP TOPS ARE SCARY (BUT NOT AS SCARY AS YOU MIGHT THINK) | Here’s a cool thing — if you wear a crop top with high waisted pants, your midriff doesn’t show when you sit down, bend down, etc. Which is just really nice, if you know what I mean. If you’re considering a crop top, you might want to give it the ol’ sit down test in the dressing room to make sure you’re covered when you sit.
YOU MIGHT SURPRISE YOURSELF | And even if it doesn’t work out, how fascinating! :)
• • •
And there you have it!
Make sure to hop on over to Lee’s blog to see her outfit today, too!
So tell me, have you surprised yourself recently (in the style department or otherwise)? And do you have a mantra that’s been encouraging you lately? Share away in the comments!
Keep sharing your outfits on Instagram with the #summer10x10 tag — we love keeping up with you guys. See you tomorrow for outfit 7!
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:
HIGH WAISTED JEANS by Grlfriend (made in USA) / Similar (under $60) / Similar (under $40)
CHAMBRAY SHIRT (old by Madewell) / Similar / Similar (under $35)
SLIDES (old from Nordstrom Rack) / Similar (under $25) / Similar (made responsibly)
TOTE gifted by ONA | Similar (made responsibly) | Similar (under $65) | Similar (under $49)
Glad to see you made the leap of faith with this outfit. You look super cute and it absolutely is a great look for you. It screams “I’m happy!” and probably makes you feel happy.
your white top is so flattering on your figure. you look beautiful!
Abigail Alice x
I think your outfit looks great, Caroline, and I’m sure it’s very comfortable.
Please explain how you tied your shirt to look so cute and not bulky!!
Yes please!
Alina
http://www.eclecticalu.blogspot.com
love love love!
I am really enjoying all of the new environments in which you are taking your photos!
Winning!
I love both cropped tops and mom jeans, so it makes me laugh that these were uncomfortable to you, but you look so well in them!
Natalie | http://nataliesalchemy.wordpress.com
I like your approach, Caroline – taking it step by step and mixing familiar clothes with new.
I think it is important to still feel slightly comfortable with the new style and not to change your style due to fashion trends – so that you are tricked into thinking you must have a certain item of clothing. It should always truly be your style.
You can always ask a good friend on her opinion and for encouragement if you are unsure.
Love this casual look!
Liv
http://livforstyle.net
Love this! I have a mantra that I love lately when I’m overwhelmed or unfocused or anxious: “Do what’s in front of you.” -Tavi Gevinson, from the book In The Company of Women. Do that every day and you can get pretty far.
Do tell us how you tied your chambray in the top two photos! I kept expecting the post was going to be about this. The jeans and tee look is adorable. You have great arms!
Your outfit looks simple, comfortable and stylish. I think that a belt in the same colour as your tote and slides would look good on your jeans :)