I cannot believe we’re already on outfit EIGHT for this summer 10×10 challenge. I’ve had so much fun with you all this time around — I’m definitely going to have withdrawals afterwards.
My 10×10 co-host, Lee of Style Bee and I have loved seeing + reading about your experiences via the #summer10x10 tag. We all approach getting dressed in different ways, don’t we? It’s been immensely inspiring to see you guys walk your own paths so confidently, and value approaches that might be different than your own. You ladies are the light — keep on shining.
We still have two more outfits to go, so let’s get down to it!
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
This has been my favorite 10×10 challenge of all time. Usually about this time in the challenge, I get a little bored and just want to wear other clothes already — but not this time! Even though I’m working with a limited number of pieces, things are still feeling super fresh because I’m pushing myself out of my comfort zone so much.
However, after a few days of trying new things, it’s always nice to fall back on an old standby, like this black dress. If I had to pin down a reason as to why this challenge has been more enjoyable than past challenges, I’d say it’s because I have a mix of both challenging new pieces and comfortable old favorites. Noted for next time. :)
You know what’s cool? This black dress is from my very first capsule wardrobe back in 2014. In fact, I think I even got it in 2013, before I started blogging. It makes me so happy to see pieces start to stand the test of time. I still love this dress just as much as I did the day I bought it, and it’s holding up beautifully so I have the highest hopes for it’s longevity.
STYLING NOTES
ADD INTEREST WITH A CIRCLE BAG | Since this is a super basic outfit with minimal styling, I decided to pull out my round bag to give it a jolt of energy and interest. And it worked! This little subtle statement bag has done wonders to elevate plain outfits while staying in line with my low-key style.
MINIMAL STYLING | I’m almost laughing here because there’s practically zero styling to this outfit — so it’s kind of hard to come up with styling notes. But I suppose that’s a lesson that a great dress can just work. No fancy styling needed.
COMFORT FIRST | Yep, I’ll call this a styling note. :) Because as much fun as it is to get outside of that style comfort zone, feeling good in clothes is just the best.
• • •
And there you have it!
Make sure to hop on over to Lee’s blog to see her outfit today, too!
Keep sharing your outfits on Instagram with the #summer10x10 tag — we love keeping up with you guys. See you tomorrow for outfit 9!
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:
BLACK DRESS (old by Ann Taylor) / Similar / Similar (under $30)
SLIDES (old by Nordstrom Rack) / Similar (under $25) / Similar (made responsibly)
ROUND BAG by Baggu (made responsibly) / Similar (on sale) / Similar (under $40)
Keep pushing darling…the new look is fab! It’s not so different than the others and shows what you can do adding a few new elements. This is exactly what we teach our design clients to come up with homes they adore. – Laurel
I have loved seeing how versatile you have made the one pair of shoes you included in your capsule this time! Also, it’s been fun having daily posts from you again!
I was surprised about this, too! The clothes you picked are all such different looks that I almost forgot the shoes were always the same.
that’s so great that you’ve enjoyed being out of your comfort zone with this challenge. i definitely want to get my hands on a circle bag, it always draws my eye!
Abigail Alice x
Love, love, LOVE this dress on you! You look great lady! :)
Some of my absolute favorite pieces are items that I’ve had in my wardrobe for years! You can always tell which items were bought because they actually fulfill a purpose in your wardrobe instead of items that were bought in the heat of the moment! I think this dress looks adorable on you!
Karin
truncationblog.com
Love the black dress!!!!
I still want to try a 10×10 challenge one of these days, but at least I’ll use this as inspiration when packing for my Europe trip in September! Gotta pack light, so I can bring more goodies home. ;)
http://www.wonderlandsam.com
I love the black and cognac combination!
I’m wondering: if you had the same kind of sandals but in black, would you prefer to pair this black dress with black sandals, or would you still go with tan? I personally like black and brown combos and find them more interesting then going all black, but I’m never sure if it looks better that way or not. Thoughts?
Hey Yardenne, I seem to prefer the brown as well, I just love that combo! I think it’s just a matter of preference. The black would look cute too! :)