It’s remix time!
I couldn’t be more excited to team up with my blogging bestie, Lee of Style Bee, to host the spring 10×10 remix. Lee is the original creator of the 10×10 challenge, and you’ll definitely want to start following her if you’re not already. Over the next two weeks, Lee and I will share our daily remixed outfits on our blogs. And we’d love nothing more than for you to join us!
Here’s how it works: Pick 10 pieces from your closet and create 10 outfits from them over the next 10 days. Include tops, bottoms, and shoes. Don’t worry about accessories or bags — they can flow in and out freely.
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 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.
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!
Are you in?! Keep reading to see the 10 pieces I picked and how to plan your remix in 25 minutes flat (so you can start this weekend and join us for the first outfit on Monday!)
MY 10 PIECES
I love how fresh this little capsule feels. In my roster? My raw silk pink tee — the one from this weekend’s Virtual Pop Up sale. A pair of soft boyfriend jeans — the most comfortable pair of jeans I’ve ever owned. And a cropped striped tank — a tried-and-true closet staple since 2015.
All in all, I included:
- 4 tops
- 1 dress
- 1 outer layer
- 2 bottoms
- 2 pairs of shoes
You could use this formula, too, if you’re not quite sure where to start.
Here’s the complete line up:
01 | Pink tee (made responsibly, use code UNFANCY1000 for 10% off) | similar
02 | Striped tank (old) | similar | similar in solid colors
03 | White v-neck tee (made responsibly) | similar
04 | Long cardigan (made responsibly) | similar | similar (under $25)
05 | Striped dress (old) | similar | similar (under $40)
06 | Black silk tee (made responsibly) | similar shape in a tee | similar
07 | Black denim (old) | similar (made responsibly) | similar (under $40)
08 | Boyfriend jeans (old) | same jean in a different wash (made in USA) | similar | similar (under $30)
09 | Booties (old) | similar | similar (made responsibly)
10 | Lace up sandals | similar (made responsibly)
PLAN + START YOUR REMIX IN 25 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? Jump in anyway! Our weather looks relatively stable this time around, but during my winter remix, we had temperatures ranging from 30 degrees to 80 degrees. Whew, that was challenging. :) But if I can do it, you can do it!
2 | NOTE YOUR DAILY ACTIVITIES / 3 min
Next, grab your calendar and make a note of any special activities you have coming up in the next 10 days.
Over the next two weeks, I’ve got two different trips (one to Dallas and one to Las Vegas), and two community dinner events. Yikes! :) This is definitely the busiest I’ve been during a remix, but I have high hopes I can make it all work.
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
Gather two or three foundational pieces you know you’ll include, like skinny jeans or 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 / 15 min
Begin to build on your foundation, pulling pieces you love to wear, while considering:
- WEATHER + LIFESTYLE. Go off the notes you made earlier, and be ruthless. 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 neutrals, plus a pop of peachy pink.
- PROPORTIONS. Pick shapes and silhouettes that work well together, like fitted tops with fuller bottoms or high rise bottoms with crop tops.
Are you joining in? Instagram your 10 pieces over the weekend and tag ’em #spring10x10 so we can all follow along. And you can also use our ongoing hashtags — #unfancyremix and #stylebee10x10.
Your turn! We all have different reasons for doing this — tell me why you’re join this time! Do you have a particular goal in mind? I’d love to hear about it!
See you Monday for the first outfit! :)
xo,
Love this!! also Where did you get the wood clothing rack??
she posted about this on her “closet tour” post – i believe it’s from amazon!
thanks :)
Here’s a direct link, Lisa: http://bit.ly/2cM3Afg
Ah I love this challenge! But the weather has been changing here everyday so I’m still thinking how I will make it work (but I will!)
You can do it, Rita! Maybe just don’t include outerwear, but add it if needed? Good luck! :)
I picked a neutral & bright pink palette! I pulled pieces-my overalls-I never wear, but need to! I used your tuck, untuck, & layering ideas to be creative! I’ve learned a lot from you & have very similar, taste & size. I’m super excited to try this for the first challenge! Thanks for edcucating me-My younger roll model ?
role
That is so sweet, Marti! I hope you have fun with it! :)
I’m considering joining you guys this time because your spring looks like early fall here in São Paulo. Maybe the color palette goes a little bit darker…
Hoping everybody has fun!
I hope you do, Juliana! It’ll be fun. :)
Hey Caroline! I love this capsule it’s so light and springy! You’re pics really make me want to go out and get a garment rack for my own capsule experiments. Quick question. Would base layers like a long sleeve tee or cami get included in the ten pieces. I pretty much wear a cami everyday, so that might take out space for the stars of my show. All the best, Kristen.
My 2 cents is no – if you’re not gonna see it and it’s going to go in every single outfit it won’t really affect your mixing and matching. Caroline may have a different opinion though :)
I agree with Leah! I think the point of the experiment is to come up with new looks using items you already own. If you always wear a cami, keep that underneath (like undies!) and work on the outer layers. :)
It seemed like everyone found my last blogger index for the winter 10 x 10 helpful, and it helped me view many versions of the challenge, see different style choices that I wouldn’t otherwise know about, and most importantly, find some new blogging friends. Oh yeah, and the challenge got my blogging more than ever. I’m making a spring 10 x 10 index. Check it out here, and reply to this post if you are participating and want to be added so others can find you!
I don’t have a roundup with flat lays and I’m just winging it. It worked last time! I encourage other newbie bloggers to join in and wing it and not worry about taking perfect photos! It’s a fun learning experience and requires less planning than you would think. Don’t be afraid! The worst that could happen is that you slip up, and that’s a little deal.
Whoops! Forgot to link to the Spring 10×10 round up! Here’s the link: https://lesslessyes.wordpress.com/2017/04/07/spring-10-x-10-index/
Louise, this is awesome! I can’t wait to see what everyone does with their 10×10!
https://everydayjoys.blog/
It’s so fun, isn’t it ladies? I love seeing what everyone comes up with. :)
It’s funny, my style aesthetic has more of a classic, feminine (give me all the ruffles and bows) vibe, but I love your blog and style, and even though I don’t “fit” with what I feel like is the general audience of yours and Lee’s blogs, I still enjoy participating in these challenges and am always inspired by everyone’s take on it.
Julie – I feel ya! I’m not all ruffles and bows, but I do love flowers, twirly skirts, vintage inspiration, and more traditional fits…and I LOVE these blogs. Even though I doubt I’ll ever wear anything close to Caroline or Lee’s styles, they’re both so inspiring!
I still use the ideas even though the styles may not be similar! I used to do vintage/twee stuff and now I like Jil Sander and Helmut Lang stuff…I like Caroline and Lee’s styles but they are just a little different! They are current minimalists and I veer to 90s minimalism (i.e. micro modal forever, draped clothing forever, spaghetti straps forever).
Minimalism KIND OF has a look…but it’s also a mindset that can be applied to any style (except like..Versace…which will never be minimal!)
Absolutely! I do feel a little guilty that most of my pieces are from “mainstream” (i.e. not made responsibly) places like Loft, but this blog has definitely helped me be more mindful, and this year I have been more focused on secondhand items and getting back into sewing. Love that we can all still be inspired and appreciate what others are doing, even if it’s different from our preferences.
Even if it wasn’t responsibly made, secondhand is, IMO, more environmentally and worker friendly than even “ethical” brand new fashion. You are using something that is already made and not fueling new consumption, and not letting companies profit from consumerism. Just like living in a small midcentury house or old row house in the northeast (since most old rowhouses are <1200 sq ft and houses built and bought by WWII vets in the late '40s and early '50s had to be less than 1000 sq ft to meet the standards for assistance) than building a brand new tiny house. Reuse FIRST!
So cool! I can’t wait to see your outfits!
-Kirsten // http://www.porkandcookies.com
I’m loving all the colors in this one! Can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Thank you for next challenge. Sounds like I am very into them :) Look at my choices on http://www.likekate.com I hope we all have lots of fun. It is not the easy one, Easter is coming so I needed to consider more “smart” outfit as for church and fancy dinner. Have a lovely weekend. Kate
Trying to balance the fluctuating weather here in the Northeast can be tricky, but I am hopeful my 10×10 will still work! I am also balancing having to teach for four days (I am a teacher) with going on vacation to NYC for Spring Break. My goal for this challenge is to have fun with it and to demonstrate to my students how less can sometimes mean more. :)
That is a huge challenge, Sayda! I’m glad you’re ready to have fun with it, don’t take yourself too seriously. Enjoy! :)
This sounds so interesting and fun.
Alina
http://www.eclecticalu.blogspot.com
Any ideas for how to alter the challenge to fit a lifestyle with two distinct wardrobe partitions? I work 4 days a week, stay home for two days and go out twice for casual outings. My home clothes have overlap with my going-out wardrobe, but there’s almost no overlap with my work wardrobe. (I like what I wear at work, but I REALLY want comfort when I get home.)
Maybe I should do a 10x10x2? Like 10 work days and 10 off days with 10 pieces each? Ugh! Or maybe just do it for one at a time? Any suggestions are welcome.
Hey Katharine! If I were you, and there’s no overlap with work clothes and going-out clothes, I would just work on one or the other. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to do it perfectly, just have some fun and see if you can come up with anything new! :)
Thanks so much, Caroline. I might try that. It does make it seem a lot more manageable and fun!
Yeeee, I am really looking forward to this spring’s 10×10. I enjoy the focus it brings to my closet & the creativeness I put into my outfits. I also love peaking into everyone else’s fun style. The winter 10×10 was my first challenge & I learned so much. Thank you!
Yay! Love it, Gina :)
I think I’m going to try to participate this time! The remix is such a fun idea! Can’t wait to follow along with you & Lee!
http://www.madsmuses.com
Hope you do Madeline! :)
I am loving this combination! I’ve been eyeing that tee! Can I ask what size you got for reference?
Hoping to give the 10×10 a shot this time, we’ll see!
Which tee were you looking at, Sally? :)
This sounds like such a fun challenge! I’ve been wanting to try it, and now that you’re “hosting” one of sorts, I’m going to try and jump in! :)
http://www.wonderlandsam.com
Yay! Excited to see what you do, Samantha! :)
I’m going to participate and the reason is that at the end of the year I am going on a 2 month trip and I want to be able to take only a carry on. A backpack ideally. And I know I am going to have to pack really really light. So I think this challenge will help me experiment and get me familiar with wearing a small wardrobe and keeping it fresh. Ultimately I think it will help me decide on what pieces to pack.
Sounds like such a great time to try the experiment. I’ve learned so much from packing light. Enjoy! Sounds like it’ll be a great experience! :)
Love this color palette Caroline! I can’t wait to see all of your outfits. Need to hop over to Stylebee now and see what Lee’s got going on!
Woohoo Karen! :)
I loved the winter 10×10 and the comment it created connecting women all over the world. So thank you, Caroline an dLee, for providing the platform again.
So will I be in this time? I have two out-of-regular-worklife weeks ahead, but I might still jump in at the last minute like I did last time. At first I thought, aaaah too much hassle, but then I jumped in and I loved it and learned so much. So ladies, It’s never too late to participate and it’s a lot more fun than doing it alone. As last time, I would not pick out all 10 items beforehand. But it is a very good idea to pick out 2 or 3 core pieces in advance.
Hope you can make it work, Tina! :)
I feel like it was JUST the winter 10×10!
Right, Sondra?? Time flies when you’re having fun ;)
Okay this time i’m definitely going to try! ;) I love the pieces you choose (that tee is definitely the best purchase ever!) xo
Melodie || http://www.happymelodie.com
Yay! Good luck Melodie :)
I definitely take from this set TOMS Leila Booties. They are awesome for me.
I love your remixes they always inspire me to shake up how I wear my staples. I love that silk tee so much
– Natalie
http://www.workovereasy.com
I’m not going to join in this time…too excited to start wearing my Spring clothes! But,I’ll enjoy following along.
Enjoy, enjoy Joanna! :)
Ohh I love the color scheme of your pieces! My goal for joining is mostly to help me through the winter to spring transition before switching capsule wardrobes! I’m so excited about it, and I can’t wait to see what everyone shares!
-Lauren
http://www.chic-ethique.com/
I LOVE those colours! I think this might just be my favourite remix collection yet!
Right now my son and I are sharing a carryon suitcase since all the rest of our belongings are packed up ready to be moved overseas, so it looks like I’ll be doing the 10×10 for awhile. 3 tops, 2 bottoms, 1 dress, 2 layers for cooler days and 2 pairs of shoes have been perfect so far, although I did find the perfect black drapey dress at a secondhand shop today ?
This would be such a fun challenge! And a great way to teach myself how to pack for travel. I always overpack!
Love this, thanks for the idea. I might just do this this week :)
Rebecca | morerebe.com
Yes, I’m in! Mine will be more of a 10×15 because I’ll be away from home for 2 weeks. I’m up for the challenge. Thank you Caroline and Lee for putting this out there and the great pointers!
Hi Caroline! I love your style! I am totally stuck in a rut with a wardrobe that has very similar shapes. I notice that your wardrobe has a variety of silhouettes and I struggle with taking a chance on new shapes. I am petitie and a little curvy so I avoid boxy or cropped styles. Any advice?
Hi Caroline, I love your blog. Would do have some advice for someone who doesn’t have room to store off season clothes? I only have small closet space so wondering about a year long capsule instead of seasonal. Thanks, can’t wait to see how you do the 10×10
I love this idea Caroline! I just finished a Project 333 challenge and I think this might be my next closet endeavor to document in the Insta :) Thanks to you and Style Bee for the great closet inspo!
This is great! I love the soft color palette that you chose. Great photos! Consider me inspired!
Okay, I’ve made my selections: a red crew-neck tee, a white V-neck tee, a grey/white stripe rayon crop top, a black linen top, black and dark rinse jeans, a taupe wool sweater jacket, a rayon knit A-line dress in a purple/black herringbone pattern, black ankle boots and black flats. But really, there’s no way I’m only wearing four tops for 10 DAYS. :)
Yes, yes, yes! I have been following Un-Fancy and doing the capsule wardrobe for 1.5 year. In the beginning, thirty-some pieces was tricky but now I realize I don’t really even need that many so I’m trying to figure out how to make better selections. Thrilled to see this challenge come out. I just left home for two weeks so the timing was perfect. Thank you Caroline for the great challenge and everything outlining it!
Yay! Next week I’m heading to Seattle and I decided to do somewhat of a 10×10 of my own! I’m bringing my 10 items and I hope to make them last my entire couple week trip while I’m there! I’m so excited to see how it’ll work out! :)
Great choice and post! :)
Loving the 10 x 10 idea. I find that I keep work and home clothes separate, I don’t cross them over. I guess I could do a 10 x 10 challenge still. (I’m not so keen on my work stuff though.)
Hi Caroline! This is off topic, but where did you get that plant and pot? I love it!
This sounds like such a fun exercise to shake things up and flex creativity! I can totally see myself doing this for my upcoming trips or even just to refresh my capsule wardrobe inspiration! Thank you for sharing this project :)
xo, EK