Happy July!
Today is a fun day — it’s time to kick off the summer 10×10 remix! I’m so excited to get to host this challenge alongside my blogging bestie (and 10×10 remix creator!) Lee of Style Bee.
Here’s how it works: Pick 10 items of clothing from your closet. Include tops, bottoms, and shoes for your everyday life. Don’t include accessories, bags, PJs, or gym clothes — they can flow in and out freely. Then, for 10 days, create a new outfit each day using your 10 items.
That’s it!
No need to buy anything. No need to throw anything out. No need to commit to minimalism forever. No need to overhaul your wardrobe.
Instead, it’s all about trying something new 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.
Everyone has a different reason for jumping in. Some people do it to test drive a minimalist wardrobe without the commitment. Some do it to foster contentment with the clothes they already have. Some use it as a trial run to pack for an upcoming trip. Some do it to find like-minded style friends through the #summer10x10 hashtag. And some do it to push their outfit-making creativity to new heights.
Whatever your reason, Lee and I would love for you to join us in the spirit of lightheartedness.
And if you mess up, or can’t make 10 outfits, or something just goes plain wrong — how fascinating! :)
Intrigued? Keep reading — today I’m sharing:
- my single goal for this challenge
- the 10 pieces I picked for my remix
- 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
While I usually approach these challenges with no pre-conceived notions or goals, this time around, I’m going in with the intention to try a new style. I’ve been drawn to a more romantic and vintage style lately, but I haven’t been brave enough to fully embrace yet. The 10×10 is the perfect chance to go all out and see how I like it in real life.
All in all, I included:
- 4 tops
- 3 dresses (well, 2 dresses + 1 romper)
- 2 bottoms
- 1 pair of shoes
My lineup feels a little different than usual — perhaps a little lopsided, with the 3 dresses and only 1 pair of shoes. But somehow, since it’s summer, I think I can get away with it and still make 10 outfits.
(However if this is your first time trying a 10×10 remix, and you’re not quite sure where to start, try using my typical formula as a template: 4 tops, 1 dress, 1 outer layer, 2 bottoms, 2 pairs of shoes.)
Here’s the complete line up:
2 / LINEN TUNIC by Anthropologie (on sale)
3 / BUTTON DOWN (old by Cloth + Stone) / Similar / Similar (made responsibly) / Similar (under $25)
4 / MOM JEANS by Grlfriend (made in USA) / Similar (under $60) / Similar (under $40)
5 / LINEN DRESS (old by Ann Taylor) / Similar / Similar / Similar (in a jumpsuit)
6 / CHAMBRAY SHIRT (old by Madewell) / Similar / Similar (under $35)
7 / ROMPER (old by Madewell) / Similar (on sale) / Similar / Similar in a longer cut (made responsibly)
8 / BLACK DRESS (old by Ann Taylor) / Similar (under $50) / Similar (under $30)
9 / SLIDES by Nordstrom Rack (under $50) / Similar (under $25) / 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? There’s no better chance to learn! Our weather looks stable and hot this time around, but during my winter remix, we had temperatures ranging from 30 degrees to 80 degrees. It was challenging for sure, but I learned so much — and now when I have to pack for a trip with crazy weather, it’s not so hard.
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.
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 jeans and sandals.
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 blue + neutral palette, plus a pop of coral.
- PROPORTIONS. Pick shapes and silhouettes that work well together, like fitted tops with fuller bottoms or high rise bottoms with crop tops.
And there you have it! The summer 10×10 is underway!
Are you joining in? Instagram your 10 pieces over the weekend and tag ’em #summer10x10 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 — what’s your motivation for joining this time? Do you have a particular goal in mind or are you going into this without any expectations? Share away in the comments!
See you Monday for the first outfit! :)
xo,
Perfect timing my friend! I am traveling for the next 10 days for seminars and will take the challenge as I pack this weekend. Only thing I will have to add is some extra jewelry to make two outfits work for cocktail nights (ugh!) You list looks amazing….we could design an entire cottage decor with this!-Laurel
I love that you’re doing this again! I realized as summer came into full swing here in New York that a) 90% of my wardrobe is workwear and b) I have been on an unintentional shopping hiatus because I am struggling to find things in shops that suit me – so I’ve been rocking the same work wardrobe for about two years! Feeling in a bit of a style rut, any suggestions?
Thank you for all the positivity you put out into the world! x
Hi Ayesha, I recently had the same problem. I found a writing a list of items that don’t suit me helpful. My next step was to find styles I liked for example on blogs or just in my surroundings. Maybe this will work for you too.
Regarding the 10×10 challenge: I will give it a try to challenge myself. It will be a fun experiment :)
Lena
Hi Ayesha,
I know that struggle all too well! And you feel like you have a closet full of clothes but nothing excites you, right? My advice would be to take a look at the clothes you do like in your closet and ask yourself why you like them so much. How do they make you feel? What part of your body does it accentuate? What material is it made out of? Identifying why something is your favorite can give you a different perspective next time you go shopping which will hopefully get you out of your style rut :) I hope this helps!
xox, EK
I really like this approach! I’ve never been very successful when I try to narrow down my wardrobe choices by thinking of styles I like because I like so many aspects of different styles and so far haven’t found the one that’s just “me”. Taking a closer look at my favourites and the qualities I like about them sounds very effective yet simple. I’ll definitely try this one, thanks!
Hey Ayesha, I love the suggestions above — as well as filling out a capsule planner to nail down some style ideas that might help improve your wardrobe going forward! :)
Hi Aeysha :)
If you would like a fast fix of this problem I would suggest to check 30 something urban girl site. This lady helped me incredibly. For $30 she does you full color analysis along with body shape and face shape; fixes a wardrobe for you with detailed explanation of what will suit you and what you should avoid from clothes to make-up. It was amazing! Now when I go shopping I know exactly what colors and shapes to look for. I am not trying to sell anything, just it was a really great experience. And of course, I adore Caroline’s blog for simplicity and inspiration;) Good luck!?
Glad to see you using a little color. The peachy/salmon top is beautiful. Love your down to earth, casual style.
I think you can make way more than 10 combinations out of your clothing choices and I’m interested to see how it goes with only one pair of shoes! I can’t join in this time, but I’d like to attempt a 10×10 in the Fall!
Not sure yet if I’ll be able to join this time around, but excited to hopefully join in in the fall! I will definitely be following along, as I always enjoy the style insights. :)
A romper seems like an interesting 10 x 10 item… either really versatile or really limiting! I’m interested to see how you incorporate it. :)
I’m so excited to join in on this 10×10 challenge! The timing has never worked out for me before, to be able to participate, but this time around it works out pretty perfectly – my husband and I will be moving next weekend, so packing a “minimal” bag to live out of for the next few days will be extremely helpful, and will certainly help simplify one aspect of my life as we make this transition. So, yay! Thanks for facilitating once again, and for giving us healthy + aspirational challenges to join in on!
That really is great timing, Jenna! :) Hope it helps keep one aspect of the move simple!
I just purchased that coral linen tunic, and I’m so excited to see how you style it! I need some ideas :)
That linen dress is just so stunning and timeless, great to see even AT pieces can make it long term! (I haven’t had always had luck with their stuff)
Great picks, Caroline! This is my second attempt at participating. My first time I saw it as a challenge (competitive, even) but this time I want to be more zen and easygoing about it. Maybe even with a mantra: “You have enough.”
Awesome way to look at it, and I love that mantra! :)
This is coming at the perfect time! I’ve been in a real identity rut for, well, the past 5 years. I’ve had 3 babies since then and have pretty much lost my identity and I’ve realized lately that my clothing choices are bland and make me blend in so well with everyone around me really allowing me to hide behind it. I’ve even been getting my hair colored blonder to fit in! No more. I’m using this challenge as a way to experiment and find a style I truly love. Without worrying about fitting in or blending. I’m so tired of following the crowd and going with the flow. I want to stand out! (
Good luck, Bri. It can feel like a huge challenge at times, and we all go through those types of crisis at one point or another. But if your desire is there — I just know you can do it! :)
I start a new school year Monday. I’m in and see this as a way to focus or take the focus away from clothes. I’ll pick my 10 pieces and use the for the first 10 days of school.
I hate to admit I’m already considering leaving shoes out of my mix- that will work best for me and i know that’s Caroline’s advice always- make it work for you. ?
Plan to post my 10 pieces Sunday evening. Love this distraction too- gives me a focus for my beginning of the year nerves!!
Thanks Caroline
Great reason to join in Tammy! (And don’t even give the shoes a second thought. You’re right — I would say to make it work for YOU.) Good luck with the new school year. :)
I own that same linen tunic! CANNOT wait to see how you style it :)
I am excited to join in for this summer challenge! I actually am trying out a capsule wardrobe for the first time for the summer season, so this will be another fun exercise (:
It’s time to get creative!
Best,
Andrea
Woohoo! Hope you enjoy the challenge, Andrea! :)
First time challenge participant, woohoo! Though I use a capsule wardrobe anyway Im super pregnant this summer and just needed less stress getting ready in the morning. Im also hoping this will make me enjoy my clothes again (on me and as a reflection of me.) I hope your dapple into romanticism comes up roses :)
Hey Whitney! Great reasons to join in on the challenge. Hope you get some good discoveries out of it. :)
I never do the remixes, but I always pretend that I’m going to and pick my 10 items: white cotton eyelet top, grey linen/cotton top, white cap-sleeved slub tee, indigo multi-textured cotton tee, abstract tulip-print empire waist dress, black rayon midi-dress, white linen midi-dress, faded lightweight jeans, dark rinse denim crop pants and black leather sandals.
I’ve been following your blog/Instagram for a while now & decided to stop lurking & leave a comment heh. I’m always so intrigued by how well you’re able to pull of these challenges. I love the pieces you chose! I switched to a capsule wardrobe this past February & although it was a weight off my shoulders, I’m still struggling. I wish I could participate but I’m going to the Philippines next weekend for 4 weeks for the first time & I’m not too sure what to expect. I’ll hopefully get to participate for the next one ! (:
I hope you will too Izi! :) Safe travels!
This is so exciting! can’t wait to see the ten outfits you have. I am totally eyeing that Mother denim! it’s gonna look so good with the other items. yayy
http://www.hintofgrey.com | ig: @hintofgrey
I love this whole philosophy and I love the items you’ve pulled for this! Please do take some photos in said outfits so we can see the result!?
Elisha-Maé | http://www.elisha-mae.co.uk
I love this idea! I just started a capsule this summer (inspired by you, natch) and I’m LOVING IT. I actually probably end up wearing the same ten things, so my capsule is essentially a 10×10. :)
I’m aiming to make my 10 pieces last 15 days (obviously with some washing!), & be suitable for a music festival, working from home, meetings, parent’s anniversary party, romantic weekend and rehearsals for a theatre show… I like a challenge! I may not have time to photograph anything – but looking forward to the fun of it…
This is such a helpful post! I’m actually about to go on vacation so it definitely comes with good timing. Thanks for the tips.
Fashion Blog
http://www.marahfrank.com
Going to have to try this now. I’m trying to work my way into a capsule wardrobe and what a great way to do it. Thanks for the inspo ;)
-Grace | http://www.gracestamps.com
So excited to try this out! Just before I got pregnant with Baby #2 I started working on a capsule wardrobe, thanks to you! I realized I was buying so many ‘sale’ items just because they were, well, on sale! But if you don’t wear it or it’s not your style doesn’t matter if it cost $5, still not worth it! Baby boy #2 is now 3 months old and I’m back to work and nursing, so my wardrobe right now is all nursing friendly tops and bottoms that work with the post baby body. So looking forward to this challenge! And looking forward to seeing your outfits!
I love this challenge, and I’m always interested to see the pieces that you choose! My struggle right now is figuring out which pieces to include in my 10×10 remix, as I have a 4-month old and I breastfeed. I don’t know if anyone else has dealt with this issue, but I often need to change my shirt midday, for reasons that I don’t think I need to explain in detail haha. This might have to be something that I do down the road. :)
I’m surprised to see you with only one pair of shoes. Didn’t you always say that shoes can transform an outfit? That said, I love all of these pieces, especially on you. Can’t wait to see what you do to make them new each time. :)
Hey Katharine! I kind of surprised myself with that one too! I guess I was just feeling that these gave off the right vibe for summer simplicity. Wish me luck! :)
I would love to hear some tips (even a whole post!) about how to try out and transition styles! I have a very tomboyish, minimalist wardrobe right now, but I’m finding myself drawn to a more “French bohemian” style. The problem is that hardly any of my clothes are like that. How do you try a new style out sensibly, without plunging ahead and buying new clothes?
Hey Jenna! That’s a great question! And I feel like we all go through that to some extent at one time or another. Styles and tastes change, it’s almost unavoidable. To try out different styles without blowing your budget, I would first fill out the capsule planner or start a Pinterest inspiration board to see what you are drawn to. Maybe then you can borrow or try on a friend’s clothing, hit up thrift shops, or just window shop a bit to gather ideas. Take your time, and if you’re still feeling excited, purchase a few pieces and make a point to wear them and incorporate them into your wardrobe. From there, you can slowly and thoughtfully add more and let your wardrobe gradually evolve. Hope that helps. Good luck! :)