Winter 10×10: Fave looks + insights
Winter 10X10 Challenge Recap
It is complete friends, I've finished my first 10x10 challenge by Style Bee x Unfancy! Here's a recap of my favorite and least favorite outfits and what I learned wearing 10 items for 10 days in a row. I didn't count shoes, outerwear, or accessories as part of my 10 items. It allowed the outfits to look different enough so I wasn't ever bored. I'll probably challenge myself this Spring to limit shoe and accessory count though.
My favorite outfit: Day 6
Polka Dot Thursday is something I would've never styled if it wasn't for this challenge pushing me out of my comfort zone (AKA black skinnies with everything). I loved the silhouette created between the skirt and collared shirt and how it transitioned from day to night (leather jacket and hair down). It revived this skirt from 2 years ago I've barely worn and inspired looks for the end of winter and spring that I'm excited to wear. I tried wearing it again for day 10 but the weather got in the way!
Runner up: Day 4 and 7
Most worn item: 10" High-rise black skinny jeans (Madewell)
My least favorite outfit: Day 2
Sunday Brunch fit the vibe for a rainy Sunday but when I look back at all 10 looks, I'm not feeling it. The first thing I think of is how uncomfortable these tights were. Granted I had them on backward and didn't know until after we got back from brunch. This outfit confirmed I'm not a casual dress person. Especially not in the winter. I'm mostly pure function and don't want my legs cold. I'm keeping this dress because it's warm and I love the color but don't plan on wearing it out much again.
Runner up: Day 9
MVP Item: Cable-knit sweater
Not only did I start and finish the challenge with this cable-knit sweater but when it got hard (days 7-9) this was the item I kept trying to turn to. It's cozy and slouchy yet has a great shape and texture. I've been on a search for the perfect sweater for 2 years and found it at Goodwill this season. I'm glad I held out for it.
Runner up: Black mock neck sweater
Reader favorite: Perforated Leather Booties (similar)
LVP Item: Gray cardigan
We knew this was going to happen, right? I mentioned when choosing my 10 items I didn't think it'd get much wear. It didn't until day 9 and only because I hadn't worn it yet. I love the length and large pockets, it's the color I don't like. I gave it to a friend who's going to rock it with her great style so it's still a win-win.
Runner up: White-collar button-up (for comfort and worn out)
Top Takeaway: Clothing is emotional
Of all the lessons I wanted to share with you about these last 10 days, a more important theme came to the forefront. Clothing is emotional.
“Vain trifles as they seem, clothes have, they say, more important offices than to merely keep us warm. They change our view of the world and the world’s view of us.”
It's amazing what happens when intention drives the clothing we wear. Until starting my capsule I never did this. It was a big guessing game speckled with fitting room freakouts like why is this not working how it's supposed to?!
I'm convinced of the value an intentional wardrobe can bring to your life, especially after this challenge. We deserve to feel good and confident as we go about our days. And if our clothing helps with that, then all the better.
I'm planning on doing a Spring 10x10 challenge next. I hope you'll join me if the timing feels right for you. In the meantime check out the #winter10x10 posts on Instagram. The community around this challenge was so uplifting and inspirational. Thank you for following along, more capsule chats to come!
Would you do a closet challenge? What's your favorite winter item and how do you style it?
