Outfit Diary #10
7 days, 7 outfits from my 10x10 capsule wardrobe
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Last week, I shared a 10-item capsule wardrobe that I was planning to wear for 10 days (Jan 26 - Feb 4). And today, I’m sharing the first 7 outfits from the capsule.
I used to do a lot of capsule wardrobe challenges and I do think they played a big role in the development of my personal style. But after doing this one for the past 7 days, I think I might just save them for traveling. Someone mentioned in the community chat that they wouldn’t be joining me as they get bored very quickly when wearing the same things on repeat, and it’s kind of stuck with me - shoutout to Melissa who’s comment expanded my thinking around a capsule wardrobe, especially a more limited one.
I think that I used to enjoy them so much in the past because I felt overwhelmed by my closet and they fed into my desire to be a minimalist (but I never really was when it came to my clothes!). Now that I have fewer clothes and ones that I really enjoy, I miss having the option to wear them.
But I have enjoyed getting more wear out of these items, especially the ones that I don’t wear often, like the vintage silk blouse. And I’m glad that I included the khaki wool jacket - and also glad that I pulled it back into my wardrobe.
Outfit Rating System:
Comfort - Was I too hot or cold? Did it fit me properly? Did I have to adjust any of the items constantly?
Style - Did I feel stylish in the outfit? Did it feel like a “me” outfit, or was there something about it that was off?
Fun - Did I try something new? Was I really excited about the outfit, or was I bored by the outfit?
Sunday
The first outfit from my capsule was easy to choose. I had done a styling video for this capsule and this was one of the outfits that I loved the most.
I love the combination of the olive green color with the black. I also love the silhouette that is created by the long column skirt and slightly wider sweater and how the more cropped length of the sweater really compliments the maxi length of the skirt. And while the skirt could lean a little more dressy/business, I think that pairing it with a knit and a pair of moto boots gives it a casual-cool vibe.
It’s been a while since I’ve been into wearing necklaces, opting more for statement earrings lately, but I felt like this outfit was really screaming for some detail at the neck.
First, I added my silver chunky chain that I got on a trip back home in 2015. It’s from Obey and it has a large padlock that attaches the two ends together. However, I wanted something a little more subtle this day, so I used a thick silver hoop earring to join the ends together. Then I added a really long silver chain with little crystals all around that I added an initial charm to and wrapped it around my neck to shorten it. I think that together, they make a really nice focal point.
I broke my own rules a little on the very first day. While something may work well on paper, it doesn’t always translate into liking it in real life, and I didn’t really like the khaki jacket with this skirt. It almost felt too wide for the slim lines of the skirt - it felt “unbalanced”. So I went with my long tan coat instead and I liked it much better!
Comfort - 10/10; Style - 10/10; Fun - 8/10 (I was going to give it a 7 but I think the necklaces deserve an extra point!)
Monday
I really liked this outfit and I think that it’s the silk blouse that saved it for me. If I had chosen to wear the white t-shirt instead, I think this outfit would have fallen flat!
The print of the blouse (which I love sooooo much) and the fun details of the vest (hello, side ties) are interesting enough on their own so I didn’t add any necklaces. However, I did add a pair of blue statement earrings. Sometimes it seems pointless to wear earrings since I always wear my hair down during the colder months but I know they’re there and they make me feel good, and occasionally, my hair moves enough for other people to notice them!
The pants seemed like an obvious choice for this outfit but I could also see the black jeans working really well - hmm, maybe a future outfit?
The wool jacket really worked with this outfit and I added a more structured handbag - I’m trying to wear my handbags more but since I don’t really enjoy them, I think I’d like to replace the majority of them with just one or two signature ones.
I really like how the color of the jacket brings more depth to the outfit and how all of the textures work together (the coarser wool of the vest, the softness of the silk shirt, the softer wool suiting of the pants, the toughness of the leather and the smoothness of the suede. It took me a long time to learn how to build a more interesting outfit using textures, especially when wearing a monochromatic outfit but I get it now.
While I love the detailing of the blouse, I really think the jacket and handbag made the outfit much more interesting.
Comfort - 10/10; Style - 10/10; Fun - 9/10.
Tuesday
I freaking loved this outfit and I felt amazing. It’s simple and rather obvious - after all it’s just a t-shirt, jeans, cardigan and boots. But I don’t know that I would have come to this without the challenge!
I still shake my head about my decision to bring this vintage cardigan to a consignment shop last spring! I bought it at the same shop a few years prior and I rarely wore it, mostly because it lacks a closure. At some point over the summer, I got it in my head that I wanted a popcorn sweater and instantly regretting decluttering this one. Imagine my surprise when I went back to the consignment shop 2 days after the end of my no buy year and it was there! I asked the owner if I could just take it back and she let me - I would have bought it had she said no!
While it’s a pretty simple outfit, I think the accessories all worked to make it into something more special. I added my vintage western belt and kept my jewelry simple with my watch and a pair of silver hoop earrings (I’ve not been wearing my smart watch lately and have gone back to my old analog watch which is a change that I’ve been really enjoying).
I did want to add some kind of detail on top of the t-shirt so I added an old silk hankie as a necktie. To compliment all of the other silver elements in the outfit, I chose my small silver handbag - this is my oldest and probably most used handbag!
At this point, I had worn all 10 of the items in my capsule wardrobe!
It’s always a good day when your sunglasses match your cardigan. And when it’s warm enough to go sans jacket (going from car to building and back again).
Comfort - 10/10; Style - 10/10; Fun - 10/10.