10 x 10: Ten Items, Ten Outfits
When it comes to outfits, creating one with a full closet can be a challenge, never mind when you pair it down to the bare minimum. As a fan of capsule wardrobes, I (Nicole) wanted to see if my wardrobe has what it takes to pass the 10 x 10 challenge and create ten outfits with ten items.
The Selects
Choosing items is not an easy task when it comes to such a small number. In my selections, I wanted to cover items that would fulfill both casual and elevated looks and include high texture in neutral tones. I broke this process into three parts including, bottoms, tops and what I would call an “extra layer” which would provide more variation when pairing things together. It should be noted that I didn’t include shoes, accessories, or undergarments in this challenge for the sake of simplicity, but if you try this on your own and want to include, feel free!
I started off selecting bottoms for each look as I find that often dictates what the rest of the outfit will be. I found a light-wash wide-leg denim covers a few bases because it has some structure and could work with both casual and elevated events. I then chose a black pant and a long black skirt to ensure my basics were covered. Moving on to tops, I found making my selections difficult because there are just so many options. After some consideration, what made it less daunting was remembering that the “extra layer” will likely be my visual interest for most looks, so sticking with neutrals turned out to be the easiest decision, I’ll also admit that I love a neutral so this didn’t take a lot of convincing. I ended up selecting a grey high-neck tank, a white collared shirt, a black turtleneck and a black t-shirt. Finishing off my 10 x 10 stack, I included a button-up green cardigan, a camel sweater vest and a red & brown houndstooth blazer.
Look 1: Skirt, Turtleneck, Sweater Vest
I love this look because it is so simple but so effective, breaking up the black with the camel colour while keeping a neutral pallet. Perfect for taking me from work to drinks with my colleagues.
Look 2: Denim, White Shirt, Sweater Vest + Blazer
This look brings layering to the forefront and is perfect for that slouchy aesthetic. It’s also fun to throw on the blazer to polish off the outfit. A top layer will always give a more put-together look, but I love that I can wear this look with or without the blazer.
Look 3: Denim, Grey Tank, White Shirt
This outfit is on the lighter end of the pallet but still comfortable and neutral. I’ve finished this look with a fun silver boot for a touch of flair, making it the ideal outfit for brunch out with girlfriends.
Look 4: Black Skirt, White shirt, Grey Tank
Using the grey tank as a vest is one of my favourite capsule tricks to help make the most of my selections. This provides an alternative option to tucking the shirt into the skirt.
Look 6: Denim, Black T-shirt + Green Cardigan
Nothing beats the classic t-shirt and jeans look! Pairing with a more vibrant cardigan for visual interest, you can wear this look almost anywhere. I love this for running errands over the weekend.
Look 5: Black Skirt, Black Turtleneck, Green Cardigan
This look is excellent for those in-office days feeling a little professional but also very comfortable. I could even remove the cardigan to create a faux little black dress moment for a night out with my husband.
Look 7: Black Pants, Black turtleneck, Green Cardigan
I love adding a turtleneck under almost any look, especially a cardigan as it gives you options with the many temperature variations going in and outdoors throughout your day. No matter what you still look put together.
Look 8: Black Pant, Black Turtleneck, Blazer
Similar to the previous, this look brings an element of polish to the all-black look and can double as a jacket depending on the season.
Look 9: Black Skirt, Black turtleneck, Blazer
This is one of my favourite office looks! Utilizing the silhouette of the skirt and blazer, this look creates the vibe of a power suit but with a modern take, since it’s rejecting the matching familiarity of a traditional suit.
Look 10: Denim, Black T-shirt, Blazer
A classic look bringing together the professional aesthetic and a little bit of rock n’ roll, this combination will always be a crowd pleaser, whether you’re out with your partner, having dinner with friends or working through a packed schedule of meetings at the office.
Despite the narrow options, creating 10x10 only works if you bring your authentic style forward, what would you do differently? Try it and let us know on instagram!
