10 Pieces, 10 Outfits
Earlier this year I participated in my first ever 10x10 challenge. It was such a cool learning experience and I really enjoyed exercising my styling muscles throughout the challenge. So I was a little bummed that I didn’t jump in on the fun for the summer challenge.
I definitely wanted to share more about the 10 key items I picked for my summer capsule wardrobe and I thought what better way to do that than to style some outfits!
10 outfits to be exact.
OUTFIT 1
Key Piece: Stripe Tank Top
It’s no shock that tank tops are necessary to survive the summer heat. I live in tank tops when it’s hot and even though I love them, they can start to feel a little meh. Enter stripes. I loooove stripes. They’re my weakness (along with good denim). My black and white stripe tank top goes with everything and gives a nice touch of visual interest to my otherwise simple outfits.
OUTFIT 2
Key Piece: Off the Shoulder Top
I included three off the shoulder tops in my summer capsule, including this blue one. Although my style isn’t particularly feminine, there’s something effortlessly cool about off the shoulder tops. They quickly and easily elevate an otherwise casual outfit and they give me a chance to play around with different outfit silhouettes.
OUTFIT 3
Key Piece: Boxy Crop Top
It wouldn’t be my capsule without a pop of green! I included this olive green boxy crop top in my key pieces because I knew it would be the perfect balance between keeping cool and looking cool. (oh my gosh did I really just say that? #cheesy) You get what I mean though. To be honest, I almost got rid of this top. I bought it last summer at Forever 21 and couldn’t figure out how to style it. It stayed in limbo until this spring when I reached for it and loved how it looked paired with high waist jeans!
OUTFIT 4
Key Piece: Vintage Denim Shorts
These shorts aren’t new to my capsules. I wore them constantly last summer and will probably keep wearing them until the rain comes. They’re just the perfect short for running around town or hanging at the river. I can dress them up with a more structured top or wear them in their casual glory with a t shirt. These are truly the best hand-me-down ever.
OUTFIT 5
Key Piece: White Denim
Another summer style standard, I had to put white denim on the list. I love to pair my white jeans with my blue tops, especially in the summer. My favorite white denim has got to be these Levis. A lot of white jeans tend to be more stretch material than denim, which can make them more see through than I care for. These Levis jeans have a good weight to their denim. I think the only way I’d love them more is if they were high rise. Well, that and if they didn’t get dirty so easily.
OUTFIT 6
Key Piece: High Rise Mom Jeans
Mom jeans and the like have become more and more trendy this year and I have to admit, I've totally jumped on the bandwagon. I never actually thought I could pull this style off until I tried them on and realized I loved them. The straight leg gives a such a relaxed vibe while the high rise cinches in my waist. They totally balance each other out. And it turns out that these are way more versatile than I thought they could be. I've worn them with everything from off the shoulder tops to the graphic tee I'm wearing in these photos. All that to say, you'll never know if you can "pull something off" until you try, so just try it!
OUTFIT 7
Key Piece: Cotton Dress
It's no secret I love jeans. I wear them constantly. Even though I love them, sometimes it's nice to mix things up. The problem is, I'm not big on skirts. I like the idea of them. I think the're super cute and I even like how they look on me, I just never wear them. Part of it is I'm never as comfortable in a skirt as I am in jeans or shorts.
Enter the dress. I found this dress while thrifting earlier this year and it's definitely been my go-to when I want to mix up my look. It's so funny, I don't usually go for girly silhouettes unless we're talking dresses. If I'm wearing a dress, my absolute favorite is a fit and flare that has at least a little twirl to it. This dress meets ticks both of those boxes, plus it's cotton, which makes it easy to dress up or dress down like I did here by pairing it with my vans and denim jacket.
OUTFIT 8
Key Piece: Espadrilles
These espadrilles were on my list of things to try this season and I'm so glad I went for it. I always struggle with summer clothes, but especially summer shoes. My boot collection is strong, but it's really hard to wear boots when it's 100+ degrees outside. Just like my thing with dresses, I like to be able to switch things up in my footwear. These espadrilles are comfy and cute and are a really easy way for me to make a casual outfit feel a little less casual.
OUTFIT 9
Key Piece: Teva Sandals
Man oh man do I love these sandals. I got them last year and they've been my go to sandals since then. I wear them hiking, running errands, on beach days, and when I'm working long shifts at work and really want my feet to be supported. They work well with jeans and shorts but I've even paired them with a t shirt dress and really liked how they look. I'm so glad I bought these because they've turned out to be way more versatile than I thought they'd be!
OUTFIT 10
Key Piece: Old Skool Vans
I feel like this is the first year in a long time where I've been willing to try out some trends. The sneakers-with-everything trend is for sure a favorite! I wasn't really in need of new sneakers this year but every time I brainstormed outfits (as I tend to do when I'm falling asleep) I kept imagining looks with low top Vans. I went back and forth about getting them, even after I ordered (and returned) a pair. I ended up buying some because I couldn't stop thinking about them and they've basically been glued to my feet ever since!
I had such a blast bringing my capsule wardrobe planning to life! I know all these photos are of me in my apartment, but just know that a few of these outfits have already made it into the wild.
Let me know what your key pieces are for this season! Oh and if you want to see these outfits in motion, I've also made a short look book video!
