On Fridays I send out a mini digest filled with goodness including: recent blog posts, outfits, a personal note & carefully curated content (like recipes, podcasts, articles, journaling prompts, & books) I think you’ll enjoy!
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The 10 x 10 Style Challenge™ is an exercise I established in 2015 to help encourage myself to get more creative with my clothes during a 30 Day Shopping Fast. The concept is essentially a mini capsule closet of 10 items that you work with for 10 days, creating new looks and styling your clothes in ways you might not otherwise try.
Anyone looking to:
Any core closet item you choose counts as a part of your 10 items. For example:
But keep in mind that these are not hard and fast rules! If you really feel like you need all your shoe options, that’s okay, don’t include shoes this time around and add an extra top or bottom instead.
It’s all about making the challenge work best for you.
Any accessories or jewelry you add to a look does not count as a part of your 10 items. For example:
If you’re a little bit stumped as to where to start with your items consider this formula:
Check the forecast and pick practical items for the weather.
Review your calendar and see what’s on deck for the next ten days. Is it mostly work or do you have a mix of plans?
Try to make your choices in under 30 mins. But if you need more time, that’s cool too!
Go for an easy, lean colour palette. This doesn’t mean neutrals only, you can have bright colours, patterns and prints but remember that you’ll be mixing and matching them all. This usually leads to some new combinations!
Reach for your favourites items first and then add one or two pieces you’d like to wear more or aren’t sure about.
Avoid Dry Clean Only items or pieces that are a pain to launder so if need be you can refresh them during the 10 days.
Don’t stress! If something isn’t working you can swap it out at any time. It’s more about learning than perfection!
If you’re like me and feel the need to plan your 10 x 10 Style Challenge™ out on paper then you’re in luck! Download this handy worksheet to help you get started and to make notes on throughout the challenge.
Well, I’m pretty biased about this but I do believe that this challenge is an objectively effective way to get more out of your closet, dig deeper into your personal style and learn about what works (or what doesn’t) so you can shop smarter.
It’s always surprising to see the looks that result from the exercise, even after doing it 12+ times! It’s also remarkable how little we really need to find style and closet contentment. Plus, I guarantee you’ll finish the challenge with at least 1 new look you’ll want to add to your go-to repertoire. It’s also a perfect way to prep for a trip! All you over-packers (that used to be me for sure) will soon appreciate how little you need if you pack smart and style creatively.
After reading the candid findings from dozens of women all over the world, I’ve found the most common takeaways are:
01 – I gained a better sense of my personal style.
02 – I had a style breakthrough and found a new silhouette or look I would have never tried but love.
03 – I really don’t need a huge closet (or to shop a lot) to satisfy my style.
START THE CHALLENGE ANYTIME YOU’RE READY
Feel free to use some of the common hashtags; #stylebee10x10 and/or #10x10Friends and/or #10x10challenge to share your posts and stories, whenever you decide to do one. You can also tag by season if you’d like with #winter10x10, #spring10x10, #summer10x10, #fall10x10. There is almost always someone doing one and it’s a great way to connect with other easy-going, stylish folks and a fabulous source for real-life style inspo!
Simply add the hashtag(s) to your posts and we can see what you’re up to! I check the feeds often and try to touch base with a few people who have shared a fresh look or a great insight.
Don’t want to post about it? No worries, you certainly don’t have to share your outfits or findings if you’re not into that. You can simply follow along and try it out privately if you prefer.
PARTICIPANTS SHOWN: @callmeflowerchild | @my.impacts | @natashalnei | @candicemtay | @lo_mi_smi | @whatshestyled | @sweater_city | @brownkids
