Style Bee - Fall 10 x 10 - Look 3

Fall 10 x 10 – Look 3

10.12.16

It’s supposed to be unseasonably warm today so I wanted to take advantage and do at least one bare leg look before the season got serious and the temps drop. I also wanted to make sure I could stay cozy if need be so socks, sweaters and hats all came into play. Now let’s explore said elements of this outfit!

Style Bee - Fall 10 x 10 - Look 3

INITIAL THOUGHTS

I’ve been seeing socks in shoes all over the place these days (exhibit A, B, C, D + E), which must be a residual styling trick stolen from the 90’s trends that have been infiltrating fashion for several seasons now. At first I thought, ‘Ew. Never.’ then I thought, ‘Hmm, okay maybe.’ and finally I was like, ‘I need to try this!’. I guess that’s just the power of persistence, persuasion and Pinterest.

Regardless, experimentation is what this 10 x 10 Challenge is all about right? Trying things you might not otherwise bother with and discovering whether or not it works. So what’s the verdict on this footwear situation?

Well, I definitely don’t hate it (for reasons mentioned below) and actually think it’s a really practical approach to dressing for fickle Fall weather that can be sunny one minute and chilly the next. Having cozy feet and ankles makes bare legs much more tolerable.

Otherwise, this look has me feeling totally relaxed. I’m loving all the earthy tones happening and the loose but manageable layering that’s going on. It’s rare to be SO very comfy and yet put together enough for a lunch meeting, coffee house chat or just about anything else an average day calls for.

If I’m being picky, the sweater hits a little low on my torso creating a visual line that I’m not in love with but both the dress and sweater have enough movement that in real life it really doesn’t appear too boxy.


Style Bee - Fall 10 x 10 - Look 3

ITEM #3 – THE SLOUCHY CREAM SWEATER

This is easily one of my favourite closet items to date. The T-Sweater by Jamie + The Jones was on my wishlist all throughout 2015 and during their 1 day 20% off sale last winter I pulled the trigger and have never looked back. I wash it every few wears or so, on delicate and tumble dry low in the dryer. It comes out perfectly fresh, slightly fluffed and with it’s shape fully intact. It’s ridiculously soft and magically both cool and cozy depending on what the temps are. Tragically they are currently sold out, BUT, I have it on good authority that they’ll be back soon and better than ever.

If you can’t bear to wait, or it’s not quite your thing, here are a few other options I’ve come across that look amazing (and are of course, made responsibly).

1 | KENDRA CABLE-KNIT – Amour Vert – $228 USD | This is the most perfect cable-knit sweater I’ve encountered pretty much ever. It’s a total timeless classic. Officially on my wishlist. Also comes in Navy and Burgundy.

2 | CHUNK KNIT CREW – Everlane – $85 USD | This is a beautiful, minimal option especially for anyone who can’t do wool or animal fibres. It’s 73% cotton and 27% nylon. I love the length and side slit-detail for perfect pocket access. Available in Black and White.

3 | QUILTED TOP – Black Crane – $164 USD | This is a cream version of a top I shared on Monday and I think I might love it just as much as the cement colour. With vintage jeans, black skinnies or even a pencil skirt this is a super chic dream! I really really love the sleeves.

4 | SADDLE SLEEVE ROLL NECK – MHL – $316 USD  (currently 25% off) | Hello ribbed, simplistic perfection. I would be all over this one with my vintage black jeans and flax duster vest. Mock-necks are really having their moment and I’m into it.



Style Bee - Fall 10 x 10 - Look 3 Style Bee - Fall 10 x 10 - Look 3

STYLE + FIT DETAILS

1 | LIGHT + DARK | I usually opt for a loose top and a fitted bottom (or vice versa) but in this case I’m using light and dark tones to serve the same purpose. I like to draw the eye to my upper half and away from my hip/butt/thigh so a textural, cream coloured sweater does the just that, while a slinky black dress acts as a slimming skirt that visually lays low.

2 | GRADUAL TONES | I’ve worn these boots with bare legs and non-showing socks before but found the stark contrast of my paleness a little unflattering. By pulling a pair of grey socks up a couple inches above the top of the boot, they serve as a gradual in-between colour that literally tones down the contrast. I also tucked the top elastic ribbing under so that it wouldn’t dig in. I’ll go out on a limb and say that I think this trick is kind of brilliant, but maybe I’m way off!

3 | RULE OF THIRDS | I think I was drawn to a large tote for this look to balance out the bold blocks of cream and black. If you look at the last image in the post (2nd below) it’s clear that the sweater, dress and tote all occupy equal outfit real-estate, which I do believe, helps to create a subliminal balance.

4 | TOPPER TO THE RESCUE | When I wear oversized layers like these, I sometimes feel I can get swallowed up. In such cases, I really like the way a wide brimmed hat evens out the proportions overall, especially when the look is otherwise super simple.

5 | REPETITION | This seems to be an ongoing theme in my style. In this instance it can be identified through the use of black. First, a black band on the hat, then the black bottom of the dress and finally a black boot. Each one is bordered by a softer neutral which keeps it from feeling too stark.


Style Bee - Fall 10 x 10 - Look 3 Style Bee - Fall 10 x 10 - Look 3

I can’t believe we’re on our way to look #4 already! Thanks so much for your thoughts and insights so far. I’m so glad you guys are as interested in the details as I am!


T-Sweater currently n/a by Jamie + The Jones | Jersey Swing Dress c/o Sotela | Lotus Hat by Janessa Leone | Newbury Boots by Rag and Bone | Classic Tote by Cuyana 



This post is not sponsored but contains affiliate links. When you shop via the links above I may make a small commission from a sale. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Style Bee! 

Leave me a comment here!

  1. Heidi says:

    Beautiful outfit! Can I ask how that Sotela dress compares to the Brass a-line dress? And, how have you found the Brass dress holds up to wash and wear since you got it? I always worry about spilling with modal and rayon… thank you!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks Heidi! Good question. To be honest, I’d say aside from being black the two dresses are totally different. The A-Line is a much heavier fabric, which is beautiful, and as such it has more structure to it. The Swing dress is a super soft slinky jersey that’s much lighter-weight. I haven’t had an issue washing either (although I’ve worn and washed the Swing dress a bit more frequently). They’re both really great but it just depends if you’re looking for something with a bit more structure or more relaxed and flowy. Hope that helps! xo

  2. Annie says:

    Thanks for your thoughtful response, Lee! I really appreciate you sending the list as well!

    As as you said, this could be a blessing.. to start over and really stay lean! And, think about each piece before I invest.

    Thank you!

  3. Savannah says:

    I love this look! I’m a big fan of you featuring a certain piece with each outfit, it really adds to the quality of the overall post. Can’t wait to see what’s next!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks Savannah! I appreciate the feedback and I’m so glad you’re finding the extra details helpful. I’ve been learning a lot from it too 🙂 xo

  4. Annie says:

    Hi Lee!

    I love your posts. I have a funny but not so funny story. So in January of this year, I found your blog and was inspired to start over and create a lean wardrobe that I loved. I wanted to refine and update my style and was ready to invest in fewer, nicer things. I travel a lot so I basically wanted to look good and pack with confidence and ease. That said, this past September I felt like I was finally happy with my lean closet. I was packing for a month long venture traveling to Paris, London, Morocco, and ended the trip attending my cousin’s ridiculously week long, beautiful and lavish wedding in Tuscany. That said, I couldn’t help but bring all of my closet and the nicest pieces too. They fit into one large suitcase. Low and behold, Air Maroc lost my luggage. This was just before I had to attend the wedding. I had one outfit for a week long wedding! A tank top, jean jacket, white tennis shoes, and EZ black Florence pants. Thank god for those pants by the way! So as of now, it’s been 20 days without my luggage and it’s not looking good. It’s ironic because I spent so much effort creating and investing in this closet and now its gone. I literally came back to my closet with only a few things left that I really like. I admit.. I took the lean closet to the extreme:) So here I am.. literally living by the 10 or so piece wardrobe.. working with pieces that I don’t necessarily like. So I’m writing I guess because it’s a funny not so funny story but also because I wanted to know.. if you were to start and invest in a lean wardrobe all over again what are the 15-20 key pieces (for fall/winter) you would start with? I know this is a much longer response so no worries if you don’t have the time to respond. Maybe it’s just a blog post down the road! Anyways, I love getting your posts and newsletters and thanks for doing what you do! You are an inspiration for many.

    • Alison says:

      Oh no!! Totally feeling bummed out for you and simultaneously questioning what I’d do in your situation. This is one of my worst fears, so much that I a l w a y s pack a carryon (got in the habit on a 6 week trip to Europe years ago after college and just did my 3 week honeymoon in one – even with hiking and fancy dinners planned in Scandinavia!). I’m sending out good vibes for you that your luggage makes it back safely with your lean wardrobe.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Annie! NOOOO!! How awful 🙁 I feel for you girl. I would be so disheartened but you know, it could be the start to an even better, even leaner closet. That week with only 1 outfit would have been rough though!

      I actually get a lot of questions about this so I’m considering a proper post on it. Until then, off the top of my head I’d suggest these 10 items:
      – The Cecilia Pant From Elizabeth Suzann
      – Pair of Ankle Boots (can’t recommend the Rachel Comey Mars boot enough – http://bit.ly/2e4RP1v)
      – Cashmere Sweater x2 (Everlane just released a bunch of great styles – http://bit.ly/2e4REn3)
      – Wool Coat
      – Big scarf
      – Comfy Jeans (skinny or maybe a straight fit)
      – Long sleeve button down (Everlane or Brass makes a good one)
      – Long Vest or Cardigan
      – Fitted Long sleeve tee/turtleneck
      – Loose Dress that you can wear as is or belted

      I’ve heard of luggage turning up weeks after going missing, so hopefully it finds you! Fingers crossed! Thanks so much for reading. xo

  5. Katie says:

    I love how your trying to work through WHY the look comes together so well in your Style + Fit Details section. Also, you made a comment about steaming your tunic in-between trips to the dry cleaners. Do you find that works well for wool sweaters too? Just a quick steam helps take away light odor or anything? That’d be a great tip to know!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks Katie! Yes, it definitely does work for sweaters too. I’m using the same trick for the turtleneck since it’s merino wool.

      After each wear I hang them inside out, with lots of space so the air can circulate. If I’m short on time, I’ll hang the sweater in the bathroom when I shower. I find this really helps keep things fresh but if I need to remove creases the steamer gets involved (it also helps with any odor you want to lift). I’ve recently saw a tip that if you put a wet t-shirt and the sweater in the dryer for 10 minutes on low it does the same thing. Might be worth a try. xo

  6. Kristi says:

    I’m also loving the socks. In general I’m against tends that will likely be short lived, but a sock trend is worth the tiny investment (and it’s fun). Usually when I have a strong negative reaction to a style I end up loving it in the end.

  7. Colleen says:

    I’m loving the socks! Thank you for a few pictures showing off other sock ideas as well! I too have pale legs so I tend to stick with wearing pants ALL the time. I’m having a bit of a block on what color of socks to wear with pants and jeans. I may stick to neutrals that are solid as my clothes are mostly black, grey and white with some blues, browns and greens. I’m located on the central coast of California and the weather has been all over the place lately, so hopefully I can experiment soon!

    Maybe you can incorporate some socks and skinny pants/jeans during your 10X10?? I’d love to see how you’d style this particular look.

    Thanks!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Yay! Thanks Colleen! This little trick is so helpful for temperamental weather days. I’ll admit I tested these socks over jeans but it wasn’t my favourite, at least not with the AYR jeans and R&B boots, but I might try something along the lines of a camp sock and see how that goes. Thanks so much for tuning in! xo

  8. Sarah says:

    Hey Lee – I absolutely love that T-sweater and you look fantastic in it, but I’m hesitant to take the plunge because I’m worried that it won’t fit very well under a jacket/parka because of the dolman sleeves. And sadly, not being able to wear a sweater under a jacket is an absolute deal-breaker living in Edmonton (where we’ve already experienced/suffered our first major snowfall). I’ve made the mistake of buying fabulous sweaters (sleeves too thick, too long etc) in the past that I’ve had to get rid of because they just didn’t fit well under my parka. I wouldn’t want that beautiful T-sweater to meet the same fate (or be relegated to a summer role only). Please advise!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks Sarah, I’m afraid I have to say that it’s probably not going to be the right one if it needs to fit (comfortably) into a coat sleeve. I have the same issue when winter arrives here and it ends up on the shelf for a few months until I can get away with it again or until it’s warm enough for a cocoon or sweater coat and not a parka. That said, I’m sure you’d get a TON of use out of it in the Spring/Summer. xo

  9. Brenda says:

    The Black Crane top is excluded from their sale. Just thought I’d mention it.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      No! So much for ‘SITEWIDE’ and I’ve bought Black Crane on sale before from Need Supply so I thought nothing of it. Thanks for checking and letting us know. Details updated. Xo

  10. I’ve been checking back regularly in the hope of snagging that sweater!

    Really appreciate your discussion of colours here. For a long while, I wore all black (and, well, today I’m wearing all black!). These days, I’m mostly black and various shades of grey. But when I found the *perfectly* me boots this season and they were dark brown, I decided to go for it – rather than wait for the perfect black ones.

    Turns out, I love the contrast and interest it adds…and am exploring where else I can mix blacks, greys, browns. Cream would be a nice addition too, though I’m afraid of stains, wear and such.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks Dana! I’m definitely not opposed to all black outfits but I find I’m naturally drawn to softer neutrals as well. Glad you found some great boots! Boots are my favourite Fall additions to make but I’ve managed to hold off this year so far.

      As for stains etc. the T-Sweater has been amazing. I’ve gotten berry juice, pasta sauce and all sorts of dirt on it and they’ve all washed out. The texture really helps to camouflage little spots and such that might otherwise be cause for a wash. Hang in there! It’ll be available soon. xo

  11. Jodie says:

    This is so good Lee!
    In this look I love the socks and booties! Chic!
    How many inches is the length of that sweater? I have such a long torso!
    Really enjoying how you’re breaking the outfit down, and enjoying your daily posts.
    I LOVE when you Wear things multiple times and rework them like this.
    Have a great hump day.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Yay! Thanks Jodie, I wondered if you’d be into the socks or not 🙂 Not sure what the length is, no measuring tape handy at the moment. I’d guess about 22″ but I’m sure J+J could give you all the measurements for both sizes. So glad you’re liking the series so far! xoxo