Style Bee - Winter 10 x 10 - Look 8

Winter 10 x 10 – Look 8

01.19.17

Are you getting a bit of style cabin fever? Ready for full closet access again? Because I sure am! It’s probably safe to say most of us are at the point in this challenge where we’re getting antsy and really ready to get a few (ok A LOT) more wardrobe options back. But patience is a virtue (so I keep hearing) and perseverance is…well, it’s just a good lesson to be learned. So here we are, my co-host Caroline of Un-Fancy and I, trudging through to the end of the #Winter10x10 Challenge!

But it’s certainly not all bad! As many of you challengers have noted, one of the lesser known benefits of this exercise is how much you grow to appreciate the rest of your closet while you’re doing it. Who needs to shop when you’ve got a beautiful wardrobe of items you can’t wait to wear again? This is just one of so many great takeaways I’ve been seen popping up. Our little conscious closet community has been such a wonderful place to find inspiration, brilliant style insights and tune into some really interesting conversations surrounding self confidence, slow fashion and the not so insignificant ways that our outfit choices impact our everyday lives and mindset. Such good stuff!

Let’s keep the ball rolling here though with Look #8. This one just might be a contender for favourite yet! 


Style Bee - Winter 10 x 10 - Look 8

Style Bee - Winter 10 x 10 - Look 8

INITIAL THOUGHTS

This cardigan/sweater/coat/dress, whatever you want to call it, has become a total closet hero for me. If you’ve been watching my Instagram Stories you’ll have noticed that I sneak it into my outfit options whenever I can and it’s taken some serious willpower to keep it out of every blogpost! But it’s back and I love this look because this sweater really gets to be the star of the show.

What has this particular piece taught me? Well, for starters, that I was enduring senselessly cold days in the office before it rescued me. I’ve also learned that Ivory can totally work for a winter closet. The fit has got me thinking too. A relaxed but still slim sleeve, a long length and a closure option are key aspects to make a piece like this one functional. I love my kimono sleeves and open jackets, I really do, but when it gets properly cold they’re just not the most practical.

I also know this piece has real staying power. For instance, when I was taking a 10×10 break over the weekend, I still wore this sweater both days. I just couldn’t seem to let it go. Not quite the same case for any of my other items.

How do I feel about this outfit? I’ll just say I’m just SO glad I figured out this look. It’s so easy, super comfy and ridiculously cozy. I love the basic palette and the way all the pieces are working together.

The only thing is, it’s actually too warm so I’d probably swap out the merino turtleneck for a jersey long sleeve or a bodysuit instead. Just so I don’t overheat in my chair. Oh and that reminds me, I was worried the space between the buttons might gap when I sat down but there’s plenty of give so no problemo! *Phew

This one is a major challenge win for me. I love a good sweater dress, but this cardigan rendition means I have so many other options too. This happy style moment is actually distracting me from missing the rest of my closet too.


Style Bee - Winter 10 x 10 - Look 8 Style Bee - Winter 10 x 10 - Look 8

STYLE + FIT DETAILS

1 | THE CARDIGAN DRESS | I actually came upon the idea of wearing this sweater as a dress by accident. I was looking in the mirror before shooting a story for Instagram and the front had sort of folded closed and a little light went on. Could it really be? A cardigan dress! Paired with a slim base of tights and a thin turtleneck it was the perfect top layer. It’s made of a beautiful, thick merino wool so there’s barely any show through and it’s nice a long so there’s no worries about things getting scandalous. I think an important factor is the fit though. It’s fairly oversize so it moves well and doesn’t cling which is key, otherwise it might feel a bit awkward or forced.

Any chance you’ve got a cardigan in your closet that might work for a trick like this? Try it out! 

2 | SOCK + BOOT | I first tried this visible socks in boots trick during my Fall 10×10 last year and loved the result. So I wanted to try it out this time and again I loved the result. It’s an easy but impactful little styling trick that adds a subtle touch of extra dimension to the overall outfit. Plus my feet are uber cozy!

Try pulling the top of your socks up above the top of your ankle boots. It’s an easy way to get a touch of casual coziness into a look without getting too involved with layers.

3 | SUPER OPAQUE TIGHTS | There may be varying opinions on this but 100 Den or higher is the only way to go when it comes to tights in Winter (at least for me). I really like the look of a true black opaque tight that doesn’t let any skin show through. First of all they’re warm, they stay a deep black even with washing (unlike most cotton leggings) and the look is clean and streamlined.

If you’re in the market try this pair, which are 110 den. I just bought two bodysuits from the same company and they are awesome! 

4 | BLACK BASE | Starting with an all black base is not a new layering trick for me (I’ve used it before here, here and here on the blog) but it’s becoming one I rely on a lot when getting ready in a rush. It makes layering so easy and the result is always simple, sophisticated and never too harsh, which a lot of black can often be.

Simply start with a pair of black pants (or tights or leggings), add a black top (bodysuit, turtleneck or tee) and then add your top layer that’s a different colour to create some contrast. Et Voila! 


Style Bee - Winter 10 x 10 - Look 8

OUTSIDE

Really didn’t overthink the outside version of this look. I just added my caramel wool coat and a cross-body bag. It’s nice and mild out again today and we might actually see some sun! With that in mind I might get away with no coat and just toss on a beanie and a pair of gloves to walk Dobby, run errands and spend some time out and about. Otherwise I’ll be plunked at my desk until it’s time for hot yoga tonight. I’ll try a few other ‘Winter Ready’ styling ideas on my insta stories today too!


Style Bee - Winter 10 x 10 - Look 8
SO THERE WE HAVE OUTFIT #8! JUST 2 MORE LEFT YOU GUYS! 

Be sure to pop over to UnFancy for Caroline’s latest too!

+ Keep sharing your looks with #Winter10x10 and if you have a sec, check Instagram Stories today for a real-life look at our outfits in action (@caroline_joy + @leevosburgh).

SEE YOU THERE!


  • WHITE SWEAER COAT | No longer available from Everlane (at least not from the Canada site) but they have the OVERSIZED CARDIGAN in Grey and Navy | VINCE makes a very similar option ($192 USD 50% off) Imported | LAUREN MANOOGIAN is super dreamy too ($560 USD) Hand knit in Peru | EILEEN FISHER makes a gorgeous grey cardigan ($277 CAD 35% off) and a lightweight white cardigan option ($380 CAD)
  • MERINO TURTLENECK | Old from Zara | Everlane makes a couple similar styles in Cashmere ($135 USD) and Merino ($85 USD) which I have and LOVE.
  • OPAQUE TIGHTS | AMERICAN APPAREL (n/a) | Similar option by COMMANDO
  • PISTOL BOOTS | ACNE STUDIOS ($570 USD ) Made In Italy
  • BAG | Vintage. Love this one by The Stowe ($353 USD On sale!) Made in Canada. and this one by Cuero&Mør ($252 USD) Made in Spain.
  • FRAMES | Wilson by Garrett Leight (Wearing the 46 mm $310 USD)
  • SIGNET RING | CLAUS ($110)

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. Thanks for supporting Style Bee! All opinions are always my own.

14 comments
01.19.17
Outfits

Leave me a comment here!

  1. Mila says:

    Honestly, I’m loving it and I plan to do another 10×10 for the next 10 days with another set of clothes. I love the restriction imposed because it takes a lot of the guesswork out of getting dressed. I’m 8 months pregnant, so I already have a limited wardrobe that fits and is comfortable but I’m getting bored of. Now, instead of thinking I have nothing to wear I think I can only wear these pieces and then I have to make them work. It takes a lot of the decision making out of my mornings because I usually have very few choices to figure it out with. With three tops available (in my case) I already rule one out because I wore it yesterday and I don’t like to repeat tops. So I’m down to deciding between two of them. This is great for me. It brings me the same peaceful feeling of having few choices when I’m traveling. I’ll have to see if I feel different when I’m not pregnant anymore and I have access to my whole closet instead. First time I did such a constraining challenge and I’m in love.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      That’s so great to hear Mila! Good for you! Sounds like you’ve found a lean closet system that’s working well. Congratulations Mama to be! xo

  2. Eva says:

    Lee, my order of this sweater coat arrived yesterday and I was so disappointed when it just wasn’t my style. The quality itself is incredible, but I just didn’t care for the way it looked on me and I realized how much I do not like cardigans. For years I’ve been trying to find a type that works and it rarely does, so maybe I should stop trying! I DO think I’m a blazer gal, but of the relaxed/smoking jacket/college professor/long shawl style, and I’m resolved to find one over this next year.

    So thanks, in a roundabout way, of helping me realize something about myself that I already knew but was fighting!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Hey Eva, Ah, that’s too bad but it sounds like you’re better off for it anyway. Funny how it goes like that sometimes! I love a good blazer/jacket too! This is literally the only ‘cardigan’ I’ve ever really liked so I know how hard the search can be! All the best and thanks for the update 🙂 xo

  3. Wow, I never would have thought to wear that cardigan as a dress, haha! I have their chunky knit cardigan and I don’t think it’s quite long enough for that, but it’s such a fun and different idea. I did my 10×10 while away from most of my closet, but at the end I was itching to get home because I had gone 3+ weeks at that point of essentially wearing the same clothes.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks Kimi! Definitely takes just the right one to make it work. Over three weeks is such a long time to be away from your closet. I know I’d struggle with that for sure. Good for you for creating so many great looks with such limited options though, that’s amazing! xo

  4. holly j says:

    That looks great and is really different from the other looks…which I find very impressive in a 10 x 10. I’m feeling like my looks have all been the same. Eeeeeek! Oh well.

    I’m ready to get back to my closet too! Thanks for the inspiration! Love that cardigan!

    Holly J
    http://closetmatters.blogspot.com/

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks so much Holly! I think you did a fabulous job with your looks! I know it can really feel monotonous at points but it’s great to look back and see that there was a lot more variety than it seemed at the time. Hope you’re having a good day lovely! xo

  5. carlyn greer says:

    Got the Everlane Cardigan Coat in Black this fall and I’ve been living in it. I love super opaque tights too, I’m happy they are easier to find now. American Apparel was always my go to for bras, tights and body suits, so disappointed that the business has gone under!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Carlyn, isn’t it such a great piece!? I loved the black and grey too but they were sold out in my size when I was finally ready to pull the trigger. Turned out the ivory camouflages corgi hair really well so that was a win! haha I know, I’m so sad about AA 🙁 They were my go-to for those very things too. Ah-well. Hope you’re having a good one! xo

  6. Erin says:

    This look is beautiful! So simple and put together, my favorite look so far! I loved your denim on denim look too. (Outfit 2, I think). My kind of style. You are an inspiration!