Wardrobe fatigue is a real thing. We’ve all been there – we’re tired of our closet selection and think adding to it is the ultimate solution. Cue impulse purchases + anxiety over an overflowing closet, while still feeling like there’s nothing to wear. Well, how about a more sustainable solution – a 10×10 challenge! It was just what I needed during the last 10 days.
If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, the basis of a 10×10 style challenge is to choose 10 wardrobe items that you style for any 10 days. It’s a great way to get creative with your wardrobe items, and perhaps hone in on your personal style preferences. Shopping your own closet and rewearing what you already have? It’s a thing these days.
The concept was originally created back in 2015 by Lee of Style Bee (you can read about it more in-depth here). There are a ton of variations out there – 30×30, 20×20, 5×5… the list goes on. Some may or may not include shoes, accessories, and outerwear. There’s definitely room for a lot of flexibility and you can shape it to suit your own purpose.
Please note some links used in this post are affiliate links, which means that I may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase through them at no extra cost to you. My intention will always be to inspire you to get creative with what you already have and to create an intentional wardrobe with pieces you’ll love for years to come. Thank you for supporting Her Simple Sole blog!
My Purpose for the 10×10 Challenge
As an inevitable 3rd lockdown was announced, I was feeling less motivated to get dressed during the last few weeks. Playing dress up is a huge part of coping through the pandemic, and I’m a lot more productive during the day if I do. Coincidentally, the #ParisianStyle10x10 style challenge was being hosted by Jessica Harumi and Brianna Lamberson from April 12 to 21. Quite honestly, it was the perfect solution to get me out of this rut. Also, many of you know I admire the French way of dressing – after all, I’m applying the 5-Piece French Wardrobe concept to my wardrobe (you can read more about that here) so I was excited about the Parisian aspect of it.
10×10 Challenge Picks
When I think of Parisian style, I think effortless, chic, simple and romantic. Admittedly, I don’t have many romantic pieces, and I can’t say the outfits I put together for this challenge were all quintessential Parisian-inspired looks. Even so, the 10 items I ended up choosing are all beloved wardrobe essentials worn to portray a sense of effortlessness and simplicity. There was a very clear colour theme going on, somewhat unintentional, but also expected as my basics are mostly in blues and neutrals. I stuck strictly to clothing pieces just to give myself more variety and to aid in my own indecisiveness. Shoes, bags, and coats were additional items I threw on as a fun way to enhance or change up each look.
Here were my 10 picks:
- Chunky textured cardigan from Marks and Spencer
- White crewneck t-shirt from Kotn
- Distressed straight leg jeans from Levi’s (limited sizes left, see a less distressed version here)
- White tank top from Kotn
- Black trousers from Aritzia (sold out, linked to Aritzia’s pant collection)
- Blue straight leg jeans from Denim Forum
- Light merino wool sweater from Aritzia (sold out)
- Faux wrap top from Encircled (black is sold out, linked to blue version)
- Oversized denim shirt (a hand-me-down from my fiancé)
- Black skinny jeans from Agolde
Shop My Picks:
Now let’s get to it! Here are the…
10 Days, 10 Outfits:
Day 1
My first look consisted of a white tee, a pair of jeans and a cozy third piece. Pretty classic, I’d say. I included these distressed jeans more so as a fun piece, and because I haven’t reached for them much lately. After this challenge, they’ve worn out to the point where the distressing at the knees are now beyond repair! They’ve served me well over the last several years. You can find additional details of this look in my last “What I Wore” blog post.
Marks and Spencer Textured Cardigan | Kotn Essential Crew | Levi’s Wedgie Straight Jeans (limited sizes left, see a less distressed version here) | Maguire Boutique Navio Mules | Harly Jae Zero Waste Tote
Day 2
For day 2, I re-wore the textured cardigan (it’s been on heavy rotation!) and swapped out the white t-shirt for a white tank top, and the jeans for a pair of black trousers. It was my first time styling these trousers since purchasing them back in 2020, and I have yet to decide if I want to shorten the length or not. Regardless, I love the effortless feel of them. They give me major Parisian vibes!
Marks and Spencer Textured Cardigan | Kotn High Neck Tank | Nanes pant from Aritzia (sold out, linked to Aritzia’s pant collection) | Maguire Boutique Navio Mules
Day 3
Another classic look consisting of a white tee and a classic pair of straight leg jeans (a staple in my closet). I added some interest by throwing my merino wool sweater as an accessory over my shoulders. I love that this look utilizes one of my favourite colour combos as of late. The lighter tones always put me at ease.
Kotn Essential Crew | Denim Forum The Arlo High Rise Straight | Aritzia Jacobs Sweater (sold out) | Maguire Boutique Navio Mules
Day 4
The Encircled Breakaway Wrap Top is one of my most comfortable tops, so I had to include it in my 10 picks. It’s styled here with the distressed jeans from day 1 for an edgy feel, while the lighter accessories help soften up the look.
Encircled Breakaway Wrap Top (black is sold out, linked to blue version) | Levi’s Wedgie Straight Jeans (limited sizes left, see a less distressed version here) | Maguire Boutique Navio Mules | Harly Jae Zero Waste Tote
Day 5
This new-to-me denim shirt has the perfect oversized feel to it. And even better that it’s a hand-me-down from my fiancé! I love that I can give new life to this item. I kept it simple by styling it buttoned down half way, with a pair of black skinny jeans and nude ankle boots.
Agolde Roxanne Super High Rise Skinny | L’intervalle Dundee Nude Leather Ankle Boots
Day 6
An easy outfit for a slow Saturday. Here I restyled the straight leg jeans with the merino wool sweater, both from day 3. A white tank top worn underneath helps shield the sweater’s sheer-ness. I love this sweater for Spring as it’s lightweight enough for everyday wear.
Aritzia Jacobs Sweater (sold out) | Kotn High Neck Tank | Denim Forum The Arlo High Rise Straight | Converse Chuck Taylor All Star
Day 7
Since wearing a monochrome black base is my specialty, this outfit was really a no-brainer for me. Here the faux wrap top from day 4 was worn backwards – proving its added versatility. This outfit also incorporates advice from Lee’s recent Style Journal entry by using the cardigan and mules as “bookends” (items of the same colour) to create a cohesive look. What a fun little style trick, and it really works!
Encircled Breakaway Wrap Top (black is sold out, linked to blue version) | Nanes pant from Aritzia (sold out, linked to Aritzia’s pant collection) | Marks and Spencer Textured Cardigan | Maguire Boutique Navio Mules
Day 8
This was one of my favourite looks, and honestly one of the simplest. A white t-shirt + black skinny jeans combo. I’m quite partial to a black and white outfit since I love the contrast. I threw on my black trench coat to get more of a Parisian vibe, but of course I’m still longing for a classic camel one.
Line and Dot Trench Coat (old) | Kotn Essential Crew | Agolde Roxanne Super High Rise Skinny | L’intervalle Maralik Black Croco Ankle Boots | Harly Jae Zero Waste Tote
Day 9
Blue and white was the theme of this look. Blue always has a calming effect for me, and is the colour of a traditional element of the world – water. Since it’s Earth week leading up to Earth Day on April 22, this was a great reminder to be kinder to our Earth, and for me that means continuing to practice mindfulness in all aspects of life, especially when it comes to my wardrobe. The denim shirt from day 5 is styled unbuttoned here to give off a relaxed vibe. Since it’s common in Parisian style to emphasize just one statement piece, I threw on my faux snake skin boots to do just that.
Kotn High Neck Tank | Denim Forum The Arlo High Rise Straight | Aldo faux snake skin boots (old)
Day 10
For the final day, I styled the textured cardigan as a sweater with black skinny jeans. This outfit was another one of my favourite combos from this challenge. It’s a simple yet functional + cozy look. My vintage Fendi baguette bag was the obvious statement item.
Marks and Spencer Textured Cardigan | Agolde Roxanne Super High Rise Skinny | Maguire Boutique Navio Mules | Vintage Fendi Baguette Bag
What I Learned
These were my 3 main takeaways from this challenge:
- My focus on curating wardrobe essentials has really paid off so far, as I find it so ridiculously easy to style outfits I love with these items. It’s solidified my new wardrobe approach as one that is really working for me.
- Now that the challenge is complete, I’m so excited to have my full wardrobe back. I’ve learned to appreciate the variety in my wardrobe and I love all my pieces so much more.
- It’s possible to put together *more than* 10 outfits with just 10 pieces. Less truly is more. No need to over-complicate things – just stick to what you know and love.
For a few recent 10×10 challenge resources, check out:
- Jessica Harumi’s Blog Post/Video – Parisian Style 10×10 Capsule Wardrobe Challenge
- Brianna Lamberson’s Video – Parisian Style 10×10 Challenge Featuring Jessica Harumi
- Lee Vosburgh’s Blog Post – Comfy Timeless Spring 10×10 Capsule
Have you participated in a 10×10 challenge? I’d love to hear about your experience!
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