I recently participated in a 10×10 wardrobe challenge on Instagram, hosted by some friends. The idea is picking ten pieces from your wardrobe and styling them into ten outfits over ten days. The “almost fall” felt spot on to what it feels like getting dressed during transitional weather. It was the perfect time to do this challenge and get creative with items already in my wardrobe.

I picked ten clothing items and I chose not to include shoes and accessories in the count. I did a 10×10 once before back in 2018. In that first 10×10 experience I included shoes. Afterwards, I decided if I ever did this type of challenge again, I wouldn’t to include them. I was way happier leaving the shoes out. Switching up shoes made things feel fresh even when many other items were being repeated. My aim isn’t minimalism, but an intentional wardrobe full of pieces that I love— a wardrobe that helps me maximize making great outfits. An exercise in creativity with what you already have helps you not just immediately go to buying new things. I find that in-between seasons is the most likely time I am prone to feeling “bored” with what I have.

Almost Fall 10×10 Items:

Tops

• Taupe Muscle Tee (I sized down one size)
• Black Muscle Tee (I sized down one size)
• Sweater Vest ( I sized down two sizes)
• Tiger Graphic Tee – I didn’t end up wearing this in any of the outfits during the challenge.
• Anine Bing Graphic Tee (old – similar)
• White Button Down Shirt (gifted – I sized down one size and it’s fitted, stay true to size for a relaxed fit, use code MICHELLETOMCZAK for $25 off your purchase)

Bottoms

• Blue Denim Shorts
• Black Washed Denim Shorts (run a bit big for a relaxed fit, consider sizing down if you’re in-between sizes or If you prefer a fitted look)
• Brick Red Pomona Shorts (I made them using Anna Allen Clothing’s pattern and cotton/linen fabric from Two O Nine Fabrics)
• Mom Jeans (I sized down one size and got the regular length)

See something you like? You can shop it and support my blog at the same time by purchasing through the affiliate links in this post.

Almost Fall 10×10 Outfits:

1.) Taupe Muscle Tee + Black Washed Denim Shorts

Shirt | Belt Bag | Shorts (tts for relaxed fit, consider sizing down if you’re in-between sizes or prefer a fitted look) | Sandals (I sized up 1/2 size)

2.) White Button Down Shirt + Pomona Shorts

Shirt (I sized down one size and it’s fitted, stay tts for a relaxed fit) | Shorts (pattern, fabric) | Earrings | Bag (old from ABLE – similar) | Shoes

3.) Sweater Vest + Black Washed Denim Shorts

Sweater Vest (I sized down two sizes) | Bag (sold out from Madewell) | Earrings | Shorts (tts for relaxed fit, consider sizing down if you’re in-between sizes or prefer a fitted look) | Sneakers

4.) Black Muscle Tee + Mom Jeans

Hat | Shirt (I sized down one size) | Earrings | Jeans (I sized down one size) | Shoes (sold in whole sizes only so I sized down 1/2 size)

5.) Black Muscle Tee + Pomona Shorts

Hat (old from Madewell – similar) | Earrings | Sunglasses (old from Warby Parker – similar) | Shirt (I sized down one size) | Shorts (pattern, fabric) | Sneakers

6.) White Button Down Shirt + Black Washed Denim Shorts

Shirt (I sized down one size and it’s fitted, stay tts for a relaxed fit) | Earrings | Bag (old from ABLE – similar) | Shorts (tts for relaxed fit, consider sizing down if you’re in-between sizes or prefer a fitted look) | Shoes (sold in whole sizes only so I sized down 1/2 size)

7.) Sweater Vest + Blue Denim Shorts

Sweater Vest (I sized down two sizes) | Shorts | Earrings | Bag (sold out from Madewell) | Shoes (size up 1/2 size)

8.) White Button Down Shirt + Mom Jeans

Hat | Earrings | Shirt ( I sized down one size and it’s fitted, stay tts for a relaxed fit | Jeans (I sized down one size) | Shoes (sold in whole sizes only so I sized down 1/2 size)

9.) Anine Bing Graphic tee + Black Washed Denim Shorts

Tee (old – similar) | Belt Bag | Earrings | Sunglasses (old from Warby Parker – similar) | Shorts (tts for relaxed fit, consider sizing down if you’re in-between sizes or prefer a fitted look) | Sneakers

10.) Taupe Muscle Tee + Pomona Shorts

Shirt (I sized down one size) | Earrings | Shorts (pattern, fabric) | Shoes (sold in whole sizes only so I sized down 1/2 size)

Thanks for following along and reading through my thoughts plus checking out my outfits from the almost fall 10×10 wardrobe challenge! Have you ever tried a challenge like this? If you haven’t, I recommend it— it’s a great learning experience. If you have tried a 10×10 challenge before, what was your biggest takeaway lesson? I would love to hear from you in the comments below!

P.S. Here are the table and basket you see in all the photos in this post!