summer10x10 – PhD in Clothes

Hi Friends! I’ve been in a comprehensive exam studying bunker but I’m still enjoying my 10 picks that I’m wearing for 10 days. Here’s what I’ve been wearing this week:

Nothing like the 10×10 to remind me that sometimes the simplest clothes are the best. This shirtdress is so versatile–I’ve worn it to teach and do dissertation interviews this month and it has made me feel confident in all situations! Also, may I suggest these Sam Edelman flat as the most comfortable teaching shoes ever?

I found this black button up at a thrift store for $15 and it is such an MVP. Also, Gap makes the best white jeans. The pockets in them are tan so they don’t show through the material. Genius.

This outfit was pretty boho for me but I love that only working with 10 items makes me branch out more.

I hope you’re all enjoying your week! Summer school teaching has been flying by so I’m trying to savor summer by doing lots of fun reading (here’s a spooky dystopian future series I’ve been enjoying–with all women characters, score!).

Wahoo! I’ve picked my 10 clothing items and am ready to mix and match them to make 10 outfits over the next 10 days. This is perfect timing for me because my summer school class starts tomorrow, and this challenge will guide me through the first 10 days of teaching. Here are my picks:

I have three t shirts, one blouse, one dress, one skirt, and one pair of jeans.

As one of my instagram friends pointed out, I am dumb, and this is only 8 items. I had a pair of sandals on my feet when I took this picture that I knew were going to be part of the challenge, but even so, I’m only at 9 items of clothing. Suddenly I have decision fatigue and am drawing a total blank on what my tenth item should be! Suggestions welcome. I think a light cardigan would be good but I don’t have one that totally “goes” and I think going out shopping for one is counterproductive to a challenge about working with what you have.

For now, I’m just working with 9 items. Here is my day 1 outfit, the wildest thing I could think to do to start the day–make a shirt into a vest.

When I put this on I was all “noooo this is awful” but you know what I photographed it and then I thought it didn’t look so silly and now I’m accepting this idea of shirt-as-vest. So, this challenge is already a success for me! I’m excited to pick an outfit for tomorrow for my first day of teaching as well. Be back then with what I decided one!

I love 10×10 challenges because they make me really reach to try to find new and creative ways to wear my stuff. If you’re interested in starting one yourself, click here.