YouLookFab Forum » Topic: What I learnt from the 3x10 challenge

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: What I learnt from the 3x10 challenge https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-learnt-from-the-3x10-challenge Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 28 Apr 2026 10:58:32 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Bijou on "What I learnt from the 3x10 challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-learnt-from-the-3x10-challenge#post-2206832 Fri, 02 Jul 2021 02:37:20 +0000 Bijou 2206832@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Janet, Jonesy and Fashintern - yes it is nice to support local businesses and designers. Retailers in Australia are really suffering and disappearing particularly in the mid-price bracket - which is where I prefer to shop as you tend to get good quality without a hefty designer price. This was hosted by a local boutique who arranges for special 'preview' sessions for customers. The owner and her staff are amazing, I was looking over the racks and picked out a dress, the owner pulled some stuff too - everything she picked was a winner and the dress I thought I would like was matronly. When I pick up my summer stash, in about 6 to 8 weeks, I will post. I am really thrilled to get Australian made and designed in natural fabrics that are all washable. Stagiaire Fash on "What I learnt from the 3x10 challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-learnt-from-the-3x10-challenge#post-2206679 Thu, 01 Jul 2021 18:33:21 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2206679@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That fashion parade sounds really cool! Is it that designer’s unique idea, or are there others who do that kind of thing too? Jonesy on "What I learnt from the 3x10 challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-learnt-from-the-3x10-challenge#post-2206664 Thu, 01 Jul 2021 17:54:56 +0000 Jonesy 2206664@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love the idea of the fashion parade! You are so inventive with your wardrobe and outfits, and you really conquered this challenge! Since I am in love with plaid and mixing plaids, your tartan outfit is my absolute fave, but everything looks fresh, charming, and uniquely you. Janet on "What I learnt from the 3x10 challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-learnt-from-the-3x10-challenge#post-2206574 Thu, 01 Jul 2021 13:02:58 +0000 Janet 2206574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, that sounds fun! How great to be able to support a designer from your area. Bijou on "What I learnt from the 3x10 challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-learnt-from-the-3x10-challenge#post-2206559 Thu, 01 Jul 2021 12:01:39 +0000 Bijou 2206559@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Janet - the fashion show was put on by a smaller Australian designer for their FY2021/22 Spring / Summer collection. We were able to try on sample garments and place orders, so that the designer would know what to manufacture. I really liked the opportunity to support an Australian designed and made product and also know that the garments are not being shipped vast distances. Helena - I want my purchasing habits to be more ethical and local, but that does not mean I have to change everything. Helena on "What I learnt from the 3x10 challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-learnt-from-the-3x10-challenge#post-2206372 Wed, 30 Jun 2021 13:56:29 +0000 Helena 2206372@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fab outfits and fab learnings! I love a good challenge, but totally agree, sometimes the biggest learning is that you were doing it right all along ... sort of like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz; there's no place like (fashion) home! x Janet on "What I learnt from the 3x10 challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-learnt-from-the-3x10-challenge#post-2206358 Wed, 30 Jun 2021 12:29:01 +0000 Janet 2206358@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Bijou, I commend you for even attempting a challenge like that -- I always feel like it's just too restrictive for my large wardrobe and very emotional approach to day-to-day dressing. Plus, some days like yesterday, I don't even leave the house. Wore a tank top and a Ripskirt all day long, with hair up and off my neck and no makeup. No one to see me but the dogs,LOL!  You always convey glam, and I echo the special love for #6. Please tell us, what was this "fashion parade"?  Bijou on "What I learnt from the 3x10 challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-learnt-from-the-3x10-challenge#post-2206356 Wed, 30 Jun 2021 12:23:50 +0000 Bijou 2206356@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sal, thank you for setting the challenge, I found it a useful exercise. Angie, welcome back! Thank you for the K2K for #6! It is fun to just dress in whatever I feel like wearing. Shevia, at first I was worried that I picked too many statement items for the challenge, but found them the most fun to wear. Who could get sick of wearing a cape? Well not me! Suz, yes, I realised that it is very fortunate that I don’t have to wear a work uniform. I would hate being constrained in that way. Suntiger, you are 100% right regarding the minimal wardrobe, I even hate travelling light! Anonymous on "What I learnt from the 3x10 challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-learnt-from-the-3x10-challenge#post-2206348 Wed, 30 Jun 2021 11:24:27 +0000 Anonymous 2206348@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Definitely movie star I can't picture you with a tight minimalist wardrobe! Suz on "What I learnt from the 3x10 challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-learnt-from-the-3x10-challenge#post-2206329 Wed, 30 Jun 2021 04:55:00 +0000 Suz 2206329@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So glamorous!! Love them all, but especially the last outfit (movie star to the max!) and the first one, so elegantly casual -- what flattering pants!  I see a ton of variety here and I would never guess these outfits were part of a challenge! You managed the constraints well. But I hear you about this -- my contrary nature always wants to wear the things I didn't choose for challenges like this one, or else I find out I missed the mark in terms of practicality. Seems like you learned some good lessons, though.  Carla on "What I learnt from the 3x10 challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-learnt-from-the-3x10-challenge#post-2206318 Wed, 30 Jun 2021 03:39:26 +0000 Carla 2206318@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ #6 is amazing, but I like the colour mixing of red and wine in #3 A LOT!  Jaime on "What I learnt from the 3x10 challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-learnt-from-the-3x10-challenge#post-2206298 Wed, 30 Jun 2021 01:39:48 +0000 Jaime 2206298@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Honestly these are all amazing. #6 is stunning, but so is #4. Love the pop of the blue bag in the first one and you wear capes like no one else. And I am totally nodding with your jeans comment - so good to have an easy way to tone down statement pieces! Angie on "What I learnt from the 3x10 challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-learnt-from-the-3x10-challenge#post-2206271 Tue, 29 Jun 2021 22:33:32 +0000 Angie 2206271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Bijou, your KILLER playfully glam outfits are a sheer delight and treat. The matching in #2 is sublime!!!! #6 is my absolute fave too! KILLER to the Power of KILLER. Challenges are fun! But so is having the freedom to pander to your dressing mood in the mornings. All good :) Sal on "What I learnt from the 3x10 challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-learnt-from-the-3x10-challenge#post-2206224 Tue, 29 Jun 2021 19:52:48 +0000 Sal 2206224@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You look wonderful Bijou! You have such a good eye for combinations. I love the simplicity of the first look, the drama of the cape and the final one which is gorgeous. Thanks for joining in! Angie on "What I learnt from the 3x10 challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-learnt-from-the-3x10-challenge#post-2206218 Tue, 29 Jun 2021 19:29:09 +0000 Angie 2206218@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A BEAUTIFUL set of fun outfits! I’ll be back Bijou on "What I learnt from the 3x10 challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-learnt-from-the-3x10-challenge#post-2206104 Tue, 29 Jun 2021 12:05:29 +0000 Bijou 2206104@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Brooklyn - Thank you - glad you like the final outfit and no more going out for me! I hope you are well and staying safe in lockdown, boring but necessary. I am making sure I go out for the allowed hour of exercise - it is nice to get some fresh air. Brooklyn on "What I learnt from the 3x10 challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-learnt-from-the-3x10-challenge#post-2205794 Mon, 28 Jun 2021 09:59:41 +0000 Brooklyn 2205794@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My favourite is your favourite. Again! Beautiful set of outfits. I see lots of variety but also consistency (colour, texture, glamour, playfulness). I’m glad you got so much out of the challenge. Thanks for sharing! Bijou on "What I learnt from the 3x10 challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-learnt-from-the-3x10-challenge#post-2205781 Mon, 28 Jun 2021 08:53:26 +0000 Bijou 2205781@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Rachy - I think there has always been a bit of a retro element to my style and I love the styles of the 1940's. Slim Cat - I tried to not be too lazy this week and resort to denim every day! Fashintern - I often repeat combinations, so the wear 3 items differently made me pause.  Sally - it has been a useful exercise. I have also enjoyed seeing your challenge outfits and seeing your day to day personal style. Sally on "What I learnt from the 3x10 challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-learnt-from-the-3x10-challenge#post-2205773 Mon, 28 Jun 2021 07:47:27 +0000 Sally 2205773@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You have such unique pieces.  you have made some wonderful outfits.  Like you my favourite would be the last one....true elegance.  I have enjoyed looking at your outfits.  Great that you got a lot out of the challenge.     Stagiaire Fash on "What I learnt from the 3x10 challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-learnt-from-the-3x10-challenge#post-2205771 Mon, 28 Jun 2021 07:25:41 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2205771@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Rachylou said what I was going to—I’m surprised wearing the same thing three times feels restrictive. I’m quite happy building little capsules, usually ~15 items, that I wear for 4-6 weeks before moving on. If an item is included in a couple of those capsules in a year, it’s a real workhorse—that’s very rare. I did my “clirty remixes” week because I couldn’t stand having that stuff hanging around after only wearing it once or maybe twice, still have some of it on the rack & in my head. I agree with you that a large wardrobe doesn’t have to mean buying like crazy. It can simply mean reducing the churn by buying to hold and editing cautiously. Pfffft to the idea of you looking like the Michelin Man! The shadow on the skirt in that pic is a little distracting, but you definitely do not look puffy—the skirt falls smoothly and elegantly. I’ve enjoyed your creativity in wearing the pieces of your suit separately. Also agree with RL on the 40s vibe. I often get that feeling from your posts. slim cat on "What I learnt from the 3x10 challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-learnt-from-the-3x10-challenge#post-2205766 Mon, 28 Jun 2021 07:13:09 +0000 slim cat 2205766@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Beautiful and feminine outfits - joy to see! Love your fav #6 - very dressy and dramatic look,  #3 - fun and energetic colors/prints , #4 - pretty in "winter white" way. You have amazing pieces in your wardrobe and countless ways of mixing them in a fantastic way! rachylou on "What I learnt from the 3x10 challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-learnt-from-the-3x10-challenge#post-2205763 Mon, 28 Jun 2021 07:00:38 +0000 rachylou 2205763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The last is my fave. I get a 40s feel - that was such a great fashion era. I have found that I rather like wearing the same things for two or three weeks and then it’s time for a change. I sort of rotate through little mini capsules. May have a lot to do with the weather and our microclimates. Bijou on "What I learnt from the 3x10 challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-learnt-from-the-3x10-challenge#post-2205761 Mon, 28 Jun 2021 06:23:32 +0000 Bijou 2205761@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The challenge to wear 10 x 3 items is over! I must say that I was very glad to end it but found it was a valuable exercise - and I made it! All of the challenge pieces got worn 3 times during the month of June and in different ways. The Pros <ul> <li>I put into rotation some items I most likely would not have done;</li> <li>I found some new combinations that I like;</li> <li>I had to be creative and not fall back on some of my usual formulas;</li> <li>When feeling lazy, thank goodness for denim - always easy to pair and dress down statement items;</li> <li>The challenge made me appreciate that I have a larger wardrobe that provides lots of variety. </li> </ul> A key learning for me is that whilst I admire others for tight and well curated wardrobes, for me a bigger and haphazard wardrobe gives me the variety that I craved during this challenge. I should not go too crazy with edits and simply be more mindful about making future purchases ethical and sustainable. The Cons <ul> <li>I felt restricted by the challenge and my contrary nature did not like feeling compelled to wear anything;</li> <li>Some pieces (such as the summery dress) were tough because they were not climate appropriate.</li> </ul> A big thank you to Sal for setting the challenge and for everyone with your support and suggestions. The final outfits: Outfit 1 - velvet pants - worn with beige knit and turquoise shoes and bag - a combination that was different for me but I liked how it came together; Outfit 2 - cape - with jeans and matching scarf and bag; Outfit 3 - strappy dress, worn with knit and boots and faux fur bag; Outfit 4 - challenge skirt - worn with bulky knit tucked in, normally I would not wear a tucked bulky knit for fear of looking like a Michelin Man - but the long skirt elongates the look and I thought it was fine - an unexpected combination that I liked; Outfit 5 - tartan shirt and red boots - worn with tartan blazer and scarf Outfit 6 - challenge pleated skirt - worn to a fashion parade, my favourite outfit of the week.