What would you add to my September 30x30 challenge? (Long!)

I've decided to play a little game next mont. To do this, I've picked 30 garments to create smart casual outfits with during September. "30 items, 30 days, 30 outfits". The purpose is to be more creative when I dress, for the fun of it and to make it clearer to myself what my style is and what I might need to update my wardrobe in the most efficient manner.

I'm allowing myself to layer with anything as long as it's not a major part of an outfit. That means cami's, tees, long-sleeved tees etc. Hose and tights too. Shoes, belts, bags and scarves are unlimited, too.

I'm not allowed to shop any new clothes during this period, but I can buy shoes and accessories as needed.

Of course I already have a few ideas of my own, and I also predict a few fall pits. But I'd love to have input, and this brings me to my little challenge for you: How would you combine my outfits if you were me, and what would you prefer to accessorize the outfits with? It would be awesome to read what your creative minds can come up with!

Photo#1: Tops
Sleveless draped top, navy
T-shirt with waterfall, mahogany
Long sleeved top in dark grey lace with ruffle
Blouse in cream, beige, taupe, black

Photo #2: Shirts
Transparent yellow shirt
Blue classic button up
White classic button up
Cream silk shirt/blouse

Photo#3: Skirts
Black A-line skirt
Checked flannel A-line skirt in blue, grey, black
Suede wrap skirt, brown

Photo #4: Pants:
Dark blue jeans
Pencil trousers, bluegrey
Black trousers, tapered and cropped (might be swapped with classic black dress pants)
Cropped pants, mustard

Photo #5: dresses
Shift dress, black/white sig sag stripes
Wrap dress with long sleeves, black
Sleveless wrap dress, olive/moss
Wrap dress with 3/4 sleeves, dots in white, grey, turquoise

Photo #6: Cardigans and sweaters
Open, (no buttons) cardi, blue gray wool/polyester
Crewneck classic cardi, coral/orange cotton/lambswool/cashmere
3/4 sleeved hiplegth cardi, chocolate brown, lambswool/cashmere
Crewneck semi-transparent sweater, lambswool/cashmere
Crewneck fitted cardigan with belt in self fabric, turquoise merino wool
Classic v-neck black merino wool cardigan
(Optional: Black vest with white dots)

Photo #7: Outerwear
Trenchcoat, beige (optional if the vest remains included)
Tweed blazer, grey wool
Classic one-buttoned blazer, black wool (thin)
Leather jacket, taupe
Tweed jacket, brown/beige (a hint of orange)

I also have tor everyday use:
Warm grey pumps 3''
Black suede pumps 3.5''
Red patent leather wedges 1.5''
Black patent leather peeptoe wedges 1''
Black oxfords 2''
Black knee high riding boots, flats
Black booties, suede, flats
Suede ballerinas, navy
Grey shoes with stacked heels, 2"
Metallic brown mary jane's, 2"

I have a number of scarves, too, in light grey, green, leopard print, cream with red dots, purple to name a few.

If you think I should have other kinds of shoes or accessories, or if you see any obvious gaps regarding textures, color, patterns etc, please let me know!

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13 years ago

jayne

Veteran

Looks a good basic start with the colors and type of tops. Check me here, you are using blues, greys, and a few tan/taupe items. This looks pretty complete to me. I am not big on bags so some others might suggest those. Jewelry?

pil

I don't have any suggestions, but I love what you already have.

Ingunn

(website)

Thank you both for bothering with this very long post! I do like my clothes (in this selection) in general, and you are spot on regarding the basic colors, Jayne. What I'd love to get input on, is how to spice this up a little. Statement shoes, bags, jewellry? Additional colors? That sort of things. I often feel very boring, and I'm not sure how to update my wardrobe to a more fresh and modern state.

Aida

Since your color palette is pretty cohesive, it could be fun to NOT match your shoes and bag colors with the outfits. So, say you're wearing the floral top and camel pants, pair with the red shoes and a metallic bag along with some gold jewelry. Or the olive dress with the taupe leather jacket, pair with the black suede pumps and leopard scarf and a brightly color bag (like orange or cobalt).

harmonica

Impressive! I love how you've come up with this list and that it all seems so cohersive. I'm also eager to follow this challenge and how you're going to deal with shifts in weather (for me, that would be a big challenge when picking a list of items that had to cover 10-25 degrees C, rain, sun and wind)

I'm no expert, but I would think that bags and scarves would be great to spice it up - especially if you have some (bright) contrast colours. You might find some inspiration here: http://www.academichic.com/tag/color-theory/ (browse around abit, there is a lot of stuff here :-))

ETA: Aida's suggestion is what I'm aiming at. We posted at the same time

Traci

I'd play around with belts. Maybe an animal print belt to fill out the loops with your pants when your blouses are tucked, and a wide belt, maybe obi? to change up your dresses.

I like a chunky necklace to add interest to an outfit with a plain neckline and a pair of bold hoop or teardrop earrings when the neckline is complicated.

What's the leg of the jeans? I don't wear a ton of denim, but I'd want bootlegs and Skinnies.

For shoes I'm currently coveting a pair of low snakeskin pumps or wedges. I love how they add texture and interest to any outfit and they seem to go with all color palettes.

Beyond that, once I'm at the point you are I start trying everything on in every conceivable combination, taking pictures and tweaking. It's nice to go into it with an idea of what will work and what won't. I've only ever stuck to a constrained capsule for a week long vacation, so take my advice with many grains of salt.

Anonymous

I was going to go the Aida route. Add a contrasting bag.

@Aida: I really like and appreciate your suggestions! The green dress/taupe leather jacket combo s very exciting, and I'll look for a bag to go with it. Unfortunately my bag collection is very small, but I'm planning to alter that. I definitely need more color in my wardrobe.

@harmonica: Thank you so much for the link! It seems t be full of advice and inspiration. I will post my outfits (at least some of them) eventually when September comes. It is very helpful to get feedback from you FAB ladies

@Traci: Very useful suggestions! My first purchase will probably be a skinny belt to wear with lighter clothes, to chinch in a sweater or shirt. I have eyed one already:) Your idea of snakeskin pumps or wedges is very interesting, too. I would probably choose a leopard print, and maybe ballet flats, but most animal prints are very versatile in so many outfits.

@Zapotee: Agreed. I' see what I can find - a pretty bag is always a nice addition. Thanks:)

Mama Susie

Active Member

I don't have any advice but I'm very much looking forward to following your challenge. I am working on getting a busy mom fall capsule together as a start to my style journey so something like this is wildly inspiring. Oh one thing that I saw mentioned a few times in the comments was maybe adding spice via animal prints or contrasting bags and accessories. I dearly love this idea. Can't wait to see your outfit combinations!

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