Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #1 – Mastering the Half-Tuck

I am so excited to kick off this series! I have been wanting to do a capsule wardrobe ever since I discovered Caroline Rector’s Un-fancy! I’m sad that she no longer keeps her blog up, but you can still follow her on Instagram.

If you missed my introductory post to this challenge, you can check it out here. I promise, you won’t be disappointed and you might even want to create your own capsule wardrobe! Now let’s get started with the basics.

What is a capsule wardrobe?

A capsule wardrobe is a small wardrobe made up of versatile pieces (30-40 pieces) that you love. The catch – you can only swap out your items every season (three months). Caroline’s capsule included 37 pieces for three months.

What is the 10×10 challenge?

Take 10 pieces and create 10 different outfits in 10 days. It is the mini version of a traditional capsule wardrobe that was created by Lee Vosburgh.

Spring Wardrobe Challenge – My Take

Instead of going the traditional route, I thought it would be fun to do the 10×10. As luck would have it, the next challenge is starting Friday, March 30th, but I’m starting now! Instead of doing 10 days in a row, I will be sharing one look per week for the next two months using only 10 pieces (shoes not included). I will also tag my outfits with #stylebee10x10, #Spring10x10, #10x10Friends and do a full blog post on each look.

The formula:

• Tops
• Dress
• Bottoms
• Top layer
• Shoes (you can choose whether to include in your count)

Accessories don’t count, so load up on as much as you want!

Who should try a capsule wardrobe?

Anyone.

Why should I try a capsule wardrobe?

Planning a vacation, feel stagnant in your wardrobe choices, want to save money, need to declutter your life? All of the above?  A capsule wardrobe can help you with all of these.

My goal:

• Prove that you don’t have to spend money to look stylish
• Show different ways to rework your wardrobe and change things up
• Help you identify gaps in your wardrobe
• Inspire you to try a capsule or declutter your life by pairing down your wardrobe

Tricks to mastering the half-tuck

I have always been envious of those who wear the half-tuck. I’ve tried countless times to make it work but it always looked like a hot mess! I tell friends that they need to show me, and they look amused. If it’s so easy then why does J.Crew have a tutorial on it?! Here are three fail-proof tips, now tested by yours truly:

• Wear high-waist jeans: I understand that some people aren’t keen on a high-waist jean, but I’m here to tell you, never say never! In the past, I’ve tried the half-tuck with a low rise jean and it just didn’t work for me. Once I found these beauties, I had a change of heart. They are super flattering, even in the midsection. Rejoice!!! A high-waist jean takes the guesswork out of the half-tuck in my opinion. Just grab the front of your shirt, tuck in the front and voila! You look beyond fabulous.
• Look for a short hem: The more material you have to tuck in the more problematic. Plus, who wants to be bothered with a long hem? It will just add extra bulk to the front and sides.
• Keep the top thin: These camisoles are thin (available in four colors) and come in a good length, making them super easy for mastering the half-tuck.

Shop the Post:

Sweater: Madewell (similar) | Camisole: J.Crew | Necklace: Lace & Pearls Jewelry | Denim: J.Crew | Booties: Paul Green (similar) | Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs (similar) | Lipstick: Urban Decay 1993 c/o

*c/o: courtesy of or gifted.

More From This Series:

• Unintentional Capsule Wardrobe + Spring Wardrobe Challenge 10×10
• Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #2 – Taking Fashion Risk
• Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #3 – My Best Closet Staple
• Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #4 – The Knit Dress and Why You Need One
• Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #5- 6 Things I’ve Learned From My Capsule Wardrobe
• Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #6 – Transitional Outfit For Spring
• Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #7 – Be the Change You Want to See
• Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #8 – The Lightweight Sweater
• Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #9 – 5 Reasons to Start Your Own Capsule Wardrobe
• Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #10 – Capsule Wardrobe Recap

📷: Genelyn Jaye Photography