A Week of Outfits from My 10-Piece Closet
Let me just start by saying this: yes, it’s possible to live your most stylish life with just ten pieces in your closet. I know, I know—it sounds like fashion minimalism gone too far. But hear me out. Whether you’re in your capsule wardrobe era, downsizing for travel, or just sick of decision fatigue (been there), having a tightly edited closet can be weirdly freeing.
And because I’m a little obsessed with outfit planning (and, okay, showing off my capsule skills), I decided to challenge myself: create a full week’s worth of chic, non-repetitive looks using just 10 items. No magic, no tricks—just thoughtful pairings and strategic accessories. Here’s exactly how it played out.
The 10 Items I Used
efore we dive into the outfits (pun intended), let’s talk about the key players. IMO, your capsule should be built around versatile, neutral-ish pieces with a mix of structure and softness. Here’s what made the cut:
White button-up shirt – crisp, classic, and can moonlight as a layering piece
Black turtleneck – sleek and chic, especially for layering
Grey crewneck sweater – cozy but polished
Black trousers – structured enough for work, casual enough for errands
Dark wash straight-leg jeans – not too trendy, not too boring
Slip skirt in satin – adds a touch of luxe (bonus: wrinkle-proof)
Oversized blazer – instant upgrade for any outfit
Long wool coat – tailored and timeless
White sneakers – goes with literally everything
Black ankle boots – for when sneakers feel too chill
Not bad, right? With these, I styled seven different looks that felt stylish, intentional, and honestly…effortless.
Monday: Back-to-Basics, But Better
Outfit: White button-up + black trousers + white sneakers
I kicked off the week with the queen of all capsule outfits: the crisp white shirt and black pants combo. It’s giving I-have-my-life-together energy. I half-tucked the shirt for that cool-girl vibe and added minimal gold hoops for polish.
Why it works: You can never go wrong with classic tailoring. It’s clean, sharp, and totally work-appropriate—without trying too hard.
Tuesday: Layered & Luxe
Outfit: Black turtleneck + slip skirt + blazer + ankle boots
This look is my personal fave—very off-duty editor. The turtleneck tucked into the satin skirt creates that sleek silhouette, and the oversized blazer pulls it all together. I wore my hair in a bun, and yes, I felt like I should be sipping espresso in Paris.
Pro tip: A structured blazer makes any outfit look elevated. Even if you’re wearing pajamas underneath (not that I’ve done that… recently).
Wednesday: Comfy Meets Cool
Outfit: Grey sweater + jeans + sneakers
Midweek slump? Same. This outfit is what I call the “I still care, but not too much” look. The jeans give it structure, the sweater adds softness, and the sneakers keep it laid-back.
Add-ons: I wore a crossbody bag and tossed my coat over my shoulders. Insta-worthy? Maybe. Cozy? Definitely.
Thursday: Monochrome Moment
Outfit: Black turtleneck + black trousers + wool coat + boots
Nothing feels more put-together than an all-black outfit. It’s dramatic in the best way. The black-on-black-on-black vibe is giving serious fashion week energy—no flight to Milan required.
Why it slaps: Matching colors = instant cohesion. Plus, the coat adds movement and drama (especially if there’s a breeze ;)).
Friday: Casual Friday, But Make It Smart
Outfit: White shirt layered under grey sweater + jeans + ankle boots
I love a good layered look, and this one felt preppy in the best way. Think: college professor but cooler. Rolling up the sleeves a bit gave it more ease, and I added a simple pendant necklace to keep it feminine.
Real talk: This combo works for brunch, casual meetings, or that cute bookstore you always say you’ll visit (do it!).
Saturday: Girl on the Go
Outfit: Turtleneck + jeans + blazer + sneakers
I ran errands and met a friend for lunch in this, and it just worked. The turtleneck and blazer combo gave it some structure, but the sneakers kept it real. 10/10 for comfort and style.
Why I love it: It’s approachable but chic. Like, you’re clearly put together, but you didn’t spend an hour getting dressed. (Even if you did. No one needs to know.)
Sunday: A Little Extra
Outfit: Slip skirt + grey sweater + ankle boots + wool coat
Sunday is for soft glam. I wanted something comfy but still polished enough to feel like a real outfit. Tucking the sweater into the satin skirt balanced the cozy/luxe contrast, and the coat pulled everything together.
FYI: This one got me compliments at the farmer’s market. Just saying 😉
Final Thoughts: What I Learned
Creating seven outfits from just ten pieces wasn’t as limiting as I thought—it was liberating. No staring blankly into my closet. No spiraling over “having nothing to wear.” Just reliable pieces that played well together.
Here’s what I’ll keep doing:
Choosing versatile staples over trendy one-hit wonders
Layering intentionally for depth and polish
Sticking to a cohesive color palette (hello, neutrals!)
Swapping shoes and accessories to instantly change the vibe
Could I keep this going for another week? Honestly… yes. And maybe I will. Want me to do a part two? Let me know. Or better yet—try your own 10-piece challenge and tag me in your looks. Let’s make minimalism fun again 🙂
