Lesson 219: 22 Items of Clothing = 30 Outfits

Yesterday I told the extended version of my fashion and style story. It was surprisingly fun to look back at my clothing past, evaluate, and recognize true change. Afterall, that's the point of this blog, right?!? Growth. Change. Maturity.

I ended the post with a little fashion show in which I pretended to be a fashion blogger and showed off one outfit. Y'all, I'm hooked!

Wait. No I'm not. 

But I was playing around with my closet today and realized I might have something of value to offer you sweet readers. And so, I decided to do one more fashion related post. 

What will follow is thirty outfits created from twenty-two items, an entire month worth of ensembles (as Fancy Nancy would say). Its goal is to demonstrate the principle of having items in your closet that mix and mingle with joy. 

A few disclaimers. First, I am not a fashionista. These are just clothes for normal people, doing normal things, on a day to day basis. There's nothing overly spectacular or interesting, just form-fitting clothes that look nice together. 

Second, originally, I was going to use my purse, bracelets, necklaces, whatever. But, that was too much work. Imagine if these outfits were accessorized with bags, jewelry, make-up, hairstyles, hats, etc. The possibilities open up even more.

Third, in the summer, I dress for air conditioning. I get cold super easy, so often during the summer months I wear jeans and / or something long sleeve. Sorry if you don't do that. 

Finally, I'm not planning on sourcing the items for two reasons. One, it would take too long to find links and such. Two, most of these items are available in most of the normal stores you already frequent and so if you look, you can find them. If you have a specific question, feel free to comment!

The Clothes Included:

Tee Shirts

- basic mint tee

- white pocket tee

- light gray graphic tee

- white / gold polka dot graphic tee

- dark gray muscle tank

Button Downs

- white collared button down

- light chambray button down

- pale pink hippy button down

Warm Tops

- green cargo jacket

- cream poncho sweater

Bottoms

- white pull-on shorts

- newport blue crepe shorts

- light denim worn-in skinny jeans

- gray skinny jeans

- black joggers
- basic green shorts

Shoes

- gray TOMS

- mint sneakers

- cognac sandals

- light tan wedges

Scarves

- yellow printed scarf

- multi-color feather scarf

I wanted to start with something more standard, but this was the first picture of the bunch that I actually liked, so we'll start here. 

White Shorts / Mint Tee / Printed Scarf / Cognac Sandals

Change the pants. Change the shoes. 

New tee. Add a jacket.

Switch in new shorts and shoes. 

I'm not sure I'd actually wear this outfit, but it's in sequence so I had to include it. 

Move on to the best shirt ever created. 

Change your shoes, and pow! You're ready for a date.

And just think of all the ways you could accessorize this look in white. 

For example, feather scarf and sandals?!? Just one of many.

Time for new pants and tennies!

Keep the pants. New top, throw on a jacket, switch out the shoes.

Too hot for pants, but cool enough for a jacket and TOMS. Maybe an outdoor concert, where pesky ants could bite your feet?!?

Oh no, it's so cold, you should probably include a scarf.

Ahhh, I'm burning up.

My new favorite "Pick Samara Up From School" Outfit. 

Graphic tee / Jacket / Denim / TOMS

(Note: Ford had just woken from a nap and was ready for his mama to stop trying on clothes and start focusing on his lunch. I was waving to appease him!)

Next, an outfit so basic I would venture to say, every mama should own it! But remember, what do I know?!?

A more feminine version of the button down, with a more masculine jacket. 

(Note: Numerous kids were ignored in the making of this blog post.)

Pretty in pink. And white.

And for a date ... new shoes.

 

I like pink and green. Outdoorsy and pretty?!? 

(Note: Can you tell my braid is starting to struggle.)

How 'bout a top that's easier to wash. Why, Hello!

I'm cold. Love the chambray.

Wait. If I wear one less shirt, it's less laundry to do.

What if I have to go to the country club and want to look sporty / casual / preppy?!?

Has anyone else jumped on the "jogger" train? Because I think these are the new yoga pants. C.O.M.F.Y.

I included the muscle only because I think that these "joggers" are supposed to worn with muscle tees ... and I had one. 

(Note: I might have pulled it from the dirty clothes pile, which is why it looks a little wonky.)

I'm cold again.

Except my legs. They're hot. 

Maybe something a little more casual and colorful?!?

No. It's summer, and I'm really hot. Really, really hot. 

Hold the phone. Did I just put on a white pocket tee?!? Frankly, there could be an entire post devoted to the versatility of a good, white pocket tee!

One that I have no intention of writing. 

Now some food for thought. Consider what kinds of outfits I could make if I added:

- a pair of dark denim
- white skinny jeans
- a white and black striped muscle tank
- a light gray boyfriend cartigan

I'll bet by just adding those four items I could come up with another 30 outfits.

Welp.

That's it.

Can we all just give Mark a round of applause for the constant putting down of his book to pick up the camera today?!? He did a great job. Thanks, Mark.

I'd love comments! What do you all think? Is this how other people dress? Sometimes I think I'm dressing like normal people, but then I walk through South Park and every teenager I see looks infinitely better than me. I don't care so much, but it does make me wonder, do I look weird?!?

Also, after this photoshoot, we headed up to Charlotte for dinner with my brother and his family. And I didn't want to wear any of the outfits from the shoot, because I was over them.

So I wore the white pocket tee, the white shorts, and the TOMS.

And felt good all night long.

Lesson Learned: It works, y'all. It really works.