Summer Style Challenge + My New Favorite Layering Piece

Happy Friday, friends! This week went by really quickly, which is surprising since I was on vacation all last week, but hey I’ll take it. I’m really REALLY excited about today’s post! If you’ve been following me on Instagram this week, you probably saw the style challenge I’ve created for myself for the next two months. It’s going to be a lot of fun and probably super challenging. But that’s okay! If you have no idea what I’m talking about, don’t worry I’m going to explain it all right here today!

Today I’ll be talking:

• What the style challenge is
• Why I’m doing it
• All about the rules
• How you can join in
• The details on this outfit

This is going to be super fun, so let’s get going!

**This post contains affiliate links which means I may receive a commission, at no cost to you, when you click certain links. Thank you for your support!

What is the Style Challenge?

Basically, for the months of August and September, I’ve decided I’m not going to shop. Like at all. That in itself is a challenge, to be honest. I’m not going to purchase a single item of clothing (tops, bottoms, dresses, shoes, bags, accessories, etc) for the next two months. Of course, there’s more to it than that though. I can only choose 20 items from my closet each month. 20 items for 30 days or 30 outfits, however you want to look at it. I’ll swap out the items in September for different ones, so it will be a total of 40 items over the course of two months! Do you think I’m crazy yet?

Why I Decided to Take on this Challenge

I’m sure you have to be wondering why in the world I would do this haha. I mean, I am a style blogger, and part of my job is to share new things with you guys. But I also think it’s important to wear what you already have, and to learn how to make your closet go further. A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about building an intentional wardrobe, and I feel like this is taking that a step further. On top of all that, this is a really great way to take inventory of what you’ve got, find out what you can’t live without, and get rid of the rest of the clutter. I really believe this is a great way to discover your true style too! When you pick your 20 items each month, its naturally going to be things that you can’t live without and wear all the time.

In addition, I’m doing this to save a little money. In my opinion, August and September are weird months. I’ve already bought everything I need for the summer, and I’m not quite ready to buy for fall. If I were to go shopping right now, it would just be for the sake of going shopping, and that’s not smart. So instead, I’m going to make do with what I’ve got, and hopefully help you all learn to do the same!

Style Challenge Rules

So, I’m using the term “rules” very loosely here. This is supposed to be fun and helpful haha, so I’m not going to be terribly strict about it. BUT every good challenge has to have rules or guidelines, right?

1. For each month I’m choosing 20 pieces from my closet to make 30 or so outfits from. Those items will include tops, light jackets and cardigans, bottoms, dresses, and shoes. Pro Tip: You have to be pretty thoughtful about this. Layers are very important when creating multiple outfits.
2. Things that do not have to be part of the 20 include:
   • Outerwear, including heavy sweaters and cardigans. Not that I’ll need those.
   • Loungewear- leggings, athletic sneakers, and anything that you’d lay around the house in.
   • Accessories- bags, jewelry, hats
   • PJs
3. I’m allowing myself 2 wildcards. So this means if something out of the ordinary happens, like a fancy party or crazy weather, I can choose wildcard items. For example, a nicer dress and a pair of heels.
4. My blog posts and Instagram posts can only contain outfits made from the items I chose.
5. At the end of two months, I’ll look at what’s left in my closet, decide if I want to get rid of any of it, and start planning for fall!

If you’re joining me in this madness, feel free to make this your own! You can have more or less than 20 and adjust these guidelines to fit your lifestyle. The goal here is to eliminate clutter and help discover your true style. And to also save money, if you’re like me 🙂

How You Can Join the Challenge

This part’s really simple! If you want to do this with me, I’d love for you to send me a message and let me know! I’d love some accountability partners during this haha. Post your outfits on social media, tag me, and use the hashtag #20x30stylechallenge! I’ll be posting mine on my Instagram feed and/or on stories each day that I can.

About The Outfit

This whole outfit is made up of items I chose for the style challenge, so I feel like I’m off to a solid start haha. I. Love. This. Blazer. I got this beauty at Nordstrom when I went for the sale. It wasn’t part of the sale, but it was on super sale anyway and I had to have it. I have always loved blazers, and I think it’s because of how classic they are. They have never not been in style. And there are endless ways to wear them. Of course they’re perfect for work, but I really like dressing them down with denim jeans or shorts like I did here! The color of this one is my absolute favorite, and it fits so well. I’m wearing a size 6 because it’s Topshop, which means it runs small. So definitely size up in this! Sadly, this exact color is sold out right now, but it does come in several others, and I will tag them all for you.

The striped tee underneath is from the Nordstrom sale. It’s a long-sleeve BP. tee, which is their private label brand that I love. It’s usually really budget friendly even if it’s not on sale. But I grabbed this tee for $18 and will be wearing it year round most likely. I’m wearing a size small, but could have easily worn a medium.

I’ve paired these two things with my favorite high waisted Mom shorts (wearing a size 4) from American Eagle and of course, my trusty Dr. Scholls slip-on’s (size 8). Y’all knew these would end up being in my 20 items, I mean I pretty much wear them everyday. I have no shame.

Shop the Outfit: Topshop Blazer (similar here and here) | Long-Sleeve Striped Tee (similar) | Mom Shorts | Slip-on Sneakers | Bag (similar)

I hope you guys are as excited about this challenge as I am! I’d really love for you to join me or at least let me know you’ll be following along! Feel free to leave a comment below or send me a message 🙂

xo

Hayley