The 10-Piece Closet Challenge
3 Outfits, 10 Pieces: A Slow Spring Capsule You’ll Actually Wear
I wrote this piece after stumbling across some old street style photos of myself during London Fashion Week, before I moved to NYC. Every outfit told a story — a $5 hat from Peru the day before hiking Machu Picchu, trousers custom-made by a local tailor, or a Celine pair I found on The Real Real years ago. I still wear them.
It reminded me of something I’ve always believed:
Style doesn’t come from a full wardrobe. It comes from a full life.
So I’m starting a new series for Sustainability Pulse: a monthly style guide to help you do more with less. We'll explore what’s already in your closet, get creative with styling, and celebrate fashion that leaves a story , not a footprint.
Let’s start with this season’s capsule:
10 essential pieces, 3 outfits I love, and a few ways I’ve worn these rules myself.
🧥 The 10-Piece Closet Edit
White button-up shirt
Black ribbed tank
Cream oversized blazer
High-waisted straight jeans
Wide-leg trousers (in a neutral tone)
Midi wrap skirt (vintage floral or earthy solid)
Lightweight knit sweater
Classic trench coat
Neutral sneakers
Strappy sandals/ or Mary j flats.
All versatile, all remixable—and ideally, secondhand, borrowed, or made with intention.
📸 Wearing the Philosophy
Here’s how I’ve styled these pieces IRL:
📍London Fashion Week:
Tailor-made trousers, a white shirt from Boggi Milano, floral suspenders I thrifted years ago, and Celine flats found on The Real Real. The bag? A market gem from Buenos Aires.
→ Featured in Vogue Japan and Glamour UK
📍Berlin Streets (Vogue Germany):
Every piece was secondhand, down to the green fedora I snagged for $5 in Peru the day before my Machu Picchu trek. The outfit was layered and lived-in, just how I like it.
→ See it on Vogue Germany
📍Rainy Day in London:
Structured thrifted blazer, vintage belt, and a bag from a friend’s upcycled line. This outfit made me feel powerful and playful all at once.
→ Shot by FirstView: link
Now, let’s build your version.
🌿 Outfit 1 — Creative Day Out
Black tank
Wrap skirt
Oversized blazer
Sneakers
Add: Bold earrings + tote bag
Perfect for an art gallery visit, casual meeting, or lounging at your favorite bookstore. I’ve worn a version of this look more times than I can count.
✨ Outfit 2 — Effortless Work Look
White button-up
Wide-leg trousers
Trench coat
Sandals or loafers
Optional: Silk scarf for an elevated touch
This one is my go-to for panels, casual office days, or interviews. It’s breezy, smart, and leaves room for movement (and a big lunch).
🍅 Outfit 3 — Weekend Wandering
Knit sweater
High-waisted jeans
Sneakers
Trench or blazer (your pick)
For me, this is the Sunday market look. You can dress it up with a red lip or stay cozy with a coffee in hand.
Remix Notes
The wrap skirt also works with the button-up and blazer for a soft, romantic feel.
Tuck the knit sweater into the skirt for dinner by candlelight.
Throw on the trench and walk like you're in a French film. Trust me.
Would you wear any of these? Or remix them your own way?
Send me a photo or tag @sustainabilitypulse if you feel like showing off your take, I’d love to feature your version in next month’s issue:
Wedding Season Without Waste: Looks You’ll Wear Again.
With style (and stories),
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