You know me, I’m always down for a fun fashion gimmick.
Capsule wardrobe? 10×10 Challenge? 2×2 outfit formula? Love ’em all.
So when I came across the 8 Point Rule of Fashion, I was intrigued.
Here’s how it goes:
Each item in your closet is worth 1 or 2 points — 1 point for basics, 2 points for items that have more zing and pep.
After you put on an outfit, tally up the point value of each item you’re wearing.
The goal is to keep your entire outfit to about 8 points. That’s the sweet spot, where the outfit is neither too bland nor too excessive.
The first time I tried it, it was way less complicated than I expected, only taking a few seconds.
Don’t think of it as a rule. Think of it as one more technique you can pull out of your wardrobe tool kit when needed. (I find it’s especially useful when I’m experiencing fashion brain freeze.)
So let’s take this outfit as an example:
- Tee = 1 point | This tee is a 1-pointer to me because I wear this cut a lot so, it’s white, and I’d wear it with anything.
- Jeans = 2 points | I’m giving these jeans 2 points because they have a more trend-forward baggy fit.
- Flip Flops = 1 point | These flip flops are a 1-pointer because I wear them all the time with everything.
- Bag = 2 points | This bag gets 2 points because it’s designer, it’s not black, and it’s got an interesting shape to it.
- Jewelry = 2 points | I’m giving the jewelry 2 points because I’m wearing earrings, a bracelet, and three rings — for me, that’s more jewelry than I usually wear at once.
Add it all up, and you get 8 points!
As a gal who LOVES her basics, it’s helped me make sure my basic outfits aren’t too, well, basic! It’s nice to have a simple strategy that helps me level up. Had I not been thinking of the points system when I put this outfit together, I probably wouldn’t have worn as much jewelry or the beautiful bag. But thanks to the points system, I was able to make those quick changes to elevate the look.
Of course, everyone will have their own perception of what constitutes a 1-pointer or a 2-pointer. I have a more minimalist aesthetic, so that heavily influences my point choices. Someone with a maximalist aesthetic would probably rate these same items differently than I have. But that’s the beauty of this strategy. It’s not universal — it’s personal. YOU get to decide based on your style, taste, and preferences.
Have you ever tried the 8 Point Rule of Fashion before? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this!
OUTFIT DETAILS
(if you see something you like, you can shop it and support my blog at the same time by using the affiliate links below)
H&M Baggy Regular 90s Jean (wearing size 4) | Similar: Abercrombie High Rise Loose Jean
Little Liffner Tulip Tote | Similar for less: Cuyana Classic Easy Zipper Tote & Mango Shopper Tote
Jenny Bird Tome Medium Earrings
Monica Vinader Heirloom Bracelet
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Thank you for reading my blog today — I appreciate your support so much. Hope you’re having good one!
I’ve not heard about this fashion “rule” before, but I’m very excited about it! I also tend to like more basic pieces, but most of the time feel really bland and boring as a result (yes, I know I can “style” basic items, but that only seems to work for photos rather than real life—who’s going to do a perfect tuck or cuff or whatever after every visit to the toilet or something?). Responding to it with a bit more “out there” outfit sometimes works, but more often than not just makes me feel overdone. Sounds like this rule could be a huge help! And something to apply fluidly depending on the individual; for example, maybe someone is an 8 points person, but someone else is 4 points or 10. Or maybe working from home (so not wearing shoes or carrying a bag) doesn’t require full 8 points. Or maybe items are “scored” differently in different circumstances e.g. hoops that could be 1 point when going out are 2 points at home because putting them on for making breakfast is more effort than usual. Love this idea, can’t wait to try it out for myself!
I love this approach! I’m pretty minimalistic as well, so I can see how this just makes so much sense in knowing how much to add but not adding too much! Thank you so much for sharing!
What size are you wearing in the AF tee? curious if it runs oversize or tts? In the market for a new white tee!
I’m wearing a Small. I’d say it runs TTS and fits boxy, but not super oversized. I probably could have gotten an XS, but I wanted a little more length and boxiness, so I went for the Small. It’s really good! Just know it has a little YPB logo on the back of the neck, and the fabric feels a little slinkier than a classic 100% cotton tee. Hope that helps! :)
Thank you so much!!
This is great. And easy to remember 🙂 thank you!
Thank you Caroline, I love this post! Very helpful, what a good idea!
Regards
Britta
I’ve got one for you! I was listening to Articles of Interest, such an excellent podcast, and the host interviewed the founder of Tibi, who said her rules for getting dressed in proportion are as follows:
1. Big: wear something large ex. wide trousers; oversized coat etc.
2. Slim: wear something that is more fitted to your body ex. fitted tank top
3. Skin: shoe some skin, it doesn’t have to be necessarily “sexy”, it can be as simple as pushing up your sleeves.
Oh my gosh! I love Tibi and regularly watch their Style Class replays on YouTube — but I didn’t realize they had a podcast. Subscribing now, thanks for sharing! I love how you broke down the Big, Slim, Skin concept. It’s so good!
I randomly searched for your blog again since the last time you said you were done posting and I’m so glad the blog is back (seems like its been back for a while) cant wait to get inspired to redo my wardrobe!
What a fascinating approach to fashion! 💫 The 8 Point Rule seems like such a clever and quick way to add a touch of intentionality to your outfits. I love how you’ve personalized it based on your own style and preferences. The breakdown of points for each item in your outfit is such a helpful guide, and it’s fantastic that it’s flexible enough for everyone to interpret according to their unique aesthetic. I’m definitely intrigued and might give this a try to add some flair to my wardrobe. Thanks for sharing your experience! 👗✨