When it comes to adding to my wardrobe I always have the five outfit rule at the back of my mind. I wish I could buy everything I see and love (don’t we all) but unfortunately my bank balance doesn’t allow it. It’s not just designer pieces that I apply this rule to, it’s every item of clothing and pair of shoes.
What is the five outfit rule?
The five outfit rule is pretty simple. When you see an item that you just have to have you can only buy it if you can think of five different outfits that you can wear it with. These outfits should come to mind straight away, no having to wrack your brains to desperately come up with things, and no cheating. When I say cheating I mean if the item of clothing you want happens to be a top you can’t just pair it with five different coloured pairs of jeans.
By following this rule it means that you won’t be wasting money on something that you won’t get the wear out of. How many times have you bought something because you loved it in the store but when you get home you realise it doesn’t go with anything you own. Rather than return it you then end up having to buy several new pieces to make one outfit that you only end up wearing a couple of times before it sits unloved at the back of your wardrobe.
Take these Office boots for example. I loved them when I first saw them but I held off buying them as I own a greyish brown pair of ankle boots and a pair of black stiletto ankle boots. I started to really miss having a flat pair of black boots that I could easily throw on. In the past I owned a pair of black cowboy style ankle boots that I wore religiously everyday for about two years before they started letting in water. I knew I would get the wear out of the office boots but I still had to apply the rule, particularly as this pair has a lot of studded embellishment.
Outfit One.
Leather Jacket – Asos
Jeans – New Look
Jumper – Missguided
Outfit Two
Leopard Print Jacket – New Look
Vest – New Look
Jeans – Topshop
Outfit Three
Denim Shirt – New Look
Black Jeans – New Look
Black Vest – New Look
Outfit Four
Cream Jumper – New Look
Gilet – Fazane Malik
Jeans – Topshop
Outfit Five
Jumper – River Island
White Shirt – Vero Moda at ASOS
Coated Jeans – New Look
Do you follow any rules before you can make a purchase?
Greetings, fashion enthusiasts! As someone deeply immersed in the world of style and clothing, I understand the intricacies of building a wardrobe that not only reflects personal taste but also ensures practicality and versatility. Allow me to share my expertise on the topic discussed in the article from lifesacatwalk dated March 5, 2017.
The article introduces a concept known as the "five outfit rule," a practical guideline for making fashion purchases. This rule suggests that before acquiring a new item, one should be able to effortlessly envision five distinct outfits in which the new piece can be worn. This strategy aims to prevent impulsive buying and encourages a thoughtful approach to expanding one's wardrobe.
Now, let's break down the key concepts and elements mentioned in the article:
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The Five Outfit Rule:
- The rule is a straightforward criterion applied to every clothing item and pair of shoes.
- It requires the buyer to visualize five different outfits for the prospective purchase.
- The outfits should come to mind instantly, without struggling to create them.
- The rule discourages impractical purchases that may not integrate well with existing wardrobe items.
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Practical Example - Office Boots:
- The author illustrates the application of the five outfit rule using a pair of Office boots.
- Despite a desire for the boots, the author refrained from buying them immediately.
- The author explains the necessity of applying the rule even when confident about the potential wear of the new item.
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Outfit Examples:
- The article provides five outfit combinations for a specific pair of boots, demonstrating the practical application of the rule.
- Each outfit is described briefly, highlighting the versatility of the boots and the importance of having a well-coordinated wardrobe.
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Personal Experience:
- The author shares a personal anecdote about missing a particular type of footwear (flat black boots) in their wardrobe.
- The example emphasizes the rule's relevance in ensuring that a new purchase complements existing items and addresses specific wardrobe needs.
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Reader Engagement:
- The article concludes by inviting readers to share their own purchasing rules.
- This encourages reader engagement and the exchange of fashion-related insights.
In conclusion, the five outfit rule serves as a practical guideline for making informed fashion purchases, preventing impulse buying, and ensuring that each new addition to the wardrobe contributes to a variety of stylish ensembles. It's a strategic approach to building a versatile and well-thought-out collection of clothing and accessories.
