The Rule of 5: Five Ways to Wear a Chambray Button Down Top

So, a few years ago I lost about 20 lbs in 1 month (I’m 5’3″ so that’s A LOT) not intentionally. Life happened. *Kanye shrug* Because of this I had to rebuild my wardrobe on a very limited budget and this is when and why I created “The Rule of 5”. This is also a great way to help you create your capsule wardrobe but that is another post 😉

The Rule of 5 simply put is a Rule (obvs) that you use while shopping to determine if you should buy an item. Also, by using The Rule of 5 you will challenge yourself to maximize your wardrobe to it’s highest potential. Which, hello, we all want to get the most wear out of our favorite pieces and essentially save money.

We have ALL seen that cute top or dress and thought OMG, this is so amazing I have to have it! After purchased it goes in the closet and is never seen again. So, you quite literally just threw money away and ain’t nobody got time for that. The Rule of 5 keeps throwing money away to a minimum at least in the wardrobe department.

2 Reasons we use The Rule of 5

1) To determine if you’ll actually wear the item

2) To eliminate wasteful purchases. Also, known as throwing money away.

Ask yourself right there in the middle of Nordstrom, Target or your bedroom (hello, online shopping) “what do I currently own that I can wear this item with?” Specifically, create 5 outfits head to toe with this one piece you want to buy with pieces already in your closet. Again, this will maximize your wardrobe and will help to teach you your personal style.

NO, you can not say this top will look great with x,y,z already in my closet IF I buy this pair of shoes. NO, NO, NO! You have just added another item you won’t potentially wear and you just threw away MORE money. There is nothing worse than cleaning out your closet and finding item after item that has never been worn and still has the tag on it.

Exceptions to The Rule

• Shoes or Handbags: Can you create 10 outfits from that pair of shoes or handbag you just added onto your shopping list? Sorry not sorry, I did increase the number because they’re accessories and we get way more wear out of our shoes and handbags than we do clothes.
• Vacations: You should be able to wear most things again but I’m DYING for a crop top maxi skirt set that I prob wouldn’t wear on my weekly Target run. It’s understandable to want that full tropical vibe while on vacation that wouldn’t necessarily fit in your day to day life. So, #TreatYoSelf that’s what vacation is all about.

• Prom
• Weddings: Not if you are a guest, you better wear that dress to every wedding you’re invited to the whole Summer. If anyone judges you, jokes on them because they threw their money away worrying about what someone else thinks and your money is sitting right in the bank or went towards a new handbag. #shewon
• Special Occasions in General: Personally, I will NOT buy anything unless I can get multiple wears out of it but you do you.

Even if you are questioning a dress or jumpsuit ask yourself, “How can I give this dress 5 different vibes with items I already own”. Layer with a jacket or vest, switch up your shoes, handbags, hairstyles. Your accessories MAKE an outfit. #bible Maximize, maximize, maximize! Remember, we are making the most out of what we already own!

By implementing The Rule of 5 you will only bring new clothes into your closet you will actually wear. You can’t wear a new top if you have nothing at home to wear it with. You’ll also have stronger knowledge of your personal style and what pieces fit in to it.

If you’re on a “shopping spree” and are buying a head to toe look on one trip (I never do this but know a lot of people do). Look at each piece as an individual and ask your self in addition to the piece you’re purchasing, Can I create 4 more outfits from pieces already in my closet with this item?” If the answer is no PUT IT BACK!

Now that we have discussed The Rule of 5, let’s put it into action!

Today we are styling a Chambray Button Down Top which is kind of a cheat because there is SO much you can do with this basic. However, like most people I get into a rut and tend to wear it the same way over and over so it was fun to challenge myself to expand past my normal denim on denim look.

LOOK 1: CASUAL SUMMER SOIREE 

Similar Shirt | Similar Jumpsuit | Similar Sandals | Similar Clutch | Sunnies | Necklaces

One of my new favorite style tricks is to tie my button downs right below the breast bone. It’s so 50’s and I’m into it. Not only does it add a layer for interest but it also accentuates or gives the illusion of a slimmer waist. When you tie up your shirt this way the top half puffs up a bit and with the added tie you’ve added volume to your bust. Because your bust looks more voluminous your waist will look slimmer in comparison.

The jumpsuit I’m wearing was originally purchased 10 years ago (Yes!), it’s still a great piece but I don’t wear it often because I only wore it one way previously. Now that I’ve challenged myself to The Rule of 5 I have a new favorite way to style this jumpsuit. #SheWon

This is an actual #ootd that I wore to my grandmothers Surprise Birthday party that was held outdoors.

LOOK 2: ERRANDS 

Dress | Similar Top | Fur Slides | Similar Handbag

Once again, we used the Chambray Button Down to layer over a basic casual one piece. This time we took the on trend styling tip of tying it around the waist. I may have taken it too far and thrown on my fur slides but that’s what I wear on errand runs IRL so that’s what I’m giving you. 😉

This dress is a great basic piece that doesn’t go out of style. You can throw on heels/wedges for a Girls Night Out or trade out for sneakers or flat sandals for a Festival or Saturday morning kids soccer. (Idk about that but I see friends with kids posting about it on Facebook so I think it’s a thing)

LOOK 3: CASUAL SATURDAY 

Similar Top | Similar Jeans | Sneakers | Clutch | Sunnies

ORIGINAL POST HERE

Personally, I LOVE a Canadian Tuxedo! It’s so simple yet can really be anything you want it to be with the right silhouette and accessories. Flare jeans with heels and a fur vest?? YES!!! However, I’m rather casual and so is my life so this is a look I’ve worn out to #TacoTuesday although I may have worn sassy sandals.

LOOK 4: TO WORK

Similar Shirt | Similar Pants | Clutch | Wedge Sandals

All hail wide leg, high waist trousers *praise hands* Once again, this pair of pants was purchased back in college when I worked at a bank and needed to be professional. SN: It’s funny in college I dressed business casual for work and now I write this from Starbucks in linen joggers, my favorite heather grey crop sweatshirt and Adidas Superstars. Let’s take a moment of silence to show our gratitude for the Internet.

With that being said, I purchased these trousers from Express a little over 10 years ago. They managed to keep a home in my wardrobe after my MANY purges because the quality is amazing and even though the cut went out of style I knew they’d come back. So, back of the closet storage it was.

I’m not sure if you can get away with a Chambray Button Down in your office but YOLO! That’s one of many reasons I work for myself so don’t listen to me, I’ll get you in trouble every time.

LOOK 5: SUNDAY BRUNCH

Similar Top | Skirt | Tote: Target (This was $5 at the One Spot)

This skirt was the feature piece in the first The Rule of 5. Read that HERE!

Once again, Casual Catherine over here! If I can’t wear flats I’m not coming, JK, I’m coming but I’m not going to sacrifice comfort. That means my most metallic flats will probably make an appearance, there will also be lots of gold accessories.

We did a similar layering trick here as the first look except this time we tied the ends of the shirt at the top of the waist band. Same trick, different silhouette.

So, here are 5 different ways to style a basic Chambray Button Down Top. All of these styling tips can be used with any button down top.

The Rule of 5 is a bi-monthly series so please give and suggestions you may have. What item are you having trouble styling? I’ll do my best to work it in on of The Rule of 5 posts on the blog or in Insta Stories.

P.S. I do video versions of The Rule of 5 on my Insta Stories, so make sure you’re following along!