The Rule of 5: 1 Gingham Midi Skirt Styled 5 Different Ways

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!

While snapping new pieces in Target from the Who What Wear Collection I found an a-line midi skirt and shared it with my Insta Fam then someone asked how I would style it because they were stumped. Well, I’ve never owned an a-line midi skirt nor do I own many skirts in general so I thought this was a perfect opportunity to stretch my creativity and give the lady what she wants.

Gingham is HUGE this season, gingham is a staple print during Summer but this Summer it’s having an extra special moment and I am here for it! Just ordered a second gingham piece so you’ll be seeing this print again on Julia Marie B.

Oh yes, so I choose an a-line gingham skirt (double challenge) in a light weight fabric perfect for this upcoming Summer heat.

P.S. My skirt is only $15 + FREE Shipping #recommend

Here a my 5 looks …

Look 1: Picnic? … Saturday Morning Farmers Market!!

As far as I’m concerned a white t, denim jacket and chucks go with anything and that includes a midi skirt. I knotted my t-shirt so that it hit at the waist band to prevent to much fabric. By doing this it creates a slimming silhouette.

Look 2: Casual Brunch

Similar Sweatshirt (I tucked mine under for a cropped look) | Skirt | Sneakers

For a more casual look I paired a hoodie with Superstar sneakers, I choose pink for my hoodie because the color softens the look and it’s one ofw my favorite color.

Look 3: Wear to Work

Out of all these looks this is my favorite. I LOVE pattern mixing in subtle ways. One of the easiest ways to mix your patterns is to pick 2 patterns with the same colors. This is a more subtle way therefore it’s not as distracting. I love distracting but I know others may not be as into it. This look makes me feel girl, put together and like an overall boss!

Look 4: Summer Vacay

This is my 2nd favorite look out of the 5 and I do believe I’ll pull this out again for my upcoming trip to Charleston. I gave this skirt vacay vibes by pairing it with a ruffle shirt and styling it tied up. The Pom Pom sandals and statement tassel earrings take it from sweet to tropical.

P.S. These earrings are available again this year but in … wait for it … METALLIC Rose Gold, Gold or Silver!!!

My eye is on the Rose Gold #purchase

Look 5: Casual Work

Similar Top | Skirt | Similar Sandals | Similar Clutch | Similar Sunnies

Now, I said this is a wear to work look and if you live in the South you can more than likely get away with sandals if not a sturdy nude pump or ballet flats will work well.

Secret Squirrel time, I don’t own ballet flats. They aren’t my personal style and they aren’t comfortable (bunions). For flat closed toe shoes I usually go with loafers and oxfords. I definitely have my eye on loafer slides for Fall this year. Yes, I’m already thinking of Fall.

Anyways, blue and mint are one of my many favorite color combos so I paired this skirt with a basic top in one of my favorite hues.