WHAT I’M WEARING:
Initial Necklace: https://bit.ly/2PCiWH8
Feature Coat: https://rstyle.me/n/deakftcabgf
LOOK 1 Hoodie: https://rstyle.me/n/ddzzsjcabgf
Denim: https://rstyle.me/n/c9k6tecabgf
LOOK 5 Hoodie: https://rstyle.me/n/dd4ne3cabgf
Vans: https://rstyle.me/n/dea2xbcabgf
***everything else is old. 2-10 years old and no longer available.
THE RULE OF 5
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”. I needed to ensure every new item I added to my wardrobe could be worn to it’s maximum. Because I’m a firm believer in quality over quantity I added 3-4 pieces a month and I only had 20 pieces max to start with. Literally, NOTHING fit! It was a huge challenge but it made me use my styling creativity to the max.
The Rule of 5 simply put is a Rule (obvs) that you use while shopping to determine if you should buy an item. 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 yourself 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!
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