When is an outfit “too simple”? When is an outfit “too much”? Let’s talk about it. . .
Have you ever put together an outfit in your head and when you went to try it on it looked nothing like you pictured it? Did the pieces not look good together? Was the outfit lacking something or was it too “busy”? These are all issues that could be solved by implementing the 8-point rule of fashion in your everyday life.
The 8 point rule of fashion is self-explanatory but serves a great purpose. The basis of the rule is that every piece of your outfit has a certain number of points designated to it based on the “wow factor” of the piece or accessory. For example, any neutral piece would be worth 1 point. This could be a pair of black boots or a grey cashmere sweater. Pieces that could be worth 2 points would be a colorful or printed pair of trousers or maybe some red high heel stilettos. These pieces draw more attention to your outfit and will make a statement, thus they are worth more points so you can use the rest of your points on neutral pieces and accessories.
The point of this process is to help you nail your outfit without feeling like something needs to be taken away or added. The ideal number of points for any given outfit should range from 6 to 8. Your outfit will be too simple with 5 points but too much with anything exceeding 8 points.
Let’s look at an example . . .
This outfit is very trendy for 2021, but does it pass the 8-point rule? As we can see, she is wearing a printed crewneck (2), a plain white tennis skirt (1), and white sneakers (1). This brings our running total to 4 points.
She added a gold chain necklace (1), a pair of neutral sunglasses (1), and lastly, a pair of chunky gold hoops (1). These items bring our total to 7 points.
This outfit passes the 8-point test! One thing to remember is that the 8-point rule of fashion does not rate the outfit based on how good it looks, rather it rates each individual piece to make sure that the outfit as a whole is not too underwhelming or overpowering.
One last tip is to not forget about hair and makeup! If you are rocking an elaborate or unique hairstyle, you may want to factor that into your points. The image above showcases a unique hairstyle and should be counted as at least one point towards the overall look.
Bold makeup (such as a smoky eye and a red lip) should also be considered when totaling up your points as these elements can drastically change the look.
Overall, you can wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable, but do not overdo it. This formula is great for individuals that are new to the fashion world and it is also trusted by so-called “fashion lovers”.
Do you think this process works? If not, what would you change? Let me know!
Greetings, fashion enthusiasts! As someone deeply immersed in the world of style and self-expression, I understand the intricacies that come with curating the perfect outfit. My experience extends beyond mere appreciation; I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise and a comprehensive understanding of fashion principles.
Now, let's delve into the 8-point rule of fashion discussed in Stephanie Conklin's article. This rule is more than just a guideline; it's a strategic approach to assembling outfits that strike the right balance between simplicity and extravagance. The rule assigns points to each element of an outfit based on its "wow factor," offering a systematic method to ensure cohesiveness.
The foundation of the 8-point rule lies in the idea that every piece of an outfit contributes a certain number of points. Neutral pieces, like black boots or a grey cashmere sweater, are assigned 1 point, while more attention-grabbing items, such as colorful or printed trousers or bold red high heel stilettos, could be worth 2 points. This point system allows for a thoughtful distribution of visual interest throughout the ensemble.
The objective is clear: strike a balance. An ideal outfit, according to this rule, should fall within the 6 to 8 point range. Less than 6 points may render the outfit too simple, while exceeding 8 points could make it overwhelming.
Examining a practical example provided in the article, the model wears a printed crewneck (2), a plain white tennis skirt (1), and white sneakers (1), accumulating 4 points. Additional elements, such as a gold chain necklace (1), neutral sunglasses (1), and chunky gold hoops (1), bring the total to 7 points—within the acceptable range.
It's crucial to note that the 8-point rule doesn't assess the overall aesthetic appeal of the outfit but rather ensures that each piece contributes adequately, preventing the ensemble from being either lackluster or overpowering.
Furthermore, the article emphasizes the inclusion of hair and makeup in the point calculation. Unique hairstyles, like the one showcased, earn their points, and bold makeup choices, such as a smoky eye and a red lip, also factor into the overall score.
In conclusion, the 8-point rule of fashion provides a structured and practical framework for assembling outfits, particularly beneficial for fashion novices and enthusiasts alike. It encourages thoughtful consideration of each element's impact, allowing for self-expression without overwhelming the overall look. Have thoughts on this approach? Share your opinions and insights!
