With the hustle and bustle of modern life, many people are looking to reclaim some of that time lost in transit. This is particularly salient for their fashion choices. The 7-point rule of fashion helped me create a sobering but useful guideline. It’s giving people an opportunity to make their everyday choices a lot easier, wardrobe-wise and looking good. This relatively new approach is taking off – particularly in the wake of the pandemic. It frees people to wear what is already in their closet, taking the pressure off with the worry of decision fatigue.
The 7-point rule can be thought of as a loose guide, not a hard and fast rule. Shooting for a perfect fit that achieves a seven to eight point score leaves plenty of room for creativity and gives oxygen and direction to the process. According to fashion expert Stephanie Conklin, “The ideal outfit scores seven or eight points — never less than six or more than 10.” Costumes that get more than eight points usually end up being too cluttered or gaudy. By contrast, when they go below six, they just stop being effective.
While the 7-point rule idea is more focused on not overloading your outfit with statement pieces, the underlying principle still stands. Tumblr-worthy bold prints, funky boots, and striking silk scarves get you two points apiece. More basic looks such as a white t-shirt, jeans and sneakers — the definition of no-effort cool — net three points. This empowers people to create combinations that speak to who they are with limited lift.
“Making seemingly small changes to your work routine — like establishing a standard work uniform — can lead to significant gains in brain space over time.” – Amanda Augustine
Whether you’re heading to the office or enjoying a night out, a 7-point rule provides inspiration on how to make the most of fashion’s new landscape. It inspires people to shop their own closet first, leading to less shopping overall and a more sustainable approach to fashion. This is especially important during a period when many are reflecting on their consumption patterns.
According to fashion consultant Eloise Skinner, a one-size-fits-all method can do wonders for people acclimating to different spaces. She explains, “A uniform can feel more simple, more streamlined, and less risky in an environment that might feel new and unfamiliar.” This idea strikes a chord with those of us trying to adjust to bigger changes the pandemic has wrought.
Finally, the 7-point rule is a subjectively defined rule of thumb that is open to one’s own imagination. Its flexibility creates opportunities for more people. It allows them to be creative and develop their own individual styles without losing the focus on a straightforward user experience. As this rule starts to trend, more and more people are realizing how it can take their style game to the next level with minimal effort.
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