Did you know about this? The 80-20 Rule of our wardrobes? We wear 20% of what we own, 80% of the time. YEAH! Let that sink in, right?! We have all those great pieces (or, not so great pieces) and they hang in the closet waiting for their turn. Yet, we typically reach for our “old faithfuls” because, this rule, like all rules, are made to be broken. But that means 80% of what you own never gets a chance!!! Whaaaat?!
WHAT THE 20% REPRESENTS
Based on my own experience of dressing myself, the 20% definitely represents my bottom half of outfits. For about four years straight, as a rule, you could find me in my Rag & Bone Dre Boyfriend denim. I’ll prove it with the pics below! They range from 2016 to 2019, wearing same two pairs of jeans. I had one pair distressed and one not. So to me that was variety, ha! It’s like buying that T-shirt you like in all the color options. Same top; but different. How savvy of a shopper are we, right?!
WHAT THE 80% REPRESENTS
Again, based on my own experience, the 80% represents a combination of the pieces I’d love to wear; but are just “too much” for the everyday, or pieces I just don’t wear; but can’t seem to let go of. So many of those beautiful pieces, just sitting there.
When I look a little deeper, that 80% is what has always defined my authentic personal style; but was worn the least. It was just a little too high style for the everyday, stay at home mom life. And I don’t knock anyone for their personal style, I’m the first one to get excited when you put on an outfit that makes you feel like you could kick some ASS. BUT, I have always erred on the side of originality. Even though I wouldn’t consider myself an attention seeker, I also do not like my style to consistently blend in.
WHAT DO I DO WITH THIS INFORMATION NOW?
I highly suggest that you spend some time with that 80% that sits on its hangers or on the shelves. Basically do a Closet Clean Out on them, because you already know the 20% well. Make sure you try on the pieces in the 80% to ensure they fit , essentially shop that portion of your closet. Make sure you still like them, they don’t need any repair, and still match up with your personal style. It may have evolved since you last dusted some of those pieces off!
Once done that, consider adding one of those 80% pieces to an outfit and wear it out. Challenge yourself to find a way to wear those pieces on a daily basis. Mix patterns you haven’t before. Add preppy pieces to edgy pieces. It may feel uncomfortable; but I really encourage you to try new things with what you OWN, before you go out and buy a bunch of new things! DO NOT DO THAT!
FASHION HAS NO RULE THAT MATTERS MORE, THAN OWNING YOUR LOOK
Here’s what I’ve learned, I feel the best when I’m wearing that 80%. Adding it into rotation is fun and feels authentic for me, and I would absolutely encourage you to consider radically editing your 20% to incorporate more of your 80%. Give those other pieces in your closet, that you loved enough to spend your hard earned money on, a chance. Maybe for a night out, put on that sequined top with jeans and great shoes. Add that statement necklace to a graphic T and pleated skirt. Consistent baby steps!
If you can look back at pictures from 3, 4, 5 years ago and see an outfit you still wear to this day, it might be time for an update. It’s no offense; but that’s a lot of years and wear for those pieces so there is an excellent chance they don’t look quite as sharp as they did in the beginning. Don’t let your tired pieces, represent or define the fabulous you. Ladies, I know there are some of you that just don’t have the energy to think about how your outfit looks any given day. I just want to give you a gentle nudge to look at what you are wearing on a daily basis with fresh eyes. Is it faded? Has the shape been distorted? Comfort aside, is it now fitting different (baggier or tighter) than it used to?
YOU DESERVE NICE THINGS
There are no articles of clothing that are designed to last years of consistent wear and laundering. Especially any you bought for a steal. Truly, it is not about how much you spent on your wardrobe; but it IS pretty fabulous to get a compliment on your look and it was all affordable, right?! Because it DOES NOT MATTER. Your budget dictates how you spend on your style. There are so many brands and shopping options out there that cater to different price points. What matters is how you put it together and create your original, authentic look. You deserve to have nice things that fit well, look effortless and are fresh. These are not brand specific, so depending on your budget, consider re-defining what the 80-20 rule looks like in your closet!
As you go through life, you may be fortunate enough to have a little more style dollars at you disposal. If you’ve been here for a while, you know that I encourage to invest in classics, well made pieces when you can. You’ll appreciate the difference; but until then, there are more options out there than ever, to find your perfect look.
xoxo Taryn