The Three Outfit Rule; The World’s Greatest Shopping Hack

Let’s talk about shopping…

I don’t want to brag, but I’m a pretty good shopper. Do I shop too much? Yes of course, but probably only because I’m so good at it. My shopping secret? I live and die by the Three Outfit Rule.

What is the Three Outfit Rule? So glad you asked. You know when you’re shopping and you see a gorgeous, to die for top, so you grab it and head to the register? Well before you swipe your card you have to be able to make at least (at least) three outfits using that top and clothes you already own. You can’t say to yourself “oh this top will look amazing with those trousers I want to buy”, AT LEAST THREE OUTFITS WITH ITEMS YOU ALREADY OWN.

You might be thinking to yourself “three outfits? That’s a lot!” But trust me, it’s worth the extra brain power. By challenging yourself to come up with three distinct outfits for any new item you buy, you’re creating a versatile wardrobe that will carry you through multiple seasons and trends. Your closest space is valuable real estate, you can’t just let any old thing come home with you (this goes for men as well…as in my fellow lady straights bringing men home, I don’t care what clothes men buy and will never give them any free advice).

Let’s break it down. Say you want to grab a pair of wide-leg pants. How are you going to style them? With a tucked in blouse and heels for work? A graphic tee and Birkenstocks for a Saturday morning coffee run? A blazer, big hoops, and heels for a night out? How easy was that?!

I’m all about maximizing your wardrobe and being mindful of spending habits. By focusing on items that can be styled multiple ways, you save yourself from the dreaded “I have nothing to wear” that can strike us down at our most vulnerable, aka when we’re standing in our bedroom sweating in just a bra and a pair of tights because we have no idea what to wear.

I know we have out comfort outfits we gravitate towards (Farm Rio jumpsuit for moi), but with the Three Outfit Rule you’ll challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone and make the most of what you already have. Who knows, you might even rediscover something in your wardrobe to move into heavy rotation.

So next time you’re out shopping, challenge yourself to use the Three Outfit Rule. And if you can’t make three different outfits? Maybe put it back…at least until it goes on sale. Happy shopping!

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