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You open your closet and suddenly, you feel as if you have nothing to wear, even though you have plenty of clothes. Many feel that way too often. It might be due to a lack of inspiration or to overwhelm from choice. The good news is that you don’t have to stay stuck in a fashion rut. You can enjoy getting dressed again by incorporating play using the 7-point styling rule.

Discover how you can use this approach to rediscover excitement in your closet.

So What Is the Seven-Point Styling Rule?

The seven-point styling rule is a viral fashion trend that involves assigning points to your clothing and accessories. The goal is to create a balanced and complete outfit for a total score of seven. This ensures that your outfit is intentional. The points are garnered through a variety of visual elements, from colors and patterns to accessories and layers.

Anything way below a score of seven would look plain, boring or undone. On the other hand, anything way over it would look cluttered or over-the-top. Maintaining balance is the key to pulling off an interesting outfit.

Identify Your Wardrobe’s Core With 1-Point Staples

A 1-point article of clothing is usually a versatile basic. It is considered a reliable piece that serve as a strong foundation, setting the tone for the rest of the outfit. Mastering your basics is the first step to experimenting boldly and confidently. These items typically have classic silhouettes and basic colors. This would include a plain tee, denim jeans, simple shorts or white pair of sneakers. For a officewear, you can opt for sleeveless dresses or polo short with trousers.

Unleash Your Personality With 2-Point Power Pieces

If an item has an interesting element, such as a pattern, texture or interesting silhouette, it is already counted with two points. These items help add personality or tell a story to the outfit. Basically, they make the outfit more uniquely you. The dressing-up process turns from a chore to a method of self-expression through play.

Here are some two-point articles of clothing you can try.

1. Statement Outerwear

A single piece of outerwear can immediately add dimension to your outfit. Hence why it is considered as two points. A leather jacket, a trench coat, a fuzzy sweater or a brightly-colored blazer instantly transforms the mood of the outfit. 

2. Bold Patterns and Compelling Textures

Patterns and textures draw the eye. Patterns can be classics, such as plaid, florals, polka dots, pinstripe, houndstooth, herringbone, gingham and twill. These patterns immediately add story to an outfit. For example, pinstripe patterns are usually found in corporate attires while gingham evokes a sunny and cheerful vibe. Patterns can also be more fun and out there, such as animal print, geometric, paisley, candy stripes and argyle.

Textures also create interest in the outfit. For example, leather jackets, silk skirts, waffle knit polos or suede pants add an interesting twist to plain outfit combinations.

3. Unique Accessories

Accessories can be a powerful 2-point item. For example, a sculptural heel on a shoe immediately elevates the outfit. Chunky necklaces add an unmistakable personality and can change the entire vibe of the outfit. Other examples of unique accessories include brooches, body chains, silk scarves and unique belts.

They can pull your outfit toward the direction you are going. A classic brooch is already an interesting element. A floral gold brooch provides a lovely detail to the outfit, especially fitting for elegant and sophisticated styles. When paired with casual outfits, such as a denim shirt, the brooch adds contrast and uniqueness. A frog-shaped brooch can add a whimsical touch and showcase the wearer’s personality.

4. Vintage and One-of-a-Kind Finds

Vintage shops and artisan markets are great places to hunt for vintage and one-of-a-kind pieces to add to your outfits. For example, vintage stores may carry clothes with beadwork, hand-stitched embroidery, hand-dyed textiles and uncommon patterns.

Your Field Guide to a 7-Point Outfit

The concept of a seven-point outfit is straightforward. As such, you can apply this approach to your everyday events and errands. Here is what that would look like in different contexts.

The Weekend Coffee Run

A weekend coffee run should be comfortable while still looking put together. As such, you can wear a one-point white T-shirt with a one-point pair of jeans and a one-point pair of sandals for a classic, laid-back combo. You can go out with just these items. However, it feels incomplete and basic.

To elevate it, you can add a two-point denim jacket, a one-point crossbody bag and a one-point pair of sunglasses. All these additions contribute to the final look without competing for attention. The result is an effortless but stylish appearance.

The Creative Work Meeting

Creative workplaces align well with the 7-point styling rule. Tailored trousers and a fitted knit top add up to two points in total. A blazer in an bold color or fabric is worth two points and can make you look more interesting and fun. Loafers and two-point colorful jewelry bring your total to seven.

The result is a professional yet expressive outfit. Rather than relying on a single dramatic statement piece, you infuse subtle details with personality to create visual harmony.

The Spontaneous Night Out

You can easily pull off a stunning outfit for a night out with this sterling method. A sleek black dress or a jumpsuit as your foundation easily provides two points. Add to that bold heels, a statement jacket and a bold lipstick color and you have a complete look. The overall appearance looks intentional and sophisticated instead of overly excessive.

Living Your Style Adventure

The seven-point style rule works because it relies on having a visual balance. Too few interesting details and the outfit can appear plain as a whole. On the other hand, overloading your outfit with statement pieces looks distracting. By aiming for seven points, you achieve a good balance of basics and elevated pieces.

Ultimately, this system is a tool rather than a strict formula. Use this to easily elevate your outfit, whether you’re going out for coffee with friends or celebrating your special day with a loved one. The key is having confidence in your choices and style. Now that you know what the seven-point styling rule is, you can start mixing and matching items in your wardrobe for a complete and coherent outfit.