Three Reasons to Try the Three Outfit Rule
Over the last few years I’ve become much more conscious about my shopping habits. I love having a wardrobe full of things I love to wear, and long gone are the days of dropping money at ASOS on trendy pieces I never actually wore… There is one thing in particular that really helped me out, and that’s the Three Outfit Rule. It’s something I learned from Aja Barber (find Aja on Patreon if you want to learn more about sustainable fashion) and it’s changed my whole mindset! Let me explain…
Whenever I add something new to my wardrobe, whether or not it’s secondhand, I apply the Three Outfit Rule. Basically, With this new item of clothing, I have to create three separate outfits, using what is already in my wardrobe. I have to mix and match it with what I already own. And if I can’t? Well… then, I don’t keep it. Following this rule has been a total game changer. It’s changed my whole mindset toward shopping, and here’s why!
IT’S MADE ME LESS WASTEFUL…
Buying an item of clothing and not wearing it is basically wasting money. No one wants that, do they? By sticking to this rule, I am ensuring that I will use what’s in my wardrobe, and get my money’s worth! Plus, since I’m buying more secondhand, I’m much more intentional where I’m spending. Having to search for the perfect blazer means you appreciate it more!
These days, I’m not shopping to be trendy… In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever been trendy but now it’s more about style. I have an idea of a few things I’d like to add to my wardrobe, like those white jeans I bought recently. The point is, because I’m following this rule, I’m not wasting money, and everything in my wardrobe is bringing me joy!
I HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT I ALREADY OWN
Putting in the effort to follow the Three Outfit Rule means I’m regularly going through my wardrobe to see what’s there. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve discovered something I forgot I owned! It’s kind if fun, and means that now I know exactly what’s there. If I see something on Depop or eBay, or in a shop, I immediately start picturing what’s hanging in my closet.
I’ve also found it easier to part with the things I don’t wear, whether it’s selling them on or donating them. Because I know what I wear, and I know what I love!
EVERYTHING IN MY WARDROBE BRINGS ME JOY
So, because I’m more intentional about what I add to my wardrobe, and I have a better understanding of what’s in there, something wonderful has happened. Every item currently hanging in my closet makes me happy. It inspires creativity, which is wonderful. I used to be that person who would feel so uninspired by my wardrobe, so I’d go out and buy loads of things I didn’t even like that much. I can safely say that is no longer the case!
There you have it. The ‘Three Outfit Rule’ has totally changed how I shop, and how I think about my wardrobe. It’s really inspired me to curate and create with intention. If I can’t do that with the clothes on my back, then when can I?
Sure, it’s a slower way to build a wardrobe, but honestly, I much prefer it. Getting dressed has become a real joy! Following this rule means I’m more intentional. Being more intentional means I appreciate every thing I buy, and that is a wonderful thing!
I love this approach. The three outfit rule is something I could do in the distant future hope. I am trying to streamline my wardrobe and investing in pieces that I wear all the time but if a better quality so hopefully they last longer. So the idea is there but a super streamlined wardrobe will eventually happen.
Good idea girl. And very sustainable. Enjoyed reading this.
Trying out the Three Outfit Rule will help you streamline your wardrobe too! You’ll have a much better idea of what isn’t being used and that’ll make it easier to clear things out! Glad you enjoyed reading!
I really liked this rule. It’s so common we end up buying this that won’t match with anything that we have at home just because it was cute, or it was on sale, or whatever other excuses we find to buy new things hahaha
Absolutely, I used to do that all the time! Making sure what I’m buying fits in has made a huge difference.Give it a go and see how you get on!
This post has definitely inspired me to be more careful with my fashion choices! I love the sound of this ‘three outfit rule’ & I’m definitely going to use it next time I’m shopping. x
Yes! It’s such a good one! Really helped me change how I was shopping!
I love this! Recently I have been setting myself a rule where I don’t buy anything new unless I can list 5 items in my wardrobe that I would wear it with. So often I’ll fall in love with one item but when it comes home it just sits in the back of my wardrobe because it doesn’t go with anything!
Yeah, similar thing! The person who taught me about the 3 outfit rule does 5 as well! It’s a handy way to make sure EVERYTHING in your closet gets worn, isn’t it?
This rule is so useful! I never thought of it that way but I like how you mentioned you’re going back and looking at the clothes you already own and found something you forgot you had because girl that is so me ? but thank you so much for this!!
It makes a big difference! I don’t shop the way I used to now, and everything in my wardrobe gets worn!