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So much of fashion is cyclical. Trends and styles are almost always “new again,” rather than truly new. And as someone who works in the industry, emerging brands or designers are typically the only discoveries I make; the rest of the job tends to feel familiar, except recently, when I stumbled across a theory for dressing that I had never heard of before: the seven-point rule. Are you familiar with it?
By some accounts, it’s also known as the eight-point rule. The idea is that every item in your wardrobe has a point value, and the ideal outfit scores seven or eight points—never less than six or more than 10. Basics such as a pair of Levi’s or a white blouse are worth one point. Statement or personality pieces like a patterned silk scarf or funky earrings, on the other hand, are worth two.
Let’s walk through an outfit equation according to this new arithmetic. If I wear kick flares (1) with a tank top (1) and ballet flats (1), I’m sitting at a baseline of three points. There’s nothing wrong with this look, but it’s a tad boring, a bit underwhelming. If I layer with a pair of mesh socks (1) and a suede blazer (1), I’m up to five. And if I finish it off with a floral headscarf (2) and sunglasses (1), I can round out my ensemble with a healthy eight points.
Everyone has their own variation on the rule. Some say that anything over eight points is too busy. “One thing to remember is that the eight point rule of fashion does not rate the outfit based on how good it looks, rather it rates each individual piece to make sure that the outfit as a whole is not too underwhelming or overpowering,” writes blogger Stephanie Conklin.
It’s unclear how long this rule of thumb has been around, or even where it originated. It is evident, however, that TikTok has given it a new wave of popularity among stylists and fashion influencers. Think of it as another nugget of wisdom similar to Coco Chanel’s famed advice to always remove one item before leaving the house.
In my opinion, the strong suit of this adage is that it’s a helpful benchmark to bear in mind. If my outfit for the day is very plain, à la a shift dress, I might be inspired to lean more heavily into accessories and jewelry. If I’m already layered up in a skirt over jeans, a graphic tee, and a bomber jacket, it’s a good reminder not to go overboard by piling on bangles and a hat.
Do I, as a fashion editor, recommend living and dying by the 7-point rule? No, but I must admit that I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. Since learning of it, I’ve thought about the rule every time I’ve gotten dressed—and I’ve decided I like it. Next time you’re suiting up for work, give this method a shot. And below, see shoppable examples of stylish one- and two-point items.
Cotton Perfect Crewneck Tee
$29.99 at Madwell
Alek Relaxed Wide Leg Jean
$225.00 at Alex Mill
Georgie Pump
$170.00 at Tony Bianco
Oriana Strapless Drop-Waist Midi-Dress
$395.00 at Saks Fifth Avenue
Brinker + Eliza End Game Choker in Metallic Gold.
$158.00 at revolve.com
River High-Waisted Airweight Stirrup Leggings
$124.00 at Bergdorf Goodman
Pusha 55mm Shield Sunglasses
$98.00 at Nordstrom
Zebra Stripe Halter Vest
$99.99 at Nordstrom
Mini Candy Leather Hobo Bag
$445.00 at Saks Fifth Avenue
Tarra Micro Bubble Skirt
$56.00 at Revolve
Horsebit Ballet Flat
$990.00 at Gucci
Leather and Chain-Link Belt
$128.00 at Michael Kors
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