A cheat sheet for getting dressed without the stress.
Not everyone thinks twice about what they throw on when they walk out the door and that’s fine. But I’ve always believed your clothes say something before you even open your mouth. Whether I’m walking the dog, doing the school run, or heading to an event, I want my outfit to have a point of view, because when my outfit falls flat, I feel flat too.
The danger lies at both ends of the spectrum: the underwhelming outfit that feels like an afterthought, and the overdone one that looks like a TikTok trend exploded on your torso. The key is finding the sweet spot (and still feeling like you).
In a world where “effortless” is the goal but the outcome often swings between too safe and trying too hard, a few clever outfit formulas can help. Think of them as style shortcuts or frameworks that make getting dressed faster, easier, and way more fun.
The best part is, they work in every season and can be tweaked to suit your personal style. While they may be all over your social media feed, I promise they hold up offline, too.
@loveyoumariemuch Have you heard about the Wrong Jacket Theory? It’s a spin-off of the Wrong Shoe Theory by stylist @Allison Bornstein, and I’m loving it! This trend was all over the spring/summer 2025 runways, with brands like Burberry and Prada pairing fancy dresses with casual jackets for that cool, high-low mix. And the best part? You can easily try it at home with pieces you already own! #wrongjackettheory #wrongshoetheory #styletips #fashiontips #styletok #fashiontiktok
The “Wrong Jacket” Theory (AKA intentional mismatching)
What may at first seem like a complete lack of judgement is actually a deeply wearable styling tool: choosing an outer layer that just shouldn’t go with your base. Think an oversized bomber jacket over a bias-cut slip dress, a pair of suit pants with a puffer jacket, a tracksuit with a trench coat – you get the idea. Mismatching with intent is the new matching set.
This rule doesn’t just make you look more stylish, it actually makes your clothes more wearable year-round. If your summer dress is feeling too lightweight in spring, add a leather blazer. Winter trousers looking stiff in September? A slouchy Levi’s trucker (size up!) and a simple tank is the solution. The key is tension, finding the pull between dressy and casual, polished and undone. It gives your outfit that “I just threw this on” energy, even if you thought about it for 20 minutes.
@lara_bsmnn
The 7-Point Rule
I first discovered The 7-Point Rule via @lara_bsmnn on Instagram and something just clicked. Like portion control for fashion, this literal formula breaks down your outfit using a scoring system: basic items (plain tee, jeans, sneakers) are worth 1 point each, while statement pieces (a bold print, sculptural bag, dramatic shoe) earn 2. Aim for a total of 6 to 8 points to hit the sartorial sweet spot.
Don’t overthink it though, just try to find your balance. It may look like this: A white tank (1) + tailored trousers (1) + a statement belt (2) + kitten heels (1.5) + sunglasses (1) + red lip (1.5) = 8. You look composed, thoughtful, interesting. It works in January as easily as July, just swap in boots for sandals, a coat for a cardi. No dramatic closet overhauls required.
Wardrobe wise, it’s an excellent way to get more from fewer pieces. Suddenly, that “boring” knit sweater has legs when you pair it with metallic ballet flats and a statement silver link necklace. The 7-Point Rule doesn’t demand you shop more. It asks you to dress more intentionally using what you have.
@justmacrose Replying to @Melissa Marie What is the seesaw method? The idea that if you go back and forth building an outfit using pieces of different dress codes or textures or colors you can create a visually interesting outfit that maintains its balance. This is also a great method to remember back to if an outfit feels “off” often times it’s because you’ve got too many pieces on one side of the seesaw making your outfit feel unbalanced #personalstylisttipoftheday #personalstylist
The Seesaw Proportion Rule
You don’t need to have studied design to understand this one. It’s all about contrast and letting the push-pull between oversized and fitted pieces do the heavy lifting. If your top is slouchy, your bottom should be more streamlined. Pair wide-leg trousers with a slim-fit tank. Throw an oversized shirt over a mini skirt. The seesaw ensures you never get swallowed by fabric, nor look like you’re trying to vacuum-seal your body into clothes.
What makes this especially valuable through the seasons is its adaptability. In cooler months, layer a big knit over straight-leg jeans and tuck in a sleek turtleneck underneath for a pop up top. In summer, let a balloon-sleeve blouse billow over short shorts and slides. It’s intuitive, yes, but it’s also kind of genius and once you get the hang of it, it’ll make putting together a great outfit a breeze.
The takeaway
These aren’t trends in the disposable sense, they’re easy-to-apply styling tools that lend structure to creative dressing – no matter your personal style. Think of them like muscle memory for your wardrobe and frameworks to help you create an outfit that feels like you in any situation.
Once they’re in your back pocket, you’ll never have to ask, “Does this look okay?” again. You’ll already know it does.