A wardrobe can be rammed full of clothes, but then it still somehow feels like you’ve got nothing to wear. That’s where this great rule comes in, called the 70-30 rule. It encourages you to create a balance between your everyday staples and those other things you probably won’t wear all that often, without meaning you’ve got to chuck it out.
Summary
First you need to follow the 70-30 rule: 70% reliable basics like jeans, knitted items, shirts and jackets. The other 30% can then be chosen as more extreme pieces and to wear for occasions like parties. As long as the basics can be combined with each other, getting ready to go out is quicker and easier. If the wardrobe itself looks old but still works well, instead of buying new furniture it is worth replacing the doors to give it a fresh new look.
Build around the clothes that do the hard work
The rule basically says that 70% of a wardrobe should consist of your reliable basics. That’s your jeans, knitwear, shirts, and jackets that get worn week in, week out. Then the other 30% can be made up of bolder pieces or things you’d only wear on special occasions. The rule is about recognising that you’re naturally going to rely on a small number of trusted clothes and making sure those pieces work well together.
The reason the 70-30 rule works well is that it takes away some of the stress from getting dressed, where you can mix and match your outfits much more easily.
Keep the wardrobe itself working too
Sometimes your wardrobe might need a little update as well, with replacement wardrobe doors helping to refresh your room and make your clothes inside feel better without having to buy new furniture. You can grab some replacement wardrobe doors if your storage still works but the outside is feeling a bit dated.
So, this approach isn’t about creating a perfectly minimalist wardrobe; it’s just about giving everyday essentials more functionality while keeping a bit of character in the mix.
FAQs
How can I decide what belongs in my 70%?
Look back at what you have actually worn over the last few weeks. These are the pieces that will make up your 70%, your everyday basics. Your true staples are the things you actually wear, not what you think you should be wearing.
How can the rule help when I go shopping?
Before buying something, check whether it can be combined with at least a few items you already own. If it can, then it is a basic item. If not, then it must go in your 30%. Only buy it if there is room for it in your collection.
What should I do with clothes I never wear?
Selling, donating to a charity shop or even giving items to friends and family are good ideas for items you’ve not worn for long periods of time. Items that you love but only wear in one season can be stored elsewhere around the home to free up space in your wardrobe.
Where can I store out-of-season clothes?
Under-bed boxes, vacuum storage bags and even the top of your wardrobe can provide alternative storage for your out-of-season clothes. Just swap them over when the seasons change to keep your rails clear for current clothes. Read our tips on looking good in anything for more on putting outfits together.