In social media, the 80-20 rule basically means that we talk about our own business 20% of the time and the other 80% of the time, we post, link, and promote other information our audience appreciates. Recently, those numbers popped up in a different context when I heard a wardrobe consultant say that most women wear only 20% of their clothes 80% of the time. Now THAT is an interesting application of the 80-20 rule applied to fashion.
Summertime and the Pickings are Slim
This proportion is most likely true during the summer. Just think about it – summer is a really short season unless you live in perpetually warm climates like sunny Florida or other tropical states or countries. There aren’t enough sunny days and balmy nights to wear all of our breezy beautiful sundresses and when it’s super hot out, we tend to wear our most comfortable pieces over and over.
Retailers are aware that the season is short and if you go to freshen up last year’s summer wardrobe at your local favorite store, you may notice a less extensive selection than other seasons. Why is that? Basically, summer fashion is not a money maker for retailers. Even in warmer all year round climates, we don’t usually spend our money on clothes shopping in summer months; we spend our money on vacations and getaways, sending our children to camp, more frequent dinners out, gardening and other outdoor activities.
Basic Items for a Summer Wardrobe
Remembering that the 80-20 rule applied to fashion; how you make use of what you own, you don’t really need much to round out a summer wardrobe. There are up to 10 basic items you should have in your closet that can get you through the short summer months looking good that retailers typically have available.
1. A few tees in your favorite colors 
2. An outer neutral layer- one you love, be it a wrap, linen shirt, denim jacket or zip-up sweatshirt
3. A nicely fitting white and or khaki bottom – could be a short skirt, jeans, ankle pants or slacks
4. At least 2 black bottoms- swing skirt, slacks, capris
5. Fancier tops with nice necklines that show off your tan and jewelry
6. A maxi or sundress for those evenings out
7. Summer shoes- a neutral wedge sandal, flip flops, flat sandal
8. Fun Summer Jewelry- We can help with this.
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A Cautionary Tale
For the past few months, I’ve seen a lot of advertising showing gladiator sandals and many Pinterest pins pairing these sandals with the Boho look. Did you ever try taking on a fad, spending your money on an item, only to discover it really did not flatter you, nor did it suit your lifestyle? After shopping with a friend who always goes for the latest hot item, what I noticed was that this style did not flatter my build or leg shape. If I really wanted to achieve a Grecian Goddess look, I’d do it with a different accessory- jewelry.
80-20 Rule: Make the Most of Your Summer Wardrobe
Chances are you have most of the basic items we have listed and if you don’t, then go round out your wardrobe. In these few brief summer months, you want to reverse this percentage and have it be that you make use of 80% of what you own and ditch the neglected 20%. And if you have more than these basic items and wear them, you are ahead of the game – enjoy a wonderful summer with style.
Comments 54
It seems the 80/20 rule is showing up in many interesting ways, Roslyn. I have a lot of clothes and definitely favour certain items. The summer is my favourite time of year and I have some very basic items I continue to rotate. Always black pants or capris and black camis, with different coloured blouses on top. As I favour summer, it is the time when I probably rotate my clothes the most and then of course I can optimize my necklaces and bracelets, although I also wear these all year long. Love this post, as it is a very observant way of applying a popular adage to something we wouldn’t necessarily think it applies to. Summer is also the perfect time to expand the 80/20 rule and add some new fresh jewellery to your wardrobe.
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Thanks, Beverley Golden for your thoughts and personal experience. Hmm, I did omit including a cami or 2 with overshirts as part of a basic wardrobe. I guess since I don’t wear them, I didn’t think of it. We also rotate a summer wardrobe due to the frequency of wearing and washing.
I was so surprised by the statement about wearing only 20% of one’s wardrobe, I had to flush it out. I also liked applying the familiar social media rule to the world of fashion and given many of my readers are in the social media world, am hoping it will appeal to them.
Ahhhh, great take on the 80/20 rule Roslyn. I think it also applies to a degree with men too. I know during summer here I only use a small fraction of the clothing I own, most of it is more winter orientated (get’s cold here a lot). That said, my summer clothing is usually very basic and practical to help keep cool as when it is hot here, it is HOT! Thanks for sharing your take on this, was an interesting post. 🙂
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Thanks Ian Cambell for your response. I am always keen on hearing from male readers in regards to jewelry & or fashion. This play on the 80/20% rule I hope gave the post an extra zing.
Love that 80/20 rule – it seems to show up everywhere in one form or another! And now, I think I’ve got some wardrobe purging to take care of. Thanks for the post, Roz!
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Deb Nelson, I was noticing that too. Thought I saw it applied to food but I couldn’t find reference so I didn’t mention it. Glad you found post inspiring for some wardrobe assessment.
Hi Roslyn,
I just checked my closet and other than a dress, I’m good 🙂 I am looking for a denim jacket.. been looking for the right one for about a year now. I have an open closet (no doors) and anyone that sees my room makes fun that I’m “so not a girl” because my closet is only half full. My hubby does follow the 80/20 rule to a “T”. He has more clothes than I do! oh and btw, I’m not a fan of gladiator sandals either 🙂
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Gisele Grenier, that is indeed a revelation to have a small wardrobe that sounds like you make good use of. I finally found my denim jacket at Chicos. Enjoyed your response. Thanks for sharing.
It’s true for me that I wear fewer summer clothes than those for other seasons. I really don’t buy many for summer. How funny that the 80/20 rule applies to wardrobe as well as so many other situations. Interesting post, Roslyn.
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Beth Niebuhr, I think we buy a few new tops & 1 or 2 new bottoms to really freshen up our summer wardrobe. I was intrigued by the remark I read from a wardrobe consultant, which stimulated the post. The more I investigated, the more excited I got knowing how many of my readers refer mostly to the 80/20 rule in social media. A great play on the term.
Very interesting take on the 80/20 rule, Roslyn!
I’ve actually realized that I need to update my wardrobe — for every season — but especially the warmer months. I appreciate the guidelines you’ve given — a great place for me to start.
Thanks.
All of us have many clothes but I see the certain basics make sense. Certain neutral colors that match everything and of course the nicer clothes for nights out and accessories. Always feels goo getting rid of the 20% that is never used
I love your take on the 80/20 rule Roslyn! I never really thought about fashion in this way at all. The seasons come and go and I stock up accordingly, I pay little attention to how much I spend in any given season never mind the psychology behind it all! But it does make sense, who wants to be trawling through department stores and rummaging through bargains buckets in the summer months when you could be outside sipping ice-cold lemonade and munching on cucumber sandwiches! Not to mention the strawberries and cream for desert!
Your checklist is so practical and really speaks to the way most people live. I wonder how many of us have a wardrobe full of clothes and shoes but simply can’t resist those worn out flip-flops and a comfy tee more often than not. Comfort often wins over style when you’re hot and sticky! Having these few basic items will surely get you through the short summer months with comfort and a bit of style, particularly when they’re complimented with some fun summer jewelry.
My choice this week is Prism, the rainbow of coloured fluorite is sure to make a sunny day even brighter!
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So nice to write a post that women can relate to in a new way. We probably think about spring cleaning and from time to time donate some of our clothes. Coming upon the application of the 80/20 rule to summer fashion opens up a new perspective. Stay cool & comfortable.
In rethinking about this, I realized that my summer wardrobe probably has more clothes than any other season does. Guess that says how much I LOVE summer. And as you know, Roslyn, for me, jewelry is a key part of my daily wardrobe, I feel undressed without my bracelets and necklaces. The fun part of summer is that people actually get to see my jewelry, whereas in winter it is hidden from view until you take off your coat and gloves. I have also been thinking about the 80/20 rule in all aspects of life and believe it applies to almost everything we see and do. Once again, I love that you found such a clever way to show how this rule applies to fashion and jewelry!
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Thanks, Beverley Golden for your additional thoughts. Given you go to sunny Florida in winter, of course you need a bit more summer clothing. I enjoy finding topics that bring info to my readers and interesting/useful information about jewelry.
Interesting spin on the 80-20 rule. Judging from my own wardrobe you’re spot on. I’ve never been desperate to keep up with fashion, but we all want to look good.
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Clive Maloney, Glad you found the 80/20 rule spin interesting. I certainly did. I’m also aware of a few male readers so I like to make the posts relatable.
The 80/20 rule seems to apply to everything in life, doesn’t it? In Tucson, we wear summery clothing about 7-8 months out of the year, so I have more summery clothes than winter clothes. Although by November, I’m really ready to switch out the wardrobe.
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Carol Rundle, it would be interesting to read how the 80/20 rule applies to other areas of life and industries. I came across something in food, this take on fashion, we know social media. Hmm- who is up for the challenge?
I definitely agree with the 80/20 rule for clothes. There are some pieces in my wardrobe that I just like to wear a lot because they are either very flattering or very comfortable. The rest looks great hanging in my closet but after awhile I do purge what I haven’t touched in 6 months. As I’m getting older I really want less so I am not going out and replacing as much as I used to. It’s very freeing. Now if only I could get my husband to do the same thing!
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Beth Blacker- how awesome you can purge after 6 months of not wearing a garment. I tend to hold on longer, just in case.I have learned I can do with fewer choices. Not an easy lesson.
This is a great blog and I will pass it on to my wife! Amazing to use the 80/20 rule for fashion and of course all your Jewelries are beautiful 🙂 Thanks Roslyn
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Thanks, Kaz. I got a kick out of applying the topic to fashion. Thanks for your compliment & hope your wife enjoys the information as well as our designs.
You provide a great analysis on applying the 80/20 rule to fashion. We live in sunny South Florida so it’s a little bit different for us; however, planning correctly along with your suggestions should help others apply the 80/20 rule to fashion for themselves. 🙂
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South Florida Savings Guy, yes there are some states that have warm weather almost year round. This is a great basic guide, but most importantly it is to help readrs think about how to make use of what they own.
I love learning about fashion. Thank you for the helpful advice.
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You are welcome Christi.
I really enjoyed this post. Love the 80/20 rule. I love the way your site is structured. It’s very easy to read and easy to follow. Great job!
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Glad you are enjoying our site LeAnn Shirley.
Roslyn,I always learn something new when I read your blogs. I am officially doing the right thing, lol. Wait! Do I have to wear my summer wardrobe 80/20? If so, I have woefully failed. I wear the same outfits to teach in, because the sunblock completely ruins them each summer, and I don’t want to ruin my cute ones. I do have awesome jean jackets, black and white bottoms, and lots of colored t-shirts. I admit, I only have one pair of gladiator sandals, and my husband hates them, so they still look brand spanking new. Can’t wait til fall! 🙂
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Liz Benoit Cozby, you indeed seem to be following the 80/20% rule with your wardrobe usage. And it makes sense to keep wearing the same outfits to teach in. Seems like you could have written this basic guide. Thanks for compliment and glad you enjoy our blogs.
Very interesting post. Thank you for the information on summer retail sales strategy. Wow, who knew.
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Cassandra McIntyre, I know. That was an interesting fact for me as well. Glad my research turned it up.
Your posts keep getting better. I’m wondering if people are planning now for their fall wardrobe…Or maybe it’s premature.
I can relate to this 80/20 rule. I have about 5 favorite sundresses that I recycle during days off from work due to comfort, style and time. I probably could spend more time looking for more variety in my closet instead of purchasing something new for an event!
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Sharise Hemby, glad I subtly am encouraging you to check out your closet. Sometimes it does seem easier to buy something new, but after a good search in our own wardrobe.
Hi Roslyn,
I always find such awesome ideas when I visit 🙂 I will have to figure out my “summer” wardrobe even though I try to go through it at least once a year lol I always seem to buy more clothes for summer than any other time of the year…….I like that 80/20 rule for clothes!
Thanks for the great post!
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Joan Harrington, so glad you find ideas you can implement in our blogs. In this one my subtle goal is for readers to balance making use of what they own, with the clothing that gets neglected. we can probably do with fewer items than we all have.
Hi Roslyn, I DO live in sunny South Florida where it is hot most of the year. I am constantly in my shorts or sundresses. I have trouble knowing what to wear when the weather cools off to the 60’s or less. I never seem to have anything in my closet. You’ll find a lot of people running around with socks and sandals (not me!)
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Sherri Frost, thanks for your comment. I think you learn to layer. I recall when I visit warm climates seeing ladies adding sweaters as most inside places are air conditioned. I do that in NY. You probably need the reverse- more summer clothing with a few heavier outerwear for layering.
You asked, “Did you ever try taking on a fad, spending your money on an item, only to discover it really did not flatter you, nor did it suit your lifestyle?”
I usually go for classic style. Fad fades fast. That would be a waste of money. For my day to day, it’s tank/tee or shorts. Also, I could use your list if I travel to the tropics by the way.
P.S. What a brilliant way of applying the 80/20 rule!
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Thanks, Ruby for your great comment and compliment and welcome to our blog. For sure this basic list is good for the tropics. So happy to hear you love the way the 80/20rule applies to fashion. It’s always fun to put a spin on a popular concept.
With the 80/20 rule applied to fashion, an individual is reminded to make use of this proportion. Using it consciously helps him or her get organized with his wardrobe.
I must confess… my wardrobe is the same year round.. I figure, if I want to wear black (my most popular color) during the summer, I will and if I want to wear bright pink in the dead of winter (as if that happens… not cold in Tx or much in Va, or Ca for that matter) I will. LOL
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Kristen Wilson, how fortunate that all the places you go to are basically one climate and you should wear your favorite colors whenever it suits you. When I wrote this post I was also thinking of a common lament, “I have nothing to wear” while a closet is jam packed.I encourage women to wear more of their wardrobe.
This is helpful to me as a guy because I really like to keep things simple and I never thought of applying the pareto (80/20 rule) to my fashion. Thank you for this article, much appreciated!
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David, so glad you got something out of this blog.
The pieces you described literally make up the 20% of my wardrobe I actually wear. This is part of the reason I did hire a personal shopper to help me be more experimental with fashion. Great read!
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Coach Niquenya, so glad we are on the same track. Sounds like you are achieving your fashion goal. Let me know if we can assist you with some suggestions of jewelry for particular outfits. Would love to help.
Well, aren’t you the fashion maven! 😉 I think all your recommendations are good. My only quibble is the T-shirt thing. I know you probably aren’t talking about the “I’m with stupid” T-shirts we commonly associate with the term, but I just want to drive home the point that there are many marvelous knit shirts in a variety of styles (particularly neckline) that really fit the bill. It’s just as easy to “throw on” something nice — regardless of the weather — as it is to throw on crap. And BTW, I love your jewelry. I think I may have mentioned that once or twice before. 😉
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You know Jackie Harder, when using the term tees, I never thought of ‘those’ kind of tees. I wear & recommend the type of knit shirts you have in mind. I believe in print the way the styles are differentiated is t-shirt are the ones with words & graphics, tees are the nice soft cottons.
Fashion always stymies me. I wear the same stuff each week yet my closet is full! I have taken to the “one in, one out” rule and that has helped, but it’s so complicated when I am not a size 8. Thank you for this!
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Glad our information helps you, Lori Ann. Fashion tips work even if not a size 8.