Does the 80-20 rule apply to your closet?

12 years ago

The 80-20 rule says that we wear 80% of our clothes 20% of the time, and we wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time. I would love to have a closet full of clothes I wear all the time, but wonder of that's really possible. I recently went through my closet of summer clothes and tried to be honest about what I wear and what I don't wear. I guess I'll find out at the end of the season if the 80-20 rule still applies to me, even after getting rid of what I know I don't wear. How about you? Does the 80-20 rule apply to you and your closet? Or if you have a closet filled with only clothes you wear all the time, what's your secret?

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Comments (22)

Sueb20
12 years ago
Oh, I'm sure it does although I hate to admit it!

I read about a "trick" in a magazine somewhere -- put all your hangers facing one way, and each time you wear an item, put it on the hanger facing the opposite direction. Then you can see how often you wear things. I just keep forgetting to do that.

I wear the same few pairs of pants every day in the fall/winter/spring -- mostly jeans. But I wear a bigger variety of shirts.

I feel like I tend to "rotate" my clothing better in summer than winter. By the time Feb. hits, I just keep wearing the same fleecy/wooly sweaters over and over because I just don't care about anything except keeping warm! Now that the weather is warmer, the novelty of my newly-unpacked-from-the-attic summer clothes (and a few new things) inspires me to wear a variety... but probably by August, I'll be back in a fashion rut again!
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Bumblebeez SC Zone 7
12 years ago
Of course. I have 80%, dh has 20%.
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leahcate
12 years ago
Yes, sigh, it does apply to me :>(
I sometimes think if superior beings
from another world were viewing earthlings
they would be amazed and appalled by
our mode of travel, with speeding vehicles
jamming the roads, coming within inches
of one another....AND the amount of wasted time
the females of the species spend standing
in closets pondering what to put on! How I
loved the preg days with five outfits to choose from!
It would be sooo easy to wear uniforms on weekdays.
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hhireno
12 years ago
I'm probably closer to that reality than I'd like to think. I do try to mix it up but whatever just came up from the laundry room is probably the closest thing to grab. I will give away anything I haven't worn all season. And then the start of the season the next year think "where's my whatever?" and forget I gave it away.

I had a shirt on earlier today but took it off again. It may end up in the give-away pile this year. I just can't seem to wear it out of the house. Something is just off about it and I can't decide what it is. I do love the turquoise beading on it but something is wrong. Too full? Too long? I dunno. But the season is new so there are plenty of months for me to decide if it stays or goes.
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amj0517
12 years ago
My rule would be more like 99-1. Now that I stay home with the kids I really wear the same few outfits all the time. It also doesn't help that my other clothes are just a bit too tight. :) I refuse to buy more because then I am admitting that I'll never get back into my pre-pregnancy clothes.
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teacats
12 years ago
Applies here too ... although I do TRY very hard to wear some of the "other" clothes -- I end up wearing the basic uniform of denim capris and a tee-shirt. And Keds.

One VERY easy fix for wearing the same tees -- and I DO tend to wear either a basic black or white Mossimo crew-neck tee from Target -- is to simply "flip" the pile of folded tees on the closet shelves.
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DLM2000-GW
12 years ago
I'm probably closer to 90/10. I'm either in workout clothes or work (around the house/yard) clothes! Lunch out with a girlfriend is cause to dress up and put on jewelry!
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Bumblebeez SC Zone 7
12 years ago
My weight has fluctuated over the years and gradually crept up to a size I didn't like and stayed there for years.
But last fall I lost some weight then was motivated to keep losing and I went from a size 14-16 to a 10, even an 8 and 6 in some things.
But I practically never get rid of clothes; they either go into storage or gradually turn into garden clothes and wear out. I also tend to buy clothes worth keeping.
So, I was able to pull out clothes from 12 years ago...many in style, and find some were too BIG! It was a great moment.

I have packed away all my fat clothes and hope never have to get them out again.
But, several years ago, a friend helped me clean up my basement and she made me get rid of a big box of belts. Plenty were really nice. She said I would never wear them again.
Well, I wish I had that box of belts, I bought my first belt in years a few weeks ago.

So, I don't believe in the eighty twenty rule much. Or the get rid of it if you don't wear it in a year rule but I do have lots of space.
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tinam61
12 years ago
Probably closer to the opposite for me but I'd say 70/30 or 60/40. I work part-time and also volunteer, church, out with friends, etc. so I wear a good bit of my clothes. Of course there are certain outfits or pieces that maybe only get worn for specific occasions (dressy) that don't get worn as often. And then there's my around the house and stuff worn for outside activities (boating, camping, gardening, hiking, etc.).

I do buy good quality items that last but I get tired of things. I am not one to keep clothes for a long time. We have several good clothing centers so I donate good items (not play or work clothes). So if I haven't worn clothes in a while, I generally don't keep it, unless it's something special. I'd be like your friend Bumble, if it's something boxed up out-of-the-way, I know I'm not gonna wear it again.

Right now it's hubby's things we need to go through. I love to buy clothes for him (more than for myself!) and you can tell by his closet. Of course, he doesn't think about it himself, but I need to push him to go through some things, especially shirts.

tina
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moonshadow
12 years ago
I'd say it applies to me. Maybe 70/30 but that's about it.
And sueb20, love the trick for reversing the hangers. I must remember to do that, I'm sure it will be very eye opening. (Especially winter items.) Used to be diligent about thinning closets, but somewhere along the way I got out of that habit and it shows! :o Need to do a major overhaul, because there are people in need that could use the things just hanging there.
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stinky-gardener
12 years ago
No, it doesn't apply to me! I wear pretty much 100% of what's in my closet.

Yes, I buy the occasional article of clothing that I may discover at some point is an unflattering color or style or a dud in terms of comfort, so out it goes to the thrift store. Nothing stays in my closet that isn't really, consistently used.

I'm the same way with home accessories, kitchen gadgets, etc. There's very little extra, very little stored for "just in case."

I've been getting estimates for bathroom remodeling and without fail each contractor has asked some version of "Where are your clothes?" when they open the adjoining closet door!

But mind you, I don't dress in rags. I buy decent to good quality items and refresh and replace when things wear out!
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sweeby
12 years ago
Definitely time for another closet purge...

The thought process I've found most helpful is pretty simple. Does it make me look my best? If the answer is 'no', then my next question is: So when would I wear this? -- When I *don't* want to look my best? Makes it easy to toss stuff...
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mitchdesj
12 years ago
I do the 80/20 maybe 50% of the year; I do force myself to put together outfits
I don't automatically reach out to, I tend to be lazy at times and reach out for a "uniform" , black pants, black top, I have dozens of those, in all styles and fabrics. Even in the heat of summer, I wear black.

I've stopped buying things that are out of my comfort zone, I used to do that too often, either being influenced by a friend ( "you never wear color, that turquoise blouse looks amazing on you , buy it !!") or making myself buy something unusual for me just because I'd be in the mood that day. Those buys were bad ones .

I subscribe to the 80/20 rule in many aspects of my life, it helps me cope with imperfection.
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stinky-gardener
12 years ago
You're such a chic lady Mitch. I know you must look elegant and pulled together in your black ensembles! When you find something that works for you, why not stick with it?

I'll never forget the pic you posted of your plum-painted toenails! So cute!
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golddust
12 years ago
I think I wear most of my clothing with the exception of my vintage collection that will become part of my estate. I just picked up a hand painted Mexican skirt at the thrift store. Metal zipper and BEAUTIFUL!!

I do have a few things I bought for that special occasion that just hangs in the back of the closet.
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mitchdesj
12 years ago
thanks SG, so nice of you to say that !!
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nancybee_2010
12 years ago
mitchdesj, I like that "SG"- I dislike calling her stinky, because she's not stinky. She's the sweetest!
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neetsiepie
12 years ago
I pretty much wear everything too. I'm a big time purger...if I don't wear it regularly, it goes. However, I do have a few items that I just can't seem to want to wear, so they're getting ready to go, even though they still have the tags attached! And I do have just a couple items I keep on hand for 'special' occasions, or when I have to wear better than my usual jeans & tee or sweater.
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stinky-gardener
12 years ago
You're welcome, Mitch! Please keep sharing your fashion, beauty and style tips here at GW. I always "tune in" to what you have to say!

Thanks, Nancy! Believe me, I have my moments, but I appreciate your kind words. You're the sweetie!
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hhireno
12 years ago
Yesterday I realized something about what I wear. I keep returning to my new & current favorite things. I don't have so many clothes that I need to follow the one thing out for for each new item in order to have enough closet space. So I still have the favorite from last year, and the year before, but this year's favorite is getting more attention. At least this month.

Another thing I remembered is what my Dad taught me, way back in the day when I used to wear suits to work. Wear the one hanging on the left and, after wearing it, return it to the right of all the suits. Then everything gets even rotation. It's easiest with suits but it can be adapted to other items.
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kellyeng
12 years ago
I love beautiful clothing but I live in workout clothes and PJs! I workout in the morning and again in the evening so I sweat up the first set, shower, and just put on the next set for the evening. Then I get home, shower, and on goes the PJs.

In the last two years, I've gone from wearing a 26-28 to a 14-16 and I'm slowly whittling that down. When I reach mini goals I reward myself with clothes so I have every size imaginable. The stuff that doesn't fit anymore goes into the guest room closest so my closet is only wearable stuff. Even so, I bet I only wear 10 - 15% of what's in my closet.

I have this dress with a plunging neckline that goes down to an empire waist and is floor length - looks very bohemian. I had no occasion to wear it to, I bought it because it looks so fantastic on me. I think I'm going to have a casual dinner party just so I can wear this dress! It would look so cool with huge earrings and bare feet.

Don't even get me started on shoes! I'm in love with funky, sexy heels but I rarely get a chance to wear them. . .
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Bumblebeez SC Zone 7
12 years ago
That's such an accomplishment Kelly! Congratulations!!
I know you must feel wonderful now that you look good and clothes are finally fun.
I would wear the dress everywhere! I see lots of maxi dresses out and about. Put a cami under it for daytime.
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Does the 80-20 rule apply to your closet?

Comments (22)

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