I wonder if this approach holds true on photos of more diverse body sizes? Some of these outfits are very simple - nothing wrong with jeans, a button down and a belt, but they often prompt (for me at least) the “is it chic or is she just really thin?” question. I think any fashion theories or “rules” are much more interesting when we can see if they hold true applied to a diversity of women. Also, I wonder if baked into the points system is an assumption that the body on which the points are displayed is “neutral”, and I certainly don’t think our society views larger women (or even larger than size 6) as neutral!
Thank you for this comment. I’m kicking myself because I’ve really want to be more body inclusive in photos and I’m not being intentional enough. I promise to do better 😉
I will say that- to me- the “is it a fit or is she skinny” question usually show outfits that are low in points. And then I realized that low point outfits don’t resonate with me regardless of body size. I actually like to think of curves as their own kind of accessory (i’ve written about body accessories before) and so I’d be tempted to say body changes ADD to an outfit in a good way.
I love this and now I want Indyx to help me track it! However, I do feel like it is heavily weather dependent? When it’s 10 degrees you get to 8 pretty quickly, when it’s 80 not so much. I’ll be curious to follow this through the seasons.
TOTALLY! I have written before about warm weather accessories but as someone who doesn’t love accessories (never have!) I think I lean pretty small in number in the summer. Irene Kim once mentioned how you can add visual interest in the summer with pieces that are a bit different (like a sculptural top) so maybe pieces like those would count extra?!
I love the idea of this as it helps add some interest to getting ready outside of jeans and a sweater/top which is a go to for me! Where I struggle with this is seeing an outfit as “complete” when you’re living IRL. For example: I’m not going to wear sunglasses inside and I’m not constantly carrying a purse or bag, especially at work. So when it comes to an office look, curious how to keep the numbers up without compromising on what feels realistic!
Kylie, I couldn’t agree more!! I don’t count my purse because I don’t carry it all day long. I do think the little touches like texture or color can carry the load of extra points!
Well, I love this idea. Thank you for bringing it up because I truly think this might be what helps me figure out how to feel good in my clothes/outfits. So, BIG THANK YOU!
I think you aren’t accurately counting jewelry or strong hair/makeup choices as points. I personally think a red lip or big earring count. Thoughts?
Sharlyn, you’ve nailed it!! I am so impressed with the way other commenter and you have picked that up because I’ve written about accessories on our bodies before (like our hair style, glasses, etc). I think an editor’s note is needed!!
I also have arm tattoos that are often hidden - wearing sleeveless or short-sleeved tops without a jacket counts as at least +1 more point for me! Or having painted nails (which I rarely do).
This really is such a fun concept! Glad we're having the convo!
I laughed out loud at your last line 😂😂😂 I’m also aiming to wear a 150 outfit today. I loved learning about this system, and I think the odd number is key! Keeps the eye moving and everything feeling a little off balance in a good way. Thanks for sharing, Kelly!
I'm not on Tiktok so I hadn't seen this before but I really love it and will 100% start counting now!! I think in winter I fall somewhere between 7–10, simply because it's cold and so layering is key, but also because I really don't feel like myself in a too minimalist outfit. I need a sweater around my hips, a necklace, a coloured sock or *something*. I usually don't log these in Indyx though, don't know why? And bag + coat + hat always adds a few points when you're a Swede hah!
I’m the same way! I have found (since I heard about the counting trend) that if my outfit is 3-4 then I usually feel a little lackluster and it sort of helps to think “well, what could I do to pop this up?”
That actually interesting 😂 when you write 6 point under the pic, I was no it's 5 and then I was like no it's 4 ????? It takes me 2 mint to know that it was 6 ,and it was funny 🌿
KELLY - once again- 👯♀️. I was LITERALLY texting with my girlfriends this weekend about this exact point system. The TikTok I saw about it was arguing for 7-9 pts, which feels more maximalist than I can handle most days. I love the notion of “get dressed and then if something feels off, tally the points and adjust” that you mention bc this approach allows us to still lead with our intuition BUT provides tools to adjust.
Most days I’d say I’m a 5-7 gal but weekends are more like 3-5…feels good sometimes to take the less complex route!
I swear we are sharing a brain and- honestly- no one I'd rather share with 😂
When I watched the video I realized that I totally fluctuate between 3-5 and 5-7 depending on season. PLUS as a girl who wears 95% neutrals, I count all my colors as 2 points (at least!)
I love this!!! And also love how it's "countering" the other trend of 3 bean dressing that Rachel was experimenting with. I'm now intrigued to try both! (And maybe not contradictory as I think Rachel counts only 3 main pieces and not accessories?!)
I think all new ideas to help us have more fun with our wardrobe are GREAT!
Yes! I was reading HMS thinking about this piece because I think we all have a preferred point range to land within. For Rachel, 3 Bean Dressing felt like too little but for someone else trying to reach 7 points would be a downer!!
Brilliant post. Never actually thought about getting dressed this way but as you mentioned, once you see it, you can’t avoid noticing it. Very informative and helpful thanks
Alba! Thank you so much for the comment. It's true that you can't unsee it and I've found it SO helpful as a guide to putting together outfits that feel most like ME! PS- How many points do you usually like?
As I live in a hot country in the summer I like 3 -5 points usually (it is impossible to layer when too warm) but definitely 5 - 7 and sometimes even more in winter.
Yes!! I have seen a handful of videos of this method on TikTok. I do agree that more points tend to create more interest in outfits but part of me wonderings if tailoring and a "cool" piece like a jacket, piece of jewelry, hat or etc also helps draw that attention to an "intentional" outfit? Another thing I've noticed as I break from the idea to fit into a size is that I notice I like my outfits more when my jeans are a tad roomy, not necessarily oversized but breathing room. I think even dissecting our outfits in this manner can add to the intentionality of an outfit. Maybe it all boils down to how intentional we are dressing because it is more true to our own style?!
Also, I LOVE those green pants and now I need to do know where they're from.
I agree!! How many points does intentionality bring to an outfit?! It’s hard to describe because I was thinking about what intention is when it relates to getting dressed and I think you brought up a hidden component of “feels good” that is hard to measure!
Ok but I have to know, anyone know where Lilly Sisto’s ivory slim fleece teddy coat is from? I cannot find it anywhere and I am obsessed. At only 5’3” usually any teddy coat comes off bulky and overwhelms me. But this one seems slim cut. Help!
Kelly this is SO good. I just counted up my points and am wearing 15 with all of my jewelry and layering 👀 I also loved Nina Garcia and have both of her books :)
FINALLY someone mentions Nina and her books; truly formative style information for me! Also, I think it’s SO interesting that you are 15 since you prefer a minimalist aesthetic. It proves minimal doesn’t have to mean few points.
Haha, living in SF and always needing to layer and wearing lots of jewelry did me in. I also loved the Who What Wear and Rachel Zoe books and still have them on my shelves with Nina Garcia's books ofc.
I wonder if this approach holds true on photos of more diverse body sizes? Some of these outfits are very simple - nothing wrong with jeans, a button down and a belt, but they often prompt (for me at least) the “is it chic or is she just really thin?” question. I think any fashion theories or “rules” are much more interesting when we can see if they hold true applied to a diversity of women. Also, I wonder if baked into the points system is an assumption that the body on which the points are displayed is “neutral”, and I certainly don’t think our society views larger women (or even larger than size 6) as neutral!
Thank you for this comment. I’m kicking myself because I’ve really want to be more body inclusive in photos and I’m not being intentional enough. I promise to do better 😉
I will say that- to me- the “is it a fit or is she skinny” question usually show outfits that are low in points. And then I realized that low point outfits don’t resonate with me regardless of body size. I actually like to think of curves as their own kind of accessory (i’ve written about body accessories before) and so I’d be tempted to say body changes ADD to an outfit in a good way.
Well... this just blew my mind.
Your world will never be the same. I almost feel the need to apologize 😂
I love this and now I want Indyx to help me track it! However, I do feel like it is heavily weather dependent? When it’s 10 degrees you get to 8 pretty quickly, when it’s 80 not so much. I’ll be curious to follow this through the seasons.
TOTALLY! I have written before about warm weather accessories but as someone who doesn’t love accessories (never have!) I think I lean pretty small in number in the summer. Irene Kim once mentioned how you can add visual interest in the summer with pieces that are a bit different (like a sculptural top) so maybe pieces like those would count extra?!
i'm definitely going to be counting while getting dressed now 🙃
I promise it will only haunt you for a week or two!! haha
I love the idea of this as it helps add some interest to getting ready outside of jeans and a sweater/top which is a go to for me! Where I struggle with this is seeing an outfit as “complete” when you’re living IRL. For example: I’m not going to wear sunglasses inside and I’m not constantly carrying a purse or bag, especially at work. So when it comes to an office look, curious how to keep the numbers up without compromising on what feels realistic!
Kylie, I couldn’t agree more!! I don’t count my purse because I don’t carry it all day long. I do think the little touches like texture or color can carry the load of extra points!
Well, I love this idea. Thank you for bringing it up because I truly think this might be what helps me figure out how to feel good in my clothes/outfits. So, BIG THANK YOU!
I think you aren’t accurately counting jewelry or strong hair/makeup choices as points. I personally think a red lip or big earring count. Thoughts?
Sharlyn, you’ve nailed it!! I am so impressed with the way other commenter and you have picked that up because I’ve written about accessories on our bodies before (like our hair style, glasses, etc). I think an editor’s note is needed!!
I also have arm tattoos that are often hidden - wearing sleeveless or short-sleeved tops without a jacket counts as at least +1 more point for me! Or having painted nails (which I rarely do).
This really is such a fun concept! Glad we're having the convo!
Me too!! PS- I LOVE arm tattoos on a woman. My friend has a half sleeve on both arms and during summer I adore them as her accessory.
I laughed out loud at your last line 😂😂😂 I’m also aiming to wear a 150 outfit today. I loved learning about this system, and I think the odd number is key! Keeps the eye moving and everything feeling a little off balance in a good way. Thanks for sharing, Kelly!
Oooh BRILLIANT Lindsay (as always). I think you are on to something with odd numbers; and now I’m adding that to my mental data gathering!!
I'm not on Tiktok so I hadn't seen this before but I really love it and will 100% start counting now!! I think in winter I fall somewhere between 7–10, simply because it's cold and so layering is key, but also because I really don't feel like myself in a too minimalist outfit. I need a sweater around my hips, a necklace, a coloured sock or *something*. I usually don't log these in Indyx though, don't know why? And bag + coat + hat always adds a few points when you're a Swede hah!
I’m the same way! I have found (since I heard about the counting trend) that if my outfit is 3-4 then I usually feel a little lackluster and it sort of helps to think “well, what could I do to pop this up?”
I’m at 6 points today sans jacket + bag (8 points with)! Feels juuust right
That actually interesting 😂 when you write 6 point under the pic, I was no it's 5 and then I was like no it's 4 ????? It takes me 2 mint to know that it was 6 ,and it was funny 🌿
Plus, I always count extra for color/pattern!
Haha YES! I would see an outfit that felt straightforward and then start counting.
KELLY - once again- 👯♀️. I was LITERALLY texting with my girlfriends this weekend about this exact point system. The TikTok I saw about it was arguing for 7-9 pts, which feels more maximalist than I can handle most days. I love the notion of “get dressed and then if something feels off, tally the points and adjust” that you mention bc this approach allows us to still lead with our intuition BUT provides tools to adjust.
Most days I’d say I’m a 5-7 gal but weekends are more like 3-5…feels good sometimes to take the less complex route!
I swear we are sharing a brain and- honestly- no one I'd rather share with 😂
When I watched the video I realized that I totally fluctuate between 3-5 and 5-7 depending on season. PLUS as a girl who wears 95% neutrals, I count all my colors as 2 points (at least!)
I love this!!! And also love how it's "countering" the other trend of 3 bean dressing that Rachel was experimenting with. I'm now intrigued to try both! (And maybe not contradictory as I think Rachel counts only 3 main pieces and not accessories?!)
I think all new ideas to help us have more fun with our wardrobe are GREAT!
Yes! I was reading HMS thinking about this piece because I think we all have a preferred point range to land within. For Rachel, 3 Bean Dressing felt like too little but for someone else trying to reach 7 points would be a downer!!
Brilliant post. Never actually thought about getting dressed this way but as you mentioned, once you see it, you can’t avoid noticing it. Very informative and helpful thanks
Alba! Thank you so much for the comment. It's true that you can't unsee it and I've found it SO helpful as a guide to putting together outfits that feel most like ME! PS- How many points do you usually like?
As I live in a hot country in the summer I like 3 -5 points usually (it is impossible to layer when too warm) but definitely 5 - 7 and sometimes even more in winter.
I think we dress very similarly!!
Yes!! I have seen a handful of videos of this method on TikTok. I do agree that more points tend to create more interest in outfits but part of me wonderings if tailoring and a "cool" piece like a jacket, piece of jewelry, hat or etc also helps draw that attention to an "intentional" outfit? Another thing I've noticed as I break from the idea to fit into a size is that I notice I like my outfits more when my jeans are a tad roomy, not necessarily oversized but breathing room. I think even dissecting our outfits in this manner can add to the intentionality of an outfit. Maybe it all boils down to how intentional we are dressing because it is more true to our own style?!
Also, I LOVE those green pants and now I need to do know where they're from.
I agree!! How many points does intentionality bring to an outfit?! It’s hard to describe because I was thinking about what intention is when it relates to getting dressed and I think you brought up a hidden component of “feels good” that is hard to measure!
Ok but I have to know, anyone know where Lilly Sisto’s ivory slim fleece teddy coat is from? I cannot find it anywhere and I am obsessed. At only 5’3” usually any teddy coat comes off bulky and overwhelms me. But this one seems slim cut. Help!
I also tried reverse image searching this every way to Sunday but I couldn’t locate 😭😭
Thanks for checking! I did an Internet deep dive too, and I failed😭
You’re so right! Now I can’t unsee the numbers - in a good way!!
Yes!! It’s the only kind of math I like 🤣
Kelly this is SO good. I just counted up my points and am wearing 15 with all of my jewelry and layering 👀 I also loved Nina Garcia and have both of her books :)
FINALLY someone mentions Nina and her books; truly formative style information for me! Also, I think it’s SO interesting that you are 15 since you prefer a minimalist aesthetic. It proves minimal doesn’t have to mean few points.
Haha, living in SF and always needing to layer and wearing lots of jewelry did me in. I also loved the Who What Wear and Rachel Zoe books and still have them on my shelves with Nina Garcia's books ofc.