Too many clothes, nothing to wear? The 60-30-10 rule is here to save the day

We’ve all been there: you’re already running late, your closet looks like it exploded, and you’re now staring at three outfit combos on your bed—none of which feel right. Somehow, the perfect outfit always lives in your head… until you actually try it on.

If getting dressed feels like a daily crisis of decision fatigue, there’s a surprisingly simple styling hack that could save your time and your sanity. Enter the 60-30-10 rule—a formula borrowed from interior design that’s now trending hard in fashion circles. Here’s how it works: 60% of your outfit is one dominant colour, 30% is a complementary tone, and 10% is a fun accent (yes, that tiny bright bag works great). Think of it as the cheat code for building colour-cohesive looks that are balanced, chic, and still feel like you.

Celebrity stylist Isha Bhansali says, “The first lesson in styling is balance. The 60-30-10 rule is a tool that helps you bring together different ideas—your mood, comfort, and occasion—into one cohesive look. For us in fashion, it’s instinctive. But for others, this simple formula can be a real game-changer.”

Why it works: The logic behind the ratio

Colour plays a major role in how we perceive an outfit—it's the first thing you notice, and often, the thing that sets the tone. “Colour is more expressive than any other quality of a garment,” Bhansali says. And that’s exactly why the 60-30-10 rule is so effective. By assigning weight to your hues, you’re creating visual hierarchy and avoiding the ‘everything everywhere all at once’ chaos that often comes from spontaneous styling.

Celebs like Alia Bhatt and Hailey Bieber have already mastered the trend before it had a name. A beige oversized blazer (60%) with a chocolate bodysuit (30%) and cherry red slingback heels (10%)? Nailed it.

How to apply the rule: Outfits for every vibe

For workwear

If your office has a business-casual code, the 60-30-10 ratio can help add flair while staying within limits. “Start with neutrals,” says Bhansali. “Let’s say you go for an ecru or dove grey suit—that’s your 60%. Add 30% of a complementary colour like dusty blue or olive in your shirt or blouse. Then bring in that 10%—maybe a metallic bag or statement jewellery in gold or silver.”

For brunch

“Brunch outfits are lighter, happier, and more celebratory,” Bhansali notes. “You can go for 60% white, 30% of a pastel like mint or lilac, and then 10% in a pop—say, an orange bag or cobalt blue heels.” Think Alia Bhatt in a breezy white co-ord set, paired with lavender sliders and tiny, bright accessories—chic, but not trying too hard.

For date night

Try the formula in reverse. Let your little black dress (10%) serve as the canvas, while a hot pink coat (30%) and cherry heels (60%) command attention. Dua Lipa is queen of this calculated chaos.

For airport or street style

Zendaya’s stylist, Law Roach, often plays with this rule in her press looks. For instance, a burnt orange co-ord (60%), accented with a mocha leather coat (30%) and glossy oxblood boots (10%)—that’s 60-30-10 in motion.

Building a 60-30-10 wardrobe: What to shop for

Not sure where to start? “It always begins with your personality,” says Bhansali. “Everyone resonates with certain colours. Maybe your dominant palette is cool tones or earthy hues—build your 60% wardrobe around that.”

Here’s a shopping list breakdown to keep things easy:
•    60% pieces: Tailored trousers, co-ord sets, classic blazers, solid maxi dresses.
•    30% pieces: Printed tops, colourful skirts, statement outerwear, oversized knits.
•    10% pieces: Shoes, bags, belts, sunglasses, metallics, anything with sparkle or texture.

Pro tip: “Statement bags, bright shoes, or a single standout accessory can totally count as your 10%,” says Isha. That sequinned mini tote you only bring out during the holidays? It’s your secret weapon.

Social spotlight: Is Gen Z already doing it?

Absolutely. Instagram is full of creators using the 60-30-10 rule without realising it. The #ColorTheory tag has over 30 million views, with fashion micro-influencers explaining how to find your palette and outfit combos through aesthetic moodboards. From clean-girl neutrals to dopamine dressing, the rule adapts to whatever vibe you’re chasing.

At its core, fashion is self-expression, and the 60-30-10 rule doesn’t stifle that. Instead, it gives structure to the chaos, letting you play with colour and mood without second-guessing every outfit. “You don’t need to overthink it,” says Bhansali. “Just know your palette, know your mood, and let the numbers do the math.”

In other words, it’s not about rules. It’s about rhythm.

Lead image: Getty Images

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