Magnify 90 Rules: The Mini Capsule Wardrobe Trend Sweeping TikTok

An Introduction to the Magnify 90 Rules

The magnify 90 rules have become an increasingly popular concept among fashion and lifestyle influencers on TikTok. Essentially, the magnify 90 rules provide guidance on how to build an ideal minimalist capsule wardrobe that is both timeless and versatile. By adhering to these rules, the goal is to simplify your closet while still having stylish options for any occasion or setting.

The term "magnify 90" comes from the idea that you can mix and match a small selection of thoughtfully curated pieces in endless ways to create 90 fresh looks. This eliminates the need for having a vast wardrobe that takes up space and time to maintain. The minimalist principles of the magnify 90 rules also promote sustainability by reducing overconsumption and waste.

Origin of the Magnify 90 Rules

The magnify 90 rules were originally coined by fashion blogger Courtney Wagner in 2017. After struggling with having an overflowing closet full of clothes she never wore, Wagner decided to pare down her wardrobe to just 33 articles of clothing. With just these 33 pieces, she was able to come up with 90 unique outfits that covered her needs for work, weekends, events, travel, and more.

Wagner found that carefully selecting a small number of multitasking pieces allowed her to get so much more use out of her closet. Her minimalist approach also saved her time, money, and closet space. She shared her experience and capsule wardrobe philosophy through her blog and social media, coining the "magnify 90" term.

The 12 Magnify 90 Rules

Here are the key rules that form the foundation of the magnify 90 approach to capsule wardrobes:

1. Limit your wardrobe to 33 items total including clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories.
2. Only keep pieces you love that fit well and make you feel great when wearing them.
3. Choose versatile basics in solid colors that will mix and match easily.
4. Incorporate no more than 3 statement pieces to liven up your basics.
5. Have no more than 3 pairs of shoes suited for various occasions.
6. Edit for all seasons so your capsule works year-round.
7. Include proper wardrobe staples like jeans, black pants, LBD, blazers, tees, button-down, etc.
8. Splurge on classics and quality over quantity.
9. Evaluate frequently and remove pieces you don't wear.
10. Limit accessories to elevate your look without clutter.
11. Only buy new pieces after discarding existing ones.
12. Choose pieces that transition seamlessly from day to night.

Benefits of Adopting the Magnify 90 Rules

Here are some of the many benefits that people can experience by paring down their wardrobes using the magnify 90 approach:

• Saves time getting ready and doing laundry.
• More cost effective since you buy less.
• Reduces decision fatigue in the morning.
• Creates cohesive style and polished looks.
• Ideal for minimalists and sustainable living.
• Helps identify wardrobe gaps.
• Prevents impulse purchases and clutter.
• Makes the most use out of favorite pieces.
• Easier to coordinate outfits and pack for trips.

How to Curate Your Magnify 90 Capsule Wardrobe

Follow these steps if you want to try out creating your own magnify 90 capsule wardrobe:

1. Take inventory of everything currently in your closet and be ruthless about paring it down to only your absolute favorite essentials.
2. Identify gaps like a versatile dress, coat, or shoes in a neutral color.
3. Create a shopping list and stick to only purchasing those missing wardrobe basics.
4. Limit your total wardrobe to 30-35 pieces including tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, shoes, bags, and jewelry.
5. Choose accessories in a color palette that will complement your core items.
6. Store out of season items to swap in and out as needed.
7. Assess the wardrobe you curated and identify areas to improve for next time.

Tips for Success with the Magnify 90 Rules

To help make the most of this minimalist wardrobe approach, keep these tips in mind:

• Invest in quality fabrics, construction, and timeless silhouettes.
• Properly care for pieces so they last and remain vibrant.
• Fold and organize clothes to maintain the condition.
• Learn basic clothing repairs for issues like buttons or torn seams.
• Allow one month to adjust to your capsule before making changes.
• Develop "uniforms" with set combinations to simplify getting ready.
• Use accessories like scarves, jewelry and bags to refresh looks.
• Continually re-evaluate pieces and donate those you don't need.

Common Concerns and Criticisms

While many people thrive with a magnify 90 capsule wardrobe, it does come with some common concerns and drawbacks to consider:

Lack of Variety

The strict limitations on quantity can make it challenging for people who appreciate having greater variety and options in their closet. The magnify 90 rules may need to be adjusted based on lifestyle, climate, profession, and personal preferences.

Difficulty with Accessories

Paring down accessories can be tricky since they include things like purses, shoes, jewelry, hats, belts, etc. Having only 2-3 of items in each accessory category may be limiting.

Occasion Restrictions

Having clothes only for everyday casual wear makes dressing for certain occasions difficult. Things like job interviews, weddings, festivals, and other events may require specialty attire not accounted for in a minimal capsule.

Lack of Flexibility

There is very little room in the magnify 90 rules for impulse purchases, new trends, or unexpected needs. The strict limits create little margin for error if pieces become damaged, worn out, or ill-suited.

Applicability Concerns

Some critics argue that the magnify 90 capsule rules were designed based on one woman's specific needs and preferences. Therefore, the prescribed formula may not work equally well for people of different body types, budgets, professions, climates, and lifestyles.

Is a Magnify 90 Capsule Wardrobe Right for You?

The magnify 90 rules clearly won't be a good fit for everyone. So how do you decide if it's the right approach for your needs? Here are some key questions to ask yourself:

• Is your current wardrobe disorganized or overwhelming to manage?
• Do you frequently struggle to create outfits from the items you own?
• Have you identified your personal style and closet gaps to fill?
• Does a minimalist lifestyle appeal to you?
• Are you disciplined enough to limit purchases and declutter routinely?
• Do you require specialty clothing for your job or lifestyle?
• Are you willing to spend more per piece for higher quality?
• Will you miss expressing yourself through fashion variety?

Take time to honestly assess your needs and preferences before pursuing a magnify 90 capsule. The more thoughtful you are upfront, the more successful the experience will be. Minimalism is liberating for some, but limiting for others. Check in with yourself and trust your intuition.

In Summary

The magnify 90 rules have sparked interest among minimalists and sustainable fashion proponents. Yet the prescribed capsule wardrobe formula also warrants skepticism for some. There are certainly useful takeaways for curating versatile mix-and-match pieces and adopting a minimal mindset. But as with any trend, individual needs and lifestyles vary. The key is adapting the magnify 90 principles in ways that work best for your personal requirements. Approach with thoughtfulness and patience for long-term use and satisfaction.

FAQs

What are the magnify 90 rules?

The magnify 90 rules are a set of guidelines for creating a minimalist capsule wardrobe originally coined by fashion blogger Courtney Wagner. The goal is to curate a mix-and-match wardrobe of around 30-35 pieces that can be styled into 90 fresh outfits.

Why are they called the magnify 90 rules?

The name comes from the concept of being able to "magnify" a small wardrobe of essential pieces into an amplified number of stylish outfit combinations. The target number of different looks is 90.

What are the benefits of a magnify 90 capsule wardrobe?

Benefits include saving time getting ready and doing laundry, spending less on clothes overall, reducing decision fatigue, always looking polished, ideal for minimalist lifestyle, prevents clutter, and makes the most use of favorite pieces.

What are some concerns about the magnify 90 approach?

Some common concerns are lack of variety and flexibility, restrictions for certain occasions, difficulty paring down accessories, and that the formula may not work for all body types, budgets, and lifestyles.

Who is the magnify 90 capsule best suited for?

It works best for people drawn to minimalism and sustainable fashion, who have a defined personal style, appreciate versatility over variety, have wardrobe gaps to fill, and are disciplined about decluttering routinely.