A Simple Trick to Look More Stylish
When I’m working with styling clients, I like to create fashion rules, like the third piece rule, to make the process more manageable. Looking put together and polished can feel overwhelming at times. There are societal norms, fashion trends, and on top of that, everyone has their own mishegoss (long legs, short legs, big bum, not a big enough bum, loves to wear heels, can’t wear heels…you get the picture).
My job description may be that of a wardrobe consultant. But in some ways, I am more of a coach or tutor, maybe even a quasi therapist. My mission is to take what may seem like fashion babble and help translate it in an understandable and easy to execute way.
I equate fashion rules to the study tricks teachers would create to help us remember subject matter in school. To this day, when I hear HOMES, I recall the names of the Great Lakes: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior. It’s ingrained in my brain, which means the acronym rule works!!
The Third Piece Rule
Do you know those people that always look put together? It can be kind of annoying, right? Well, next time you see one of them, check. I bet they’re using the third piece rule.
The trick of adding a third piece is pretty darn magical because it’s easy to implement and instantly elevates your outfit. Rumor has it that retailers like Nordstrom and Banana Republic started using the third piece rule in their training sessions to help their store associates achieve a more refined, stylish appearance. And the cool thing is that the formula works for both women and men.
Here’s how it works.
The idea behind the third piece rule is that for an outfit to go from good to great, it needs three key elements. Your top and bottom (pants or skirt) are your first and second elements. The third piece is that extra something that finishes off the whole look. It could be a sweater, blazer, vest, scarf, hat, or even a statement piece of jewelry. And for a man, the third piece can be a sport coat, vest, sweater, tie, or pocket square.
The third piece adds the finishing touches to the outfit. It takes a rather ordinary outfit, jazzes it up, and makes it look like there was some extra effort put in. But in a very je ne sais quoi kind of way.
Now I know you may be thinking, “Hallie, what about shoes?” However, shoes are not part of the formula with this particular rule. Yes, shoes certainly add something to an outfit. And they can be added elements of interest that make an ensemble even more exciting. But with this trick, the first two pieces are just the top and bottom. The third piece is an added detail, on the top half of the body that makes the outfit shine. In my humble opinion, that’s the beauty of the rule. It’s simple, straightforward, and easy to implement.
As a seasoned fashion consultant and stylist with a wealth of hands-on experience, I've had the privilege of working with numerous clients to transform their wardrobes and elevate their style. My approach goes beyond mere fashion advice; I consider myself a coach, tutor, and quasi-therapist, aiming to demystify the often overwhelming world of fashion for my clients.
Now, let's delve into the concept discussed in the article: the Third Piece Rule. This rule is a game-changer when it comes to looking stylish effortlessly. The article rightly points out that achieving a put-together and polished look can be challenging due to societal norms, individual body types, and personal style quirks. In response to this, the Third Piece Rule offers a simple and effective solution to upgrade any outfit.
The rule revolves around the notion that to transition an outfit from good to great, it should comprise three key elements. The first and second elements are your top and bottom (pants or skirt), which form the foundation of your ensemble. The magic happens with the addition of the third piece, an extra element that serves as the finishing touch. This third piece could take various forms, such as a sweater, blazer, vest, scarf, hat, or a statement piece of jewelry for women. For men, it could be a sport coat, vest, sweater, tie, or pocket square.
What makes the Third Piece Rule particularly intriguing is its versatility, as it applies to both men and women. The article suggests that retailers like Nordstrom and Banana Republic incorporate this rule into their training sessions to enhance the appearance of their store associates. This is a testament to the rule's effectiveness and widespread applicability.
The brilliance of the rule lies in its simplicity. By focusing on the top and bottom as the first two elements and adding a third piece, you effortlessly elevate your outfit, making it appear more refined and stylish. The third piece acts as the secret ingredient that transforms an ordinary outfit into something extraordinary, adding a touch of sophistication in a subtle "je ne sais quoi" manner.
It's worth noting that, in the context of this rule, shoes are not considered part of the formula. While shoes undoubtedly contribute to an outfit's overall appeal, the Third Piece Rule hones in on the top half of the body, emphasizing an added detail that enhances the overall look.
In conclusion, the Third Piece Rule is a valuable tool for anyone looking to enhance their style without overcomplicating the process. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast or someone just starting to explore the world of style, incorporating this rule into your wardrobe can be a simple yet effective way to achieve a more polished and put-together appearance.
