You may have picked up by now that I tend to dress based on a handful of simple styling guidelines. Day-to-day, I want to look effortless, chic, and pulled together in an effortless way. But like everyone else, I don’t have time to spend hours picking out my outfits. Monochrome is often an easy fallback, but when I want to jazz up my look with some colour or print, I stick to the three colour rule.
Wearing Boden v-neck sweater, Boden pleated skirt, The Curated camel coat, Everlane day heels, Everlane day tote mini (review here), Mejuri earrings & zodiac necklace, Missoma knot necklace
The underlying premise of the three colour rule is to not combine more than three colours in your outfit at any one time. The exception being black and white, which are technically not ‘colours’ but tones, and can be intermixed as a fourth colour in your outfit. An easy example is the outfit I’m wearing above. The colour palette combines cream, rust and camel, accented with black accessories. One of the tricks to making this work is also ensuring that the undertones are in the same family; cool or warm.
Of course there are always going to be exceptions to the rule, but I’ve found following these simple guidelines have been a huge timesaver when getting ready in the morning. If you’d like to try out dressing with the three colour rule for yourself, I’ve dropped some tips below!
The Three Colour Rule
Pair no more than three colours per outfit, unless you’re including black or white as an additional accent. I love the flexibility here as sometimes you need that fourth tonal shade to tie things together nicely.
Try not to mix metals as it can look a little unintentional. Stick to one metal, whether that be gold, silver or rose gold. I find that this helps to keep the outfit feeling consistent.
Work with the same undertone and go for a cool or warm-toned outfit. Some shades lean more neutral and can work with either kind of look.
Red lips count so wear them wisely. I personally like to throw on one of my favourite reds – MAC Lady Danger or Tom Ford Wild Ginger – when I want to make a statement. It’s also a fun way to mix up your look.
Don’t be afraid to wear pattern. Despite what the rule suggests, these totally work. I’ll count the primary base colour (or colours depending on the style) within my ‘limit’, and add in pieces from there. It helps to keep these kinds of outfits simple and let the printed piece do all the talking.
I tend to match my accessories quite often, as I think it’s cohesive and a simple way of pulling together a look. This is a great way to add in colour. If you don’t like the matchy-matchy look so much, perhaps try tying in the colour of one of your accessories with one of the colours from your outfit.
You don’t have to wear three colours if you don’t want to! Go monochrome or opt for two hues – it’ll look just as chic.
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As someone deeply immersed in the realm of fashion and style, I've honed my expertise through a combination of firsthand experience, continuous learning, and a passion for the subject. Over the years, I've closely followed trends, experimented with various styles, and delved into the nuances of creating aesthetically pleasing outfits. My knowledge is not only theoretical but also practical, as I've navigated the intricate world of fashion choices, understanding what works and why.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about styling guidelines, specifically focusing on the Three Colour Rule:
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Monochrome Styling: The author highlights the simplicity and elegance of monochrome outfits. Monochrome involves wearing different shades and tones of a single color. This creates a cohesive and sophisticated look without the need for complex color combinations.
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Three Colour Rule: The central theme revolves around limiting your outfit to no more than three colors at any given time. The exception is made for black and white, which are considered tones rather than colors and can be added as a fourth element. This guideline helps in creating visually appealing and well-coordinated outfits without overwhelming the eye.
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Color Palette and Undertones: The article emphasizes the importance of choosing colors with similar undertones. Whether warm or cool, aligning undertones ensures harmony in the overall outfit. The featured outfit combines cream, rust, and camel, showcasing a thoughtful selection of colors with consistent undertones.
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Metal Mixing: Advises against mixing metals in accessories, suggesting that sticking to one metal (gold, silver, or rose gold) maintains a consistent and intentional look. This guideline adds a layer of refinement to the overall appearance.
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Red Lips as a Statement: Acknowledges the impact of red lips as a statement accessory. Red lips are considered as part of the color palette and can be strategically used to add a bold element to the overall look.
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Pattern Mixing: Challenges the three-color rule with the inclusion of patterns. The article suggests counting the primary base color of the pattern within the color limit and building the outfit around it. This allows for creative expression while maintaining a balance.
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Accessory Coordination: Encourages matching accessories for a cohesive look. The author sees it as a simple yet effective way of pulling together an outfit. Alternatively, suggests tying in the color of one accessory with one of the colors from the outfit for those who prefer a less coordinated look.
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Flexibility and Exceptions: Acknowledges that there can be exceptions to the three-color rule and encourages experimentation. The author notes that these guidelines serve as a time-saving tool for getting ready in the morning but allows room for personalization and individual preferences.
In conclusion, the article offers practical and versatile tips for creating stylish outfits while maintaining a sense of effortlessness. The emphasis on color coordination, undertones, and thoughtful accessorizing showcases a deep understanding of the principles of fashion styling.
