Ever hear of the 3rd-piece secret in Personal Style? Ok maybe it’s not a secret. Let me start by telling you that the 3rd piece rule/tip/secret/trick is THE answer to the most frequently asked questions that
I hear everyday:
So it goes a little something like this, start with your basics. You know, pants and a top. Easy, right? Put your jeans on, put your top on, and you’re totally dressed right? Nope! Take your outfit to the next level by adding that third piece ……..
most easily that 3rd piece is a jacket, cardigan, or blazer.
When styling my clients, the most frequently used items for a 3rd piece are as follows:
A layer: this can be a vest, cardigan, denim, jacket, blazer… see where I’m going?
Some jewelry: the #1 thing I do when a woman tells me she LOVES turtlenecks but they feel too plain, I say add a statement necklace! Using jewelry as the 3rd piece can also mean statement earrings or a long, layered necklace over a blouse or tee
Accessories: adding a scarf might be the most frequently used 3rd piece and in most climates it’s a no-brainer for Fall and Winter but you can also add a hat or belt as your third piece.
1st piece (top) + 2nd piece (bottom) and your 3rd piece to pull it all together !
Just be sure to pull pieces that suit your taste, your Personal Style.
Not sure you have what you need?? Start with a very basic cardigan to go over your favorite striped knit top like this or this.
Or get a little dressier with a blazer here or here.
Even better, go for a moto jacket! Here and here
In the examples below, of course a striped tee and jeans is fine and so is my chambray top with the white jeans. You aren’t doing anything “wrong” with just a top and bottom. Those outfits are good enough but the 3rd piece tip is the way to feel more pulled-together, feel more dressed.
And THAT’S a question I am asked quite a lot!
Outfit ideas that show you the “third piece rule” in action are here on my Pinterest board!
I will continually add lots of ideas so you can be inspired. But just remember…
How to look more stylish? Add a 3rd piece!
How can I feel more pulled-together? Add a 3rd piece!
How do I create outfits? Add a 3rd piece!