The Third-Piece Rule

Anonymous

Others were probably already aware of the third-piece rule. I wasn't until I came across this article on the internet:

http://www.littlejstyle.com/20.....-rule.html

I love this idea and am going to start trying to incorporate a third piece into all my future outfits.

9 years ago

Dressing

34 replies

Latest reply was from

annabelle

Veteran

Thank you, Sterling. I was looking for something like this, recently, without luck. Srlsy, one of my stylists called the formula exactly this: the third piece "rule," like it was not to be broken. And check out the outfits on Sterling's link. The third piece completes the look. Our stylist even recommended the third piece (rule) for my husband. (I think it's a little harder for a guy, though, to make it look "oh, this old thing," and not over-done.)

9 years ago

trekkiegirl

Veteran

My third piece is almost always jewelry, and in that case it's more like third, fourth, fifth through tenth piece haha. But I do feel like having that extra piece, even if in some cases it's just a really good belt, can take an outfit from ho-hum to OH-WOW. Great article, thanks for sharing

9 years ago

Anonymous

Oh yeah - I've always thought this made a lot of sense, and was the easiest way to finish off an outfit. A top and bottom with nothing else means, well, nothing. At least to me

My third piece is usually a scarf, some kind of necklace/neckpiece, or some arm candy. If it's an actual piece of clothing like a jacket or cardigan , I'll tailor back on the accessories.

Great little article, thanks!

9 years ago

Style Fan

Veteran

Great link. Thanks for sharing. I love spring and fall because I love jackets. Summer is so much harder to add a third piece. Even a necklace feels hot in our weather.

9 years ago

Keturah

Veteran

Jeepers, this makes a huge visual difference! I almost can't believe it. Thanks for posting this article!

I feel one still has to keep a perspective on balance, silhouette lines, etc. But this is a great way to add more pop, sparkle, and hello-Rita to the outfit!

9 years ago

crutcher

Veteran

I swear by the completer piece..havn't heard it called the third piece rule...I always put on the completer and my outfit looks polished and thought out...I use blazers, jackets and vests...I absolutely have never met a vest I didn't love..THX for sharing and for bringing the new terminology into play..smile..

9 years ago

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

So true! We've talked about this before on YLF several times. Summer seems to be everyone's most difficult time to choose the third piece - but really, if you have great shoes, great shorts and a great simple top, it may not even be necessary, and if so, maybe just a small bracelet or very light necklace can do the trick. I wear lightweight necklaces and bracelets in the hot summers in Texas all the time.

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....=U&ei

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ersscarves

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....#038;ei=UV

9 years ago

Anonymous

Great visuals thanks Sterling! Plenty of food for thought for me now...

9 years ago

Sal

Veteran

Yes I agree this mostly works - in me for summer the third piece is usually a hat, or sunglasses or both.
In winter I am more likely to add a fourth, fifth and even sixth piece (beanie, scarf, coat, gloves...)

9 years ago

Lyn D.

Veteran

Thanks for the link- I haven't thought about this for a while so it's a great reminder.

9 years ago

Anonymous

Thanks so much for sharing this link. I've been thinking about this in regard to jackets and sweaters, but less so in regard to accessories and what a big difference they can make in completing an outfit.

9 years ago

rabbit

Veteran

My third piece in summer is often an interesting bag or contrasting belt since I don't really do jewelry. Oh and sunglasses.

I think with more minimalist dressing sometimes the shoes are the third piece (maybe with a bold lip or interesting hair). But they have to be really intentional and carefully chosen shoes.

9 years ago

thimblelina

(website)

Veteran

That's a good point about the shoes. I think my shoes are usually a lot more interesting than my clothes. Since coastal CA temperatures pretty much dictate a light over layer year-round for mornings & evenings, I always have some sort of topper in mind when I plan an outfit. By the middle of the day, though, that has come off so it's probably good to have an accessory in reserve as well. When it's super-duper hot I do appreciate a wide brim sun hat. (I lived in Pittsburgh PA for 4 years and it was very confuzzling in the summer: gray skies, but unbearably humid so you couldn't use anything but maybe a light rain layer for several months of the year! It just felt WRONG!!)

9 years ago

Joy

Veteran

We have discussed this on YLF many times, especially for hot weather as Texstyle said. My go to summer third piece is a vest or sleeveless jacket over a tank top. I don't usually count accessories as third pieces although a statement accessory might be.

9 years ago

Dee

Veteran

I used to be all about the third piece, all the time. Either a cardigan or a scarf or a statement necklace - or sometime all of them! And the right combination can lead to a killer look.

But lately I've been wearing some more minimal outfits, such as jeans + sweater + boots, and I've still felt fab. I've found that incorporating interesting or statement pieces can lead to looks that still work without the third piece.

9 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

I noticed that in the linked article, shoes are not included in the accessories-as-third-piece category. I'm glad that some YLFers noticed this too, because I was wondering whether shoes could fulfill this role if they were really eye-catching, like a special style, pattern, or color.

I generally forget about the third piece, probably because I don't have many items that fit this category. But adding more "third piece" items would be a great way to refresh a wardrobe.

9 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

Interesting and great visuals. I am a big fan of the 'third piece' particularly for cooler weather dressing.

9 years ago

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Interesting! I don't feel dressed without a third piece. I've done it for years but didn't know why. I don't think it necessarily makes my outfits "pinable." That would take some more work!

9 years ago

LaceyDawn

Active Member

So that's what I've been missing! The 3rd piece definetely brings a polish to a look that makes it "an ensemble."

9 years ago

Anonymous

LaceyDawn -- your avatar is adorable. It made my day.

9 years ago

Summer

Veteran

I quite agree, Sterling. The third piece elevates any outfit instantly. I throw on a scarf with my most basic, casual outfits now, and feel under-dressed without it.

9 years ago

lyn67

Veteran

I. DO. THIS. MOST. OF. THe. TIME: and IT. WORKS. I really cannot imagine my life/wardrobe without the ubiquitous 3rd piece:-)

I guess shoes are not listed as a third piece, as you never gonna go bare feet, unless on the beach, or home, isn't it!

ETA: But then, agree with Janet below, the extra $ for a summer sandal, CAN be considered as a very efficient third piece in a hot and humid summer:-)

9 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Yep, it's helpful in finishing out an outfit and making it look truly complete, and it is definitely more difficult in summer -- at least summer like we have it here in the mid-Atlantic, with humidity and high temps.

That's a big part of why I started paying more attention to making my summer footwear a bit more interesting (without sacrificing comfort). A big part of me balked at spending over $100 (or even $200) on sandals, because I'd always had it in my head that less material should = less money. But I've got to say that my more pricey -- and distinctive -- summer sandals have definitely helped me feel more stylish in the hot months, when it's all I can do to throw on a simple dress or a top with shorts or a skirt.

9 years ago

marilu

Active Member

Great link! My third piece lately has been a scarf - preferably in colors that bring a little spring into my wardrobe.

9 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

Great point about summer shoes, Janet! I know that a lot of fabbers complain about being stylish when you're not wearing much due to high temps. Really fabulous sandals are a great idea. I haven't done any spring shopping yet, so I'm going to keep that idea in mind. Instead of just buying a couple of pairs, maybe I would buy a few and make at least one pair really distinctive.

9 years ago

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

I call it the completer piece and use everything from jackets, sweaters, kimonos, vests, necklaces and scarves. Then again it makes since for my professed maximal style....

9 years ago

Deb

Veteran

Yes I do this and I like the polish of the third piece. I also like the third colour to lift an outfit sometimes......
Both methods have their place.......depending on the look.

9 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

This is timely for me. I've been in complete two piece/pajama mode dressing, and instead of shopping for more what I need to do is add from my existing wardrobe this way. THANKS!

9 years ago

Anonymous

If anyone can do it, AlaskaGirl, you can.

9 years ago

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