YouLookFab Forum » Topic: The Third Piece

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: The Third Piece https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-third-piece Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 06 May 2026 02:08:32 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php texstyle on "The Third Piece" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-third-piece/page/2#post-1834540 Tue, 08 Aug 2017 16:17:14 +0000 texstyle 1834540@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ lisap and Firecracker - glad you liked the Madewell necklace - I don't find it fussy at all but I do tend to play with it - I like it so much that I ordered one in silver too so I have options to go with my belt and other jewelry. lyn67 on "The Third Piece" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-third-piece/page/2#post-1834498 Tue, 08 Aug 2017 13:24:13 +0000 lyn67 1834498@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hah, that's another reason  probably will never achieve to have a minimalist wardrobe(although dreaming of one well working one all nights:-)). I realised that you cannot wear (not only) the same necklace, but neither the same shoes, bags, topper (and you name what else) to all outfits....so welcome to my world of pity:-).  Sara L. on "The Third Piece" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-third-piece/page/2#post-1834495 Tue, 08 Aug 2017 13:18:30 +0000 Sara L. 1834495@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I wear necklaces almost every day for this reason - I'm not good at the third layering piece.  I feel complete though with interesting jewelry and shoes.  Someone told me many years ago that the necklace should have a different shape than your shirt's neckline.  I have not found this to be a universal rule but it's a good starting point for matching necklaces to necklines. Firecracker (Sharan) on "The Third Piece" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-third-piece/page/2#post-1834349 Mon, 07 Aug 2017 23:35:14 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1834349@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've looked at this chart before--thanks, Laura, for finding it again! It's helpful as a starting point. As others point out, a lot of factors can come into play besides face shape. I have a long-looking face, and I've come to feel that part of the illusion of length comes from the length from my nose to my chin. So the typical advice to long-faced women is to wear bangs, but they just cover up what I think may be a fairly average length forehead. Similarly, I think I like to wear my necklines a little higher than what Imogen's guide would suggest, perhaps because of that feature. What I do know is that when I look in the mirror, there are some necklines that just make my face seem to go on forever. I avoid those, or I shorten the expanse by filling in with a necklace. I tend to do things more on feel or what I see, than on the numbers. Oh, and Texstyle, I have admired that necklace at Madewell! You've answered a question in my mind about it: whether the knot would stay where one put it. I may need to take the plunge and buy it! Laura G on "The Third Piece" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-third-piece/page/2#post-1834252 Mon, 07 Aug 2017 18:02:27 +0000 Laura G 1834252@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jules, these very personal details are to my mind the most often-overlooked elements of style. Although we may not always notice it consciously, when we see a woman who looks "just right" in her clothes, she has related each element in her outfit directly to the particulars of her face, hair and body.  I used a stylist about ten years ago who completely transformed my style with the kind of careful analysis you show...she used my bone structure and features to take me out of delicate little chains and put me in chunky bead necklaces.  I'm continuing the analysis these days using the Inside Out Style Blog. The woman herself is no advertisement for her ideas (personal blind spot maybe?), but she is very generous with the details of how she analyses her clients to come up with those "just right" outfits. Suzanne (ambergreen) on "The Third Piece" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-third-piece/page/2#post-1834249 Mon, 07 Aug 2017 17:44:16 +0000 Suzanne (ambergreen) 1834249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jules, I have the same issue you do with short waist/bustiness and can't wear the long pendant necklaces either. I have to shorten chains a lot (I often do this just by fastening the clasp higher up in the links and dropping the extra down the back of my top :P). However, though we also share smaller features/low contrast coloring, I prefer fairly gutsy jewelry. I don't do dainty. Well, if you mean the really huge statement stuff, then yes, that can be too much. I do wear medium size earrings (vs. large or dainty), although I tend to limit actual glitz (sparkle) to more formal outfits. (And thanks to Sharan for the kind words. For me, it feels so important to get the jewelry as close to just-right as I can! I don't always succeed, but I try.) Jules on "The Third Piece" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-third-piece/page/2#post-1834243 Mon, 07 Aug 2017 17:08:31 +0000 Jules 1834243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've learned there are some body type and facial feature aspects that come into play as well. For example, I'm short-waisted and somewhat busty. Long chains with interesting pendants don't work for me as they hang funny off my chest and aren't proportional on my short torso. My tall slim rectangle friend wears these beautifully. Even with regular necklace lengths I typically want a shorter chain. I also have smaller features and at most medium contrast colouring - very little *drama* to my face if that makes any sense. Very chunky colourful statement necklaces wear me instead of the other way around. Even with earrings I can only do limited glitz. Stagiaire Fash on "The Third Piece" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-third-piece#post-1834224 Mon, 07 Aug 2017 16:09:51 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1834224@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Laura, I can relate! I hadn't realized until this post why it is that I wear necklaces so much more frequently now that I'm in hot & humid Florida. Gretchen on "The Third Piece" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-third-piece#post-1834122 Mon, 07 Aug 2017 06:05:57 +0000 Gretchen 1834122@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great topic! I love adding a necklace as a third piece, and try to find them while traveling. It's always fun to have a necklace that reminds me of a holiday when I'm getting ready for work! Paula on "The Third Piece" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-third-piece#post-1834069 Mon, 07 Aug 2017 01:59:55 +0000 Paula 1834069@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So another couple pieces of the style puzzle!  No toppers (in general) and statement necklaces as the third piece!  (I'm catching up tonight and just read and responded to your earlier thread, Sterling, so I'm on a roll :)) What does THIS say about the image you want to project? (Just love this stuff!  Thanks, everyone, for your contributions.) Jenn on "The Third Piece" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-third-piece#post-1834066 Mon, 07 Aug 2017 01:46:27 +0000 Jenn 1834066@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That diagram is amazing. I just tested it out on myself and, lo and behold, the bottom line works out to be almost spot on where my shirt is unbuttoned to. I like my long necklaces longer than that, though. Style Fan on "The Third Piece" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-third-piece#post-1834050 Mon, 07 Aug 2017 00:46:55 +0000 Style Fan 1834050@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great topic.  Imogen Lamport also has a post on her blog describing what necklace works with each neckline of clothing.  I have a neck injury and am very sensitive to anything around my neck.  I wear bracelets as my third piece. Anonymous on "The Third Piece" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-third-piece#post-1834044 Mon, 07 Aug 2017 00:43:28 +0000 Anonymous 1834044@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Textyle - love your gold piece ! The Cat on "The Third Piece" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-third-piece#post-1834034 Mon, 07 Aug 2017 00:00:44 +0000 The Cat 1834034@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Agree that a necklace can indeed serve as the finishing touch of an outfit. Colourwise, I often like to bookend my skirt, pants or shoes with a necklace. Anonymous on "The Third Piece" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-third-piece#post-1834004 Sun, 06 Aug 2017 23:28:27 +0000 Anonymous 1834004@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Look everyone!  Look at the link, Laura posted above!!!  Thanks Laura!! Laura G on "The Third Piece" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-third-piece#post-1833992 Sun, 06 Aug 2017 23:18:27 +0000 Laura G 1833992@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great topic, Sterling! I never realized it till you brought it up, but I use necklaces as my third piece too. I've been telling myself for years that I really need to buy some toppers because you're not dressed without a third layer yadda yadda. Meanwhile I don't wear toppers because this is southern California, but I *always* wear a necklace because--well, I don't feel dressed without one! What really brought the point home for me was entering my wardrobe in the ClosetSpace app (thanks again, Jenn!). When I tried to make outfits with my garments I couldn't do it, because I didn't have pictures of the necklaces.  You're right about the mathematical formula for necklace lengths. It's in the book The Triumph of Individual Style. Imogen Lamport of Inside Out Style Blog explains it here: <a rel="nofollow" href="https://insideoutstyleblog.com/2009/07/how-to-find-your-balance-points-for-necklines-and-jewellery.html">https://insideoutstyleblog.com.....ewellery.h</a> I included her chart in Finds, but don't know if it'll be big enough to read. texstyle on "The Third Piece" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-third-piece#post-1833803 Sun, 06 Aug 2017 13:49:48 +0000 texstyle 1833803@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I couldn't agree more and I've been wearing necklaces as a third piece for a long time. I don't wear pattern all that much so a necklace is really a nice way to improve the look of a simple solid outfit. Recently I added this one to my collection (in gold for me but it comes in silver). I like the fact that I can adjust where it lies on my outfit. I also like that it is simple in design but adds interest. I also have a simple gold orb that I wear often as well as several other similarly simple designs. Anonymous on "The Third Piece" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-third-piece#post-1833798 Sun, 06 Aug 2017 13:30:58 +0000 Anonymous 1833798@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree that the right necklace can work beautifully as a third piece. Some time ago some blogger had a post that was based on mathematics as to how to choose the right lengths for you. I think I linked to it but cannot find it. As I remember it involved measuring the widest part of your face and using that measurement from chin down for one ideal length. Longer ones were something X that length. 1.5X? 2X ? It worked for me. Here is something I did find: <a href="https://youlookfab.com/2012/10/18/link-love-necklaces-a-practical-approach/" rel="nofollow">https://youlookfab.com/2012/10.....-approach/</a> Stagiaire Fash on "The Third Piece" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-third-piece#post-1833790 Sun, 06 Aug 2017 12:13:05 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1833790@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, yes, I realize that you can't go photographing random people in your day, lol. I was asking for pix of similar. The ones always trying posted are really nice. The first one is especially eye-catching, I think. Firecracker (Sharan) on "The Third Piece" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-third-piece#post-1833745 Sun, 06 Aug 2017 05:10:42 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1833745@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is a great revelation, Sterling. Thanks for sharing your discovery. And Brooklyn, glad you weighed in--your WIWs could serve as an illustrated reference on the topic! Ambergreen, your jewelry is always well chosen, too, something I notice about your outfits. Jenn on "The Third Piece" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-third-piece#post-1833727 Sun, 06 Aug 2017 03:08:37 +0000 Jenn 1833727@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ griffyn's post just reminded me that I have one of those harmony ball necklaces from the 90s. I loved that thing so much...I'm going to dig it out and see how it looks on a long chain. Brooklyn on "The Third Piece" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-third-piece#post-1833717 Sun, 06 Aug 2017 02:40:04 +0000 Brooklyn 1833717@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ha ha Sally! Maybe it's something in the Australian climate. Too hot to add on anything but a necklace. I love necklaces and definitely use them to add pizzazz to my outfits. I particularly like vintage pendants from the 60s and 70s. For shorter necklaces I like something simple but striking. Eg my circle necklace, which is large but not busy (to my eye). I generally (but not always) use a short necklace with V neck/long necklace with crew neck formula. I often use a coloured necklace specifically to repeat a colour in the bottom half of my outfit and make a connection between top and bottom. Gigi on "The Third Piece" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-third-piece#post-1833702 Sun, 06 Aug 2017 01:49:14 +0000 Gigi 1833702@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I struggle with third pieces too. I hadn't thought much about making jewelry the third piece, but this makes perfect sense. Thanks for the insight! I have only one necklace that is large enough to work as a third piece (most are very dainty, delicate chokers). I've been eyeing some multistrand necklaces, which I think would work well as a third piece. I completely agree with you that the necklace has to be just right for the job: the right weight, the right length, works with the neckline, etc. As lisa p mentions, a person would have to amass a small inventory of necklaces to cover most situations. Maybe I will order several different types of necklaces and see how they work with my tops. Anonymous on "The Third Piece" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-third-piece#post-1833644 Sat, 05 Aug 2017 23:04:46 +0000 Anonymous 1833644@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is why I have such a massive collection of jewelry . I absolutely believe in the statement neckpiece as third piece . Always t - what a great collection you have !! And Gryffin, I've been coveting a French Kande piece too . I really like them . Just the other day , I used a heavy floral and crystal neckpiece to finish off a pair of silky cargos and a hot pink sleeveless silk too . All of that massive block of pink needed breaking up and the introduction of some interest , and the first piece I picked ended up being a slam-dunk . Loved wearing it and it was so much more individual looking than a pair of earrings . Sal on "The Third Piece" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-third-piece#post-1833634 Sat, 05 Aug 2017 22:41:01 +0000 Sal 1833634@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree entirely. I like longer necklaces in general but I rarely wear a collar, usually a tee styled blouse of some sort.  I also like cuffs and occasionally earrings. I am one of those people that know when I see it but can't describe in advance.  The factors are a mix of length, figure shape (chest size and shape can play a part), neck length, hair style, colouring, style of top worn, whether you wear earrings or glasses or a hat and of  course preferences. I think Brooklyn and Deborah are two forum members who are brilliant at choosing necklaces to complement their outfits.  Must be something in that Australian water:) cindysmith on "The Third Piece" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-third-piece#post-1833627 Sat, 05 Aug 2017 22:18:39 +0000 cindysmith 1833627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've mostly given up on the "third piece" except in the cooler months. I have weirdly sensitive skin, so necklaces can cause heat rashes. Scarves are suffocating, and forget a cardigan/jacket/blazer because OMG hot. I guess sometimes my shoes act as a "third piece", like the finds. Also, my shades are omnipresent and act as my personal preferred "third piece", because a classic aviator is great for adding an air of adventure or something. My last possible "third piece" is my black belt with the statement buckle. I'm interested in seeing what you figure out, because I would like to figure out some good statement necklaces. They're so much easier to fit than jackets/blazers, and less fidgety than scarves! always trying on "The Third Piece" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-third-piece#post-1833621 Sat, 05 Aug 2017 22:07:00 +0000 always trying 1833621@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling-good places to get one of a kind handmade necklaces is craft fares, small botiques, consignment shops, and shops in tourist areas.  There are probably good on line places too.  A lot use exclusively semi precious stones, but too many of them add too much weight.  Since I am weight conscious in pieces I make for myself I use them more sparingly. Anonymous on "The Third Piece" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-third-piece#post-1833536 Sat, 05 Aug 2017 18:07:27 +0000 Anonymous 1833536@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Always Trying -- the necklaces are gorgeous!!!  The first one is my absolute favorite.  I will NEVER look at necklaces the same again.   I am stopping my obsession with buying pants/slacks and starting to shop for necklaces.  I will take your advice and start pinning ideas!!!! Anonymous on "The Third Piece" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-third-piece#post-1833533 Sat, 05 Aug 2017 18:05:26 +0000 Anonymous 1833533@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fashiontern -- I thought about taking pictures, but these were people in a work shop.  It would have been inappropriate.   Thank you so much, Always Trying.  You expressed what I saw so much better than I could.  The necklaces complemented everything and drew the attention up to the person.  And YES!  Several of the women did layer their necklaces and it was gorgeous to behold.  Again, the layering complemented and did not distract.  Some even wore mismatched metals and that worked too.  No cropped pants, but LOTS of interesting jewelry.  Jewelry was how they expressed themselves.   Suzanne -- you may be one of those intuitive women that just "know" how to finish an outfit.  I have to learn through observations.   Delurked and Suzanne -- I rarely wear prints.  Something else I may need to rethink.  A mere five days away and tons of fashion homework to catch up on ...... Suzanne (ambergreen) on "The Third Piece" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-third-piece#post-1833514 Sat, 05 Aug 2017 17:29:09 +0000 Suzanne (ambergreen) 1833514@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is an interesting discussion to me because while I've always been a "jewelry person," I have never been a third-piece person. I wear third pieces if it's chilly enough that I need one--I don't see it as a *style* need at all. (This doesn't mean I pick one at random, of course--I just don't feel incomplete without one stylewise.) Then again, I have always run warm, like some of you, and most indoor jackets are just too formal for my style anyway. My toppers tend to be hoodies, cardigans, and, more recently, things like denim or flannel shirts. I suppose I do often "finish" an outfit with jewelry as a third piece, but I never really thought about it that way. And then, prints were brought up, which I've also found interesting to consider as a style element. When I was younger, I stuck to solids only. This was for a few reasons that no longer apply today. I have found that I really love prints! As delurked hints, that element definitely can factor into whether an outfit feels complete for me or not. All solids is usually too plain for my own taste. I have found over the past couple of years that I quite like adding print or other detail interest on either top or bottom (occasionally both if I'm feeling maximal). This is why I ended up with 2 pairs of utility pants when I started out with the idea of picking only one. One pair is plainer than the other detail-wise, so really, I can use both. Fun discussion!