The Rule of Three
20 Sep
Top – LOFT | Skirt – Banana Republic Factory Store | Scarf H&M via Poshmark | Shoes – Bandolino via Nordstrom Rack
I believe I’ve mentioned my “rule of three” when it comes to outfits before. Basically, it comes down to the idea that you should always wear at least three things to make an outfit look put together.
Today’s outfit is a perfect example. Here’s what I mean.
The outfit on the right is fine. There’s nothing inherently wrong with it. But look at how adding the scarf adds some visual interest and breaks up the pattern of the shirt. By adding the scarf you’ve gone from college student to business professional. With one piece!
What do you think of the rule of three?
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0Tags: black pencil skirt, polka dots, scarf, stripes
Right now I’m pretty happy with my closet. But even so there are days when I stand there and stare at all the hangers and think, “I wish I had….”
I’ve had all of these clothing pieces in my closet for a long time. I keep wavering on whether or not to keep the cardigan and then it keeps staying. 
Pairing the fancy sequined skirt with a neutral colored cardigan and nude heels helps keep it from being too bling-y or overwhelming.
The fact that I paired two pieces that could be considered slightly casual but added heels and a blazer makes my outfit work appropriate without being traditional.
ohh I love that shirt. did you get it at the LOFT recently?
I actually bought it last winter but H&M has some similar ones right now.
I am liking this run of three thing. I am a huge scarf girl and felt a bit naked all summer without my usual scarf. There were only a couple days in three years of living in Seattle where I didn’t wear a scarf! Love the outfit!
Summer is more difficult to do the rule of three but that’s when I throw in statement necklaces instead of scarves!
Very cute outfit! Do you think rule of 3 could work with a hat? Someone just gifted me a bunch. And I need to hide my hair anyway.
A hat is going to be harder to pull off for the office! As for casual, I still see it as something more akin to a coat instead of an accessory that would be part of your indoor outfit. But that doesn’t mean you couldn’t make it work.
I have to agree with your, this three items thing really works and is a great foundation. (A scarf is always a great accessory, it packs a punch and is super easy. And my neck always gets cold.) I like how you broke down your outfit in this post, showing the “before” look and then explaining how to take it a little farther. The patterned scarf looks amazing with the stripped shirt and the whole look is very sleek.
Thanks! Perhaps I’ll do the whole outfit break down thing more often.
I think I need to steal you and have you come to my apartment every night to lay out outfits for me. I like this rule of three thing, though. It sounds like something this SEVERELY fashion-challenged girl could reasonably apply to her life!
I love to do closet consultations! Check it out: http://looplooks.wordpress.com/closet-consultations/
I like the rule of 3! Thanks for the inspiration – I wore a similar outfit just the other day – http://petalbypetal11.blogspot.com/2012/09/try-it-out-tuesday-triple-pinks-double.html …
Awesome! Thanks for sharing your link.