You know those women who are preternaturally stylish? Who concoct outfits that you’d never think of, always look put-together and do so so effortlessly that you can only assume they came out of the womb mixing polka dots with stripes and Zara with Gucci?
Well, I know one of those women, so I had to ask her a few years back: What’s your secret? Aside from an innate sense of style, she introduced me to the third-piece rule. Here’s the deal: The idea is that every great ensemble has three main elements. If the basic necessities like your pants and a top qualify as the first and second element, the third element jazzes things up and makes the final look more interesting.
For example, if you’re wearing jeans and a white T-shirt, top it off with a blazer. A statement bag, show-stopping earrings or a belt also add the best kind of something something. Take Kate Middleton's outfit above. There would be nothing wrong with an all-pink suit, of course, but the addition of a statement belt in a contrasting color (in her case, white with pearl detailing) elevates the whole ensemble into ultra-stylish territory. Below, a few examples of the third-piece rule, plus some shopping suggestions should you get the urge to copy.
