Have you ever looked in the mirror after getting dressed and thought to yourself, “This outfit is missing something”? Have you felt that you don’t look as pulled together as you could or should? Everyone has been there, but here’s the good news: there’s a little trick to banish these thoughts of self-doubt in your dressing, and it’s called the “Third Piece Rule.”
Never heard of it? Neither had I until I was doing some research on dress codes and guidelines for retail associates. Widely embraced by major retailers to help employees and the fashion set create looks that are more stylish and polished, the Third Piece Rule provides a simple formula for dressing your best. Your top and your bottom are your first and second pieces, while your third piece is an extra outfit element that pulls your entire look together. The third piece is the exclamation point on an outfit that would otherwise be ordinary.
Essentially, the Third Piece Rule theory is put to use to make your outfits a bit more stylish. Easy to remember and simple to execute, it will never leave you doubting if you look pulled together. Good style is assured with the Third Piece Rule.
The Vest
A great statement-making third piece is a vest. One part drama, one part style, vests are a quintessential item often selected to pull together any look. Vests are so versatile (especially one like this) that they can be worn over pants and a crew neck sweater for a casual look or, as shown here, in a high fashion way over a maxi skirt and silk blouse.
Marienbad Smoke Irelyn Skirt, $189; Marienbad Ivory Silk Blouse, $139; Frank Lyman Black Waistcoat, $319. Available at Frock on Penn, LLC. | 612 Penn Avenue, West Reading | 610.372.9935 | frockonpenn.com; Sarto by Franco Sarto Black Suede Fancy Boots, $118.95. Available at Nordstrom.com
The Blazer
While there is technically nothing wrong with a t-shirt and jeans (fashion staples), take your look up a notch and top it off with a fashion-forward blazer. This pre-layered jacket not only pulls the look together, but the illusion of a sweatshirt and vest show off layering done right!
Soft Black Gila Open Back Mule, $99.95; Fate by LFD Black and Olive Hooded Jacket, $115; Just Black Dark Denim Frayed Skinny Jeans, $79; Lila P White Crewneck Tee, $68. All available at Bella Jules Fashion Boutique, LLC. | 700 Penn Avenue, West Reading | 610.208.0600 | bellajulesboutique.com
The Denim Jacket
Creating a stylish look shouldn’t be reserved for dressing up. Even a casual runaround outfit benefits from the Third Piece Rule. Take this chic yoga look: a pair of leggings and a cropped sweatshirt looks like any other workout outfit, but when you add that finishing touch of a denim jacket, the outfit is transformed from ordinary to out-and-about-worthy.
Alo Yoga Black High Waist Performance Faux Leather Legging, $102; Alo Yoga Black Ripped Warrior Long Sleeve Top, $88; ABLE by FASHIONABLE Denim Jacket, $138; Free People White Letterman Sneaker, $128. All available at The Store at Bell Tower. | 18 State Hill Rd., Wyomissing | 610.372.6379 | belltowersalonspa.com
Statement Accessories
The versatility of accessories makes them easily added third pieces. Take this simple black dress for instance. When your look is anchored with a first piece like this, you can add multiple statement-making items like an oversized knit scarf and necklace. Something as easy and understated as a black dress instantly looks more interesting and styled with the assistance of great accessories.
Who What Wear Black Knit Dress, $34.99. Available at Target. | Nationwide | target.com; Sorrelli Modern Metallic Center Stage Necklace, $495. Available at Sorrelli. | 220 W. Main St., Kutztown | 610.894.9857 | sorrelli.com; Oversized Camel Knit Scarf, $22.99. Available at Coventry Corners. | Berkshire Mall, Wyomissing 610.376.0445 | coventrycorners.com; Sam Edelman Leopard Kinzey Booties, $158. Available at anthropologie.com.
