Rule of Three

October 30, 2015

Happy Friday! Thanks for all your encouragement on yesterday’s {One Room Challenge} update, I need all the good mojo I can get! I know I’ll have a room to share by the reveal date…I’d just rather it be complete!

For today’s Fashion Friday, we’re revisiting The Rule of Three, this time with my latest plaid obsession (see the dress worn {Now & Later} too).

The Rule of Three, or Power of Three, is the principle that things that come in threes are inherently funnier, more aesthetically pleasing, or more effective, than other grouped number of things.

So what’s so special about a third piece? Well, it adds pizazz to an otherwise basic outfit, making you look more stylish and put together. Essentially, it’s a simple trick that creates more chic outfits.

Many consider the top and bottom to be the first and second pieces, with a jacket, sweater, vest or statement accessory as the third piece. I prefer to take it a little further #surprisesurprise…with my entire base outfit being the first piece, and layering on extra elements as the second and third pieces. Let’s demonstrate…

{ONE // Base Outfit}

{TWO // Base Outfit + Belt}

{THREE // Base Outfit + Belt + Necklace & Bracelet}

{FOUR // Base Outfit + Belt + Jewels + Vest}

Yep, I added yet a fourth piece…no shocker there. But as the weather cools, the opportunities to bring on more layers increases. Sure each outfit is cute on it’s own, but there’s no question the Power of Three reigns true in creating a more stylish outfit.

I just can’t help myself, I adore this dress and building outfits, so how about we go again?!?

{ONE // Base Outfit}

Plaid Dress | Booties (similar) | Sunglasses | Watch | Spike Bracelet | Earrings

{TWO // Base Outfit + Necklace & Bracelet}

{THREE // Base Outfit + Jewels + Cardigan}

{FOUR // Base Outfit + Jewels + Cardigan + Hat}

I’m not saying that in order to look polished or be stylish, you must have a third piece, but you’d be surprised by how much more put together you’ll look, and feel, if you take the time to add an extra element or two to your outfit. Are you a member of Rule of Three Fan Club? Have you started implementing the formula in your daily outfits? Happy Halloween weekend, lovebugs!

{Shop More Plaid Shirtdresses}

Thank you, Mary Summers, for the fabulous pictures, and Bailey at The Dallas Arboretum for a fun afternoon!

Make sure you follow me on Facebook here for daily sales & sign up for my weekly newsletter here for sneak peeks, special Q&As, & Sugarplum Picks!

previous article: {One Room Challenge} Let There Be Light

next article: {Top Ten} October

Comments

Mix and Match Mama says: October 30, 2015 at 10:46 am

I mean…so cute! This is perfect for our transitional weather!

Reply
SweetandSimpleInspirations says: October 30, 2015 at 11:09 am

Love the look with the white vest! You are so creative with your outfits!

Reply
Jillian Manesh says: October 30, 2015 at 1:51 pm

i love the plaid dress! xo jillian – cornflake dreams

Reply
Laura says: October 30, 2015 at 2:01 pm

You are so right!! I struggle with looking " stylish". that is probably the last word someone with used to describe me haha.I'm not happy with that, so I will try this rule of three.

Reply
Mary Kath says: October 30, 2015 at 3:01 pm

EEEK! I so love your style! I have a challenge/request for you! Using the rule of three AND the use of scarves…. would you do a post on how to do these things without adding bulk to your figure? I'm in the process of losing weight and am busty…. and I get hot flashes sometimes… so scarves are not as flattering on me as they are on you (although I love the look)…. and I need my third layer to not be bulky…. Any ideas? Love the sweater vest you posted today…. Love your home decor styling, too!

Reply
- hisugarplum says: October 30, 2015 at 3:47 pm
  
  Thanks so much, Mary Katherine! I'd start with lightweight scarves that lie flat…you're right, some of them do overpower a figure. And the third piece can be in the form of a belt, necklace or bag, as well. Or maybe a pullover sweater or vest. Hope this helps with more ideas! xoxo
  
  Reply
isntthatgrand says: October 30, 2015 at 4:51 pm

I learned the Rule of Three when working in kitchens – always makes the plate look appealing. I started applying to household decor and now with your post, I'm realizing I probably subconsciously apply to to clothes too – I always have more than just one thing going on! Styling is styling is styling, I suppose 🙂

Reply
Liz Jo says: October 30, 2015 at 9:17 pm

Love the looks!

liz @ sundays with sophie

Reply
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says: October 31, 2015 at 12:30 pm

Okay. THAT DRESS. It's just so good.

Reply
sahar maleki says: November 2, 2015 at 6:35 am

Great styling! Love the dress<3

http://www.saharfashionbook.com

Reply

Leave Your Comments Cancel reply

Rule of Three

September 22, 2015

Hi friends! Thanks for the excitement (and great ideas!) over Project Little Miss. We’ve got the drapes up on one window, so hopefully I’ll finish those soon, and report back! Today I’m sharing a fun style tip I use when building an outfit…The Rule of Three.

The Rule of Three, or Power of Three, is the principle that things that come in threes are inherently funnier, more aesthetically pleasing, or more effective, than other grouped number of things.

Slogans and catchprhases are regularly three words…“Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness”…“Stop, Drop and Roll.” Jokes, too, often revolve around three…“An Irishman, Scotsman and Englishman walk into a bar.”

The Rule of Three is heralded in home decor, as well, with many vignettes created around three different sized objects. So it’s no surprise that three is key when building a more stylish outfit.

Some retailers even require their sales staff follow the rule of three while on the job…with the top and bottom being first and second pieces, and an extra element such as a jacket, sweater, vest or statement accessory as the third piece.

I prefer to take it a little further #surprisesurprise…with my entire base outfit being the first piece, and layering on extra elements as the second and third pieces. Let me demonstrate…

{ONE // Base Outfit}

Striped Top | Distressed Jeans | Booties (similar here & here)

{TWO // Base Outfit + Bag}

Striped Top | Distressed Jeans | Booties (similar here & here) | Crossbody Bag

{THREE // Base Outfit + Bag + Scarf}

Striped Top | Distressed Jeans | Booties (similar here & here)

Infinity Scarf | Crossbody Bag

{FOUR // Base Outfit + Bag + Scarf + Vest}

Striped Top | Distressed Jeans | Booties (similar here & here) | Infinity Scarf

Crossbody Bag | Sunglasses | Earrings | Watch | Utility Vest (similar)

Striped Top | Distressed Jeans | Booties (similar here & here) | Infinity Scarf | Crossbody Bag

Sunglasses | Earrings | Watch | Utility Vest (similar)

If you’re still in doubt about the Power of Three, here are a few more examples where you’ll notice I always employ the principle, with many outfits even adding fourth and fifth pieces to take the effect to the next level.

{Necklace + Leopard Belt + Studded Bag}

Hi Sugarplum | {3 Ways} to Wear Jeans to Work

Black Blouse (available in many colors, runs big) | Bootcut Jeans

Leopard Belt (similar) | Pendant Necklace | Pearl Cluster Bracelet (similar) | Bag (similar)

{Vest + Belt + Studded Bag + Tassel Bracelet}

Sweater | White Jeans | Bag (similar) | Faux Fir Vest (similar)

Watch | Tassel Bracelet | Belt

{Cardigan + Bag}

Striped Cardigan Wrap | Black Tee | Jeans | Boots | Bag

{Hat + Scarf + Bag}

{Bag + Bag Charm + Leopard Shoes}

Skirt | White Oxford | Leopard Heels | Blue Satchel (similar)

Bag Tassel | Sunglasses | Earrings | Bracelet

{Cardigan + Necklace + Bag}

Ruched Dress | Cardigan | Cage Heels | Clutch (similar)

Pendant Necklace (similar) | Pave Hoop Earrings | Watch

{Necklace + Cuff + Clutch}

Hi Sugarplum | Pink Dress | Day to Night

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that in order to look polished or be stylish, you must have a third piece. Especially in the Summer…you won’t catch me piling on the jackets and cardigan…I will, however, add a hat or statement jewels to take my outfit up a notch. But you’d be surprised by how much more put together you’ll look, and feel, if you take the time to add an extra piece or two.

Are you a member of the Power of Three fan club?

Make sure you follow me on Facebook here for daily sales & sign up for my weekly newsletter here for sneak peeks, special Q&As, & Sugarplum Picks!

previous article: Project Little Miss | The Design & Plans

next article: Kitchen Crushes

Comments

Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says: September 22, 2015 at 11:31 am

I totally abide by the Power of 3 rule when decorating my home. But like you, sometimes it's the Power of 4 or 5 rule when dressing! 🙂

Reply
Christina says: September 22, 2015 at 11:43 am

Love the power of 3! I always feel more pulled together that way. Today it's cozy cardi, necklace and leopard flats. I will lose the cardi once I really start my day and warm up!

Reply
Deb Moore says: September 22, 2015 at 3:05 pm

Love how you dress!! Are you going to do any posts with your mom for us older girls? Thx!!

Reply
- hisugarplum says: September 22, 2015 at 5:18 pm
  
  Thanks Deb! I'd love to get my mom on the blog more…hopefully she'll agree!!
  
  Reply
Caitlin - The Delighted Dwelling says: September 22, 2015 at 4:24 pm

Seriously, can you come to my house and dress me everyday?? Today I took inspiration from your 5 Ways to Wear White After Labor Day post from last year and am wearing white jeans, a scarf and jean jacket, which totally follows the rule of three!!

Reply
- hisugarplum says: September 22, 2015 at 5:18 pm
  
  Yes ma'am it does…and sounds darling!!! thrilled you got some inspiration here!! xo
  
  Reply
Andrea says: September 22, 2015 at 8:51 pm

YUP! I am indeed in that club. Have been since I worked in a nice department store in college, and the "third piece" was a wardrobe dress code requirement. I don't feel like I am fully dressed until I have that third something. (Even if I am only sitting at my kid's third grade football game in a camp chair!)

Reply
yourstrulyjenn says: September 22, 2015 at 9:35 pm

Cassie,
I had never heard this in terms of fashion, but it works for me. I bought the striped wrap cardigan last year after seeing it on your blog and I can't wait until it is cool enough to wear it again this year.
Jenn

Reply
Jillian says: September 22, 2015 at 11:59 pm

love this rule! xo jillian – cornflake dreams

Reply
[email protected] says: September 23, 2015 at 2:52 am

Holy crap, do you look adorable in that first outfit, especially with the vest added. My sister and I are always trying to channel our inner sugarplum when we take the time to actually think about our outfits. I should hang a big number 3 (or 4) in my closet to keep me on track.

Reply
Sheryl Radin says: September 23, 2015 at 12:16 pm

Simple, sweet, and do-able. Thanks!!

Reply
Queen In Between says: September 23, 2015 at 7:05 pm

I've never thought about it in 3's but that makes great fashion sense. Thanks for sharing your great fashion sense as always!

Reply
Tiffany says: September 24, 2015 at 12:33 pm

I'm s recent convert to the rule of three. I finally realized that all the people whose style I admired always had one or two extras on. It makes such a big difference!

Reply
Jessica Barshinger says: October 1, 2015 at 8:59 pm

Great post! Love the power of 3!!!!

Reply
KathyT says: October 24, 2015 at 4:46 am

It is funny but it is a rule in so many other endeavors as well. A joke always has three parts, so does any good story and a song has three refrains. With fashion, I have also read that it is a good idea to take one accessory off- not the third piece of clothing of course. I don't always need to do it but I know when I have over done the jewelry especially or when a piece of jewelry is the third thing. I think it is important to not have 3 "star" pieces on at the same time too. It is good to let one piece shine and the others perform as supporting roles too. I have noticed that Alexa Chung almost never adds that third item but she is so tall, young and thin she probably counts herself as the third item. You have a great fashion sense and the rule of three is good advice no doubt.

Reply
Kristin {Imperfectly Wonderful} says: May 16, 2016 at 8:39 pm

Yes, love this! I too am a fan of the fourth and fifth layers 🙂 Fun to see it broken down from base layer on up.

Reply
Savvy Southern Chic says: August 16, 2016 at 10:13 am

I never feel completely dressed without that third piece even if it's just one piece of jewelry, but also take it to the fourth and fifth most days.

Reply