My mother, who worked for me for years, once apologized for not wearing a bracelet to work. I kid you not. Those of you who know Ann, know that I am telling the truth. Mom didn’t feel like she was properly dressed without accessories. So I guess you could say that I am genetically predisposed to this rule of dressing because I don’t feel completely put together either in just a top and pants. That’s what this rule is all about. Taking a simple top and bottom and making it into more of an outfit. It’s so easy to elevate your personal style with the third piece rule, you’ll hardly believe it. Just consider…
Add A Scarf or Shawl To ElevateYour Style. It’s An Essential of The Third Piece Rule
A scarf or shawl is definitely a outfit-worthy third piece. Scarves and shawls not only add color near your face, but they often are a textural addition to a “flat” outfit. Scarfs and shawls are “flowy” and can bring a simple top and pants alive. It makes your outfit more interesting when you add these third pieces.
A Jacket or Blazer Is The Perfect Third Piece
My store is big. It sometimes can be cold. So I wear jackets and blazers all the time for practical reasons. It’s kind of a happy accident because jackets and blazers are an interagal part of the third piece rule. Add a jacket to a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and you suddenly have an outfit. Pair a blazer with a blouse and skirt and voila, pulled together look.
Elevate Your Style By Adding Necklaces and Bracelets. A Third Piece Rule Staple
And the easiest of all third pieces: jewlery. A cool bib necklace, purchased at a thrift or consignment shop ups the game on a top and pants. In the picture above, I added a brass-tone necklace and bracelet that I found at Consignments Ltd. to wide leg cargo pants and a ribbed t-shirt, and it polished it into an outfit I’d definitely wear again. Costume jewelry is such an easy third piece and an inexpensive way to a more complete look.
Insider Tip: Thrift and consignment shops are great resources for that third piece. And due to their unique selection you can inexpensively elevate your style with the third piece rule looking like no one else in the office. It’s a win-win!
If you’re hungry for more, check out my previous blogs, like: Consignment Shop Best Buys: Fashion and Why Buying Fake Designer Bags is Bad.
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