The "Third Piece" Rule For Getting Dressed

Ever hear of the 3rd-piece secret in Personal Style? Ok maybe it’s not a secret. Let me start by telling you that the 3rd piece rule/tip/secret/trick is THE answer to the most frequently asked questions that

I hear everyday:

So it goes a little something like this, start with your basics. You know, pants and a top. Easy, right? Put your jeans on, put your top on, and you’re totally dressed right? Nope! Take your outfit to the next level by adding that third piece ……..

most easily that 3rd piece is a jacket, cardigan, or blazer.

When styling my clients, the most frequently used items for a 3rd piece are as follows:

• A layer: this can be a vest, cardigan, denim, jacket, blazer… see where I’m going?

• Some jewelry: the #1 thing I do when a woman tells me she LOVES turtlenecks but they feel too plain, I say add a statement necklace! Using jewelry as the 3rd piece can also mean statement earrings or a long, layered necklace over a blouse or tee

• Accessories: adding a scarf might be the most frequently used 3rd piece and in most climates it’s a no-brainer for Fall and Winter but you can also add a hat or belt as your third piece.

1st piece (top) + 2nd piece (bottom) and your 3rd piece to pull it all together !

Just be sure to pull pieces that suit your taste, your Personal Style.

Not sure you have what you need?? Start with a very basic cardigan to go over your favorite striped knit top like this or this.

Or get a little dressier with a blazer here or here.

Even better, go for a moto jacket! Here and here

In the examples below, of course a striped tee and jeans is fine and so is my chambray top with the white jeans. You aren’t doing anything “wrong” with just a top and bottom. Those outfits are good enough but the 3rd piece tip is the way to feel more pulled-together, feel more dressed.

And THAT’S a question I am asked quite a lot!

Outfit ideas that show you the “third piece rule” in action are here on my Pinterest board!

I will continually add lots of ideas so you can be inspired. But just remember…

How to look more stylish? Add a 3rd piece!

How can I feel more pulled-together? Add a 3rd piece!

How do I create outfits? Add a 3rd piece!

You can do it! XO, Jaime

How To Wear A Pop Of Color In Your Shoes

So they say Spring is arriving soon (still a high in the 40s on April 11th ugh) and we're all going a bits nuts waiting for warm air...   so adding some excitement with color is really on my mind.  I can still be in jeans and chunky layers but add a pop of color with my shoes.    

Color can be intimidating for a lot of ladies so a classic red sandal is MUCH easier for adding color to your wardrobe than a bold red dress.  

On the left, blogger Rachel Martino, adds the slightest pop of red to black jeans and a striped tee.  I added the perfect little strappy red sandals in the catalog.  

Ever since Oliva Palermo wore cobalt shoes on her wedding day, I've been rather obsessed with that for a pop of color.

As seen below at VivaLuxury, cobalt doesn't need much else going on.  It looks so nice with a dark navy outfit, dark jeans, or an all-black outfit to make them pop.   

Cobalt, or any colorful shoe for that matter, doesn't need much of anything besides jeans and a white blouse like MimiGStyle does it here.  

And seriously, what's NOT to love about hot pink suede AND a bow all on the same shoe?  Pair these with a colorful, printed dress to go all out or go with the classic reference above, jeans and a white top.  

Rather than a pop of solid color, how about a cute printed shoe???

These Nine West pumps can be used casually with jeans and a solid top like the Banana Republic eyelet top above or you can try a little pattern pairing and use them with a striped tee! 

As always, be sure you feel comfortable and remain true to your personal style.  

I have so many more cute options in the catalog so be sure to take a look. 

Can't put all of this together on your own?  Think about hiring a Personal Stylist.    Email me today!  Jaime@jaimediehlstyle.com

Xo, Jaime