Have you ever heard of the third item rule? It’s probably not a “rule”, but a trick that merchandisers and stylists often use to pull looks together and make sure they are showing the goods off properly. Something I’ve been told, read and learnt about in a few of different forums, it’s not new but so simple that it’s sometimes easy to forget.

So what’s the deal with item number three?  Well if you tend to lean towards dressing basic (like me), then going from a regular two piece outfit made up of quality basics (maybe FRANC basics?). Then adding one more thing to finish can elevate an outfit and move it from one to two full thumbs up. The third item can, pull the entire outfit together, or just make it that much cooler. At least that is what the experts say, and something I sometimes subscribe too…sometimes simple is just better. But often adding that one extra item just makes it all make so much more awesome, for fun let’s have a look at some simple outfits that were made just that much better by adding that third cool friend to the mix.

[one: the third item; grey coat  – image via Rue Collective]

two: third item; grey scarf / image via Death by Elocution
three: third item; tan shoulder tie sweater / image via pop rocky
four: third item; long necklace / image via a love is blind
five: third item; layered jean jacket / image via grazia magazin
six: third item; grey sweatshirt / image via Theyallhateus

seven: third item; layered jean jacket or hat / image via Madewell
eight: third item; brown belt / image via carolines mode
nine: third item; white layered tee / image via srta-pepis

This old third item tip, is the perfect addition to How to Define Your Personal Style, because once you know your style you can decide if simple tips like this are a Yay or a Nay.

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