The Rule of Thirds For Your Outfits
Have you ever wondered why some outfits look effortlessly put together and others just aren’t flattering no matter how many accessories you change? It could be as simple as adjusting the proportions. I’m talking about how to use the rule of thirds in your outfit. When I looked at this outfit, I realized it was a great way to illustrate the technique.
I hesitate to use the term “rules” because there is no right or wrong way to express your personal style. I prefer to think of it as a powerful tool you can add to your style arsenal to help you look and feel your best. This outfit illustrates the technique in two ways.
The ratio can be divided by a belt, a hem length, or your shoulders. It’s basically your outfit, not including your head. I’m a big fan of a 3/4 length third layer over jeans or pants because it automatically breaks my outfit into the 1/3 – 2/3 proportions of the golden ratio.
You can get closer to this proportion by tucking or front-tucking your top and wearing full-length pants. You’re creating a visual break in the line of your outfits from top to bottom. The ratios do not have to be exact to create a pleasing look. Crop pants create a challenge for this ratio, which is one reason so many look unflattering…and don’t get me started on capri pants.
Let me know if you’d like me to do a deeper dive into this topic with more examples.
Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
Thanks for the diagram explaining the rule of 1/3 I never really understood it.Had to chuckle at your remark of ‘ don’t get me started on Capri pants’
I think the only icon that could wear them gracefully was the lovely
Audrey Hepburn with her ballet flats . I will give them a miss as I am no
Miss Hepburn .
Can’t wait to see some of your post from Artic Cruise but do take time off everyone needs a break.
Love Pamela from Wales UK.x
.
She did wear them beautifully.
Love your “thirds “ info and diagram for wardrobe. We use thirds in fine art
to find focal points for our paintings. Nice to find your upscale wardrobe selections. Have to go now to make my selections. 🙂
I would love to hear more of your ideas on the 1/3 rule, and see more examples. Have a wonderful trip; looking forward to hearing about it! And I agree with Lee, you always look wonderful but your hair has been looking especially nice lately.
Thank you!
The new capris on the runway , are shown with blazers and heels or cute ballet flats. They are not being shown with oversized tops or tunics or flip flops, generally more refined.
I’m looking forward to seeing your photos of your trip. I’m also interested in a deeper dive into the rule of thirds. Being short at just under 5’2” tall and a bit busty with an ever thicker waist but slim hips and thighs, it is difficult to find clothing that fits comfortably and yet looks good. I have been using the column of color wearing my pants long to the top of my feet. No tucking! It just looks awful now! But I can wear shorter tops that give the illusion of the tuck. I do wear wide pants with slightly fitted or hint of fit tops. We share coloring so I stick with neutrals and navy is my best friend. I’m excited about learning more when you get back. Pictures work best for me. Love you style and imitate it often.
Thanks Sydney
Very helpful your proportion info. As an extra petite woman am always trying to remember this info when getting dressed or even purchasing clothing.
For example do not wear leggings, as to wear the expected cover your tush makes my legs even more short than they are!! Thanks again and would love more info in the future. Enjoy your trip.
I would especially appreciate examples of the 1/3 style when wearing dresses with toppers. I’m a short plus-size apple. My dresses stop at the bottom of the calf muscle. Toppers range from fingertip length, base of knee and the bottom of the calf. Belts and partial tuck tops emphasize my outsized bust and stomach and are not my friend. Sometimes the long toppers with a dress give me the look of a large rectangle on legs/ankles that are too small in contrast. I need a solution. Can necklace length or scarf be used to improve my look? Are they an approach to realizing the 1/3 style?
You could try a shorter sweater that stops just above your waist. I’ll put some ideas together.