Dressing in The Thirds…
One of the most effective styling principles I teach my clients during their Colour & Style Session is Dressing in Thirds. It’s a simple concept, but it can completely transform the way an outfit looks and feels.
The principle applies not only to the amount of fabric you wear — such as trousers, tops, jackets and layers — but also to the way you distribute colour throughout an outfit. When used well, it creates a look that is balanced, visually pleasing and effortlessly stylish.
A simple way to understand it is through the timeless 60-30-10 rule.
60% – Your dominant colour
Usually your base outfit, such as jeans and a top, or a dress.
30% – Your secondary colour
Often a jacket, cardigan, vest or layering piece.
10% – Your accent colour
Accessories, shoes, a handbag, scarf or jewellery.
For example, you might wear navy jeans and sneakers as your dominant colour (60%), a red jacket as your secondary colour (30%), and a white top as your accent (10%).
Another variation I love is using a column of colour. You could wear a navy top and navy jeans as your 60%, add a red jacket for 30%, and finish with shoes, a handbag or accessories making up the final 10%. This creates a long vertical line through the body, helping to elongate the silhouette and often making you appear taller and slimmer.
The reason Dressing in Thirds works so beautifully is that it creates balance and visual interest. The eye naturally moves through the outfit rather than stopping abruptly. It prevents a look from feeling heavy, blocky or overwhelming, while helping you appear polished and well put together.
It also helps avoid one of the most common style mistakes I see — wearing colours or garments in equal proportions. When everything is divided into halves, the eye tends to cut the body in half too. Thirds are simply more flattering and more interesting to look at.
The beauty of this principle is that it works with any personality style (classic, relaxed, feminine, dramatic, elegant chic, rebellious & of course creative) & with prints & patterns as well.
Once you understand Dressing in Thirds, putting outfits together becomes so much easier. It’s one of those timeless styling tools that never dates and helps every outfit feel intentional rather than accidental. Simple, effective & one of the easiest ways to instantly elevate any outfit.
