Three seems to be a fascinating number for many people and groups. For one, it’s frequently referenced by various religions, cultural practices, and even modern stories. For another, many professionals in creative fields like architecture, photography, and film use the number three as a guide when composing the visual elements of their creations.
There are plenty of plausible explanations for why the number three stands out to people of spiritual, artistic, and scientific persuasions. What’s clear is that referencing it when composing a visual fanfare lends a certain kind of balance to the final output. This happens often enough that it’s become second nature for people to adhere to the so-called “rule of thirds” even while deciding their outfits for the day. If you’re concerned about dressing better, you can also use this concept to improve the way you put together your clothes and how to choose pieces that complement your body.
What Is the Rule of Thirds, and How Can You Apply It to Fashion?
The “rule of thirds” is a method of approximating where to best place visual elements that impact the overall look of a painting, photo, or outfit. If you’re working with a photograph, you can imagine a 3 by 3 grid with equally spaced horizontal and vertical lines on the image, dividing it into 9 equal parts. Using this rule, the point of interest in the photo is ideally situated where these lines meet. If you’re working with an outfit, the rule of thirds applies to the clothes that you are wearing and not the body itself. The first third of the outfit can be a sweater, while the remaining two-thirds are a pair of leggings and flat shoes, for instance. Dividing the length of your outfit in this way gives it a sense of proportion and helps highlight the strength of each of the components.
There are different ways of applying the rule of thirds to your everyday outfits. Here are some of the combinations that can help you maximize the balancing effect of following this visual guideline when putting your outfits together:
A crop top and high-waist pants
Crop tops are in vogue these days, and they make for a great outfit on warm summer days and casual affairs. They also configure well into an outfit that fits the rule of thirds. You can do this by pairing a crop top with high-waisted pants of a contrasting color. The crop top will get a third of the length of the outfit, while the pants and shoes will get the remaining two-thirds. To maximize the effect, pair your pants with shoes of the same color.
A long polo, regular shirt, and pants
Even if the weather is a bit chilly and calls for additional layers, it’s still possible to follow the rule of thirds while dressing for warmth and comfort. You can start off by wearing a regular T-shirt that goes to your waist or can be tucked into your pants. Then, you can layer a long jacket or polo shirt that reaches just above your knees on top. Keep the jacket open so a part of your shirt and pants are showing.
The first two-thirds of your outfit will be composed of the area that the outer layer covers, while the remaining third will be made up of the lower section of your pants. If the polo or jacket is a little too long, you can balance the look by wearing shoes that are the same color as your pants. You can also follow this distribution if you want to add layers to your clothes without appearing bulky.
A regular top and a high-waist or midi skirt
It’s also possible to use the rule of thirds when styling a regular top with a high-waist or midi skirt. The first third of the outfit will, of course, be the top, while the remaining two-thirds will be the skirt. You may need to make adjustments or try different shirt lengths to find the right balance, but as long as the top and the skirt are able to offer an eye-pleasing proportion, it should be okay. It’s not necessary to pair your sandals with the color or pattern of the midi skirt since there’s a long break between these two elements.
A cropped jacket and a romper or jumpsuit
How can you apply the rule of thirds when your outfit is a single piece? Aside from highlighting your waistline, you can also layer clothes to create distinct areas in your outfit. A cropped jacket, for instance, can make up the first third, while the rest of the romper can make up the remaining two-thirds. Depending on how long the legs of the romper are, you can adjust the length of the jacket to create the right dimensions. Choose a cropped jacket to go with long pants and a longer one if your romper features shorts.
There’s another dimension to consider while aiming for a balanced look, and that is accessorizing. Incorporating the right accessories can elevate your outfit and complete the proportionate appearance you’re aiming for. Whether you’re trying to achieve a sophisticated look or a boho-chic vibe, accessories play a crucial role. For instance, adding pieces from paradigm jewelry can be a game-changer in the way your outfit looks and feels. Remember, sometimes, it’s the little details that make the most significant impact.
See how following the rule of thirds can change the way you style your everyday clothes. Get started by following these combinations, and consider adding a few wardrobe pieces that can help you vary your proportions. With practice, you’ll soon find it easy to match your clothes and create stunning outfits in a snap.
