MappCraft | 3 Fashion Blogger Secrets Worth Stealing

Blogger Secret #1: The Third Piece Rule

Recently I fished up an article on Pinterest with a totally click bait title that hooked me immediately: Fashion Blogger Secret: The Third Piece Rule.

According to WhoWhatWear the secret to looking stylish is to add a third element (not including your jacket or shoes) to your outfit. Otherwise: Accessorize. Uh, thanks Captain Obvious.

But maybe it's not so obvious?

Today's outfit delights me in many ways but it really does boil down to the impact of the third (and fourth and fifth) piece rule. Had I not applied that theory, the outfit would have looked like this:

MappCraft | 3 Fashion Blogger Secrets Worth Stealing - #1 The 3rd Piece Rule

Not horrible. But how about one more layer - an accent color to break up the grey, perhaps?

MappCraft | 3 Fashion Blogger Secrets Worth Stealing MappCraft | 3 Fashion Blogger Secrets Worth Stealing - #1 The 3rd Piece Rule

Now just a few more accessories, to make the look "pop."

Now you're ready to go - once you add a jacket, shoes and bag.

VOILA! So simple. Just add one more piece and you've performed outfit magic.

Okay, that's a lot of extra pieces but you see my point. It's the considered extras that add oomph to an outfit, which is exactly why I preach that you should maintain a well edited capsule wardrobe and flex your fashion fun in the accessory department.

Blogger Secret #2: Power Palette

MappCraft | 3 Blogger Secrets Worth Stealing, #2 Power Palette

It's easy to create a personal Power Palette. First start with 3 - 4 Neutral anchor colors (take a look at your shoe collection for inspiration). Now, think back to what were you wearing the last time someone said "that color looks amazing on you!" Bam! Accent color #1. Now add 3-4 additional colors to complement the color that complements you. Get creative.

Blogger Secret #3: Layering

MappCraft | 3 Blogger Secrets Worth Stealing, #3 Layering

The last critical element of this style hack trifecta is my favorite technique -- layering. A sliver of the poppy red J.Crew silk cami sandwiched between the heather grey Market & Spruce hi-lo tee and the charcoal grey Banana Republic mini skirt makes all the difference.

Sure the outfit would have worked without it, but that simple element illustrates the thesis of the Third Piece Rule:

““It adds nuance to an otherwise run-of-the-mill outfit, making you look put together, polished, more interesting and like you put a little effort into your look.””

— Cat Kollings for WhoWhatWear.com

Share Your Style Secrets!

What do you think? Do you employ any of these styling tactics to get dressed in the morning? Do you have styling secret formulas of your own? Show me! Share your pics and your feedback on the MappCraft | Tiny Closet Essential Survival Guide private Facebook group.

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Be the Bright!

xoxo

Jenn

PS: If you like what I write, please click the heart. I'll be your best friend.

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