Fashion Tips: The Rule Of Thirds Explained — Approximately Right (2024)

I’m not a fan of ‘fashion rules’. As much as I enjoyed watching a horribly-dubbed-with-a-nondescript-spanish-accent episode of What Not To Wear when I was growing up, I do not feel that Stacy & Clinton’s rules work for everyone’s personal style. But I do enjoy learning what those rules are.

I see wardrobe styling as a toolbox, one that we fill with a bunch of different things to help you take on every possible job. We don’t use the same tools for every job, and there may be some tools that we rarely use, but the more tools we have, the more jobs we can take on. The Rule of Thirds is one of those tools that I think comes in very handy for creating flattering outfits in seconds, and one that I think have to know.

What is the Rule of Thirds?

The Rule of Thirds is a concept in visual arts, mainly photography, film and painting, and it’s basic guideline for making images more dynamic or compelling. It consists of dividing an image in thirds, both vertically and horizontally, to create 9 equal blocks and lining up where you want the eye to go to where those lines intersect. You may have noticed I tend to do this in my videos.

Fashion is also a visual medium, and while we don’t divide our outfits in 9 equal sections, applying the Rule of Thirds requires diving our outfit in three equal parts to visually create a ratio of 2:1. This ratio is basically the Golden Mean, simplified.

Wait, so how do I apply the Golden Mean to my outfit?

Applying this ratio to your outfits is pretty easy, and my guess is that you have been doing it already without realizing it had a name. The key is to create a visual break in your outfit at either the end of the first third, or the end of the second third. Avoid putting the visual break of your outfit in the middle, because this can make you look frumpy.

Fashion Tips: The Rule Of Thirds Explained — Approximately Right (2)

Cool, got it! How can I create a visual break?

A visual break is anywhere in your outfit where, if you scan from top to bottom, something changes. The most obvious is any change in color, but the following also create visual breaks:

  • Where your top and bottom meet

  • Belts

  • If you’re wearing a dress of skirt, it’s where the garment meets your skin (if you’re not wearing nude garments)

  • Where a layer hits you

  • Where you roll your sleeves to

  • Where your pants and boots meet, if they are not the same color

The key is to pay attention to the clothes you are wearing, and divide the outfit, not your body, into thirds. The lines are going to hit at different places depending on what you are wearing. It can be a bit confusing to understand at first, but the more you practice, the easier and more intuitive it becomes.

Fashion Tips: The Rule Of Thirds Explained — Approximately Right (3)

Fashion Tips: The Rule Of Thirds Explained — Approximately Right (4)

If you are wearing an outfit that makes you feel a bit frumpy, try changing the line of the visual break by dividing your outfit in thirds, I bet this will make a world of difference!

Disclaimer: Links provided in this blog post, as well as on the description box for my videos, may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, which comes at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my channel, and letting me create better videos for you guys!

Fashion Tips: The Rule Of Thirds Explained — Approximately Right (2024)

FAQs

Fashion Tips: The Rule Of Thirds Explained — Approximately Right? ›

Fashion is also a visual medium, and while we don't divide our outfits in 9 equal sections, applying the Rule of Thirds requires diving our outfit in three equal parts to visually create a ratio of 2:1. This ratio is basically the Golden Mean, simplified.

What is the rule of thirds in fashion? ›

This is where The Rule of Thirds comes into play. One-third and two-third is the right way to go about it. Application: To apply this technique to your clothes, start by visually dividing your body into three parts: head to waist, waist to knee, and knee to foot. Choose the third that accentuates your best features.

What is the 1 3 2 3 rule in fashion? ›

Many styling experts use the Golden Ratio, which is more often referred to as the Rule of Thirds, to help balance proportions between various clothing items. The Golden Ratio states that a ratio of ⅓ to ⅔ is the most visually pleasing division in everything from architecture to photography to fashion.

What is the 70 30 rule in fashion? ›

Q: What is the 70/30 rule in fashion? A: The 70/30 rule in fashion suggests creating an outfit where 70% is classic or neutral, and 30% is bold or statement-making.

What is the rule of thirds fits? ›

The rule of thirds is a compositional rule that suggests aligning your subject within specific guidelines and intersection points. The rule states that an image should be divided into nine equal parts with four imaginary lines. This involves two horizontal lines and two vertical lines, equally spaced.

What are the 3 rule of thirds? ›

The rule of thirds is a composition guideline that places your subject in the left or right third of an image, leaving the other two thirds more open. While there are other forms of composition, the rule of thirds generally leads to compelling and well-composed shots.

What is the 3 piece rule in fashion? ›

The third piece rule is simple: add a third item to your ensemble to transform basic outfits into the polished look you want to achieve. Pick from a range of accessories to meet the third piece rule, from a hat to a scarf or jewelry. Why not more than one?

What is the 60 30 10 rule in fashion? ›

To achieve a balanced look, fashionistas can suggest that men follow this formula: 60% of the suit's colour in the jacket and pants. 30% of the colour in the shirt. 10% of the colour in the tie.

What is the 80 20 rule fashion? ›

They say that the Pareto Principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, holds true with wardrobes: Most of us wear 20 percent of our clothing, 80 percent of the time. Why waste valuable space on the other 80 percent of your wardrobe that you rarely wear?

What is 333 wardrobe method? ›

The 333 styling method is a minimalist fashion challenge encouraging individuals to select and wear only 33 items for 3 months. This includes clothing, accessories, jewelry, outerwear, and shoes, aiming to simplify wardrobe choices and promote sustainable fashion habits.

What is the golden rule in fashion? ›

In fact, it's downright mathematical. The secret is menswear's golden ratio, also known as the rule of thirds, where your tee, shirt, or jacket comprises one-third of an outfit while the pants make up the remainder.

What is the 5 outfit rule? ›

What Is the Five Outfit Rule? Per Barber, the five outfit rule goes like this: If you're going to buy something, it has to go with five things you already own. If it doesn't, you need to leave it behind. Overconsumption is a global issue that can impact your mental health more than you realize.

What is the rule of 4 in fashion? ›

What's the easiest way to complete out your outfit? Add a fourth piece! Start with any basic Outfit Formula – a top, bottoms and shoes. Then add any fourth piece outfit completer, like a jacket, belt, handbag, hat or scarf.

What is the Golden Ratio for dressing? ›

either way, the 1/3 to 2/3 ratio is in effect here. It doesn't have to be exact, it's just a guideline. You don't have to front tuck every top to achieve the right balance, though. Some tops are the right length to work with your outfit without a tuck.

What is the thirds rule in fashion? ›

The idea behind the third piece rule is that for an outfit to go from good to great, it needs three key elements. Your top and bottom (pants or skirt) are your first and second elements. The third piece is that extra something that finishes off the whole look.

How can you apply rule of the thirds technique? ›

Mentally divide your image into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, and place your subject accordingly. That is, simply imagine that your image is divided into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, and then place your subject on one of the lines or at the intersection of those lines.

What is the 3 percent rule in fashion? ›

The late fashion designer, Virgil Abloh, had a design rule for himself called the “3% approach.” Above is a slide from a presentation that he gave at Harvard back in 2013 where he listed it as item 3 of his “personal design language.” The idea behind this 3% rule is simple: you really only need to change something by 3 ...

What is the purpose of rule of thirds in design? ›

The rule of thirds is a simple guideline that UX designers and other creatives use to align images, text, and components of an image or webpage, in a way that creates balance and is in line with how the viewer's eye naturally scans the field.

What is the rule of threes outfit? ›

The key is to create a visual break in your outfit at either the end of the first third, or the end of the second third. Avoid putting the visual break of your outfit in the middle, because this can make you look frumpy.

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