{For Fashion's Sake} Saturday: Week Rule of 3's

11.27.2010

Alrighty dear readers, it's time for a little fashion tip, one that you may already know, but one that is too crucial to skip, (in case you don't already know.) 
It is called the rule of 3's. 
It applies in all sorts of artistic pursuits, 
but today I will relate it to fashion.

Notice the main colors in this outfit: Red, Yellow, and Blue
It doesn't necessarily have to be three colors. It could just be two different colored solids and a pattern that is one of those main colors. 
Or even three different (complimentary) shades of one color.
The thing is to rarely (if ever) wear only two solid colors. 
It tends to look boring, immature, even cheap. 
The Lumber-Jane Look:




The Breakdown:
Yellow Cardi: H&M $14
Blue Rhinstone Brooch: Antique $5
Red Plaid Button-Up: Hollister $36
Double Strap Belt: Forever21 $5
Vigoss Skinny Jeans: TJ Maxx $19
Slouch Boots: Charlotte Russe Clearance $5
Navy Peacoat: Forever21 $34
Watch: Urban Outfitters $34
Gold & Diamond Rings: Marcus Nielson $date nights, waffles nights, 11 months of dating, some kisses, video-chats, and a brave move to Idaho.

Here Are Some More Examples:


Does It Make Sense? Do You Agree?
But More Importantly, 
Would You Hire Me to Chop Your Firewood?

21 comments

Brooke T said...

Thanks for this tip! I always wear only 2 colors and now I realize it's boring so yes it makes sense :D

Shelby Lou said...

I want to go home and change. But then I realized I'm wearing black purple AND GREY. Yep.. I'm good.

Have you ever done the 30 for 30 challenge. I think you would do really well with it. You are so creative!

Heidi said...

More importantly, I would hire you to dress me.

Jami said...

Hey, its me, the crazy that talked to you at the murder mystery party. I really enjoyed today. I think I tend to lean toward matchy matchy. I need to branch out.

Unknown said...

Your tip totally makes sense! I've never thought of it that way before, thanks for sharing.

anna said...

yes. yes. and yes.
love the outfit btw. so wonderful.

Diana Smith said...

You have the best style ever! I love your hair!

Anonymous said...

I'm not sure about the firewood, but the outfit is stellar!

dana said...

Wow, I would never have thought only 2 colors were a boring combination, thank you for the tips! Thank goodness I found your blog, it's adorable!!!

Some Korean Website Highjacker said...

luvin' lumber jane look and this post! total.

oona said...

ha ha loving your little discription about the ring. adorable. and please, do come down and chop some wood for me. or just a christmas tree. that would do too

Unknown said...

oh my gosh! TOTALLY AGREE! in fact, we just had our very first annonymous "hater" comment on our blog all about how i "didn't MATCH" .... isn't that the point! my sisters and i are going to do a post all about why we don't "Match" the answer being... cause its boring!
you have an excellent point with the 3's... we are totally quoting you, if you don't mind... you totally rock... really you do...

~selina

Ashley Bagley Nielson said...

ya! I'm so glad i could teach you all this tip! i have a feeling you're going to be more excited about your outfits once you start utilizing your new skill! :)
sisters4saymoreismore-i would be happy to be quoted on your adorable blog!

Anonymous said...

I super love your blog as well as this post. So cute! Probably only has to do with me, but I have odd colors to utilize. Teal, pink, etc. What do you suggest I pair with non-traditional color wheel colors?

Ashley Bagley Nielson said...

Jessica-I'm going to do a fashion saturday either this week or next and the outfit is a little less traditional. Hopefully that can offer you some inspiration.

Cory and Katie Ledesma said...

I just found your blog and I am loving it! This is such a helpful tip when assembling outfits! I do have a question regarding it though...in the rule of 3's can one of the the 3 colors or patterns in an outfit be an accessory like a belt, shoes, necklace, etc??

Ashley Bagley Nielson said...

cory and katie, for sure. lots of times my 3rd color is a necklace or a belt or some funky shoes. But it doesn't have to be. You can certainly have 3 colors/patterns in your outfit and still wear a 4th or even...5th color in accessories. good luck :)

ashley in wonderland said...

cory and katie, for sure. lots of times my 3rd color is a necklace or a belt or some funky shoes. But it doesn't have to be. You can certainly have 3 colors/patterns in your outfit and still wear a 4th or even...5th color in accessories. good luck :)

Cory and Katie Ledesma said...

I just found your blog and I am loving it! This is such a helpful tip when assembling outfits! I do have a question regarding it though...in the rule of 3's can one of the the 3 colors or patterns in an outfit be an accessory like a belt, shoes, necklace, etc??

Shelby Lou said...

I want to go home and change. But then I realized I'm wearing black purple AND GREY. Yep.. I'm good.

Have you ever done the 30 for 30 challenge. I think you would do really well with it. You are so creative!

Jami said...

Hey, its me, the crazy that talked to you at the murder mystery party. I really enjoyed today. I think I tend to lean toward matchy matchy. I need to branch out.

© i believe in unicorns. Maira Gall.