Spring fashion means color but too much (or not enough) bright hues can definitely ruin an outfit. Learn how to add color while still looking chic and put together with this simple style formula; the 3 color rule.
One of my favorite things about Spring is all the color. Budding trees, blooming flowers and of course all the bright colors and patterns showing up in fashion. Big bold prints, delicate florals and gorgeous pastels take center stage as we transition into this new season. But with this sudden influx of colors, what’s a girl supposed to do with them? And how in the world is she to wear them? Never fear, for I just learned a fashion hack for color that will help you choose, coordinate and wear a chic, put together, colorful outfit in no time. Let me introduce you to, drumroll please, the 3 Color Rule.
The 3 Color Rule
This fashion formula is extremely simple. Keep your outfit to three colors (and no, black and white do not count). Neutrals are definitely considered colors. If you are wearing a busy pattern or print, pick 3 shades out of that print to be the colors of your outfit. Let’s dissect some different looks I’ve worn over the last few months and see how the 3 color rule applies.
Outfit 1 – Blue, Tan & Peach
In this look I wore blue jeans, a white blouse (remember this color doesn’t count), a tan cardigan and belt, and these peachy pink loafers. Simple, coordinated, slighlty colorful, but the rule of 3 seems to work well here.
Outfit 2 – Navy, Red & Tan
These bright red pants definitely make a color statement on their own. But combining them with this navy and matching red cropped camisole and a neutral shoe, the colors worked together to create this stunning look.
Outfit 3 – Blue, Grey & Peach
This is a great example of pulling colors from a print to make a 3 color rule outfit. This blouse has light blue, grey and white stripes. I wore grey pants to match the stripe then added the third color (peach) with my shoes.
Outfit 4 – Green, Blue & Cream
Let’s take a look at this floral dress. There are plenty of colors to choose from. Green (obviously) then if you look closely there is yellow, pink, cream, and light blue. I chose to pull out the latter two colors with a light wash denim jacket and cream suede ankle boots.
Outfit 5 – Brown, Brown, & Brown
I’m sure you think I’ve gone crazy showing a monochromatic outfit in this blog post about color. But hear me out. There is an elegance to wearing all one color tone but it is important to wear no more than 3 shades of that same color. Too many variances of the same color in one outfit looks messy, chaotic & even clashy.
I think the 3 color rule is extremely helpful with coordinating outfits. If you tend to wear too much color, this will help you scale back without eliminating the bright shades you love. If you dress more neutral or stick to two colors only, this is a non-overwhelming way to add more fun to your everyday look. And as with all fashion rules, consider this one to be a “tool” to help you dress colorfully. Not a rule to restrict your inner fashionista.
