Today we’re going back to basics—with one of my favourite (and ridiculously easy) styling rules:
The Rule of Thirds.
Here’s the idea in a nutshell:
Your outfit looks more visually balanced when your body is divided into thirds—not halves. That means instead of wearing a top that cuts you exactly in the middle, it often looks better when one part (either your top or bottom) takes up two-thirds of your body, and the other takes up one-third.
This is why you see me banging on about tucking in your top, pulling up your sleeves, cropping your jumper, or choosing high-waisted bottoms—these little tweaks just work. They help create those thirds.
And once you see it… you can’t unsee it.
Honestly, it’s one of the things I spot most often in the group—when an outfit feels a little off, it’s often a proportion thing.
This rule works on every shape, size, and height—not because it “fixes” anything (ugh, no thank you)—but because it enhances your natural silhouette. It adds balance and flow, even to the simplest outfits.
The three images below visually show the rule of thirds and the difference it makes to your outfits.
Try playing around with where your outfit “breaks” visually:
Do a French tuck into jeans (not sure what that is? Ask and I’ll film a quick demo!)
Choose a cropped jumper or boxy jacket
Swap mid-rise trousers for high-waisted ones
Pair knee-length dresses with tall boots
Add a belt to create a horizontal line around the waist
Pull up your sleeves so 2/3 of your arm is covered and 1/3 is showing
Prefer looser or untucked clothes? You can still apply this! Try matching your top and bottom in the same colour, then layer a contrasting cropped jacket over the top to create the illusion of thirds—while keeping things comfy and effortless.
And remember, it doesn’t always have to be a top and trousers—dresses, jackets, belts, boots, even your sleeves can create a visual third. It’s about playing with where your outfit naturally ‘breaks’—and using that to create balance.
What’s joyful about this is how small the shift is—but how powerful the result feels.
And honestly, I think it’s one of the first style tweaks where people start to feel like…
“Ohhh, I get it now.”