Is the Three-Color Rule the Secret to Looking Effortlessly Put-Together? I Put It to the Test

Ever since I entered my 30s, I’ve been attempting to streamline my style. If my 20s were all about breaking the rules, this decade has been about finding some new ones to follow— fashion-wise , at least. Sure, I’ve started pulling together a capsule wardrobe , and peeping Pinterest for examples of “elevated dressing,” but given that my tastes are anything but beige-ified (a common prerequisite on fashion moodboards), it sometimes feels impossible to nail down a formula that makes me look as put-together as I feel, without sacrificing my slightly eclectic personal style. But I’ve recently discovered a tip that just might be my answer—and yours, too, if you’ve been wondering how to pull off statement-making looks without going totally monochrome or, on the opposite end of the spectrum, looking like a twister got you dressed in the morning. Allow me to introduce you to the Three-Color Rule.

The Sandwich Rule Is My New Favorite Viral Styling Trick (& It’s So Easy)

What Is the Three-Color Rule in Fashion?

Best for Family Fun

As straightforward as it sounds, the Three-Color Rule posits that, in order to create a cohesive, aesthetically pleasing look, one should wear no more than three colors at a time. Remarkably, it takes into account the possibility of mixing patterns and textures (music to my maximalist’s ears), so long as the total number of colors in an outfit is capped at three.

Stylist Ellie Richards, who specializes in fashion psychology, posted a great video on TikTok breaking down this theory even further. In it, Richards explains that you should pick a dominant color to set the overall tone of your look, a secondary color to complement the primary and then a third, accent color to add contrast and a visual “pop.” I will note that there is some disagreement about whether or not neutrals like black and white should count toward your tally. Personally, I think they should, and Richards appears to agree.

Best for Family Fun

When I first came across this “rule,” it felt like an epiphany. Whenever I drool over street style photos of fun, funky outfits that just work , despite seeming like they shouldn’t, there are no more than three colors at play. I’ve even looked back at some of my own favorite outfit combos, mixed patterns and all, and whaddya know? Three colors! Apparently, three is the magic number, whether we’re talking about shopping , clothing proportions or color theory.

Best for Family Fun

Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

How to Apply the Three-Color Rule

Best for Family Fun

Technically, you can apply the rule simply by wearing three colors or less, but if you want to take your outfit to its fullest potential, go all in on a total trio. If you’re of a more minimalist persuasion, beige, black and white are a fine bet. Tend toward louder colors? Pink and orange can be emboldened by green or tempered by a neutral hue. And, of course, you can’t go wrong with some good ol’ red, white and blue.

As far as building your look, there are any number of routes you can take: Layer on your primary shade in the form of a bold coat, play up an accent hue by matching your bag to your shoes and/or use the Sandwich Rule to create balance with your contrasting colors. Or, as you’ll see me demonstrate below, you can start with one statement piece, and work outward from there.

Best for Family Fun

Edward Berthelot/Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images

How I Tested the Three-Color Rule

Best for Family Fun

I recently had the opportunity to put this principle into practice when I found myself getting ready to catch a screening of Clueless with friends in the park. Obviously, a plaid skirt was a must, so I started there and built the rest of my outfit around the colors in the pattern. The skirt I went with features shades of brown and beige, along with a touch of lavender. I ended up turning the purple into my primary color, with the shoes and Fitbit band to match. I threw on a brown belt (technically out of necessity, though it did bring the look together as my accent hue) and dashed out the door—but not without taking some #OOTD shots first.

Best for Family Fun

Stephanie Maida

I thought my three colors—lavender, beige and brown—worked together seamlessly, and I have to say, I rolled up to the screening feeling as well-dressed as Cher Horowitz herself. (Come to think of it, even she and Dionne adhered to the Three-Color Rule throughout the movie.) I do wish that I had added a brown leather purse to complement the belt, but given the outdoor picnic situation, I’ll forgive myself for the mini L.L.Bean Boat and Tote I carried instead. Nevertheless, my friends said I looked “snatched AF,” and I’ll take that as a sign that there’s no madness behind this method.

Final Thoughts

Best for Family Fun

Now, while I’ll be the first to admit that plenty of fashion “rules” can seem stifling, I actually think that this approach allows for a ton of creativity and variety. After all, the color combos you can try are practically endless, and with the potential to throw fun patterns into the mix, the three-color limit really doesn’t feel so, well, limiting . Of course, it’s not a be-all and end-all requirement for pulling off an outfit that looks sharp and intentional, but it’s definitely a guideline I plan to keep in mind when I want to feel chic, confident and composed—and still give a peek at my personality. Looks like my 30s are shaping up to be my chicest era yet.

5 Fashion Rules All French Women Live By

Want to know which buzzy products are *really* worth buying? Sign up for our shopping newsletter to uncover our favorite finds.

Why You Should Trust Us

PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.