Have you ever imagined an outfit in your head only to put it on and it just falls flat? It could be anything – a professional outfit, casual or even for a special event.

Something just feels off once you are looking at yourself in the mirror. Now it is crunch time and you are pulling everything off hangers and trying on different shoes to give the outfit some sizzle.

The minutes tick down and now it is time to leave. Your closet is in a total disaster and you leave not feeling all that great about what you are wearing.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

As you all know, I am a BIG fan of Hallie Abrams from The Wardrobe Consultant. I find her fashion advice to be solid and her tips to be practical and applicable. Which is why I have partnered with her on the series How To make an Outfit Interesting on this blog.

Previously she lent her advice about how to use layered necklaces to make an outfit interesting. Now she shares a simple rule that always makes an outfit look and feel elevated – the third piece rule.

The formula is simple – a top and a bottom are pieces 1 and 2. The third – and the one that makes the outfit memorable – is something that finishes off the whole look. 

That could be a statement piece, an accessory, a scarf. But guess what - she does not consider shoes as a third piece rule. 

In her blog The Third Piece Rule. A simple Trick for Instant Style, she offers key third pieces for women and men plus has some great recommendations for garments, accessories and items specifically for men.

If you haven’t already, be sure to follow Hallie on Instagram @thewardrobeconsultant and sign up for her weekly email that is always a dose of practical and inspirational fashion tips that will have you looking fantastic every time you get dressed.

Read The Third Piece Rule. A simple Trick for Instant Style on The Wardrobe Consultant.