The Rule of Three: One-Dimensional Style Sucks

🧪 Entry 09: Because your personal style isn't just one thing. The simple but powerful method stylists swear by.

You’ve FINALLY determined your body type!

Now we can move onto something a bit more creative: defining your core style.

• color type

• body type

• core style

• the wardrobe framework

• wardrobe editing

• fit + measurements

• silhouette + proportion

• color story

• texture

• multidimensional style

• conflict + balance

• full outfits

One-Dimensional Style Sucks

For years, we thought we had to sum up our style in a single word.

Preppy. Edgy. Boho.

That one-word approach promised clarity, but instead just left us feeling boxed-in or out of place.

Sticking to one word flattens your style into something generic. It leaves no room for nuance or creativity. It makes you second-guess pieces you genuinely love, just because they don't fit the stereotype.

What you need is a framework that’s focused but flexible. One that helps you define your personal style, with space to grow.

That’s where Core Style comes in.

What is Core Style?

Core Style is the combination elements that, together, form the essence of your style expression.

When your Core Style is clear, you recognize instantly when something feels like you.

Defining Your Core Style

The most useful way to define your Core Style is with three adjectives.

This "rule of three" dates back to ancient Greek rhetoric and Aristotle and has become a modern mainstay in both commercial marketing and personal branding.

From Robert Polet defining Gucci’s DNA in the 00s (seduction, powerful, accomplished), to

Allison Bornstein

’s Three Word Method, and

Amy Smilovic

’s CMC (chill, modern, classic).

Your three words are the essence of your style. They may describe:

• how you want to be,

• how you want to feel, or

• how you want to look.

These three words are an extension of your personality.

They are the three elements that every outfit needs. These elements can be dialed up or dialed back depending on the situation, but if any one of the three is completely missing from an outfit, it just doesn’t feel like you.

They’re your non-negotiables.

For example, you might gravitate toward minimal outfits with clean silhouettes and an edgy touch and you’re always craving a bit more creativity or spunk. Then, your style words could be: clean, edgy, and creative.

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• A guided Style Word Brainstorm to help you identify your Core Style

• A curated list of 50+ style words to jumpstart your search

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Exercise 3-1: Style Word Brainstorm

Before we really nail down your style words, let's start by brainstorming ~5 adjectives that might describe your style.

About half of these words should be based on what you love about your current style, and about half should be based on elements that you feel are missing from your current style.

Step 1: Try on your favorite outfits.

Set aside some time at home to recreate 1-3 of your favorite outfits.

Try them on in their entirety (shoes, accessories, and all) and spend some time in front of the mirror to evaluate them. Don’t rush this part.

Pay attention to how you feel in these outfits, not just how they look.

Step 2: Ask yourself…

• What do I love about these outfits? What feels like me?
  What elements of these outfits do you enjoy, and what adjectives can you use to describe them?
  (Write down 2–3 adjectives that capture these elements.)

• What’s missing from these outfits?

  What elements or feelings are you lacking in these outfits?
  (Write down 2–3 adjectives that capture the missing qualities.)

If you're struggling to come up with adjectives to describe these style elements, consider some of the following examples.

Want more examples? Download the free Wardrobe Analysis Workbook to get all 120+ ideas.

• classic

• preppy

• minimal

• polished

• monochrome

• sophisticated

• academic

• simple

• edgy

• architectural

• sensual

• sexy

• grunge

• tough

• bold

• witchy

• daring

• unexpected

• casual

• relaxed

• chill

• textured

• undone

• playful

• effortless

• boyish

• sporty

• practical

• slouchy

• romantic

• western

• vintage

• retro

• soft

• graceful

• demure

• light

• creative

• whimsical

• avant garde

• colorful

• futuristic

• ethereal

• sculptural

• exaggerated

• modern

• vibrant

• maximalist

• eclectic

• mismatched

• artsy

• bright

• quirky

• elaborate

• ornate

• dramatic

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💬 Discussion Prompt

Let’s talk about your style words!

• What are your three style words, or what do you think they might be?

• Did you see any of your words showing up in your favorite outfits already?

• Are you craving a shift? More edge? More femininity? More creativity?

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With Love,

Alyssa

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