Discover My Favorite Fashion Rule: The Golden Ratio!

I'm spilling the tea on a little something called the "Rule of Thirds." When it comes to putting together your most flattering looks, in real life, this is the rule to live by!

Have you ever put on an outfit and even the cutest clothes can end up looking frumpy, boring or not well put together? The image of the outfit held in your mind is not translating to your clothing because the ratio of clothing to visual breaks is unbalanced.

The Rule of Thirds, often referred to as the Golden Rule, considers body proportions when styling individual pieces. It breaks down your fits into vertical and horizontal 1/3 ratios to create balance that is aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

Essentially, you’re creating visual breaks either at the end of the 1/3 or end of the 2/3 of your outfit.

A visual break is a transition from one area of the outfit to another, such as where your top and bottom meet or where your bottoms and shoes meet. Visual breaks can also be created with highlighting areas of skin such as rolling up sleeves or off-the shoulder tops or even belts.

Historically, painters, architects and photographers all use this 1/3 to 2/3 ratio to create their most captivating works. And you know what that means? You can use it too!

Let me provide you with a visual for how I’ve applied this rule when sculpting my looks:

Look 1: The skin highlighted at the top part of my body indicates the initial break, and is is 1/3 of my fit. The end of the initial break is the start of the second break, or the final 2/3 of my fit.

Look 2: From the beginning of where the dress is off of my shoulders to the ending of my shorts, this represents 2/3 of my fit. 1/3 ratios are split between the beginning of the dress up to my neck as well as the ending of my shorts down to my shoes.

And yes, I am wearing a dress with shorts!

Look 3: The beginning and ending of the corset represents 1/3 of this fit, while the ending of the corset and beginning of my leggings represents 2/3 of this fit.

You are now well versed into creating visual breaks with your fits. How will you incorporate the Golden Rule into your fits this season? Leave a note in the comments to spark conversation!