The 3-Way Rule: One Piece, Three Looks

The 3 Way Rule has been a game-changer for my closet in terms of keeping it from overflowing with clothes I don’t need. (I’m waiting for my husband to chime in with some banter on that name selection 🤪 – if you have any alternative name suggestions, let me know 🤭!)

Before I hit “add to cart,” I ask myself: Can I style this at least three different ways with what I already own? If not, it’s a pass for me. When you start shopping with this thought, your closet storage (and your bank account!) will thank you later. Plus, getting dressed becomes so much easier.

I’m sharing a few examples of pieces (many of which I’ve included in my Spring Capsule Wardrobe) that I’ve added to my closet that passed the 3-Way Rule and earned its spot in my closet.

1. White Wide Leg Crop Jeans

These jeans are a great staple that can be worn year-round!

  • Styled with a neutral tee and crossbody for easy polish
  • Layered with a button-down and navy knit blazer for contrast
  • Topped with a striped sweater for casual, coastal vibes
Three ways to wear white cropped wide leg jeans.

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2. Striped Sweater

My style leans more coastal (I talk more about the coastal prep trend I am loving in this blog post) so a stripe sweater is a closet staple for me. Here are a few ways to style a stripe sweater:

  • Casual with denim and loafers
  • Elevated with white wide-leg jeans and sandals
  • Light and breezy over linen pants and a tank
Three classic styling tips for styling a black and cream stripe sweater with flare crop jeans, white wide leg denim and linen pants.

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3. Cream Cardigan

  • Feminine with a full midi skirt
  • Polished with light-wash wide leg denim and flats
  • Monochromatic with ecru jeans and neutral accessories
Three chic and polished styling tips for a cream gold button cardigan including a midi length skirt, relaxed wide leg jeans and ecru flare crop jeans.

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4. Stripe Midi Dress

  • Tossed on with sneakers and a utility jacket
  • Dressed up with a statement necklace and sandals
  • Layered under a white button-down for coastal vibes
Three ways to style a black and white midi dress for fashionable women over 40.

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5. Beige Work Pants

  • Styled with a black drape top and blazer
  • Layered with a white tee and double-breasted jacket for a crisp look
  • Paired with a vest and trench for a soft, tailored look

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6. Linen Pants

  • Paired with a basic tank and sweater for errands or travel
  • With a crochet top for a cute brunch look
  • Styled sporty with sneakers and a cozy knit blazer
Three ways to style natural linen pants for a casual yet polished look for women over 40.

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7. Denim Jacket

  • Styled vacation-ready with linen pants and a straw hat
  • Classic denim on denim look with sneakers
  • With white jeans and a striped top
Three easy ways to style a peplum denim jacket with linen pants, crop jeans and white wide leg pants.

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8. Black Work Pants

  • Topped with a trench and tee for a classic polished look
  • Layered with a lady jacket and black heels
  • Paired with a blazer and sleeveless top
3 classic ways to style black work pants for the office.

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Before buying anything new, try mentally mixing and matching it with your current wardrobe. If it doesn’t spark at least 3 outfit ideas, it might not be worth the closet space.

I appreciate you stopping by! If you have any particular topic requests, please share in the comments or shoot me a DM on Instagram!

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