WearsMyMoney

I did a post about this a couple of years ago, but I think it’s time to revisit the ‘three-colour rule’. We all know that rules are made to be broken, so you don’t need to follow this to the letter. However, if you ever find yourself in a style rut and want a simple way to pull together a fairly effortless outfit, this formula can be really handy – especially if you have a tendency to overdo it, or you usually stick to just one colour.

The idea behind the three-colour rule is exactly what it sounds like: try to combine three colours in one outfit. There are a couple of exceptions, though. Black and white don’t have to count as, technically, they aren’t colours, so you can mix them in freely – but they can also be used as one of your three if you prefer. Prints are another exception. It’s fine for them to contain more than three colours, but any additional colours you add should already appear within the print.

Still with me? I promise it’s much simpler than I’m making it sound. How about we let the outfits do the talking as we look at some colour combinations you could try?

NAVY, BROWN & GREEN

Let’s start off with a very safe colour combination. This one’s for those who don’t want to be too showy. I’m a firm believer that a good pair of khaki-green trousers is a spring/summer wardrobe staple. They go with so many other colours, but work just as well paired with a white T‑shirt and a navy jumper. I’ve been coveting this Varley half-zip for while now, and found it last week for 50% off here. Happy to report it lived up to my expectations.

1. Varley Maura Half-Zip Rib Knit
2. & Other Stories Chunky Chain Necklace
3. Tala 365 Square Neck Vest 
4. Mango Denim polka dot jacket 
5. Damson Madder Khaki Fabia Trousers 
6. Vestiaire Anya Hindmarch Rucksack
7. Kay Beauty Infinite Lip Pen
8. Reebok Club C Trainers 

BROWN, LIGHT BLUE & STONE

As with khaki green, a good pair of brown trousers is a great investment. You can read more about which other colour combinations work with brown in this post. And seeing as we’re now deep into trench weather this month, we could wear our brown trousers with a stone or camel lightweight coat and a pale blue top. As ever, a classic white T‑shirt makes an excellent base layer. My current top-three white T‑shirts on the high street are this one, this one and this one. 

1. John Lewis Knit Zip Through Jacket
2. Monica Vinader Nomade Small Hoops
3. ME + EM Aviator Sunglasses 
4. Albaray Single Breasted Trench Coat
5. Zara Wide Leg trousers with darts 
6. Arket Slouchy Leather Bag
7. Adidas Originals Samba OG

BLUE, GREY & RED

I know you can combine red with other bright colours, but for me that can feel a bit like an 80s children’s TV presenter. I think Rod, Jane and Freddy have a lot to answer for when it comes to my feelings about mixing primary colours. Consequently, I tend to use red as an accent piece alongside more muted tones – grey, white and denim are just perfect.

1. COS Ballon Sleeve Merino Wool Jumper
2. Orelia Oval Link & Molten Coin Necklace 
3. Boden Sophie Puff Sleeve T‑shirt
4. Boden Classic Leather Belt 
5. Levis Simone Blouson Parka
6. Citizens of Humanity Miro Barrel Jeans
7. COS Montmartre Leather Bowling Bag 
8. YSL Leather penny loafers

GREEN, TAN & DARK BLUE

I know we did jackets extensively last week, but I missed out this one from Albaray which is a firm favourite of mine. In fact, I was wearing it this week when I saw a friend. She tried it on and immediately went out and bought it for herself. If that isn’t a glowing endorsement, I don’t know what is. Pair with a green jumper, dark jeans and that classic white T‑shirt again. 

1. Organic Basics Soft Knit Boxy Crewneck Sweater
2. Long Keeper Retro Sunglasses 
3. M&S Cotton Rich Premium T‑Shirt
4. Soeur Ninon Natural Leather Belt 
5. Albaray Windbreaker Jacket 
6. Abercrombie High Rise 90s Relaxed Jeans
7. Vestiaire Vintage LV Speedy 30 
8. Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Olive Eyeliner
9. Steve Madden Asiel Suede Trainers

RED, GREEN AND TAN

Another example of khaki green being a great colour for pulling an outfit together. I’d say cream falls on the black-and-white side of this three-colour rule, in that it’s something of an exception and doesn’t really count.

1. ME + EM Cotton Linen Cardigan 
2. Aligne Corduroy Collar Jacket
3. Zara Loose Barrel Leg Jeans
4. Rixo Parissa Tan Leather Bag 
5. Refy Papaya Lip Blush 
6. Alohas Red Leather Ballet Flats

PINK, BURGUNDY & PALE BLUE

If you bought into the burgundy trend over the winter months but are wondering how to style it this spring, try pale denim and pink as your two other colours. I went big on burgundy as it works with my ‘cool winter’ colour palette. You may scoff at having your ‘colours’ done, but it really does help when you’re searching for the right shades that suit your skin tone. It’s best to get a real person to analyse you if you can, but I found a quiz here that came up with the correct season. 

1. & Other Stories Knitted Jumper
2. Anthropologie Red Classic Aviator Sunglasses
3. Hush Bubble Hem Funnel Neck Jacket
4. Reiss Leather Curved-Buckle Belt
5. M&S Wide Leg Jeans
6. Top Shop Faux Leather Tote Bag 
7. Massimo Dutti Crackled leather ballet flats

BRIGHT BLUE, BROWN & TAN

Apologies if you’re not a fan of brown, but if I haven’t already convinced you how useful it is, here’s another example of how it works with brighter, more unexpected colours. If you wore this with black, it might feel a bit jarring, but brown softens the look.

1. COS Clean Cut Striped T Shirt 
2. Arket Blue Terry Sweatshirt 
3. COS Cropped Barrel Leg Trousers 
4. M&S Funnel Neck Bomber Jacket
5. ASOS Ruched Pocket Tote Bag
6. Damson Madder Striped Calf Socks
7. Alohas Lace Up Leather Loafers

Next week I might have a bash at spring event dressing again, as it’s that time of year when it gets much requested. Don’t hold your breath, though; you know it’s not my forte. 

K x