"Matching" vs. "Working"

Have you guys heard of the Three Color Rule?

it's like the rule of thirds, but for getting dressed. 

The rule stipulates that all you need to do to create a wonderfully wonderful outfit is to stick to 3 colors. 

Except that prints "count" as a color, 

And denim, black, white, leather, etc .. often "count" as, well, not colors.

So essentially, in my mind, the rule is just one more thing that someone made up to make getting dressed sound more complicated than it actually is. 

I do, however, like it when it means I can justify throwing on a third random color with two unexpected and unmatching mates. 

It's funny. The rule has this strange ability to simultaneously simplify your outfit and to complicate it.

Sure. You could use it to pare down an excessivly-flamboyant ensemble,

 but it could also add complexity.

Pink shirt and blue pants? Throw on a green shoe. 

It doesn't "match", per se, but it "goes". It still works. 

And this, friends, is one of the hardest concepts to explain to anyone who isn't "into" fashion or design- The idea that something can be aesthetically pleasing and presentable even if it isn't perfectly matching and symmetrical. It is nearly impossible to prove to someone uninterested in art of all forms, unless the recipient of said information is willing to set aside their preconceived notions about clothing and accept your advice, regardless of their visceral reaction.

So cheers to the Three Color Rule. And to utilizing faux "fashion guidelines" for your own purposes. 

sweater: Gap, shirt: Anthro, pants: Uniqlo, shoes: ebay

Like wearing silk sweatpants to work, because they're "Sports Luxe". 

Or routinely exhibiting a camel toe in mom jeans because it's ironic. 

Or wearing leaves because they're Hobbit cool. 

Wait what? Just me?

And that's my cue. 

Cheers.