Discover how one extra piece can completely transform your look—and your confidence.
In fashion, just like in art and design, there’s power in odd numbers. That’s why your third piece, the final layer that “pops” your look and pulls everything together, is essential. You’ve got your top, your bottom, and then… your third piece.
For casual looks, that third piece could be anything from a cardigan to a denim jacket, a blazer, or any kind of lightweight jacket. To make shopping easy, I’ve broken them down into categories below: cardigans, blazers, denim jackets, and other jackets. While I typically recommend longer cardigans for their lengthening effect, cropped or shorter cardigans are a huge trend right now.
If you’re curvier, try cropped cardigans with wide-leg pants, jeans, skirts, or dresses to create balance. If you have narrower hips, you’ve got more flexibility—shorter cardigans pair well with any pant or jean silhouette. That said, if you’re looking to lengthen and slenderize your look, longer styles that fall below the hip will always be your best friend. You’ll find great options in the blazers and select denim and casual jackets we’ve featured here. And again, for those of you with narrower hips, truly, any third piece here will work beautifully with whatever bottom you choose.
To give you some inspiration, I’ve created what I call a “5 Easy Pieces” look—wide-leg jeans (universally flattering), a crisp white T (this one’s from Wilt, one of my all-time favorite T-shirt brands), a fabulous statement belt, and some very fun shoes. The only thing missing? Your third piece. Choose any of the options below, and it’ll layer seamlessly into this outfit—and your wardrobe.
This is the magic of the casual-dressing uniform, which allows you to put yourself easily and chicly, with minimal effort. Below, you’ll find more tips to support you on your style journey. Enjoy them—along with some seriously fabulous shopping!
Cardigans
Let’s begin with cardigans. As I mentioned earlier, shorter cardigans have been trending for the past few years. While I’m a huge fan of longer cardigans, which work beautifully on all body types, I’m happy to say I think we’ll see a return to that length in the coming seasons.
That said, if you’re curvy and want to wear the shorter cardigan, pair it with wide-leg pants, jeans, skirts, or dresses to create balance. If you’re more narrow-hipped, feel free to enjoy all cardigan styles.
Personally, I love a V-neck cardigan—it lengthens and slenderizes everyone. If you’re fuller in the bust and want to create a minimizing effect, this V-neck cardigan is your friend. If you carry weight through the middle or have a shorter neck or fuller face, again, the V-neck cardigan is the sweater for you.
One styling tip I love for all body types: button just the breastbone button and leave the rest undone. If you have a defined waist, this trick will show it off. For everyone else, it creates a flattering A-line shape that slenderizes your silhouette.
Denim Jackets
Next up: denim jackets. This is one third piece most of us pretty much live in. They’re perfect with everything—denim on denim, dress pants, shorts, skirts, and dresses. A timeless wardrobe essential, the denim jacket is a look popper you’ll wear forever.
You’ll see a wide variety of styles that are stunning and playful styles in this roundup—from hooded versions and barn jacket-inspired cuts to cropped fits, tailored silhouettes, and even a few retro swing styles from the ‘50s. So much fun to be had here!
Casual Jackets
Our next stop: casual jackets. These yummy third pieces range from trench and utility jackets to barn jackets and a few more fitted styles. I love the possibilities with these adorable, look-popping options!
Some are classics, and others are timeless pieces with a twist—but all are versatile treasures you’ll wear and love for years. Keep in mind, many of these delicious jackets are perfect for at least three seasons, and some can even work year-round.
Blazers
Our last third piece? The timeless, look-catapulting blazer. Most of the styles featured here are longer-length blazers—which I’m a major fan of, especially for the lengthening effect they create. Most of the shorter options are knit, so they fall into a slightly different category.
You’ll find some absolutely stunning mandarin-collared, slender-cut blazers along with the double-breasted version that really packs a lot of punch. There’s so much fun to be had in this category… and be sure to check out the plaid linen blazers… they’re total showstoppers. Wow!
5 Easy Pieces (Minus the Third Piece)
to Complete Your Look
In Summary
Your third piece is essential to polishing your look and giving it that extra something—the element that turns heads, sparks compliments, and even steals the show. So what does it do for you? It finishes your outfit in a way that makes you smile when you see your reflection… and sends you out into the world with world-changing confidence.
And that confidence? It’s everything. It changes your energy, lifts your mood, and creates a ripple effect throughout your day. Truly—this is a thing. Mind-boggling, but ever so true.
Here’s to the magic of finding your perfect third piece for summer and beyond!
