NYC Personal Stylist Shares Favorite Styling Rule: The 60-30-10 Rule & Rule of Thirds

Ever scroll through Pinterest or Instagram and spot an outfit that just works — even when it's incredibly simple? Working as a Personal Stylist in NYC, this is one rule we love showing our clients- because it's EASY and really brings the outfit together.

That effortless polish, that “she just threw it on” kind of confidence — it’s rarely accidental. In fact, it usually comes down to a few timeless styling formulas.

The 60-30-10 rule, paired with the Rule of Thirds, your wardrobe suddenly feels intentional, balanced, and beautifully put together — without overthinking it.

Let’s break them down so you can start styling with ease and confidence.

What Is the 60-30-10 Rule in Fashion?

This one's all about color balance—the foundation of a cohesive look.

• 60% Dominant Color: Your base tone — the anchor of your outfit. Think pants, a dress, or a coat.

• 30% Secondary Color: Adds depth and interest — like your top or sweater.

• 10% Accent Color: The finishing touch that brings personality — your bag, shoes, lip color, or jewelry.

Example:

A pair of camel trousers (60%), a cream knit top (30%), and gold heels with a rust crossbody (10%).

Shop The Outfits

Effortless, elevated, and perfectly coordinated — without feeling overdone.

Why It Works

The 60-30-10 rule gives your outfit instant structure. It keeps your color palette balanced and prevents that 'too much going on" feeling.

Think of it as your go-to styling ratio — the easiest way to bring harmony and flow to any outfit.

Add the Rule of Thirds for Flawless Proportion

Once your colors are balanced, proportion is your next secret weapon.

Borrowed from art and photography, the Rule of Thirds creates visual balance in how your outfit is divided — helping your look feel refined and styled.

Here’s how to apply it:

• Break your outfit into ⅓ top and ⅔ bottom (or vice versa).

Example: A cropped jacket with high-waisted trousers or a tucked blouse with a midi skirt.

• Avoid dividing your outfit right down the middle — it can feel boxy or unfinished.

• Use layers to your advantage — a blazer, belt, or tuck can naturally create that one-third balance.

When you combine the Rule of Thirds with the 60-30-10 color ratio, you're styling like a pro — creating looks that are balanced in both color and shape.

Shop The Outfits

Style It Your Way

• If you love neutrals: Keep your 60 and 30 in soft, tonal shades (like cream and taupe), and let your 10% pop come from texture — a patent leather heel or metallic jewelry.

• If you love color then make it more bold and think how can you color block the look. An easy tip for this is look at a color wheel- if the colors are opposite from eachother they'll pair well together for that bold look.

  
  

• Helpful Tip:

The color story is three colors BUT this can also be shades of colors.

For example:

30% Orange sweater & shades of orange in the scarf

60& Denim

10% Brown shoes

There's technically more than 3 colors and you'll find this happens often but there's shades of a color making it remain a color story.

Final Thought

The next time you're standing in front of your closet wondering what to wear, remember this:

Balance your colors with the 60-30-10 rule, and balance your proportions with the Rule of Thirds.

These two formulas work so your outfit feels intentional— whether you're dressing for a big meeting or a casual coffee run.