Top 3 Outfit Challenge
image via Rachel Spencer
Get the most out of your wardrobe with this genius styling method.
Canadian TikTok Creator Rachel Spencer created the formally known, 333 styling concept that went viral last year. Due to a bizarre legal battle over the use of sequenced numbers, this styling method is now known as the Top 3 Outfit Challenge, a less catchy name but all the same in methodology. This styling challenge is about getting the most out of your current wardrobe by creating new outfit combinations, perfect for when your outfit rotations are becoming slightly monotonous.
image via Rachel Spencer
Figuring out new ways to style your clothing can be a time-consuming task, sometimes you simply don’t know where to begin. This method simplifies how we style our clothes and admittedly, it’s a rather fun way of doing it. On the plus side; it also creates less mess. This styling method consists of choosing 3 tops, 3 bottoms and 3 pairs of shoes. The idea is to generate as many outfit combinations by using just these 9 items.
The items you use could be a combination of things you love and wear regularly but want to find new ways to wear, alternatively, creating workwear, night out or weekend capsule wardrobes has been a popular way of utilising this method. For me, this challenge will be helpful when introducing new items into my wardrobe.
Once you have chosen the items you want to include in this challenge, it is recommended that you photograph each new outfit combo when you have tried it on.
*This is a great tip from another stylist Allison Bornstein, Alison recommends creating a photo album on your phone called ‘outfits’ and when you wear something you feel great in, snap a picture and save it to your album. This tip works great when you are in a pinch.
When choosing my 9 items, I wanted to have fun styling some new pieces that have entered my wardrobe for spring/summer with some items I already owned. My style leans more casual so I wanted to focus on injecting some life into my weekend outfit rotations that get me out of my leggings.
x3 Tops
Starting with a classic shirt but with an added hint of dopamine in this bubblegum pink shade, a Ganni t-shirt gifted for my birthday from a friend (who obviously knows my style very well) and the adored Ganni Poplin blouse that I could no longer resist.
x3 Bottoms
All of these trousers are new and although trend-driven purchases, I love each pair. Casual and comfy but will liven up an outfit. Tick, tick, tick!
x3 Shoes
Lastly are shoes, a pair of silver ballet pumps is a wardrobe staple I didn’t know I needed. Adidas gazelles in clay - another great gift for my birthday, utterly perfect for the season. Lastly, my buckle flats from Ganni that I purchased last year have been a joy to wear but admittedly I don’t reach for them as often as I thought I would - I’m hoping this challenge will change that.
Results
Working with 9 items, you get 27 different outfit combinations right off the bat. Yes, some combos work better than others but it’s a great way to exercise your styling skills.
Another genius aspect of this method is that these new 27 outfit combinations are just the base of your outfit, which means adding further layers and accessories will generate even more variation. Choosing a denim jacket or a blazer can easily change the vibe of the same base.
Ultimately I have found this to be a really fun exercise and I would 100% recommend doing this challenge if you are in a bit of a styling rut or looking to get the most out of your wardrobe!
