Usually, the problem isn’t a lack of clothing. The problem is a lack of clarity. We buy a bohemian dress because we saw it on Instagram, a structured blazer because it looked professional, and a pair of neon sneakers because they were on sale. Individually, they are fine. Together, they are a confused mess that makes getting dressed in the morning feel like solving a puzzle with missing pieces.
Enter the Three-Word Method.
Popularized by stylist Allison Bornstein, this viral styling trick is arguably the most practical tool for defining your personal style. It doesn't require you to throw everything away or spend a fortune. It just requires you to find three specific adjectives.
The concept is simple: You define your personal style using three distinct words. These words act as a filter for everything you put on your body. Before you leave the house, you check your outfit against your three words. If the outfit hits all three, you will feel like "you." If it misses one or two, you will likely feel "off" or uncomfortable.
But these aren't just random adjectives. To make this work, the words need to come from three specific places.
Word One: The Reality (Your Foundation)
This word describes what you actually wear, not what you wish you wore. Look at the pile of clothes on your "chair" or your go-to laundry load. Are you usually in denim and tees? Your word might be Casual or Relaxed. Do you always gravitate toward blacks, greys, and straight lines? Your word might be Minimalist. This word keeps your style grounded in your real life.
Word Two: The Aspiration (Your Ivy League)
This word comes from your Pinterest board or your saved Instagram folder. Whose style do you envy? Maybe you dress "Casual" (jeans), but you save photos of women in silk skirts and pearls. Your aspirational word might be Elegant or Feminine. This word pushes your style forward so you don't get bored.
Word Three: The Vibe (Your "Spice")
This is the emotional word. How do you want to feel? This is often the adjective that bridges the gap between the first two. It could be Edgy, Playful, Vintage, or Sexy. It’s the finishing touch.
