---
title: The Power of Three
description: The Power of Three
image: https://blog.thelineup.com/hs-fs/file-4281113360-jpg/blog-files/eve-brown-resale.jpg
---

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# The Power of Three

Posted by [Pam](https://blog.thelineup.com/author/pam) on Feb 20, 2014

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What fashion rules do you follow? What rules do you break? Where do you find your inspiration? We keep a close watch on current trends and styles that are hot in the fashion industry. Not only do we make sure to watch trends for costume inspiration and design, but for day-to-day outfits as well!

One of our designers, Trista, follows the blog "[A Pair and A Spare](http://apairandasparediy.com/)." We love the post regarding the rule of [three](http://apairandasparediy.com/2012/10/style-rules-dressing-in-three-colours.html). The rules are simple:

1. When putting together a garment (or outfit) try to stick to three colors ( or less!)

2. Since white and black are technically shades, those can be considered a fourth color.

3. A pattern would be considered a "color." Our suggestion: to avoid looking too busy, incorporate whites and blacks into the garment so that the main focus is the pattern. (Check out how Faribault Dance Team from Minnesota incorporated a pattern, ombre blue to black fade, into their costume flawlessly.)

[![Janessa](https://blog.thelineup.com/hs-fs/file-4281113360-jpg/blog-files/eve-brown-resale.jpg?width=500&height=437&name=eve-brown-resale.jpg "Janessa")](https://blog.thelineup.com/hs-fs/file-4281113360-jpg/blog-files/eve-brown-resale.jpg) "Janessa" (web style)

[![faribault](https://blog.thelineup.com/hs-fs/file-4281113370-jpg/blog-files/faribault.jpg?width=500&height=691&name=faribault.jpg "Faribault")](https://blog.thelineup.com/hs-fs/file-4281113370-jpg/blog-files/faribault.jpg) 2014 Faribault Dance Team

Of course, there are hundreds of exceptions to every rule, but we wanted to be sure to share this great insight with you! Great tips to keep in mind when designing your next costume (or getting dressed for the day!)

 Topics: [High School](https://blog.thelineup.com/topic/high-school), [Team Spotlight](https://blog.thelineup.com/topic/teamspotlight)

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