Style inspiration is everywhere — from Pinterest to TikTok, trends are constantly popping up and challenging our wardrobe choices. In such a fast-paced fashion world, it can be hard to find a personal style that feels truly your own. But what if there was a simple trick to help you nail down your aesthetic without all the confusion? Enter the ‘Three-Word Method,’ a concept introduced by New York-based stylist Allison Borstein.
Borstein’s method, which she shared on TikTok, has taken the internet by storm. It’s an easy way to identify your personal style and stay focused while building your wardrobe. The method has resonated with many, including fashion lovers who may struggle with daily outfit decisions. So, how does it work?
Breaking Down the Three-Word Method
At its core, the Three-Word Method is exactly what it sounds like: You choose three adjectives that reflect your personal style. These words help define how you want to look and how you want to feel in your clothes. According to Borstein, these words can describe your current style or the style you’re working toward. The key here is to keep things simple and fluid.
Once you have your three words, they become a tool you can refer to whenever you’re standing in front of your closet or online shopping. You’ll no longer have to guess if a piece will fit into your wardrobe; instead, you can easily evaluate it by asking, “Does this fit my three words?”
Step 1: Examine Your Wardrobe
The first part of the method is all about reflection. Open your closet, and pull out the pieces you wear most often. Don’t overthink it—grab the items that you actually wear, not necessarily the ones you love the most. You want to look at the staples, the pieces that make up your day-to-day look.
Once you have those items in front of you, take a step back and assess them. Are they mostly neutral colors like grey, white, or black? Are there a lot of oversized pieces, or do you favor sleek and fitted silhouettes? Take note of what these items have in common, and start forming a few adjectives to describe them. These will help you figure out your first two words.
For example, if you’re always grabbing slouchy blazers and baggy jeans, you might describe your style as ‘oversized’ or ‘relaxed.’ If you gravitate towards black, white, and gray, ‘minimal’ or ‘neutral’ could be your words. Think about what best represents your day-to-day choices.
Step 2: Add Your Dream Word
The third word is where it gets interesting. This word represents the style you aspire to have—the look you want to achieve in the future. To figure out this word, you might look to your style icons. Browse Pinterest or Instagram, and make a list of celebrities, influencers, or designers whose looks you admire. What is it about their style that draws you in?
Once you’ve gathered inspiration, pick one word that unites these aesthetics. It could be ‘chic,’ ‘boho,’ ‘avant-garde,’ or even something like ‘romantic’ or ‘playful.’ This word will serve as a guide for where you want your wardrobe to go, giving you a clearer sense of direction.
If you’re still struggling to find your third word, don’t worry. You can ask a friend to describe your style or even create a style mood board (using pictures of outfits you’ve worn) to help narrow it down. The goal is to find a word that encapsulates your dream aesthetic, and it may take time. The important thing is not to rush the process.
The Impact of the Three-Word Method
Once you’ve chosen your three words, they’ll act as a framework for your wardrobe. But how exactly does this help when it comes to getting dressed?
With these three words in mind, you’ll start to make more intentional wardrobe choices. They will guide you when putting outfits together, helping you curate looks that reflect your personal aesthetic. Say goodbye to the impulse buys that end up gathering dust in your closet. If an item doesn’t align with your three words, it’s probably not worth adding to your collection.
And don’t stress if your style evolves over time. The Three-Word Method is not set in stone. As you grow and your tastes change, feel free to adjust your words. Maybe you start leaning into a more polished look, or perhaps you embrace a more casual vibe. That’s the beauty of this method—it grows with you.
My Experience With the Three-Word Method
Even though I consider myself a fashion enthusiast, I often struggle with my personal style. I love shopping but finding outfits that feel just right can be tough. After trying the Three-Word Method myself, I came up with three words that perfectly capture my current and aspirational style: ‘effortless,’ ‘glamorous,’ and ‘chic.’
My daytime look is usually relaxed but put together, with lots of baggy jeans, blazers, and simple tops. For nighttime, I switch gears and opt for something more glamorous, like a floor-length dress with sleek accessories. The third word, ‘chic,’ comes from my admiration of the effortless French style, inspired by icons like Camille Charrière and Alexa Chung.
The beauty of this method is that it has given me a clearer sense of style. When I go shopping or pull an outfit together, I always ask myself: Does this piece feel ‘effortless,’ ‘glamorous,’ or ‘chic’? It has made curating my wardrobe so much easier.
Maintaining Consistency Without Falling for Trends
In a world where TikTok trends are constantly popping up, it’s easy to get sidetracked by the latest “must-have” item. The Three-Word Method helps you stay true to your style, even when the temptation to buy into fleeting trends is strong. When you see a trend that doesn’t align with your three words, you’ll be able to resist the urge to purchase it and focus on adding pieces that will last and work for your aesthetic.
In a way, these three words are your personal style mantra—your guide to dressing with intention. Whether you’re revamping your wardrobe or just looking for a more streamlined approach to getting dressed, this method can help you stay on track and avoid distractions.
