HOW THE THIRD PIECE FINISHES AN OUTFIT

Adding a third piece to a basic outfit creates magic and brings joy to your everyday.

A long pale-blue duster sweater with a sapphire blue button shirt elongates my look.

In your tempestuous twenties perhaps you could get away with pulling on a simple T-shirt over a pair of jeans and — presto — your look was finished. But in the swinging 6ixties, adding a third piece helps to finish an outfit and polish your style. That's why I'm always on the lookout for jackets and sweaters with design details to elevate and complete my look. Let me show you how to add a third piece to create a polished outfit...

Imagine this white outfit without the mustard-yellow jacket!

Mustard-yellow is one of my best colours and looks great next to my skin, along with an ivory t-shirt and wide leg white pants. I've had this beautiful wool-blend jacket for almost a decade and I always get compliments when I wear it.

Here, a pale blue chunky-knit sweater completes my basic blue outfit.

Although I'm generally not a fan of jean jackets, this bright, sunny Michael Kors version adds panache to the citrine green t-shirt and funky, plaid trousers.

An all-green basic outfit is made special by adding a deep purple car coat with a tie belt.

A favourite Zara orange blazer does wonders to a basic white jeans outfit.

To make a statement outfit, I started with Zara orange flares and added a tomato red t-shirt, the simplest blazer, and pair of gold earrings.

Remember this simple fashion tip — create outfits with three pieces:

1. Basic t-shirt or blouse

2. Colourful jeans or trousers

3. Matching jacket or sweater that transforms the separates into a statement