BY MICAH DEL ROSARIO

Listen up ladies, want in on the secret to looking polished and well put together? Of course you do. It’s called the “Third Piece” rule. Your top is your first piece, and your bottom your second. Can you guess the third? It’s that extra piece that pulls your look together. It could be a cool denim jacket or a knit oversized sweater or statement accessory. Just leave it to the third piece to take your look to a whole other level.

1. Statement Accessories

Bea Marin (@beamarinx) Injects an extra dose of style and personality to an otherwise basic outfit with a simple knot.

Next to the choker, the neckerchief trend is currently at an all-time high. With everyone from fashion bloggers to celebrities rocking this Parisian chic accessory, It’s quickly turning into the must-have accessory for the season. Think this intense heat isn’t the best time to sport a necker? Just choose one that’s made of light fabric to avoid feeling stifled in this intense Manila heat. Renée De Guzman.

(@reneedg) Renée’s white top and culottes ensemble looks extra chic when topped off with a black floppy hat.

To keep your cool in this intense summer heat, wear a hat! Hat’s make for great cover-ups as they protect your face from harmful UV’s and other damaging effects such as dark spots, freckles, wrinkles etc. So for all lazy dressers out there, you only need a statement hat to look instantly put-together. Casual outfits call for cute baseball caps whilst dressier ensembles are best paired with dapper fedora’s and chic floppy hats!

2. Crop Top

Micah Del Rosario (@micahdelr) proves you can look sexy without baring too much skin.

Think layering in a tropical country is out of the questions? While layering might not be your best style option. Piling on lightweight fabrics help you achieve that layered look without working up a sweat.

Strict dress codes keeping you from flaunting that cute lace cropped top at work? Want in on a clever way to wear your cropped top without baring your midriff? Wear it over your button downs! It adds major attitude to an otherwise classic ensemble. Way cute and work appropriate!

3. Vest

Laureen Uy (@laureenmuy) takes sportswear to a whole new level.

Laureen’s all black ensemble paired with a grey hooded is the epitome of a day-to-night ensemble. Lose the jacket and you’re left with a sexy and chic ensemble perfect for a fun night out!

As the Altheisure trend continues to dominate the fashion world, there’s really no better time than now to invest in sports-inspired pieces. Stars like Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner and Olivia Palermo are major fans of this look.

Tricia Gosingtian (@tgosingtian) effortlessly stylish in a tailored black vest paired with a basic white tee and skinny jeans.

A tailored vest is always a good idea. Work and play appropriate, a structured vest can instantly polish, complete and elevate your whole look with little to zero effort. Another great thing about a vest? It’s a great alternative to a blazer especially in this sweltering heat.

4. Jacket

Jennica Sanchez (@sanchezjennica) looks tough yet stylish pairing a black leather jacket with a white flowy dress.

Think of the leather jacket as your cool best friend. By simply throwing one on, you instantly look cool, calm and collected. It’s versatility is beyond your imagination.

Jane Sibug (@janeskamargaux)

Wear an oversized printed jacket and I guarantee you’ll have all eyes on you. A 90’s we wish won’t retire, the oversized jacket is an amazing piece that works well with almost anything you already have on your closet.

Now you know the secret to every fashion savvy girls stylish ensembles, it’s time you take your style up a notch and invest in these “Third Rule” pieces that are guaranteed to make your everyday ensembles look ten times better and far from boring.

Do you know any more style icons who totally ace the third-piece rule? Shop your fashion must-haves now on ZALORA!