How the Rule of Thirds Transforms the Way You Dress

Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought, "Something's off... but I can't put my finger on it?" You’re not alone—and it’s not you, it’s the proportion.

That’s why we design with something called the Rule of Thirds in mind. It’s a simple styling principle that can totally transform how your clothes fit and feel—especially if you’re petite, midsize, or experiencing changes in your body like motherhood or menopause.

What Is the Rule of Thirds?

Originally a principle used in art and photography, the Rule of Thirds breaks a composition into three parts—1/3 and 2/3—to create visual harmony and balance. When applied to fashion, this idea helps us create clothing that flatters your unique shape by emphasizing proportion.

Instead of splitting your outfit into equal halves (which can visually cut you off), we create outfits that follow a 1/3 top to 2/3 bottom ratio. This draws the eye upward, lengthens your legs, and creates an effortlessly balanced silhouette.

Why It Matters for Petite and Midsize Women

If you're 5'6" and under, midsize, or going through transitions like menopause, you might've found that clothes rarely feel like they were made for your body. Most fashion doesn’t account for changes in waist placement, bust, hips, or length.

That’s why our design philosophy goes beyond trends. We use real women as our fit models—women with curves, height differences, and lived experience—so that our garments not only fit, they flatter.

The Rule of Thirds is our secret weapon to making sure you feel elongated, balanced, and totally yourself in everything we make.

The Fit Formula: Shorter Tops, Balanced Looks

Here’s the trick: A shorter-length top + the right bottoms = an effortlessly balanced look.

By hitting the right spot, our shorter-length tops create a natural waistline. They visually elongate the legs and help your outfit feel intentional and harmonious.

Here’s how it works:

• A shorter top defines your waist

• The right bottoms create a lengthening effect

• Together, they balance your proportions perfectly

Real Women, Real Style

We design with you in mind.

Take a look at how our team (5'1" and 5'3") wear our shorter-length tops with high-rise bottoms. You can see the Rule of Thirds in action—and how the right combination can elongate the leg line, balance the body, and boost confidence.

Whether it’s our Milo Pant or a jogger, we match them with tops like the Emi or Sam to create silhouettes that feel right.

Why We Care

We don’t follow rules for the sake of fashion. We use design as a tool for empowerment. Because when clothes fit and flatter, you don’t just look good—you feel seen, supported, and confident.

Our promise is to keep designing with care, honesty, and understanding. And yes, the Rule of Thirds is part of that promise—a little secret styling weapon that helps women feel whole and beautiful, every single day.

Ready to Try It?

Explore our curated collection of shorter-length tops designed to help you look taller, feel stronger, and embrace your proportions with confidence.

Not ready for shorter tops just yet?
That’s okay—we’ve got you. If you’re feeling more comfortable in longer lengths or want extra coverage around your midsection, we’ve put together a guide full of styling tips and outfit ideas that still honor your proportions. Click here to read more.