‘I’m A Fashion Editor And The Rule Of Thirds Completely Transformed How I Get Dressed’

As Belmonte explains, the rule ‘all comes down to a visual effect’. She says, that in order ‘to give the impression of length in the body, it is a good idea to create uninterrupted vertical lines. For example, wearing a short top with a pair of high-waisted trousers creates the illusion of longer legs’. And as petite women know all too well, illusion is everything.

How should the rule apply to your wardrobe this season, particularly if you’re on the shorter side? While a steady influx of low-slung jeans and drop-waist silhouettes have been present on the runways recently, Rule of Thirds enthusiasts shouldn’t feel deterred – designers are definitely still very much advocating for the look.

Loewe SS25

Loewe SS25

In fact, Loewe’s ultra-mini dresses showcased on the Spring/Summer 2025 runway offered the most drastic example of the formula. Models took to the catwalk in A-line dresses that fanned out at the hem, perfectly encapsulating an ever-so-short iteration of the 2:1 ratio. And while very mini minis have been trending for the last few years (and are the style of choice among shorter celebrities like Sabrina Carpenter – who is ‘five feet, to be exact’) these dresses might not be the most practical option for day-to-day wear.

If you’re looking for slightly more wearable examples of the look, all you have to do is turn to the recent runways of Max Mara, Victoria Beckham and Michael Kors. These collections showcase timeless, high-waist silhouettes that pair maxi shirts and tailored trousers with halterneck tops, shirts and strapless corset designs. The looks reinforce the idea that maintaining the balance of a 2:1 ratio allows you to play more liberally with proportions without the fear of losing height.

Michael Kors SS25

It was this realisation that completely transformed the way I get dressed in the morning. While once I thought my petite stature would keep me relegated to an eternity of slim-line silhouettes, the ‘Rule of Thirds’ taught me that oversized options weren’t off the agenda. Keeping looks balanced by enforcing a 2:1 ratio meant I could lean into wider shapes, without feeling like anything remotely baggy would overwhelm my smaller frame. With this ratio front of mind, I now indulge in chunky oversize jumpers and roomy wide-leg trousers, having overcome my anxiety of looking like a child who has rummaged through their mother’s wardrobe.

With cooler weather primed for imminent arrival, you might be wondering how the Rule of Thirds can be adjusted to accommodate layers. Does adhering to these ratios mean cropped coats and shrunken jackets should be at the top of your winter wish list? Not exactly.

Gucci SS25

The beauty of the formula is that it pertains primarily to the first layer of clothing, meaning if you’ve opted for high-waist trousers and a tucked-in top, then wearing a longer jacket or calf-length trench over the top will not cancel out your proportions. Gucci expertly proved this point recently with its Spring/Summer 2025 finale looks, which featured a succession of models in high-rise denim avec white tank tops and floor-skimming coats.

‘Short women definitely shouldn’t shy away from layers,’ Belmonte agrees. ‘Layers can actually be great tools for enforcing the rule of thirds. For example, you could wear a long cardigan over a pair of ankle-grazing trousers.’ Though she has a small warning: ‘Avoid having too many layers ending at the same length, as this will create marked horizontal lines.’

This idea is often what now informs how I dress on busy weekday mornings. Adhering to an outfit formula, I’ll generally begin with high-waist jeans, trousers or a skirt, adding a block colour top, before pairing the look with a button-down shirt or finishing with a trench coat. Like the Gucci models before me, the base layer keeps my ratios in check, meaning an oversized shirt or long jacket over the top won’t dwarf my appearance.

Who knew it could be so simple? Quick, someone tell Sabrina.

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