Unlock Your Personal Style with Allison Bornstein’s Three Word Method

If you’ve ever stood in front of your closet, overwhelmed by options but still feeling like you havenothing to wear, you’re not alone. Defining your personal style can feel elusive—too broad to pin down, too rigid to sustain. Enter stylistAllison Bornsteinand her genius approach: theThree Word Method.

Word #1

This word describes the throughline between all of your "regular" outfits. The clothes you wear the most in your closet across all contexts.These arepieces you feel comfortable buying and styling yourself ie. sporty, comfy, oversized, fitted, minimal, classic etc

Word #2

This word is your guiding north star towards the style you desire and love. It describes the perfect outfit from a store window, a celebrity, or a movie. This word is aspirational. ie. equestrian, romantic, bohemian, preppy, retro, maximalist etc.

Word #3

This is the feeling word. It describes how you want to feel from wearing your clothes. What emotion or energy do you want them to bring out in you? This could be words like powerful, feminine, sexy, cool, edgy, dangerous, tough, trendy etc.

Here are some example trios people often use with the Three Word Method, showing how different combinations create distinct styles:

Classic – Relaxed – Polished → timeless pieces (blazers, loafers), but styled in an easy, not fussy way.

Minimal – Modern – Unexpected → clean silhouettes with a surprising twist (bold accessory, asymmetrical cut).

Romantic – Vintage – Practical → flowy fabrics, nostalgic details, but wearable for everyday life.

Edgy – Tailored – Effortless → sharp cuts, leather or structured pieces, styled with ease.

Sporty – Chic – Functional → athleisure elements elevated with sleek touches.

Bohemian – Feminine – Relaxed → flowy prints, soft fabrics, easygoing vibe.

Neutral – Sleek – Comfortable → monochrome palettes, streamlined shapes, but always wearable.

Creative – Playful – Polished → bold colours, quirky details, but with an intentional finish.

The magic is that the first two words usually anchor your aesthetic, while the third one keeps it personal and practical for your lifestyle.

1. Use the Words as a Filter – When shopping or putting outfits together, check if a piece fits at least two of your three words. This helps you refine your wardrobe and avoid impulse buys that don’t align with your style.

2. Evolve the Words Over Time – Your words aren’t fixed forever. They can shift with your lifestyle, career, or taste. The method is meant to be a flexible guide, not a rigid rulebook.

In short, the Three Word Method works as a personal style compass: it gives structure, helps you articulate your style clearly, and makes getting dressed or shopping more intentional and satisfying.

Happy Styling!