The Outfit Secret Sauce That Makes Our Editors' Outfits Stand Out

As fashion editors, it's our job to stay on top of trends, new brands, and, of course, styling tricks. Call it a perk of the job, but looking at outfit photos and talking to industry experts all day does lend itself to a wealth of styling knowledge. Since another perk of our job is to help out our readers, I figured it would be nice to share some of our best outfit tips here today.

From the third-piece rule that guarantees a chic outfit to the trick that makes your high-waisted jeans look best, these are the secret styling weapons fashion editors employ daily. Below, each WWW editor is sharing their favorite outfit tip (their outfit secret sauce, if you will) that makes their looks stand out from the pack.

Kristen Nichols, Managing Editor

"Recently, knee-high boots have been my most-worn fashion staple. It took me a while to figure out how to style them, but they lend a tailored look when worn with trousers or jeans tucked into them."

Bobby Schuessler, Market Editor

"I try to never forget the third-piece rule. Meaning—I like to add one extra element into each of my outfits to make them feel more elevated and styled. For example, rather than just wearing a T-shirt and jeans, I'll toss on a statement jacket or shirt. Alternatively, I'll incorporate additional accessories to amp up my looks, like scarves or extra jewelry."

Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour, Market Editor

"I'm very into cardigans as tops right now and there's no end to my obsession in sight. It's just so easy, but also looks like one step up from wearing a basic sweater." 

Erin Fitzpatrick, Senior News Editor

"It's a pretty straightforward styling trick, but I love layering long-sleeve tops under sleeveless dresses or tops. I think the trick is to find a top that's quite thin and/or form-fitting so it doesn't add any bulk. Bonus points for fun prints, interesting textures, and sheer fabrics." 

Anna LaPlaca, Associate Editor

"I wear jeans constantly and high-waisted pairs are especially my jam, so I much prefer wearing a bodysuit as a top with them instead of a regular T-shirt, which can bunch up awkwardly. To me, there's nothing better than the streamlined look that a bodysuit provides." 

Lauren Eggertsen, Fashion Editor

"I'm pretty much addicted to throwing a sweater on over my shoulders, sometimes even atop a coat when it's cold outside. I find the last-minute styling detail makes my outfits that much more interesting."

Kat Collings, Editor in Chief

"I have a closet full of brown, black, and white shoes, but I've found whenever I go for a non-neutral shoe color it makes my outfit significantly more visually interesting. Your shoes are often the last bit of your outfit someone will see if they're looking at you from head to toe. Why not end on a strong note, an exclamation point, if you will? Sometimes it's hard to make the mental leap to reach for a bold color when your outfit already has enough going on, but I promise you won't regret shaking up your neutral shoe game once in a while."

Next up: five shoe trends a celebrity stylist would add to your wardrobe.