Outfit Tweaks that Make a Big Difference - How To Take Your Outfits Up a Notch
Have you ever felt like your outfit is missing something? Maybe it could use a little something extra to make it feel more stylish and put together? You might just need to make a few tweaks to complete the look!
Use my 6 easy outfit tweaks to transform your look from good to great. Trust me, these are the little details that blow my styling clients minds.
Yes, there are times when a basic, understated outfit serves a purpose, as the perfect foundation for a chic and stylish look. Kind of like the meat and potatoes of a meal, you have the ingredients, but now you need to add the spices to make the meal flavorful, and your own. Simple ensembles provide the substance and structure necessary for a great outfit, but they don’t always feel put together. It’s the styling that helps it cross the finish line.
So, just as a dish needs a dash of seasoning to truly shine, your outfit can benefit from a few clever style tweaks. These fashion adjustments act as the spices that bring the whole thing together, enhancing the overall aesthetic and transforming a clothes into an outfit.
Here's a collection of my tried and true outfit adjustments that make a serious impact:
Knowing When to Tuck
Tucking in your shirt or top can instantly make your outfit look more finished. However, knowing when to tuck can be tricky. The art of tucking is truly a fashion game-changer, so I have a whole blog post full of tips for tucking your shirts.
For a more casual look, leave your shirt untucked. If you're going for a more polished look, tuck in your shirt. For a trendy look, try a partial tuck by only tucking in the front of your shirt (although, with pants becoming more high rise, a full tuck works better these days).
Mastering the art of tucking your shirt and rolling the sleeves can make a significant difference in the overall appearance of your outfit. Here are some ideas:
Front tuck - Gently tuck the front of your shirt into your waistband, leaving the rest loose for a casual, effortless vibe.
Full tuck - Tuck your entire shirt into your waistband for a polished, clean look.
Four point tuck - Watch my tutorial here!
If you’re short-waisted like I am, here’s my advice for tucking.
Sleeve Rolling
The simple act of rolling up your sleeves can have a major impact on your outfit's overall appearance. This minor adjustment creates an element of dimension to your ensemble, and visually makes everyone (yes, literally EVERY ONE) look slimmer. It also exudes a relaxed, carefree vibe which is what most folks are seeking these days. Plus, it's a great way to show off your arm candy (aka bracelets and watches).
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when rolling your sleeves for an effortlessly stylish look:
Master the basic sleeve roll
Fold the cuff once or twice, making sure each fold is about the width of the cuff. This method works well for casual settings and pairs nicely with a button-up shirt.
Try the J.Crew roll
Fold the cuff up to about twice its width, then fold it again over itself. This technique creates a neat and secure roll that stays in place throughout the day.
Opt for the Italian roll
Unbutton the cuff and fold it up to the elbow, then roll the sleeve from the bottom up, tucking the cuff under the fold. This roll creates a clean and polished look, perfect for dressier occasions.
Roll to the right length
Adjust the length of the roll according to your outfit and personal style. Generally, aim to roll your sleeves up to just below your elbow or slightly above it. Ideally you want to see two hands width of skin between your wrist and the clothes.
Consider the shirt fabric
Different materials can require different rolling techniques. For example, a stiff dress shirt might need a more structured roll, and a soft chambray shirt can handle a more relaxed, casual roll. If the shirt fabric is silky, it can be difficult to roll, and for it to stay that way, because the material is slippery. Try the rubber band trick I recommend for scrunching up the sleeves of a blazer, it works really well on silky shirts too.
Balance the look
If you're wearing a button-up shirt, think about unbuttoning the top one or two buttons. It creates a more casual appearance that’s in sync with rolled sleeves.
Cuffing/Not Cuffing
Cuffing your jeans or pants creates an effortless way to highlight your choice of footwear, while also adding a touch of visual intrigue to your look. Additionally, it gives your ankles a chance to enjoy a bit of fresh air during the warmer weather. However, it's worth noting that cuffing can create the illusion of shorter legs, so it might not be the ideal option for everyone's personal style or body type.
Here are some additional tips for cuffing your pants to achieve a look that’s flattering and stylish:
Choose the right cuff size
The width of the cuff should complement the style of your pants and your body proportions. Generally, a slimmer cuff (around 1 inch) works well for slim-fit pants, while a wider cuff (1.5-2 inches) is suitable for wider-leg or relaxed-fit pants.
Consider the fabric
Lighter fabrics, such as linen or cotton, can handle larger or more relaxed cuffs, while thicker fabrics like denim or wool may require a neater, tighter cuff to maintain shape.
Experiment with different cuff styles
Try different cuffing techniques, such as a simple single fold, a double roll, or a pinroll, to find the style that best suits your pants and overall look.
Mind the footwear
Cuffing works best when paired with shoes that showcase your ankles, such as loafers, low-top sneakers, or ankle boots. Ensure your footwear complements the cuffed look you're aiming for.
Balance your proportions
If you're concerned about cuffing making your legs appear shorter, opt for high-waisted pants or tuck in your shirt to create a more balanced silhouette.
Break in your pants
If you are cuffing your pants to shorten the length, consider getting them hemmed to the appropriate length for a cleaner, more polished appearance.
PRO TIP: Before you hem your pants or jeans you need to do two things! First, decide what shoe you’ll be wearing with them so it will be shortened to the proper length. And, second, wash or dry clean your pants BEFORE shortening them. That way you’ll avoid them shrinking when cleaned and the pants being too short.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can master the art of cuffing your pants and enhance your outfit's overall style while maintaining a flattering silhouette.
Belt/No Belt
Belts are not just for holding up your pants. They can also add some personality and style to your outfit. A belt can serve as your third piece in finishing off an outfit. So, if your outfit is feeling a little plain, try adding a belt. It can define your waist and create a more flattering silhouette. And if your outfit is already busy, skip the belt to avoid overdoing it. Just make sure that when blousing the top you cover at least half of the waist band.
For a comprehensive guide to belts, check out my blog post: The 411 on Belts: Helpful Tips for Wearing Belts and Easily Styling Them
Third Piece
The third piece is the extra element that takes your outfit from good to great. It can be a blazer, a scarf, a hat, or anything else that adds some interest to your look. The third piece can also help tie your outfit together by incorporating a pop of color or texture.
Jewelry
Jewelry is an easy way to add some personality and style to your outfit. Whether you prefer bold statement pieces or delicate layering, jewelry can elevate your outfit to the next level. Don't be afraid to mix and match metals and styles to create a unique look.
A statement accessory can instantly upgrade your outfit and make it look more polished. Consider these options for an instant style boost:
Bold necklace - A bold, eye-catching necklace can turn a basic outfit into a chic ensemble.
Fun bracelets - Adding a bracelet, whether it's a charm bracelet, chunky bangle, or an arm party can add interest and personality to your wrist, and therefore your look.
Eye-catching earrings - Unique earrings can draw attention to your face and add a pop of color or sparkle to your outfit.
And don’t forget you can always tweak your jewelry! Play with your pieces and see what works. Check out my necklace tutorial here!
While implementing these outfit tweaks, you can take your outfits up a notch and create more stylish and put together looks. Please remember, these are just suggestions. Style is all about expressing your personality and feeling confident in what you wear. So don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you.
Taking your outfits up a notch doesn't require a complete wardrobe overhaul. By making simple outfit tweaks, you can instantly elevate your style and make a big difference. Experiment with statement accessories, layering, tucking and rolling, playing with proportions, coordinating colors and patterns, and using the power of shoes to transform your everyday outfits into chic, eye-catching ensembles.