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I always want to look stylish. But some days, (okay, most days) I lack the time and energy to pull together a full-fledged outfit with all the accessories.
I wondered how I can look stylish without worrying about pairing the perfect jewelry, handbags, and layers on days when I just need to get out the door?
Style hacks.
What are style hacks? Simply put, they are the little modifications you can do to your clothing that will make them look more visually appealing and interesting. I picked up these tricks over time, and you’ve probably heard of these before too. But what I haven’t seen is an all-in-one blog post that rounds up all of your best options in one place. So the next time you are running late and but still want to look stylish and cute, simply pull up this post on your phone and reference the quickest and easiest style hacks that help style your outfit in basically zero time.
shirt tucking
We all know this one. The full tuck is a solid option is many situations, whether you want a pulled-together a professional look, or you if you just want to put some shape back into an oversized t-shirt. It’s especially necessary when wearing slim-fitting tops. There’s nothing cute about a snug top looking all lumpy because it’s competing over your waistband.
The “I woke up like this” look. Start by tucking in your shirt from hipbone to hipbone. Smooth the fabric over your belly and straighten if it’s pulling in one direction more than the other. Then raise both your arms above your head and arch your back slightly. This will pull the fabric out just enough so that you can move around and your shirt will stay perfectly tucked all day.
I like doing this with drapey t-shirts. First choose which side of your body you want to highlight. Then gather up a bit of fabric on that side and twist in the direction of the side you are on. If you are working on your left, then twist the fabric to the left, and if you are working on your right, twist to your right. Tuck the roll in at your hipbone and pull it out slightly to adjust.
shirt tying
Knotting yoru t-shirts can completely transform your look. Add a knot at the front, side, or back of your shirt to add definition. Keep the knot low on your hip for a casual look, or knot your shirt higher up on your waist for an edgier look.
Hack: To avoid stretching your shirt, use a clear hair tie instead of actually knotting the fabric. Simply gather the fabric in a little bun and secure. No one will be the wiser.
Wear your tidy button-up shirts casually by tying the bottom edges of the shirt. Play with different looks by leaving the buttons open and layering camisoles underneath.
shirt sleeve rolling
Roll t-shirt sleeve 1-3 times to make the shirt look more fitted, and show off your arms! Plus, it adds bit of texture where there wasn’t any before.
For long sleeve and 3/4 sleeve tops, I like to flip the cuff back just once. This adds visual interest without any extra bulk on your lower arms. I do this with most of my slim-fitting long sleeve tees because they are very plain otherwise.
This one is for when you want to shorten the sleeves of your button-up shirts, but need it to look tidy and proper. Do up the buttons on the sleeves and then start folding back the sleeve, one cuff-width at a time. Straighten each time you fold to keep the wrinkles and twists under control. I recommend folding up the sleeves before you put the shirt on your body. It’s much easier to work out the kinks that way.
This gives a more casual vibe, perfect for dressing down a shirt for daytime wear. First, pull the cuff up your arm so that it lands just above your elbow. Then fold the folded edge upward again. You might have to do this once or twice. Finally, tug the cuff out of the fold about 1 inch to give it that perfectly undone look.
sleeve scrunching
Make even the fussiest blazer look casual by scrunching the sleeve up! To keep the scrunch in place all day, place a hair elastic over your jacket sleeve, just below your elbow. Start pulling and bunching the fabric upward, under the hair elastic. Simply fold the excess fabric over and around the hair elastic to conceal it, and you’re done.
top cropping
Crop sweaters and t-shirts with hair elastics, too. Gather up the fabric and tie it off with a hair elastic (or rubber band) so that it looks like a fabric ponytail. Then flip the ponytail under the bottom of the garment towards your body, and voila! you have a cropped sweater or t-shirt. Do this in the front for a casual vibe or in the back for a more streamlined look.
pant leg cuffing
I like this one for turning full-length jeans into cropped jeans on a whim. Roll 3/4 inches of length 2-4 times, or until the cuff lands about 3 inches above your ankle. It’s a great solution for when your pant hems and ankle boots aren’t cooperating. This works well with skinny or straight leg jeans, but not bootcut.
This one is super easy; Just one fold and you’re done! Fold the hem of your skinny, straight, or even wide leg cropped pants until the length is where you want it. This style shows off the detail of the original hem, and can end up looking pretty bold depending on how much length you needed to fold.
skirt knotting
Use a hair elastic or a good old-fashioned knot to change up your flowy dress or skirt. I’ll use a hair elastic to cinch a shapeless dress in at the waist, or knot the bottom to add visual interest. Other benefits of knots are that they’ll add weight and help prevent your dress from blowing up in the wind, and it will also shorten a dress that’s a bit too long.
SHOP MY OUTFITS
White T-Shirt
Mauve T-Shirt (similar)
Gray Button Up (similar) or Express Portofino Shirt (same shirt, different color)
Pink Mock Neck Sweater (similar)
Plaid Blazer
Medium Wash Curvy Skinny Jeans
Medium Wash Mom Jeans
Olive Shirtdress (similar)
Nike Flex Experience Running Shoes
That’s all for today!
Like this post? You’ll love this one too >> Spring & Summer Fashion Trends + Outfits
If you find this post interesting, informative, or just plain entertaining, tell me about it in the comments below! And don’t forget, sharing is caring. Share this post!
Till next time ♥︎
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FTC- Not sponsored by any brands mentioned. I purchase all products myself. All opinions are my own. Some links may be affiliated.
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