style mistakes - woman picking out outfit
Adobe Stock

When your outfit just isn’t working… 5 style mistakes and how to fix them

Here’s how to fix some common style mistakes.

When it comes to fashion, sometimes it’s the little things that throw off an outfit. Pants that aren’t quite the right length, a belt that may be doing a little more harm than good. These easy to fix mistakes can make a big difference in how you look and feel.

Studio 5 Style & Fashion Contributor Casey Matheny broke down the most common fashion misfits and shared simple style rules to live by so you can set out looking polished every time you step out the door.

 

The Art of Tucking

One of the most common questions in fashion is about tucking shirts. Should you do a full tuck, a half tuck, or no tuck at all? “A lot of it depends on the type of material of the shirt and the type of material on the bottom,” Casey explained.

For thicker sweaters, a half tuck or side tuck works best to show off your waist without adding bulk. “Even doing this half tuck here, and if you’re a little tummy conscious, then do a side tuck so you kind of get that draping over,” Casey said. She explained that you can either tuck into the waistband, or just fold it under. But, you won’t every tuck in a thick fabric all the way around.

For a thinner fabric, Casey said you can add a belt or give it a full tuck. “ Throw on a belt and then really emphasize your waist. You could do a full tuck,” she suggested.

Rolling Pants the Right Way

Rolling pants can be tricky, especially when you’re trying to find the right length. “ Sometimes people will take really long pants and just roll, roll, roll until they get the height that they want,” Casey explained. “Or maybe they roll until it’s too tight. It’s too high and you’re up at your calf which is not a very flattering length to be at.”

Casey advised against rolling pants too high, which can be unflattering. Instead, she recommended a single cuff. “Right now the single cuff is really current and hot,” she said. The key is to make sure the pant covers the top of the boot or shoe, avoiding any awkward slivers of skin.

Belts: Finding the Perfect Spot

Belts can either enhance or detract from an outfit depending on where you wear them. Casey emphasized the importance of hitting your natural waistline. “Most women… have a waist or if they don’t we want to fake a waist. We can do that with a belt and you want to hit your natural waistline.” This helps create a flattering silhouette and accentuate your natural shape.

You don’t want your belt to overpower your outfit. “ It’s okay if the belt is loud and bold… but once you get too wide of a belt, then it starts messing with that natural shape,” Casey explained.

Balancing Proportions

Proportions are crucial in fashion, especially when it comes to pairing different pieces. Casey advised against wearing bulky items on both the top and bottom – balance is key. “ Anything that is too bulky on top and on bottom [is] too much, shouldn’t be paired together,” Casey emphasized. “It is not doing anything for your figure and your shape.”

You want to go for opposites on the top and bottom. “If you want something to be voluminous like these pants, let them be the show and pair them with a tighter shirt or a crop jacket at your waist,” she explained. The inverse is true as well. Looser on top, straight on the bottom.

Accessorizing Wisely

Accessories can make or break an outfit. “ We’ve got the big necklace, the big earrings, the big rings, the belt. It’s too much,” Casey said. She suggested focusing on one statement piece rather than overloading with multiple bold items. By choosing one focal point, your look will be cohesive and stylish without overwhelming your outfit.


Find more style advice from Casey on Instagram, @caseymathenystyle, or at caseymatheny.com.

Add comment