How To Make Your Outfits Look Better! (The Art of Zhooshing!) - Nada Manley

I once had a friend who tried to make baklava by throwing all of the ingredients in the pan and popping it in the oven. Yeah, that didn’t go well. You laugh, but many of us attempt to do the same thing with outfits. We throw a couple of items on and hope for the best.

Unfortunately, outfits need styling. Finessing. Or as I call it, zhooshing.

And today, I show you how it’s done.

Be Kind To Yourself

This is a bit woo-woo but it’s worth mentioning. We are our own worst critics. Be kind to yourself when judging your outfits in the mirror, and EXPECT to like what you see. Don’t say anything to that reflection you wouldn’t say to a good friend.

Don’t Pull Knit Tops Down

Knit tops are comfortable and easy to wear, but they can also show every lump and bump if not styled properly. Rather than yanking your knit tops all the way down so that they lay smooth and flat, try ruching or bunching them up a bit, especially around the tummy area, for more flattery.

Roll Up Your Sleeves

Showing your wrists and forearms, almost always a flattering and feminine part of your body, is a quick and easy way to look instantly slimmer and taller. You can use a hair tie to keep the sleeves rolled up or just push them up freestyle.

Unbutton A Few Buttons

Along the same lines as the last tip, showing a bit of skin at the collarbone and neckline area is almost always going to be a good idea. It opens up that area, creates the illusion of a slimmer body and a longer neck, and is just generally flattering.

Cinch The Waist

A little waist definition can take a boxy outfit and turn it into a chic one. If a jacket has a gathered waist detail, cinch it so that it fits more snugly and adds definition. You can also try belting a jacket. Either way, you add structure to an otherwise slouchy look.

Tie A Knot

If your top seems too baggy or too long for your outfit, adjust the fit by tying a knot. You can tie one in the front, which works especially well for a tee, and use it as a design element. Or try using hair ties to tie a knot in either side of a tee or sweater, and then tuck the knot in for an instantly shorter and more fitted top. For bulkier items like a sweater, a knot in the back is often the best solution.

Belt In The Back

When I don’t want to draw attention to the tummy area, I often will tie a belt off to the side a little, just off-center. Or double wrap it and skip the tie altogether. However, for a little waist definition without an obvious tie, knot the belt in the back. It will eliminate the extra volume at the sides and subtly define the waistline of the outfit.