Did you know that baggy shirts don’t have to be frumpy? If you happen to like what they say, or the color or the pattern, you don’t have to get rid of them—they can be redeemed with some easy definition tricks!
In today’s post I’ll show you how to wear your oversized shirts stylishly with 6 EASY TRICKS – and the best part? You can do it WITHOUT SEWING or CUTTING.
Use these style hacks to easily make a more trendy and stylish look on all those free but shapeless shirts or “unisex” graphic tees you have sitting in your drawers.
These are the key difference between feeling like a frumpy versus stylish mom.
I may not be a fashion designer, but in recent years the oversize shirt look (and honestly oversize fashion in general) is definitely “in”.
I am going to show you the right way to take your baggy clothes and give your outfits a chic look – and not the kind of chic you only see Kim Kardashian wearing.😂
These 6 different ways can give you 6 totally different looks with the same shirt! Can you imagine all the different styles you’d make if you used these easy tips throughout your entire wardrobe?
Here’s how to wear oversized shirts without feeling fat!
Table of Contents
6 Easy Tricks for How to Wear Oversized Tops Stylishly (How to Make a Big Shirt Fit Better)
#1 Do a Front Tuck (aka: Partial Tuck, French Tuck, Half Tuck)
Go to the Full Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Do a Perfect Front Tuck On Your Oversized Shirts
This is the easiest way to add a little bit of a unique design to your outfit!
#2 Tie a Knot
Go to the Full Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Knot an Oversized or Stretchy Shirt
Take your simple oversize tee and try this easy tip that follows current fashion trends!
#3 Make a Twist Knot
#4 Make the Shirt or Dress Tighter Using the Coin Trick to Cinch or Create “Buttons”
How to make a big shirt fit better: This easy trick will help you cinch your shirts to make them tighter around the waist… all without cutting or sewing!
Go to the Full Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Make a Shirt or Dress Tighter Without Sewing
#5 Roll Up the T-Shirt Sleeves If They’re Too Long
Go to the Full Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Roll Up T-Shirt Sleeves That Are Too Long
#6 Tie a Knot in Your Button Down Shirts
5 Ways to Wear Oversized Shirts Stylishly 🤯 – Popular Facebook Video
Corina walks you through 5 adorable and surprising ways to add definition to baggy shirts!
Basic Style Rules for How to Wear Oversized Shirts Stylishly
You might be wondering when leaving your shirt out looks fine and when it looks frumpy.
Here are some style rules you can follow when trying to decide how to style your tops.
Examples of When You SHOULD Try a Front Tuck, Tie, Knot, or Cinch
#1 When to add some definition to your tops: Button-down shirts that are too long (or too dressy to wear around the house)
A green shirt + a pair of skinny jeans + long sleeve button-down tied at the waist – this is a great way to style loose flannel shirts!
Even though my vest is a bit puffy due to the fluffy material, it pairs well with my old button-down flannel shirt that I tied at the waist.
This light blue striped blouse made a great casual day outfit by tying it over a camisole and pairing it with some simple jeans!
#2 When to add some definition to your tops: Very long shirts
This classic combination of a striped top and black pants was made frumpy by the shirt’s length. Even after adding a heavy jacket this outfit still works great because I knotted the tee at my waist – creating definition!
This long casual t-shirt looks great with my high-waisted pants once I added a twist tuck.
#3 When to add some definition to your tops: Shirts that are too baggy
How to wear a shirt that’s too big: This is a maternity shirt! Pair it with skinny jeans + a little front tuck does wonders.
#4 When to add some definition to your tops: When you’re wearing a shirt over a dress
A neutral color tee over a printed dress totally changes the look! Just make sure to accent your shape by tying your tee in a knot at your natural waist.
You can add a lightweight jacket to any outfit, but remember that fitted is better when your bottoms are loose or flowy!
#5 When to add some definition to your tops: When you’re wearing a shirt or blouse with a skirt
My white oversize shirt paired great with my leopard skirt once I added a knot at the top of my waistband. This created a relaxed look perfect for mom life!
This oversize shirt outfit has a completely feminine look with the sweet floral print and soft colors. It works well because I added definition at my waist with a knot! You could do this with a long skirt as well!
You can see in the picture above that this oversize button-down blouse combined with a skirt and knee boots is frumpy and heavy. By swapping out the boots for heeled booties I made my leggings look longer (and slimmer) and by tying the ends of my blouse the proportions are much better!
For a completer piece I added a denim jacket which has fitted lines. A leather jacket would work great too!
#6 When to add some definition to your tops: Anytime an outfit feels frumpy… either swap out the bottom to something more fitted OR add definition to the top
Examples of When To Leave Your Shirt/Top Out
#1 When to leave your shirt out: When you’re wearing it with leggings
Leggings offer the ultimate fitted contrast to balance the proportions of a loose top. You won’t look frumpy leaving even the most oversized shirts or oversized sweaters untucked or unknotted.
Plus, leaving it out helps cover the bum for a more modest look.
#2 When to leave your shirt out: When you’re wearing skinny jeans or other tighter bottoms
Baggy shirts and sweaters can be worn with skinny jeans without tucking because the slim jeans balance the flowy top. You might just try rolling the sleeves on your top. A front tuck is totally optional.
Check out these other helpful posts on mom fashion!
The Best Affordable Jeans for Women Under $75 (Updated!)
How to Dress Plus Size: 10 Style Tips for Curvy Women
How to Look & Feel Good Before, During, and After a Workout
#3 When to leave your shirt out: When your top is fitted or not extra long
When your top ends at or above your hips OR it’s tight/fitted, you can leave it out without looking frumpy.
#4 When to leave your shirt out: When your top has fun details on the hem
Another time you want to avoid tucking is when your top has some beautiful detailing on the edge… tucking will hide the beautiful design!
Tops with lace, peplum or other details on the hem are designed to wear hanging over your pants or shorts.
Just make sure to balance this with FITTED jeans, shorts or skirts.
These bermuda denim shorts are fitted enough to look great with this loose tank top!
This white tee with tassels is a perfect fit with these skinny blue jeans.
The only kind of skirt that looks good with the shirt untucked or unknotted is a fitted pencil skirt. Otherwise everything will be too baggy and you’ll end up looking frumpy.
Your turn to try these tricks!
Get the Free Quick-Reference Printable to Keep In Your Dresser!
Many of these tricks can be stacked to totally transform an large t-shirt. For example, try both rolling the sleeves AND doing a knot or twist hem.
Take a picture of your end result and share it on Instagram with #frumpfighter and tag me @frumpfighters!
