Ok, I have a confession to make. I bought this leopard print top at Nordstorm Rack (or was it TJ Maxx? I can’t remember!) last year without really trying it on. When I got home, I realized that it had a lot of fabric, a weird sort of elastic waistband with a ruffle…and was really too big for me. But, I wore it anyway because I felt like it hid some of my trouble spots and camouflaged the right parts of my body. The result? Comfortable, but extremely unflattering.

So…this is how I used to wear this shirt:

Two words: FRUMP CITY!!! Although I love the print and the sequin detail, there is just too much fabric.

See how unbalanced this outfit looks? Too much on top…which overwhelms the slim bottom. There’s NO silhouette here. I just look like a giant leopard print bubble.

But…with only ONE CHANGE, this outfit goes from FRUMPY to FAB! Can you guess what that change is? Yep, I tucked in the shirt and let the pencil skirt work its magic.

Magically, I have a figure! And I feel 1000x sexier!

Instead of one big blob on top of a black stick, I have a modest, yet sexy bust line, a waist…and  hips!

Oh, and did you notice my nails? I LOVE this orange color! It’s OPI “A Good Man-darin is Hard To Find”

Shirt: Nordstrom Rack (Or TJ Maxx)
Skirt: Lane Bryant
Jewelry: Forever 21 and H&M
Shoes: Vince Camuto (are you tired of seeing these yet??)

I couldn’t believe what a big difference this made! In fact, all three skirt outfits I’ve posted lately have included me tucking in my shirt. I am a total convert. Even if you’re scared, just try it!

Oh, and here’s a tip: the key to tucking shirts into skirts if you have an apple shape like mine, is to pull the waistband up higher than your natural waist, but not far enough to reach your girls. Having it sit a little higher lets the fabric hang a little out from your body–so that it doesn’t cling to any rolls that you’d rather keep hidden.

What do you think? Do you tuck your shirts into your pants/skirts? Any tips?

Have a fantastically fierce day, my lovelies!
xoxo