Often when an outfit looks a bit “off”, the problem isn’t the style or the colour. It’s the fit. The same blazer can look sharp or frumpy depending on where the shoulder seam sits. The good news is that fit problems are usually easy, and cheap, to fix.
Here are seven of the most common ones and what to do about each.
1. Trousers that are the wrong length
Trousers that puddle over your shoes look sloppy, and trousers that stop at an awkward mid-ankle point can look like they shrank.
Fix: hem trousers for the shoes you’ll wear most. Wide-leg and straight trousers usually look best just grazing the top of the shoe or with a small break. Cropped styles should look intentionally cropped, ending at or just above the ankle bone.
2. Shoulders that hang or pull
If a blazer or shirt’s shoulder seam sits past your shoulder bone (and it’s not meant to be oversized), the whole garment looks too big. If it sits on top of your shoulder, it pulls across the back.
Fix: buy tops and jackets to fit your shoulders, then have the body taken in. Shoulders are difficult and expensive to alter; waists and sleeves are easy.
3. Gaping button-down shirts
Gaps between buttons across the bust make even a good shirt look too small.
Fix: size up to fit the bust and have the waist taken in, add a tiny hidden snap between buttons, or choose a shirt with a concealed placket.
4. Sleeves that are too long or too short
Long sleeves that cover your hands look borrowed. Sleeves that stop well above the wrist look outgrown.
Fix: long sleeves should end around the wrist bone, with jacket sleeves showing a little of the shirt cuff. A tailor can shorten most sleeves easily. If they’re too short, push them up deliberately to the forearm instead.
5. Waistbands that dig or slide
A waistband that cuts in creates a bulge, and one that’s too loose slides down and bunches.
Fix: pick the rise that suits you (many women find a mid or high rise more comfortable), and have loose waists taken in. If you’re between sizes, size up and tailor the waist.
6. Skirts and dresses that hit at the widest point
A hemline that ends at the widest part of your calf or thigh draws the eye there.
Fix: move the hem up or down to a narrower point: just above or below the knee, or at the slimmest part of the lower calf for midis.
7. Worn-out fabric
Pilling, stretched necklines, faded black and bagged knees make clothes look old regardless of the style.
Fix: de-pill knits with a fabric shaver, wash dark colours inside out in cold water and replace well-loved basics, such as tees and leggings, when they lose their shape.
Quick fit checklist
- Shoulder seams at the shoulder bone
- No pulling across bust or back
- Sleeves end at the wrist bone
- Waistband comfortable, not digging or sliding
- Hem at a flattering point
- Fabric fresh, not pilled or stretched
Keep going
Once the fit is right, small style updates go much further. Our guide to updating your style in your 40s, 50s and 60s covers the next steps, and you’ll find plenty of outfit ideas in boho outfits for older women and across the style over 40 hub.
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