We are all our own worst critics, present company included. I have always been self conscious about my body shape because, well, there is not a lot of shape! I have a very straight or boxy figure with little curves but at the same time I am not “bean pole”, I have some thickness for sure. If you are like me, you know that it can be downright defeating trying to find flattering clothing. Look no further my straight bodied friends! In this month’s post I am sharing how I style my boxy body shape and what I do to feel comfortable and confident in my outfits.

High Neck Line

I noticed that v-necks or low cut tops tend to make my middle look even more boxy. I have very square shoulders so wearing high (or crew) neck items tends to elongate my middle for a longer, leaner appearance. The semi-racer back shoulder cuts also help to accentuate my shoulders bringing more of a triangle shape to my top half.

TIP: Try to build a triangle on the top half. Drawing attention to the top of your shape rather than the middle creates the longer, leaner, curvier appearance.

Side Front Tuck

Our dear friend Tan from Queer Eye has taught us that a front tuck (or French tuck) is flattering on EVERYONE. I have found for the straight shape, a center front tuck is not ideal for me. Again, it draws attention to the middle and gives the illusion of no shape. I have found if I shift the front tuck slightly to the right it actually gives the appearance of a curve on that side. Call me crazy but try it! You might be surprised the difference it makes in your shape.

TIP: Try an off center front tuck to give the appearance of a curves to the side body. Make sure that it’s not too loose of a tuck and that the full waistband is still visible below the tuck.

Strategic Ruching/Stitching

I know, the previous tips talk about drawing attention away from the middle so why would I want to add ruching to the middle?? It’s all about the placement, and it has to be off centered (see above). I’m sure you have all seen the ruched middle bodycon dresses that are flying off the shelves. There is a reason they are so popular, they are flattering on almost all body shapes. The ruching again gives the appearance of a curved mid-section because it draws attention to the sides, not the middle thusly eliminating the boxy middle appearance.

TIP: Look for middle ruching that starts on the sides, not in the middle. The side origination draws attention to the side and not the middle creating a “flat” stomach appearance.

NO VISIBLE HIGH WAISTED

Now, before I get the book thrown at me, hear me out. I’m not saying I don’t wear high waisted pants, in fact; most of the pants I own are mid or high waisted. What I am saying is I don’t wear tops that end where the top of my jeans begin. I have found this accentuates the thicker middle and my hip dips (for those that don’t have them: what’s it like to be god’s favorite). I will wear longer tops that go past my hips, fitted or loose. The reason for this is that it makes my middle look less boxy if it can be a seamless flow between top to bottom.

TIP: Opt for high waisted pants or shorts, but pair it with a longer top and a front side tuck. This helps to give the appearance of curves by creating spatial differentiation between the bottom of the hip and the top of the waistband.

If you are struggling finding what works for you, don’t lose hope! It has taken me several years to figure out these 4 tips and I still have flops. Everyone’s body is different so my best advise is experimentation. Try these tips, see what works for you. Moto jackets and blazers are also another flattering option, see my previous post on moto jackets for some inspo.

I hope this helped at least one of you find some confidence in styling your shape! Make sure you tag me on IG @laurenletter if you try one of these tips! See you next time.

-Lauren

When a fellow fashion blogger posted about “Wannabe Wednesday”, where she recreates other bloggers looks, it was like finding a long lost sister! I have spent most of my adult life recreating outfits so naturally I needed to participate. Here are a few of my most recent “recreations”, enjoy!

• Shirt // Great deal from Amazon!
• Jeans // Super comfy from Target.
• Earrings // Can’t find the exact ones but I linked a similar pair.
• Watch Band // A white Apple Watch band is a summer must.
• Self Tanner // This brand NEVER lets me down, a staple for me.

• Pink Baseball Hat // Love this so much more than I expected to
• Jean Jacket // A wardrobe staple for just about every season
• White Tee // You can never have too many
• Leggings // Again, you can never have too many 😉
• Sneaks // Like walking on a cloud (size down half a size)

These are so fun to create, I love the challenge of “shopping my closet” to find the right items. I am absolutely going to keep doing these, and may even have my own version coming up very soon. Stay tuned…

As always, if you recreate these PLEASE tag me, I would love to see it!

-Lauren

A friend of mine told me she absolutely needed to have a dress from a local boutique, so naturally we made a day of it. Shopping, tapas and sangria is just what we both needed. I have to say, I came home with full shopping bags and an even fuller heart. I finally feel like I am finding my tribe and hitting my stride.

We went to a store in Old Colorado City that I had never heard of: Eve’s Revolution. I am now hooked. So many cute things, great deals and lots of selection. So here is a little try on haul from today. The store, Eve’s Revolution website will be up later this year, so I will link what I can but check out their instagram to see what they carry.

I didn’t end up buying this sweater, and I regret it wholeheartedly.

Jeans // Sweater (similar to one here)

As soon as I tried on this jacket I knew I needed it. It’s now tucked away safe and sound in my closet. I have searched high and low and there is nothing out there like it. I will keep searching and update y’all if I find something.

Jeans // Jacket // Top

Another item that I tried on and instantly knew I needed. Lord knows I don’t need another black and white sweater but I just can’t help it!

Jeans // Sweater // Boots

If you recreate these or actually go to Eve’s Revolution tag me on IG @laurenletter. Toodles!

When a long time friend texted me for an impromptu drink this Saturday, I had no choice but to say HECK YES! The only issue was what to wear…

I bought this jacket back in November and it was love at first sight! I kept this super simple with NO other accessories. It really helped the jacket be the star of the show.

• Jacket // Wildflower Roots Boutique
  • Here is a similar one and another one
• Pants // Express
• Top // Express
• Boots // Nordstrom Rack or Lulus

So happy with how it all turned out. Happy shopping and tag me on IG @laurenletter if you recreate!

You blink on Friday and all the sudden its Monday. When it is “frowned upon” to wear leggings and a hoodie to your office and you have ZERO motivation to find a presentable outfit, all black is all you need.

OUTFIT BELOW: Shirt // Pants // Shoes // Necklace

A fellow blogger posted a pic the other day of her winter outfit which included white jeans, it was at that moment I threw caution to the wind. Sometimes all it takes is seeing a familiar piece in a new way.

I paired these awesome, flattering, high-rise white jeans with one of my favorite cardigans I got at the Nordstrom sale last year (I can’t find the exact one but I will link something similar). But the item that was the “kicker” (as Guy Fieri would say) is the Walmart thermal. Walmart has brought their A game and we are here for it!

OUTFIT BELOW: Jeans // Shirt // Cardigan

Raise your hand if browsing the clothes section in Target is customary regardless of what you are there for. I don’t find something every time but when I do it is pure bliss. This hoodie = pure bliss. This has quickly become one of my favorite outfits, hope it becomes one of your too!

OUTFIT BELOW: Hoodie // Leggings // Shoes