One of the most-asked questions I’ve gotten this winter is my secret for tucking in sweaters. I completely understand the dilemma here. The only reason I probably know is because I’m constantly trying on different outfits to share with you all, so unless you spend lots of time playing and styling, it can be a tricky thing to figure out – especially with all the different bottoms out there from trousers to denim to skirts. After years of trying to find the best solution, I’m happy to share five tips below that I think will help!
xx, Ashley
TIP ONE // Perfect the French tuck
This is the most important thing to know and master when tucking in your sweater. A full tuck all the way around has its place, but when it comes to sweaters, the French tuck is your best friend. What this means is you only tuck in a few inches of your sweater in the center front. It gives off that chic, effortless vibe I think we all aim for.
TIP TWO // Highlight details on your pants
You can see in the image at the top I’m wearing jeans with a button fly. The fly itself makes a statement so I didn’t want it and the sweater competing too much. If you have jeans like this (or any pants/a skirt with embellishments at the waist), I recommend going for a sweater with a shorter hem and tucking it just a bit wider. The shorter hem will you avoid bulk and the slightly wider French tuck will show off the embellishment.
TIP THREE // Avoid bulk
One of the best tips I’ve learned over the years is how to avoid bulk in your midsection when tucking in a sweater. There are two things you can do. First, if your sweater is long enough, you simply take your hem and tuck it up under your bra. This trick is known to work miracles. Second, if your sweater isn’t long enough to tuck your bra, another option is to wear a skinny belt around your natural waist under your sweater and tuck the sweater up and under the belt. It’s the same concept as the bra tuck, it just works for slightly shorter sweaters.
TIP FOUR // You don’t have to be wearing a belt
I’ve gotten some questions about whether or not you have to be wearing a belt to tuck in a sweater. My answer is no, but it’s really personal preference. You can see I’ve styled outfits with and without belts – it just depends on what kind of look you’re going for.
TIP FIVE // Not all sweaters are made for tucking
Some sweaters are just not meant to be tucked. You’ll want to avoid anything too bulky and with a long hem. Instead, I’d wear leggings or skinnies and let the sweater be completely untucked for a more casual feel.
I also linked some sweaters below in case you’re in the market. Let me know if these tips were helpful or if you have any tips I didn’t include. Happy tucking!
Love the first three sweaters. Do you happen to have the names of those three? I looked in the links you provided but don’t think I saw them, or could not figure out if I did. Thanks!
GIRLLLLL love all of these
Thanks for reminding me that I should avoid having bulks in our midsection while tucking in our sweater. I’m thinking of getting a navy half-zip sweater for my son but I’m completely clueless on how to style this piece of clothing. I’ll try all the tips you mentioned here once I’m able to buy a sweater that he can wear on Christmas.