How to Make Your Basics Feel Not So Basic

It’s just a t-shirt and jeans…or is it?

Ever see someone out and about and wonder, “Why does that outfit look so good, even though it's just a t-shirt and jeans?” Yep, me too…It might feel like some secret sauce that only they possess, but in reality, it’s no mystery and it’s simpler than you think to achieve.

In a previous post, we touched on how to use accessories to dial up a summer outfit, especially when it’s too hot for layers. But what about the clothes themselves?

That’s where proportions come in. The way something fits, where it cuts off, how it drapes or cinches, these little tweaks completely change how your outfit is read. Accessories are super helpful when it comes to the final flourish, but let’s talk about where it all begins — the base.

If your outfit’s only made up of two pieces, the shape and volume of each really matter. Change the silhouette of one item and the whole vibe of your outfit shifts. A tee and trousers might sound simple, but how they hang, tuck or drape can completely change the overall effect.

Let’s go through 3 ways we can use proportion:

Slouchy + Structured

A styling strategy you can use to play with proportions is by mixing slouchy and structured pieces. “Slouchy” means clothes that have a soft, relaxed or slightly loose shape, while “structured” refers to pieces with a sharper, more tailored silhouette and defined shape. This balance creates visual interest and a sense of intentional ease, so an outfit feels both polished and effortless, rather than stiff or sloppy.

I wanted to include the below example because it’s easy to default to the idea that a shirt is the “smart” piece and jeans are the “casual” one. But if we look at the proportions themselves, we can reverse it. A button-up can be polished, of course, and is traditionally so, but details like rolled-up sleeves, an open neckline and a soft drape allow it to feel relaxed and even slouchy, not in a sloppy way but more like intentional ease. All of a sudden, the shirt becomes our “slouchy” element.

Then there’s the jeans. In this example, they give structure and weight to the overall look since denim is more of a rigid material and the straight-leg shape feels clean. It keeps the silhouette sharp and elongated, especially when the hemline stops just before the foot, instead of bunching. Together, these pieces play off each other, not as “smart vs casual,” but as slouchy vs structured, and that’s what makes the outfit feel so effortless and styled.

Fitted + Full

Another great way to create visual balance is by combining fitted and full silhouettes. It works by creating a harmonious balance between the top and bottom halves. In this example, the fitted tank top clings close to the body, creating a clean and minimal upper silhouette. The belt at the waist creates a strong, defined breakpoint —an essential element that prevents the outfit from looking boxy or unstructured by clearly separating the top from the bottom.

Below the waist, the trousers introduce that all-important contrast. The rounded, baggy leg brings relaxed volume and fluidity to the look. The rolled hem is a subtle but crucial detail because, by containing the volume at the ankle, it stops the silhouette from becoming overwhelming or sloppy. It adds a sense of polish and control, signalling that the volume is deliberate and thoughtfully styled.

Oversized on Oversized

I’m sure, like me, you’ve heard at least once that you should avoid pairing two oversized pieces together as it’s ‘overkill’. It’s true that oversized elements can swallow you up if not done properly, but the key lies in proportion, fabric, and flow.

Take the below example: the t-shirt fabric is soft and drapey, so although it’s oversized, it moves with the body rather than standing stiff. Then on the bottom we have some very wide-leg jeans that skim the floor, just barely revealing the sandals underneath. The floor-grazing length makes the silhouette feel elongated while the wide leg keeps the proportions consistent with the oversized top. Nothing is competing; both pieces are speaking the same soft, oversized language.

Why does this work? Because the outfit is cohesive in its scale and mood. The softness of the fabrics, the pooled hem, the relaxed feeling throughout, all of it communicates intention. It comes across as intentionally oversized instead of by accident or due to poor fit, and that makes it feel modern and effortlessly cool.

Now let’s talk about hemlines, sleeve lengths and tucks, all things which guide the eye. Our clothes segment our bodies into parts, creating visual lines and different lines change the way we perceive an outfit.

Tucked vs Untucked

To tuck or not to tuck? It’s a simple decision that can completely shift the proportions and tone of an outfit. A tucked-in top creates a clear breakpoint at the waist. This horizontal line visually cuts the body in half, which can be especially helpful when balancing volume elsewhere, like with wide-leg trousers.

In contrast, leaving a top untucked removes that breakpoint, allowing the fabric to fall uninterrupted past the waist. This doesn’t erase all structure (there’s still a hemline), but the absence of a strong horizontal cut at the midsection lets the eye move vertically, following the natural drape of the garment. The result is a more fluid, elongated silhouette that feels relaxed and effortless.

Knowing when to tuck (to control or sharpen the silhouette) and when not to (to elongate it) is a subtle styling tool and one of the easiest ways to make basics look styled.

untucked boxy tee vs tucked boxy tee

Ankle Length vs Baggy

Hemlines are another small detail that can also make a huge difference. On the left, the ankle-length trousers stop cleanly above the foot, creating a sharp visual break. That little bit of exposed ankle helps to define where the trousers end and the body continues. It also adds a sense of polish, especially when paired with strappy sandals and a tucked-in tee. This kind of cropped shape is perfect when you want the outfit to feel more tailored or lifted and it pairs well with fitted or neatly tucked tops that keep the silhouette crisp.

On the right, the trousers pool slightly over the feet, with a longer, draped hemline. This adds fluidity and ease to the outfit. The longer length softens the shape and creates a more relaxed, effortless feel. There’s no harsh break at the ankle, so the eye moves more smoothly from top to bottom, giving the whole look a continuous, slouchy elegance. These types of full-length, pooling trousers work well with both oversized and fitted tops, depending on whether you want to lean more into the relaxed vibe or add contrast.

ankle length vs baggy

Short Sleeve Vs Sleeveless

In the left image, we have a black t-shirt with short sleeves that end at the upper arm, creating a horizontal line that draws the eye across the body. This visual break makes the upper half feel more balanced when paired with looser or wider trousers. The sleeves give the outfit a bit of structure and help define the shoulders. A short-sleeve tee like this works well when you’re going for a classic, casual, or balanced silhouette, especially if your bottom half has more volume and needs a touch of shape up top to pull things together.

In the right image, we have a sleeveless tank with a similar fit and neckline. This lets the eye move straight down the body without interruption. It creates a more elongated, streamlined look that feels a bit sharper and more styled. Because there’s no sleeve to stop the eye, the overall silhouette feels cleaner and more minimal. A sleeveless shape is a great option when you want to highlight the waist and create a streamlined effect.

short sleeve vs sleeveless

Hopefully, these little tips can help and you’ll never feel basic wearing head-to-toe basics!

Til next time,

Sophie xx

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