By Tayler Nowak
Don’t you hate it when you find that perfect dress or iconic shirt that pulls your look together, press one button to order it, and then realize it doesn’t fit as well as it looked online? Many shoppers have faced this issue.
Here’s a guide to using safety pins, trimming, and repurposing household items to transform a piece that doesn’t quite fit right into your Cinderella moment—one that lasts beyond midnight, at least until you leave Brick Street.
The Unforeseeable WaistlineÂ
Whether you’re an American Eagle girl, Shein addict or a trendy thrifter, finding the perfect fit can be one of the most frustrating parts of shopping. Many brands rely on general S/M/L sizing, which varies widely. So when you do find a dress or skirt you love, tailoring a loose waist can be game-changing.
If you’re stuck between sizes or the store only has the next size up, you can use pins to cinch the waist at the back for a snug fit. Worried the pins will show? Mariza Dennis, known for last-minute tailoring and styling, recommends using bows or decorative pins to conceal where the dress is pinned. This way, you can feel confident whether you’re heading out for a night of dancing, a date night or your next social event.
The Oversized Shirt
We all have those fashionable finds that turn out to be a general size rather than the perfect fit. Julia Quigley has dealt with this issue when shopping at popular brands like Windsor, Garage and Aerie. She recommends running oversized shirts through the dryer to shrink them. When in doubt, she suggests keeping safety pins on hand for a quick tailoring fix.
Jeans, Pants, and HeelsÂ
Thrifting has become a popular and affordable way to find stylish pieces, whether from well-known brands or unique vintage collections. Belts offer an easy fix for loose jeans and pants. Julia Quigley also suggests wearing new heels around your apartment before taking them out for the night. If shoes are too large, you can use padding to improve fit and add extra support.
What We Want From Our Favorite Brands
Many shoppers say they want a more precise sizing system rather than the broad S/M/L labels most brands use. Julia Quigley suggests an online tool where customers can enter their exact measurements to generate the best fit. Until brands implement these changes, these tailoring hacks can help you look and feel your best—whether for a night out, a job interview or everyday wear.