This 1 Free Thing Will Make All Your Outfits Look Instantly Expensive

I used to think I just didn’t suit certain clothes. While I still certainly can’t wear everything, I want to focus on tank tops. The clean, minimal kind that looks effortlessly chic on other people but slightly awkward on me. Looking back, though, it wasn’t necessarily the top.

With my wedding next month, I’ve been paying far more attention to the small details that actually make a difference, especially in photos. I’m specifically tuned into the things that quietly change how an outfit comes together. I’ve realised that one of the biggest details has surprisingly little to do with what I’m wearing, but how I’m wearing it. It turns out the difference between something looking slightly off and very chic can be as simple as your posture. For most of my life, I’ve had rounded shoulders, and it’s been something that I thought was just part of me. I can hear my mum’s voice in my head every time I catch myself slouching, which feels like a real full-circle moment. Shout out to Alison, who was clearly right all along.

Those same adjustments directly affect how clothes fall. If your pelvis tips forward, you get that exaggerated curve in the lower back and suddenly a dress pulls differently. Let your shoulders slump and even the best tailoring loses its shape.

The link between posture & polish

There’s a reason that celebrities, street style stars, and models all have it in common. In fact, when a celebrity has poor posture, it’s so rarely seen that it really stands out. Taller people are especially prone to slouching, often to make themselves feel smaller. From a fashion perspective, though, taking up space tends to look better.

Taylor Swift has been a notable example, with photos of her previously rounded shoulders shared on social media. Notably, though, the singer was regularly spotted sporting the Forme Science Power Bra – a posture-correcting undergarment which uses tension in the fabric to pull the shoulders back – when rehearsing for her latest Eras Tour, and the result’s been clocked by the internet.

She’s not the only A-lister who literally takes good posture in her stride. Remember the viral clip of Zendaya showing Jimmy Fallon her normal walk compared to her red carpet walk? Same person, same outfit, completely different energy.

How to improve yours

Posture isn’t something you can immediately correct. It is, however, something you can immediately start to correct. Plus, it’s totally free – making it perhaps the best investment of time, rather than money, as far as your wardrobe is concerned.

This article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.