Sometimes zhushing can be the difference between a basic outfit and a memorable one. If you’re not familiar with the term, ‘zhushing’ is to primp, fluff-up, or make something more attractive. Basically, to give a room or outfit more personality and pizzazz! And who’s not game for that?!
Every outfit I wear has been zhushed in one way or another…an element tweaked to be a little different than it was intended. It’s what gives your style some personality! A favorite trick is the effortless sleeve roll…also known as the ‘J.Crew Cuff.’
Chambray and white is always a cute combo, but without the carefree cuff, the outfit looks a little stiff.
See the difference just by adding a little zhush to the sleeve? Cuffing also reveals the slimmest, most flattering part of the arm…the wrist and forearm.
Chambray Shirt | White Jeans (love these, too!) | Similar Leopard Belt | Straw Bag | Sandals | Sunglasses
The cuff is simple, and I use this method for all my collared shirts (it’s really cute on a jean jacket, too!).
ONE // Unbutton the entire sleeve, and fold halfway up your arm so the cuff is around your elbow. I like mine a little higher in the Summer so it fits almost as a short-sleeve shirt.
TWO // Roll the bottom of the sleeve up twice so it covers the seam of the cuff.
THREE // Gently pull the corner of the cuff out a bit, and scrunch the entire sleeve up above the elbow.
The goal is to look effortless, but truthfully, it’s a lot less messy than a standard sleeve roll. Not to mention, it stays put!
Chambray Shirt | White Jeans | Similar Leopard Belt | Straw Bag | Sandals | Sunglasses
Unless I’m layering a sweater, my sleeves are always ‘J.Crew cuffed.’
Jean Jacket | Frayed Hem Skirt (also in traditional denim wash) | Gingham Shirt | Sunglasses
Other zhushing techniques I use to infuse some attitude and personality into my outfits include a single wide cuff…
A popped collar…or even better, layered popped collars! #swoon #calmdown
Jean Jacket | Frayed Hem Skirt (also in traditional denim wash) | Gingham Shirt | Hoop Earrings
There’s always the casual half-tuck, where you stuff just the front of your shirt in your jeans, shorts or skirt.
Frayed Hem Skirt (also in traditional denim wash) | Gingham Shirt | Hoop Earrings | Tassel Necklace
Or the partial-tuck with just a single side of the shirt pushed in. Unbuttoning an extra button adds more casual-cool, too. (But not to the point of exposing your bra!)
Have a long shirt that looks sloppy when left out? Just loosely tie the shirttails so the knot rests at the waistband of your pants, skirt or shorts.
Just like the Rule of Three, these tweaks can make all the difference in the style of your outfit.
Jean Jacket | Striped Tee | Tassel Necklace | White Jeans | Circle Ring | Hoop Earrings | Lipstick
Favorite Tee | Gingham Shirt | White Jeans | Pom Pom Clutch | Wedges | Leopard Belt | Sunglasses | Necklace | Hoop Earrings
Favorite Tee | Jean Jacket | Pleated Skirt (similar) | Striped Pumps | Saddle Bag (similar) | Sunglasses | Earrings | Bracelet | Watch
Muscle Tee (similar with sleeves) | White Skirt | Favorite Sneakers | Hat | Sunglasses | Tassel Bracelets | Watch | Bracelet
Pleated Skirt (midi version) | Striped Oxford | Statement Necklace (cute embroidered version) | Favorite Pumps | Earrings | Similar Bag
Jean Jacket | Frayed Hem Skirt (also in traditional denim wash) | Gingham Shirt | Hoop Earrings | Pineapple Tote
Do you see the difference after zhushing? Are you a habitual zhusher to your outfits, too? For more Sugarplum Style Tips like these, click here…and more Summer Styles can be found here. Happy weekend, lovebugs, and happiest of Father’s Day to the strong, loving men in our lives!
{Weekend Sales Worth Checking Out}
Nordstrom // Huge seasonal clearance…including my all these sandals.
Loft // 40% off everything, no exclusions! (This colorful skirt is now mine!)
J.Crew // 40% off sale styles
J.Crew Factory // Up to 60% off everything (I can’t even with these stripes)
Old Navy // 50% off everything
Super agreed – there’s a huge difference before and after the sleeve roll. It’s also a perfect technique to take a piece from formal to casual!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
finally!! best sleeve roll tutorial ever!! Trying it today.
Such a great post! Zhushing is SO IMPORTANT.
I am a habitual zhusher for sure! I loved your stiff cuff pic!
I’ve been doing the J. Crew sleeve roll for years. It really takes the bulk out of a rolled sleeve. And a half tuck is pretty much my signature look! Great post.
You are just adorable in every outfit! Love the tips. Thanks!!
Thanks for sharing. Great tips. Love all your outfits.
Oh my gosh! I needed this! Thank you! Also -what size did you get in the raw hem skirt? Did you do regular or Petite?
I sized down one in the regular size (didn’t want it too short!!)…I’m wearing a 25. xo
Please show me how to make my cotton shirt tie look cute.
Ha!! No trick there, I just do a little knot at the end of the hem (so it sits even across the bottom, as opposed to riding up)! xoxo
LOVE your zhushing tips! The word ‘zhush’ reminds me so much of Genevive Gorder! I agree that a little tweaking goes a long way to make an outfit look more styled. I worked at a retail store in college that zhushing was a part of the brand- sort of like J.Crew. Every piece went on the hanger a specific way to give it that special look. Great post, Cassie!
The cuff makes all the difference. I’m a huge fan and use it all the time. I love the uncuffed photo. I do struggle with the half tuck. I’m quite short waisted and only 5″3 and I find it often seems to truncate me. I know you have a long torso but any tips?
How about tying the shirt, but doing it below your natural waist to extend your torso a bit? Still gives you the casual look! Or go with the half-tuck and strut around knowing you have longer legs than most of us!! 😉 xoxo
When you tie the shirt tails, what happens to the shirt in back? Do you leave that alone or tuck it under so the shirt looks level all the way around?
I’m pinning this helpful post. Let zhushing ensue.
Thanks Patricia! Depending on the length of the shirt ‘tail’….I either leave it be, or if it’s really long, I’ll tuck it under a bit. The goal is to look ‘undone’ xoxo
One of my favorite posts. You can ‘zhush’ any outfit right?!
I LOVE those tips! Definitely going to try the sleeve roll today! Awesome post 🙂
Thank you! I really needed these tips LOL
You dd it again, you made my mouth dropped. You and tge outfits you are modeling are 109% fabulous. Thanks for tge tip, how to truly roll sleeves. I love it!
I love all of your posts and tips. What tips would you suggest for short waisted gals?