Tuck it Like Beckham

Men have been doing it for a long time, probably in an effort to show off  a great , er, “belt buckle”  but now fashion-trenders like J Crew and others are urging women to bring back the former 80s style of half-tucking in shirts.  The idea is being meet with lukewarm reception from many who just aren’t sure about pulling off the look.  Some suggests that it is just plain sloppy, others think it’s ok on the magazine covers but can’t seem to replicate it themselves.

There is no doubt that the untucked, unperfect, half in and half out style is a little challenging.  While it is supposed to appear effortless and chic, too often it looks forced and contrived.  Like a messy up-do, fashionistas who can artfully tuck and droop achieve a look that is relaxed and sexy without looking like they worked for an hour to get the right tuck.

The half tuck can be functional, too. Do you have a great watch that feels uncomfortable on your wrist?  Tuck in and attach the watch to a belt loop.  You can find some gorgeous replica watches here.

For sure, there are some definite does and don’ts to achieve this supremely casual look.  First, you must have the right figure for this look.  Chubby girls need not apply.  This is one look that needs a thinner girl.  You don’t have to have a perfect figure, this trend helps hide flaws.   The tuck has to be relaxed, never severe.  Most commonly, the tucked in part is on the front and to the side but some women are going for the center front and rocking it well. The fabric of the shirt must be something with a great drape such as a very soft, thin cotton or a slippery silk.  No regular, off the rack tee shirt will do. The fit should be a little or a lot loose.  Something very structured and tight-fitting won’t hang will.  Button-ups are tricky.  Some can pull it off but some just don’t flow well.  You have to have a shirt with a softer swoop.  If done well, the tuck creates a sort of ruching on the side that is soft and flattering.  A shirt that is a little too long works great with this look because the tucking pulls the length up closer to the right proportion.

The bottoms are just as important.  No high-waisted pants for this look.  You need a low-rise pant, jeans or shorts.  Preferable are a skinny jean or tight pant as a loose pant coupled with the half-tuck gives a much too sloppy look.  You are going for relaxed and purposefully messy, but not just-getting-out-of-bed look.

So, are you ready for the half-tuck?  Can you pull it off like the models?  Is it a trend that you think should become a classic or is it here today and, thankfully, gone tomorrow?