I am sure I am not alone when I say that TikTok has become an essential platform in my daily life. For people who haven’t jumped on the bandwagon (which you absolutely should do by the way) TikTok is a social media forum that allows users to post up to 60 second long videos. I know this may be controversial, but I think TikTok is basically Vine (taken over by Generation Z).
My FYP (For You Page) is filled with astrology and tarot card readings, makeup tutorials, and most recently fashion hacks. People often say you have entered “Food TikTok” or “Dog TikTok” when your FYP shows you videos that fit in a certain category. I have entered “Fashion TikTok” and I am excited to tell you that I have discovered some very useful fashion hacks and tips.
Are Your Jeans too Loose?
I think we all have that pair of jeans that fits perfectly everywhere except the waist and they create that dreaded back gap. Unsurprisingly, where there is a problem, TikTok has the solution! The first hack I used myself, that I saw during a 3 am insomnia scroll, was using a shoelace and a 90s snap clip. You put the clip on the end of the shoelace, cut two small incisions on the inside of the start and end of your waistband, and feed the lace right through. This makes it possible to fasten your waist really tightly by tying the lace as you would in a shoe, while having the shoelace hidden within your waistband.
The second hack I discovered for jeans that are too big, was through a post by @blackqueen_509. She takes the button of the jeans and puts the first belt loop on the same side around it, and then buttons the pants. Although there is some fabric bunching in the front, it gives you that tight, defined look that sometimes gets lost in ill-fitting jeans.
Another user, @itscamilleco, also demonstrates a really great trick, similar to the first one I mentioned. Instead of feeding the shoelace through the pants (because not everyone wants to be an Edward ScissorHands and cut holes in their jeans) she loops the shoelace through the back three belt loops and ties the lace tight. Although you can see the shoelace, she pairs her jeans with a cute crop top and oversized blazer, essentially covering up any traces.
Are Your Jeans too Tight?
We are IN A PANDEMIC, our bodies are allowed to change and grow, and gaining a few extra pounds does not mean we need to throw away all of our clothes (especially our very expensive American Eagle jeans). TikToker @kristinakacheeva shows how you can use a hair tie to give you some extra room in the waist. She slides the hair tie through the button opening, pulls one side of the hair tie through the other, and then wraps it around the button. You pull your shirt over your button, and voilà! You now have yourself a comfortable-fitting jean.
On-the-Shoulder Blazer
User @billiexnewland shows how you can wear a blazer on your shoulders without it slipping off. Sure, you could wear the blazer with your arms actually inside the jacket, but why would you do that when you can be way cuter with it draped over your shoulders. Billie says to take safety pins and pin your top to the inner lining of your jacket. It’s not just blazers that you can use this hack with, you can also use it on sweaters and light weight jackets.
High Heels
Nothing is sexier than an amazing pair of heels, but then again nothing is more painful than a night in these said heels. Again @billiexnewland comes through with her great hacks! She suggests taping two toes, the third and fourth, together to prevent toe pain. She also says to use sandpaper on the bottom of your heels to prevent slipping and to add some grip. If your feet are slipping inside your heels, you can spray some dry shampoo inside, or if the fit is too snug you can rub your feet with some vaseline before putting on your heels. Her final hack is to use baby powder inside your shoe if you know you are going to be sweating and want to prevent any kind of odour!
I am happy to say that some useful and shareable knowledge has come out of my countless hours of scrolling on TikTok. There is a lot of really great, informative content all over the app, once you navigate through the thousands of preteen dancing videos. I can honestly say that TikTok has helped my fashion game … is that sad? Maybe, but it is also a definite victory!