Fashion’s Biggest Lies: Trends That Claim to Be ‘Flattering’ (But Aren’t)

March 26, 2025

We’ve all seen it—fashion trends that claim to be universally ‘flattering’ but end up being anything but. The problem? What works on one body type doesn’t always work on another, yet the fashion industry often pushes trends as if they’re one-size-fits-all.

Let’s break down some of the biggest so-called ‘flattering’ trends, why they might not work for everyone, and how to actually find styles that highlight your best features.

1. Low-Rise Jeans Are ‘Flattering’ for All

Trendy Streetwear: Bold Prints and Statement Pieces

Low-rise jeans are making yet another comeback, but do they really work for every body type?

Why They Don’t Work for Everyone:

• They visually shorten the legs, making petite frames appear even shorter.

• They emphasize the midsection in a way that isn’t always the most comfortable or confidence-boosting.

• Finding the right fit can be tricky—if they’re too tight, they cause the dreaded ‘muffin top’; if they’re too loose, they lack structure.

What to Try Instead:

• Mid-rise or high-rise jeans elongate the legs and provide a smoother silhouette.

• Wide-leg jeans with a fitted waist offer structure while balancing proportions.

• If you love low-rise,go for a slouchy, relaxed fit rather than ultra-tight cuts.

2. Bodycon Dresses ‘Highlight Your Curves’

Bodycon dresses are marketed as the ultimate confidence booster, but for many, they do the exact opposite.

Why They Don’t Work for Everyone:

• They cling to everything—which is great if you love a sculpted look but less so if you prefer strategic shaping.

• Fabric choice matters—thin, unstructured materials can highlight texture rather than create smooth lines.

• They often require shapewear to achieve the intended look, making them more high-maintenance than advertised.

What to Try Instead:

• A-line or wrap dresses create a more effortless shape while still defining the waist.

• Draped or ruched fabrics give a body-skimming effect without being restrictive.

• Structured knit dresses offer bodycon vibes without clinging too much.

3. The Wrong ‘Flattering’ Crop Top Length

A woman with long wavy hair wearing a white crop top, knitted brown vest, and high-waisted denim jeans

Crop tops are everywhere, but not all crops are created equal.

Why They Don’t Work for Everyone:

• If a crop top cuts at the widest part of your torso, it can create an unbalanced proportion.

• The wrong length can either shorten the torso or cut off your natural waistline.

• Oversized cropped tees can drown a petite frame, while micro crops can feel too revealing.

What to Try Instead:

• Look for crop tops that hit at the smallest part of your waist to create definition.

• Try fitted, structured crops instead of shapeless ones to balance proportions.

• Pair with high-waisted bottoms to elongate your figure.

4. Boxy Blazers Are ‘Universally Chic’

A stylish woman in an oversized blazer, graphic tee, and embellished skirt walking through the city.

The oversized blazer trend is everywhere, but does it actually work for everyone?

Why They Don’t Work for Everyone:

• If the shoulder structure is too exaggerated, it can overwhelm petite frames.

• A too-boxy fit can completely hide your shape rather than enhance it.

• The wrong length can cut at the widest part of your hips, making your lower body look disproportionate.

What to Try Instead:

• Go for structured tailoring rather than ultra-boxy cuts—look for blazers with slight shaping at the waist.

• Cropped blazers or blazers with a defined waistline create a polished but flattering silhouette.

• If oversized, balance it out with fitted bottoms or a belt.

5. Balloon Sleeves ‘Create a Balanced Silhouette’

Dramatic sleeves are fun, but sometimes they’re more overwhelming than ‘flattering.’

Why They Don’t Work for Everyone:

• If you have narrow shoulders, extra volume can make your upper body look disproportionate.

• For those with broad shoulders, the added width can exaggerate rather than balance.

• - Certain sleeve placements (like extra puff at the shoulders) can make the arms look wider.

What to Try Instead:

• Opt for structured or tapered sleeves to get drama without adding bulk.

• Choose subtle puff sleeves rather than extreme balloon shapes.

• Balance with streamlined bottoms—if the sleeves are big, keep the lower half sleek.

6. The ‘One-Size-Fits-All’ Midi Skirt Length

A bold and eclectic street style outfit featuring plaid, stripes, and statement accessories.

Midi skirts are often sold as universally flattering, but length matters.

Why They Don’t Work for Everyone:

• If they hit mid-calf (the widest part of the leg), they can visually shorten the legs.

• Certain cuts can create an unintentional ‘cut-off’ effect if not styled correctly.

• Fabric choice is key—too stiff can feel bulky, while too flowy can lack shape.

What to Try Instead:

• Look for midi skirts that hit slightly above or below mid-calf for a more flattering proportion.

• Opt for high-waisted styles to elongate the frame.

• Pair with fitted tops or cropped jackets to maintain balance.

7. The Misleading ‘Best Jeans for Every Body’ Claims

We’ve all seen those ‘best jeans for your body type’ lists—but the reality? The best jeans for you depend on more than just generalizations.

Why They Don’t Work for Everyone:

• ‘Hourglass-friendly’ jeans might not suit every hourglass figure if the waist-to-hip ratio isn’t right.

• ‘Petite jeans’ often assume shorter legs, but not all petite women have the same proportions.

• ‘Curvy’ jeans can still have fit issues if they don’t take actual waist measurements into account.

What to Try Instead:

• Prioritize fit over trend—look for jeans with the right inseam, waist-to-hip ratio, and stretch level for your body.

• Know your rise preference—high-rise vs. mid-rise makes a difference in proportion.

• Test different brands—denim sizing is inconsistent, so experiment to find your best fit.

How to Actually Find What’s Flattering for You

Instead of following every trend that claims to be ‘flattering,’ it’s time to embrace what actually works for your unique shape, height, and features. That’s where LookSky comes in.

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Take the guesswork out of fashion? LookSky curates pieces based on your facial features, body type, and personal aesthetic:

✔ Outfits recs that fit your color season, shape, vibe, and plans.

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Because great style isn’t random—it’s personal.

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