14 Easy Ways to Upgrade Your Closet Essentials in 2016

How do you keep volume in thin hair?

With thin hair, you have to be aware that curls or other heat-based styles won't hold as long in your hair because of the fine texture. In order to get styles to last, you have to use volumizing products like a styling mist or a holding gel. Expert hair stylist, Renee Valerie, says that you should never hesitate to layer products to achieve the fullness and lasting style that fine hair requires.

Using sprays or gels will help create a long-lasting voluminous style, while also protecting the color and health of your hair. So don't be scared to try new products — and even test them out together!

Best Hairstyles For Thin Hair

Layers

To start, a good layered haircut will make all the difference with fine hair. When you get a haircut with lots of layers, this helps to create dimension in the hair which gives the illusion of volume, especially when styled right. This added texture makes styling so easy because it gives your hair way more life and movement.

Half Up Half Down

There's many ways you can go about this — and I'll definitely get into more options — but you can't go wrong with a classic half-up half-down. This is a great style when you're on the end of your hair wash cycle, and need to hide some of the grease. Add a touch of dry shampoo and throw it up in this style, and you're good to go! Plus, it gets even cuter when you style it with a scrunchie or a bow to add a fun touch to the look!

Blowout

A classic blowout is one of my favorite styles for my thin hair! I typically do this when my hair's freshly wet out of the shower. I'll soak it in a styling gel or voluminous mousse to help give it volume and allow the curls to hold. Then I'll either blow it dry or use my Dyson Airwrap for the curls. The trick is to add strengthening hairspray after for an even longer hold.

Claw Clip

I love using claw clip because I can tease the underside of my hair for some added volume and use the claw clip to push up my hair even more. This is another great way to add volume to otherwise flat hair — and it's super easy to do! You just need a teasing comb, a claw clip, and voila! You're out the door, and looking fab!

Beachy Waves

Beachy, textured waves are sure to bring life to your thin hair! I love doing this fun hairstyle when I want a more textured look. I'll either braid my hair the night before to get the waves, or individually curl my hair tightly to get these tighter peachy waves like above. Then, all you need to do is add a texture spray and scrunch your hair. These usually last 2-3 days for me!

Messy Bun

Ah, the messy bun. Quite easily the best and quickest way to deal with your thin hair, giving it the illusion of texture or volume. I also happen to love how my hair looks when I take it out of the messy bun — I get all these kinky waves that give life to your hair. Just throw it up in a bun without trying too hard, and pull out some face-framing pieces. You'll look like you have voluminous hair in no time!

Half-Up Half-Down Braid

This is a super fun hairstyle if you're looking for something intermediate or a little more complicated than our other styles! The easiest way I like to achieve this style is by taking two pieces from either side of your hair and braiding them individually. Then wrap them around your head, tucking them into each other to create and invisible braid like above. Take it a step further by adding in beads, accessories, or flowers into the braid. A very whimsical, bridal style — or every something flirty for everyday — if I say so myself!

Using Hot Rollers

For this style, I actually used hot rollers to achieve a bouncy looking blowout. Whenever I use hot rollers, my blowout lasts much, much longer — this is because when you clip them to your head, they cool off in the curled shape for better hold. This is perfect for thin, fine hair that normally doesn't hold curls too well. It's my go-to style when I need the curls to really last all day long.

How to Style Boxer Shorts

The key to styling the boxer shorts trend is ensuring your ensemble has a healthy mix of different styles. If you opt for a casual, oversized tee atop the shorts, it’s going to look like you’re wearing pajamas – which, technically, is what they are, but the idea is to wear them like they’re not.

You want to dress your boxer shorts up a bit! All the girlies are matching their cowboy boots, mini purses, bikinis, button-downs, ballet flats, sneakers (Adidas Sambas, I see you), and blazers with boxer shorts, helping balance out their informal flair. Here are 10 pairs to abide by the boxers shorts trend with creative ways to style them!

Old Navy Soft-Washed Boxer Shorts 5-Pack

This multipack of basic boxer shorts hosts 5 different colors. Pair them with a baby tee and Birkenstocks slides (inspired by this adorable casual get-up) for a loungewear-like feel!

Comme Si La Boxer Classica

These boxer shorts from Comme Si have all the dainty details that elevate their look, like the front label and buttons! The light blue shade could be worn with a denim short sleeve shirt and cowgirl boots for a Western, coastal cowgirl-esque vibe! From there, layer on the gold jewelry and retro sunnies.

Urban Renewal Remnants Made In LA Button Front Boxer Short

It's safe to say I'm obsessed with these colors! If your boxer shorts 'fit is craving more color, opt for this pair from Urban Outfitters. They feature the classic three-button detail at the front, and a stretchy waistband that moves with you. I could see myself styling these with an oversized graphic tee and clogs!

John Galt White & Blue Striped Lace Trim Boxer Shorts

The lacy trim that lines the hem of these boxer shorts is just adorable. It adds an air of femininity to your look, no matter what shirts or shoes you wear these shorts with. Beware that this pair is a bit more low-waisted than your usual boxer shorts – any longline top will work well with them.

Goodfellow & Co Woven Boxers

This is a boxer shorts deal *too* good to pass up – you get 5 for $17! Your summer wardrobe will be full of effortless outfits, thanks to this pack. Wear them with a dainty pointelle tank top and ballet flats for a feminine flair that approaches balletcore.

Oddli Boxers

Made sustainably from deadstock fabrics, this Oddli design is any girl's boxer shorts dream. Any of the colors they come in (um, like 17!) could be dressed up with a sporty jacket over a solid tube top, and trendy sneakers or sturdy boots on the feet.

Aerie Seersucker Boxer

The material on these boxer shorts keeps everything feeling light and cool. The multicolor colorway makes them feel a little less pajama-y, and make them the ultimate candidate to pair with a gauzy white linen button-up!

J. Crew End-on-End Cotton Boxer Short

Flaunting a sportier fit, these boxer shorts from J. Crew are more than easy to wear. I can see the darker colorway of this pair going *so* well with a white tank and light pink cardigan – and if the sweater gets too warm, you could always tie the sleeves over your shoulders for a preppy take on the boxer shorts trend.

Gap Organic Cotton Striped Poplin Shorts

These higher-waisted boxer shorts are made of 100% organic cotton, keeping things light and breezy down there. The lush green color is spring and summer's perfect match, and the vertical striped pattern on these bottoms only adds to their trendiness. You could snag the matching shirt from Gap, or go crazy and pair these with a baby tee and boots!

As a gal with a little more meat and muscle on her bones, this has always been a problem for me. It’s infuriating, but it feels even more isolating. I can’t always wear the same styles that smaller women do, and even if I do find similar boot designs fashioned for wide calves, they look noticeably cheap or simply don’t check all the boxes in terms of my desired look.

I grew tired of saving all the “perfect” tall boot outfit inspo pics to my Pinterest board only to find that the boots in question had way too small of calf sizes, so I did what I always do when I shop for size-specific pieces: I took to Reddit.

I primarily consulted r/femalefashionadvice, r/plussize, and r/ausfemalefashion to see what people like me are saying about wide calf boots. The frustrations with finding good-looking, comfy tall boots was pretty similar across all three subreddits. As one passionate user put it:

“Even at a size 6, I have never been able to just buy any old pair of boots and have them fit. It is interesting to me how we've made great progress the past several years in regards to body inclusivity, yet somehow there seems to be a huge lack of sizing in regards to tall boots… It makes me so sad to see these beautiful boots everyone else gets to wear, slouchy, over the knee, western inspired, leopard/snake print, etc. Nothing like that comes in wide calf.”

Luckily, Redditors across all three threads suggested a handful of brands that actually offer cute wide calf boots with extended sizing. I had never heard of a few of them, but after scrolling through their sites, it felt like I struck gold.

The top-recommended brands for wide calf boots:

• Penningtons
• Børn
• DuoBoots
• Franco Sarto
• Sam Edelman
• Billini

Franco Sarto Bowman Wide Calf Knee High Boots

You're meaning to tell me these chic boots can really accomodate my calves?! The deep red color already had me sold, but that 15.75-inch calf circumference made this style so much better. They also come in a smooth brown color and a foxy faux-snake pattern, if those speak to your personal style more.

Børn Hayden Extended Calf Boots

The suede leather construction of these boots honestly rivals that of the beloved Campus boot, but their fit is much more roomy, boasting a 16.5-inch calf circumference. These zippered boots also have a playful lace-up detail on the back that's utterly unique.

Penningtons Extra Wide Width Black Tall Heeled Boots with Harness Straps

The calf circumference on these bad boys starts at around 17 inches for shoe size 6, and tops out around 19 inches for shoe size 12. I can't get enough of these moto-style boots and I love that they have the signature harness with silver hardware around the base that other similar boots do.

DuoBoots Saffron Knee High Boots

The fact that you can choose the calf sizing yourself when purchasing these Western-esque boots is ahh-mazing. The options start at 13 inches and go up to 20 inches to hold your beautiful legs without any fuss.

Billini Granger Extended Curve Boots

From all the wide calf boot brands suggested on the Reddit threads I scrolled through, Billini has to be my favorite. They state that these adorable camel-colored boots can fit calf sizes from about 18.11 to 21.42 inches, and while they do have an elastic panel on the sides to stretch even further, I think it's discreet enough that it doesn't distract from the overall look. Score!

Baretraps Thalia Wide Calf Boots

A very similar style to my wishlist Sam Edelman boots, this black pair actually has a 16.5-inch calf circumference that'll fit my legs to a tee. The block heel is the perfect shape and height, plus the toe isn't overly pointed (I don't necessarily care for pointy toes).

Sam Edelman James Wide Calf Western Boots

Finding cowboy boots with wide calves can be a big challenge – but no more! These reddish-brown boots have a 16-inch calf circumference so you can confidently rock any and all Western looks.

Billini Oshea Curve Boots

Immediately yes. These broader-fit boots are everything you need to make a statement with your shoes. They're definitely going on my wishlist! The calf circumferences for this style start at 16 inches and go up to 19 inches based on your shoe size.

Vince Camuto Seshon Extra Wide Calf Boots

With a 18-inch calf circumference, you won't have to worry about squeezing into these tall boots. I adore the timeless squared toe and wide block heel on these!