Though they were once considered unfashionable, oversized clothing recently came back in style. Previously, it had the reputation of being clothing you wear when you don’t want to put any effort into putting together a look or outfit for the day. However, trendier forms now exist.
While oversized clothes can be made a key part of various trendy looks, the problem is that it’s easy to drown in the fabric. If you want to look stylish, you should learn how to avoid wearing the clothing in the wrong way, which will result in your attire looking oversized in an unappealing way.
With that in mind, here are some tips on properly wearing oversized attire and getting that slouch-chic style right.
Do’s and Don’ts
Typically, the primary reason oversized clothing looks unflattering on someone is because of incorrect measurements. Regardless of your body shape, shapeless, baggy clothes will always look unflattering.
Getting a piece that you usually wear in small and picking a medium will throw off your proportions and drown you out instead of flattering your shape. This is what separates oversized clothing from clothing that is just too big.
A few ways to identify a top that doesn’t fit right is that shoulder seams hang a few centimeters away from your shoulder, the sleeves fall over your hands, or the body feels boxy rather than free-flowing. The right oversized top will fall lower on your shoulder, the sleeve will finish at your elbow, or maybe your wrist, and the hem will fall in line with your body.
When it comes to pants, you still want the waistband and length to fit you properly. Your best bet is to look for relaxed-fit or wide-leg styles that are designed to appear bigger but at the same time fit your size.
In either case, you shouldn’t get clothing items more than three sizes too large than your exact size.
Furthermore, once you have an oversized look in mind, you should figure out how to wear it right, which is where proportions come in.
For instance, pairing a big baggy top with skinny jeans and a pair of chunky sneakers will throw your legs out of proportion. As a rule of thumb, it is ideal for removing skin-tight styles from your collection as they don’t quite go well with the proportions of oversized pieces. The trick here is to shine a light on your oversized item—meaning pairing it with an extremely tight-fitting piece will be distracting.
Instead, you can wear a big knit, oversized top with slim-fit pants. They will maintain the right proportion and complement your oversized top. Slim pants will also allow you to rock chunky footwear without making your feet appear clown-like.
How to Wear Oversized Properly
Thanks to the oversized trend, you can slip into loose fits and call it a style choice instead of slobbiness. Here are some tips to help you navigate the oversized pitfalls.
1. Wear Less Fabric Depending on Body Weight
Unless you want to look like you are wrapped in five chunky blankets, don’t wear several oversized items at once. In fact, you might want to keep the amount of fabric minimal. The primary rule is to find the balance between baggy and fitted. Then, ensure you pair the oversized item with fitted items so your body looks proportional.
2. Add an Oversized Coat to Any Outfit
The oversized coat has always been any Sherlock Holmes fans’ favorite piece of clothing. When you are opting for a bigger fit, ensure you go easy on the color. Neutral shades like white, gray, and navy are ideal.
When it comes to styles, oversized puffer jackets, technical coats, and parkas work well. However, wool overcoats are best to achieve a more flowing silhouette. Keep your look sleek underneath with cropped pants and roll necks.
3. Include Smaller or Larger Accessories
This hack is particularly great for petite girls who might end up feeling like oversized clothing is dragging them down. An easy way to deal with the lack of long legs is to wear a cap that has a similar color to your top. It will visually elongate your figure, thereby improving your proportions.
In case you don’t like wearing a cap, consider a scarf during winter to draw attention to your upper body. You can also wear a high bun or browse eyeglasses online to help you make a statement. A chunky necklace also works well and will help you put together a more polished look.
Don’t Overthink It
When you are just getting started with oversized dressing, it might appear as if there are many rules to follow and not much fun to be had. However, there is actually more room to play around than you would anticipate.
Once you have the ground rules in place, all you have to do is buy the right oversized pieces, consider proportions, and keep it casual. An easy way to make your oversized look attractive is to combine various styles in one. Lastly, consider finding ways to bring oversized smart pieces into your casual wardrobe.