Oversized style guide: Essential pieces, outfit hacks, where to shop

The oversized style trend has gone mainstream, and it’s easier than ever to pop a toe in these bold waters. Online and in stores, you have an ample selection of wearable oversized pieces available — from slouchy knits to wide-leg pants — to create outfits that are polished, age-appropriate, and fashion-forward.

Here’s a review of the essential oversized pieces, outfit hacks, and stores to lean on as you evolve your look to incorporate this larger-than-life trend.

Essential oversized pieces

‘Round these parts, I can assume you’re not interested in remaking your entire wardrobe so you can wear some baggy clothes. So I’m defining essential oversized pieces as items you can incorporate into your rotation easily, without an additional investment. Try these for starters:

1. Bomber. An oversized bomber jacket easily layers over a turtleneck or fitted sweater atop straight-leg pants. See Topshop’s faux leather bomber for inspiration.
2. Sweater. Oversized chunky knits wear wonderfully over jeans or half-tucked into flat-front trousers. The sweaters you bought for the cozy girl trend a few years back can step in perfectly, too. The cold waters turtleneck sweater from Tobi is a fresh option.
3. Wide-leg pants. Wide-leg pants are a wardrobe essential these days. Recruit them into your oversized style efforts by pairing them with a sleek top and larger outer layer. A cardigan with slouchy sleeves or a trench coat — or both — with ankle boots will complete the look. Zara’s pleated wide leg pants are a great starting point.
4. Shacket. The right shacket looks amazing over a slip dress or jeans and a t-shirt. Opt for one with quality fabric to maximize its versatility. The Seroya April curdoroy shacket at Retrofete is a splurge-worthy choice.
5. Chunky loafers. Chunky loafers are another piece that can go casual or dressy and edgy or polished. Look for a pair with prominent shapes and lines, but low-key or minimal embellishments. My pick right now is the Reformation Agathea chunky loafers at Shopbop.
6. Accessories. The age-old Budget Fashionista hack is to participate in the latest trend with accessories. In this case, a bold tote bag, chunky jewelry, or face-shielding black sunglasses will do the trick. 

Oversized outfit hacks

Oversized can easily devolve into overwhelmed. Follow these tips to avoid disappearing behind your high-priced layers.

1. Strive for balance. You can team two oversized pieces in an outfit, but you need at least one fitted component to keep the balance. Often, the easiest approach involves going big with pants and an outer layer — while keeping your top sleek and fitted.
2. Experiment with textural contrast. Heavier fabrics are popular in oversized pieces because they provide structure. Consider pairing your corduroys and denims with contrasting textures that are soft and lightweight fabrics. Viscose, silk, satin, or linen are great choices. 
3. Try statement sleeves. You can nod to the oversized trend with wearable pieces that have an oversized element, like statement sleeves. For example, a lightweight blouse with balloon sleeves is easy to pair with jeans, trousers, or a straight-cut skirt.
4. Half tuck. Slip the front of your slouchy sweater or oversized blouse into your jeans to define your waistline. Add a chunky belt to eliminate any chance your outfit might accidentally drift into sloppy territory.
5. Roll sleeves. If your roomy top is looking too enormous, try rolling the sleeves. This hack works for sweaters, button-downs, and blouses. The contrast between the bulky top and your thinner arms often creates the balance your outfit needs.
6. Leave it open — or closed. Opening the buttons of an oversized blazer, coat, or cardigan can update the dynamic of a voluminous outfit. Likewise, fastening the closures can do the same. Try both looks to determine which is the better fit for your style and the occasion.
7. Choose big shoes. Delicate sandals, kitten heels, and ballet flats can get lost under oversized jeans and trousers. Choose an outfit anchor that’s tough enough to stand out under the oversized pressure. Try lug boots, chunky loafers, or ankle boots with block heels. This strategy can be a great segue into punk rock fashion.

Where to shop for oversized fashion

These stores currently carry stylish, affordable, and versatile oversized pieces:

1. Zara. Zara’s trend-driven collection features oversized sweaters, blazers, sweatshirts, trench coats, t-shirts, and more.
2. H&M. Oversized options at H&M are more casual compared to Zara. Shop H&M when you need wearable basics in solid colors.
3. Nordstrom Rack. Nordstrom Rack plays that middle ground between Zara and H&M. The options are interesting and affordable, but less consistently polished than Zara.
4. Topshop. Topshop’s oversized collection doubles down on button-up shirts and t-shirts.

Oversized inspiration from Instagram

Grece Ghanem pairs an oversized boxy t-shirt with a cape coat, statement handbag, and a straight-shaped midi skirt. Perfection! 

Ting Ma shows us that oversized doesn’t mean covered up. To make her volume statement, she opts for two fitted, skin-baring pieces with oversized elements. 

Style Queen Zilla beautifully dupes a younger model’s outfit with wide-leg pants, a fitted sweater, and oversized sunnies. 

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