Oversized clothes have a bad reputation for being sloppy and too casual. There should be clear distinction between oversized classy pieces and cosy loungewear, your partner’s hoodie or tee. There is a time and place for slouchy clothes and it’s evening on your sofa watching TV. If you want to wear your nice oversized clothes out and about, you need to give them some shape.

I am a huge advocate for oversized fit. I don’t think you will ever see me in all body tight outfit. Even if I wear a bodycon dress (unlikely) I will have an oversized blazer or cardigan over it. But I notice many women struggle with styling oversized clothes because they worry it will drown them or make them look bigger.

I also disagree that short women can’t wear oversized unless paired with high heels.

Therefore I put together some tricks I’ve learnt over the years that will help you to implement this style into your wardrobe.

Tuck in

Don’t let it hang. Front tuck your big vintage jumper, half tuck your boyfriends shirt. Keep your bottom part high waisted (jeans, trousers, skirt). Front tuck will highlight your waistline and will make your outfit more intentional. No matter your body shape it will make you look slimmer.

Show some skin

Whatever you’re wearing, you can always improve your look by highlighting the slimmest part of your body. Roll up your sleeves to show your wrists, wear cropped trousers or roll them up to show your ankles. Open some extra buttons in your shirt to accentuate your collarbones and décolletage.

Half tucked blue men’s shirt paired with straight leg jeans. Exposed wrists and neckline, decorated with gold tone jewellery for perfect finish.

Add some jewellery

Oversized clothes will naturally look more masculine and casual. To make you look more feminine and put together, add a necklace, earrings or bracelet. Just keep it simple with single chain or layer few dainty pieces together.

Wear the right shoes

That goes hand in hand with showing your ankles. I would choose something slim and minimal in colour and form. If you wear heels it’s always the best option, either pumps or strappy sandals. Because I don’t wear heels, I would go two ways, either pointed boots with slim ankle in similar colour to your trousers or flat shoes like mules or sandals. I would stay away from chunky trainers or boots.

Try tonal look

Even if your jumper is 4 sizes too big, it will automatically look more chic with trousers or skirt in same colour. Maybe you just want a big cosy cream jumper that day but it will not be so obvious if you pair it with cream jeans and heeled boots or mules. Add a trench or wool coat on top of it and you have a very chic oversized outfit. It’s still extremely comfortable but it looks like you actually tried.

All shades of grey, including the beanie, create very cohesive outfit. Thanks to tailored trousers and chain necklace the look is more dressy.

Stay chic

I wouldn’t wear large hoodie with a pair of baggie, distressed jeans because its not my style, and frankly I don’t think you could save that look with any of the tips I just mentioned. To stay chic in oversized clothes you need to stick to classics and preferably something tailored or structured, e.g. cropped suit trousers and chunky jumper. An oversized long dress will automatically look put together paired with structured blazer or leather jacket instead of chunky cardigan.

Balance

I know every article and YouTube video says that you need to balance your oversized outfit by adding tight fitting piece. And that’s true, but I also think that two loose items can create very interesting, unexpected and nonchalant look. So experiment a little because its really worth trying. You get comfortable and chic look at the same time.

Choose wide leg jeans for more unexpected look and pair them with oversized luxuriously soft cashmere jumper.

If you think comfortable and chic sound good together, you are in the right place. I’ll be posting more tips on how to achieve that effortless look. In the meantime, check out my instagram @slowdown.blog for daily outfit inspiration.

Please let me know if I missed anything and share with us your tips on how you style oversized clothes to look chic.