Oversized Fashion
Image Courtesy of WSJ.com
Written by Peyton Haahr
No longer slouchy and frumpy, but stylish. That’s the turnaround that oversized clothing has made in recent seasons. The sweatshirts that hang down mid-thigh or loose fitting shorts and pants that look in desperate need of a belt have been crowned king among the streetwear fanatics and regular fashion folk alike. Oversized styles have moved past the label of a ‘trend’, and become a staple in anyone’s closet, like a great pair of jeans and the little black dress. And everything has gotten the oversized treatment: tops, jackets, hoodies, pants, and even shoes and hats. But the tricky bit is finding the point between looking like you bought a shirt one size too big versus twelve sizes too big, and you’re literally drowning in fabric. When done right it can be a brilliant balance of volume and tailoring for a classic casual look that can take you from day to night, from shopping day in Los Angeles to elegant evening dinner dates, from vacations to tropical islands to easy days out with friends. Check out our favorite oversized pieces and how to hit the mark when it comes to styling them.
No longer slouchy and frumpy, but stylish. That’s the turnaround that oversized clothing has made in recent seasons. The sweatshirts that hang down mid-thigh or loose fitting shorts and pants that look in desperate need of a belt have been crowned king among the streetwear fanatics and regular fashion folk alike. Oversized styles have moved past the label of a ‘trend’, and become a staple in anyone’s closet, like a great pair of jeans and the little black dress. And everything has gotten the oversized treatment: tops, jackets, hoodies, pants, and even shoes and hats. But the tricky bit is finding the point between looking like you bought a shirt one size too big versus twelve sizes too big, and you’re literally drowning in fabric. When done right it can be a brilliant balance of volume and tailoring for a classic casual look that can take you from day to night, from shopping day in Los Angeles to elegant evening dinner dates, from vacations to tropical islands to easy days out with friends. Check out our favorite oversized pieces and how to hit the mark when it comes to styling them.
Photos Courtesy of WSJ
Take a cue from Balenciaga’s Spring runway show and get in with the oversized tee craze. If you haven’t already gotten in on the game here you’ve likely been living under a rock. Oversized graphic tees and basic tops are a must-have for a casual wardrobe (especially here in California!) as they pair perfectly with the majority of someone’s wardrobe. They can add flair and personality to your favorite skinny jeans, jean shorts, or yoga pants for a more casual look. Spice up the look even more with a pair of tailored trousers or knotted over a slim midi skirt. You can basically use an oversized tee for everything - so if you’re someone looking to stock your closet with versatile, easy to style, comfortable pieces, this should be a go-to for you. It won’t go out of style, and when purchased in great colors like stone, blacks, grays, and navys, you won’t ever have to worry about wearing the wrong thing.
Balenciaga’s oversized tops featured collars, with their silk fabric and dressy prints giving them a boost from your average cotton tee. But nonetheless, notice how they are styled with slim-fitted additions - either a mini denim skirt or skinny cut black jeans. The oversized nature of the top made it the focal point of the look, but it doesn’t overpower anything.
Photos Courtesy of Vogue.com
One of our personal favorites here at Matti D is the oversized jean jacket. We think it’s a total staple for any fashion-conscious shopper, and can take any look from average to stand-out. Denim jackets that are oversized in the shoulder region are awesome, but also consider jackets that reach down further than just your waist or a cropped style - try and be on the lookout for ones that reach mid-thigh. This style choice is incredibly unique and adds both layers and volume to your look. If you’re headed out with friends and need a jacket that gives a bit more warmth and is less predictable than a regular jean jacket, this can be the show-stopper you’re looking for.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different washes too. Darker washes can give the look a dressier feel, but acid-washed denim is totally on-trend at the moment, as retro styles make their way around again. Denim on denim looks are an option too, as is experimenting with colored denim or tie-dye denim. You can use the denim as a canvas for working with other trends or other standout pieces in your wardrobe. This oversized jacket doesn’t even need to be the centerpiece of your look - if you’ve got a glittery mini dress on underneath or a colorful sheer top, highlight that, and let the jean jacket help you do so.
Photos Courtesy of Rivet.com and Shutterstock
Oversized clothing isn’t over. It’s here to stay, in a big way. Styles that add a bit of slouch, a bit of volume, and a whole lot of fashionable currency. It can be applied to virtually every piece of clothing, and worn for almost any occasion. It checks the boxes of both comfort and style, not to mention as wonderful vacation styles to take you straight off the plane and on to your next adventure. That all sounds fabulous to us. Whether you’re looking to up your athleisure game with trending graphics and colors or simply on the hunt for the next great basic to work into your current favorites, the oversized style can and will fit that bill to a tee (pun intended). It’s a bit of a balancing act, but it’s a doable one - so, get shopping!