If you’re currently hoarding one (or maybe even a few) oversized shirts in your closet, you’re in a prime position to prove your style credo this season. While it’s true that oversized vintage tees or white button-down shirts are classic capsule items, how to style them can change with the seasons.
If you want to breathe new life into your oversized shirts, we’ve compiled some genuinely helpful styling tips that will allow you to moonlight as the fashion influencer.
Ahead, we’ve provided handy visual aids — care of some of the trendiest people on the Internet — to act as inspiration. These sweet fashionistas have truly blessed us with their inspired oversized shirt stylings; take notes, this is how to style an oversized shirt.
Let Your Sleeves Hang
Elsa Hosk proves that no sleeve is too long for your oversized shirt. If you have a statement cuff—let it show! Style with jeans, or even a flowing, cotton skirt.
Layered Up
Try layering an oversized t-shirt over other items of clothing that are longer, such as a long button-up, cardigan or a dress. Styling the shirt like this creates a gradient of textures, patterns and colors as the eye scans the length of the outfit. Tip: try this trick with a smart pair of pants or a maxi skirt for additional drama like Jessi Regina.
Tuck It In
Tailor the silhouette of an oversized shirt by tucking it into a waist-hugging skirt or pants, like Paola Locatelli here. It’ll create volume where you like it but keep you snatched in the places you need. You can also experiment with tucking-in one side only to give you the dimensions you want.
Tailored Outerwear
It’s easy to get lost in a giant shirt, which is why layering it with tailored outerwear can be a great way to add structure back into your outfit. Take Hodan Yousuf’s ensemble for example; the fashion influencer has invested in a vintage men’s vest that’s still oversized but retains its structure, unlike the soft lines of the short-sleeved shirt she’s wearing underneath it.
Go Full Bloke-Core
If you’re football made like we are, you’ll be similarly prepared to invest in a wardrobe full of comfy athletic wear. Think: Oversized soccer shirts, nylon tracksuits and trendy trainers. Add touches of personality with your accessories like Tara Chandra and you’ve got yourself an expertly styled kit.
Shop Vintage
Trot on down to your favorite vintage shop and snag an oversized tee or button-down. It’ll add immediate drama to any outfit, even if you just chuck it over the top of some jeans. See: Ali Whittle’s masterful vintage styling.
Get The Set
Worried wearing an oversized shirt is going to look sloppy? Find one that’s part of a co-ord set. The uniform color palette and fabric texture will look resort wear chic. Don’t believe us? Just look at how effortlessly luxurious model, Juny Breeze, looks in this three-piece set. It’s a chef’s kiss from us.
Keep It Simple
Want to wear an oversized shirt but still want to look chic? Try accessorising with chic closet staples like a simplistic handbag, a sleek pair of sunnies and an understated, classic pair of straight-leg jeans, like Malaan Ajang.
Play With Proportions
Try playing with proportions and styling an oversized shirt with long shorts and knee-length boots, like influencer Keely. It’s a blunt take on the rule of thirds.
Donald Duck it
Do a Donald Duck and ditch the pants, wearing an oversized shirt as a thigh-grazing mini dress. Style it with a pair of strappy heels or thigh-high boots like Shay Mitchell has here for a bit of extra coverage.
Try A Tunic
Sometimes, an oversized button-up or a T-shirt can feel wrong in a formal setting, which is where the humble tunic comes in. Styled over a smart pair of trousers or a voluminous maxi skirt, like Allana Davison has done here, provides an elevated solution to an oversized styling conundrum.
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