Gaylene recently started a great thread in the YLF forum about how she is singing a different tune these days when it comes to the fit of her clothes. This is how she put it:

“All this talk of “slouchy” has obviously influenced my style goals without my knowing it. More and more I’m passing up on my skinnies for a looser pair of jeans these days and relegating my slim pencil skirts and shrunken jackets to the back of my closet. And I think there is more to it than my just wanting to indulge and make merry over the holidays.

Somehow those skinny, body conscious looks that I wore constantly last season just seem so unexciting now. I’m not really going for the full on over-sized, baggy, slouchy look, but clothes with a touch of ease and volume seem more appealing these days. Sizing up instead of sizing down just seems to be the right choice more often than not”.

Gaylene’s words really resonated with me. I bat for Team Looser Clothing no matter what the fashion trends are. That’s not because I want to hide my shape, but rather because something about a slightly looser fit looks more modern, luxurious and “no-nonsense” to my eye. The visual effect is also more tomboyish, and since my style is equal parts Boyish and Ladylike, this fits. I still wear form fitting turtlenecks but that’s it for body con fits. I dabbled in a few body con frocks and denim jeggings last year but the trend was short lived for my style. Even my tailored fits are looser than the norm because I think they look more flattering that way, not to mention the added level of comfort.

The thread produced interesting comments that are well worth a read. Like me, some felt the same way as Gaylene. Others felt quite the opposite. For example, some felt that they finally have a handle on wearing form fitting clothing after sporting clothes that were a couple of sizes too big for years. So wearing looser clothing would feel like a style regression. Some are worried that wearing looser clothing means that they might “grow into them too easily”. In other words, form fitting styles motivate them to stay at a particular weight. 

I’m not overly concerned with “growing into my looser clothes more easily” because my weight does not fluctuate very much. But I have reached the stage where I pop on skinnies and they feel SO TIGHT, yet I am at the same weight and size. So although they look the same, they feel very different. That’s what frequently wearing baggy and slouchy jeans and trousers will do to your impression of wearing skinnies. 

Oversized clothing, whether slightly or very oversized, is on trend and, for now, there is no stopping the look. In fact, volume is possibly the biggest trend on recent fashion shows. So each season we are likely to see the trend feature a little more strongly at retail as it filters down from the runway.

I am interested in how the oversized trend is affecting your perceptions of fit. Is your eye adjusting to the look of slightly looser clothing? Do you prefer the comfort of the baggier fits? Are you a tailored or body con gal at heart? Are you worried about oversized clothing potentially leading to weight gain, or is this of no concern?

This roundup is more budget friendly than the last one — six jackets, sweaters and tops that could refresh your style for Spring. 

• ASTR Perforated Faux Suede Moto Jacket: If you missed out on a blush moto last year, try this one. The perforated texture combines a sporty edge with sorbet softness. Also available in light grey. 
• Kenneth Cole New York Perforated Bomber Jacket: A gloriously modern update on the ’80s Members Only jacket. I’m in love. 
• Topshop Moto Studded Western Denim Shirt: An Isabel Marant vibe at a more affordable price. 
• Trouvé Mixed Media Tunic: Oversized, yet structured. Great for the office over trousers or a pencil skirt. Fab drape, pattern and high-low hemline. Check out both patterns.
• Bobeau Lace Front Sweatshirt: All three colours are nice. Perfect with leather or waxed denim bottoms. 
• Hinge Embellished Collar Space Dye Sweater: And a little bling for Team Magpie. Dress this earthy and jewel toned sweater up or down, for the office or over the weekend. 

Tops, although still roomy, are looking more structured than last year’s over abundance of super oversized silhouettes. I like structured loose fits because they are easy and comfortable to wear, but don’t look tent-ish.

I was at the Gap earlier this week when some khakis on a mannequin caught my eye. I loved the way they fitted lower on the hip, dropping the crotch point for a slouchy effect. I loved the shorter length that was created by scrunching up and folding the hems to just below the calf — a refreshing change to the cropped ankle length pant mania that is everywhere. I loved the baggy fit on the legs. I’m not a fan of classic khaki pants, or even the colour khaki, but would wear khakis that fit like this in a heartbeat. 

Upon closer inspection I saw that these pants were the Broken-in Straight Khakis that had been sized up one size to create the loose fit. The legs were pulled up and the hems folded over a couple of times to hold the scrunch in place. The fit on the bottom is baggy, so you have to be at peace with that part of the deal. The pants are also available in peach, olive and navy, across petite, regular and tall sizes. Personally, I wish they were available in white. Perhaps they will be in a couple of months. 

I grabbed a size up and attempted to create the same look in the fitting room. It was surprisingly easy. I didn’t expect the scrunch to stay up because I don’t have shapely calves to hold the hems in place, but rolling them up a few times solved that problem. I need to road test the look to be sure though, because they might fall down as I stride.

I like the Converse styled with these khakis. A pair of fashionable high-tops could be fun too. The striped sweater is an easy classic, but not your only option. Think breezy blouses, high-low tops and cardigans, big tees, boyfriend shirts, lace, blazers, military jackets, leather jackets, bomber jackets, sassy sweatshirts and utility jackets. Wear the tops tucked with a belt, or untucked as shown here. Lots of fun juxtapositions. This is a refreshing take on khakis to my eye, and I see lots of possibilities for alternative footwear and tops. What do you think of the look?

My sock style is basic and boring, which is just how I like it. I wear solid black or charcoal socks. Not too thin or too thick. Super soft, non-itchy, and often knee-length during the Winter months. They are either made of a merino wool-nylon-spandex blend for extra warmth, or of a micromodal-nylon-spandex blend for milder weather. They must fit snugly around the leg and foot so that they don’t fall down or bunch up. I see red when my socks fall down or slide off my feet while I’m walking, it’s that annoying to me. So a snug fit is crucial to ensure sock happiness. 

I am hard on my socks and replace them quite frequently because they get worn on the toes within months. I think that’s because I apply lots of pressure in that area when I walk at a fast place. I also wear socks most of the year so I’m often purchasing a few pairs here and there just to keep a constant flow of decent looking socks in my wardrobe. I’m most embarrassed when I remove my shoes at a friend’s house and my socks look worn. 

Please share your sock recommendations in the comments section. I’m always in search of the “perfect socks” and would love to know which sock styles keep your feet happy. Also, are you hard on your socks like I am?