How to do oversized?

oolagirl(Colleen)

Hello all! I look here often for advice and inspiration, but I don't post much. I was wondering though, I'm wanting to get lost in some big, comfy gigantic sweaters this season, but I'm not sure how to do oversize.

When you shop oversize, do you generally try on things that are a size or two larger than you would normally wear? I have been googling this question without really finding the answer, so any help would be super appreciated! Thanks

8 years ago

General

10 replies

Latest reply was from Firecracker (Sharan)

Deborah

Veteran

Hi oolagirl! I wear a bit of the oversized look and tend to look for oversized designs rather than a garment that is simply a bigger size than I usually wear. Fit is still really important with oversized garments. For me I want to look like my choice is intentional, not that I am trying to hide my body or that my clothing is too big;)

8 years ago

gryffin

Veteran

oolagirl - like Deborah I tend to choose garments that were designed oversized. My latest sweater pick, which is very oversized, is the Emerson Fry Long Sweater in jet. Everyone has a certain sweet spot for volume and I think you have to try them on to find yours. If you want to play with volume but want a more flattering look, check out Eileen Fisher. She will fit your shoulders and neckline as well as sleeves but play with more body volume. EF - you have to enjoy the look. I think if you check out pictures, you'll have a better idea of what appeals to you. Good luck!

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8 years ago

Anonymous

I'm with Deborah and Gryffin in buying deliberately oversize designs. I totally agree with Deborah: to my eye sizing up can look like an attempt to hide the body or like the wearer lost weight and didn't get around to buying new clothes. There seem to be lots of intentional oversize sweaters around, like the EF ones Gryffin mentions.

I'm short, so I look for features that give oversize sweaters structure, like fitted sleeves. I typically choose lighter weight knits; I find their drape helps me feel less overwhelmed. I wear them with leggings -- a look that has become my new uniform for our milder winter. If it's cold and I want a chunkier, warmer knit, I go for cropped sweaters with skinny jeans or assymetrical hemlines.

8 years ago

Joy

Veteran

I am short (5'3"- maybe less as I'm in the shrinking stage of life), and think it helps to have something fitted somewhere and to wear all the same color or low contrast when wearing oversized clothing.

8 years ago

Liz

Veteran

Instead of simply buying a sweater two or three sizes too big (which makes me feel like a droopy slob), I look for a sweater in my size that fits at the neck or shoulders, but has a cut (design) that is larger and oversized elsewhere.
Of course, if you're used to wearing sweaters that are quite fitted or even bordering on tight, then sizing up might give you the more roomy fit you are wanting.
Why not go to a store and do some experimenting -- look both at sweaters a size larger than you usually wear, and look for others in your size that are cut to be more roomy. See which fit you like best.

8 years ago

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

Also, as the previous posters have suggested, you wouldn't want to wear all oversized pieces. I am a bit wide in the shoulder, and for that reason, I like dropped shoulder tops if I'm going for an oversized look.

8 years ago

oolagirl(Colleen)

Active Member

Thank you all so much! Sweaters that have that certain length are so hard to find, and Gryffin, thank you for the link, I am about to check it out I am somewhere between a pear and hourglass, so most things that I own are fitted, but I am coveting a big cozy sweater. I am bad about trying things on that are outside my comfort zone.

8 years ago

crazyone

Veteran

I recommend this sweater as a great way to try the oversized look (there's an extra 40% off right now). I wear it all the time with either skinny jeans or black pants, sometimes with a t-shirt underneath, occasionally with a buttondown collar peeking out. I usually pair it with a long pendant which tends to anchor the volume.

Like the others said, I usually stick to an item in my size, but purposely designed to be slouchy, rather than going up a size.

Madewell

Chronicle Texture Pullover Sweater

View Info

Top Pick

8 years ago

Eleanor

Active Member

One tip of Angie's that works for me is to roll up your sleeves to show your wrists. A vest is a good way to ease into oversize too, because you can have something slimmer cut on the arms.

8 years ago

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Great suggestions so far. You might also take a look at Angie's posts on ponchos this season. Maybe you'd enjoy giving one a try.
Ensemble: Cords, Boots & Poncho or Vest
Ensemble: The Easy Poncho
How to Wear Ponchos with Jeans

8 years ago

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