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You excitedly slip on that cool new oversized blazer, glance in the mirror and wilt. Instead of the effortlessly chic look you envisioned, you feel more like you're swimming in a sea of fabric, your curves lost in the unstructured abyss. Sound familiar?
The oversized blazer trend has taken the fashion world by storm, spotted on runways and street style stars alike. But this look isn't as simple as grabbing any jacket a few sizes up. The key to nailing oversized style is all in the fit and styling. Get it right and you'll look both modern and timeless, powerful and feminine. Get it wrong, and no amount of fashion clout can save the sartorial ship from sinking.
Never fear, we're here to break down the art and science of picking and styling an oversized blazer to best flatter your figure. With our expert tips and tricks, you'll go from feeling swamped to looking exceptionally tailored and on-trend. Here's everything you need to know to ace this style move with aplomb.
Finding Your Oversized Blazer Fit
Petite frame can easily get overwhelmed by an oversized blazer, so the safest option is to go for a shorter or cropped version. Miu Miu blazer, Moda Operandi
Unlike your typical fitted blazer, an intentionally oversized style requires a careful eye to ensure you look stylishly relaxed rather than plain ill-fitting. Start with these benchmarks to find your perfect oversized fit:
For petites: Avoid drowning in fabric by focusing on cropped, hip-length blazers with more structured shoulders. Ensure shoulder seams don't extend more than an inch past your natural shoulders. Bracelet length sleeves that hit a few inches above the wrist bone prevent cuffs from swallowing your hands.
Tall beauties can go really dramatic with longer blazers. Gotham/Getty Images
For tall figures: You have more leeway with extra long lines. Look for tunic length blazers that fall to mid-thigh. An hourglass shape looks stunning in a belted wrap blazer that highlights curves. A rectangle figure can pull off a straight fit or boxier, dropped shoulder style with ease.
For busty ladies: Steer clear of oversized double-breasted styles which add bulk. Opt for single-button blazers with a longer length that hit at the upper thigh to elongate your line. Ensure the blazer doesn't pull at the chest when buttoned.
Balancing Proportions with Bottoms
In case of doubt always play with proportions. Wearing an oversized blazer? Balance it with fitted clothes underneath. Sebastian Reuter/Getty Images
Now that you have your perfect oversized blazer, it's time to style it into outfits with savvy. The secret? It's all a balancing act from the waist down.
In the fashion world, proportion is everything. An oversized top half, like a slouchy blazer, looks most flattering when offset by slimmer, more fitted or structured bottoms. This pushes and pulls the eye in a way that creates shape and leads to a well-proportioned overall silhouette.
Not sure how to style your oversized blazer? Go for the most basic and classic pair of jeans you have. Instagram/@weworewhat
For a classic look, pair your oversized blazer with straight leg trousers or skinny jeans. The juxtaposition of volumes creates an interesting contrast while still looking polished. A pencil skirt is another timeless option that hugs curves while still playing nicely with oversized pieces on top.
To lean into the more directional side of the trend, try an oversized blazer atop wide leg trousers or a maxi skirt. The key here is to keep the billowing volume on bottom balanced out by ensuring your blazer is more cropped in length, hitting at the hip rather than the thigh.
Defining the Waist — Belts, Layering, and More
Your blazer is cinched? Congrats, the waist-defining work has already been done for you! Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
You've built your outfit foundation, but we're not done yet. One pitfall of oversized blazers is that, worn on their own, they can easily hide your curves and render your silhouette shapeless. The solution lies in clever waist definition techniques.
The easiest way to nip in your middle and accentuate your shape is with a great belt. A medium width belt in a contrasting color to your blazer creates an instant hourglass effect. For a subtler approach, choose a skinny belt in a matching hue and loop it through the blazer's belt loops if it has them, or around your natural waist.
Remember: any blazer can be cinched with a belt — as well as any coat or a cardigan. Instagram/@rosiehw
If belts aren't your style, consider wearing a high-waisted skirt or trousers underneath your blazer. This creates a clear waistline while also allowing you to play with proportions and textures. Tuck in a fitted top or bodysuit to further highlight your waist.
For a more relaxed look, try tying a sweater or shirt around your waist, letting it blouse out slightly over the top of your bottoms. This creates a laid-back, effortless vibe while still giving you some shape.
Be creative! Even cross-body bag can give a subtle waist definition. Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Remember, the key is to experiment with different waist definition techniques until you find the one that feels most authentic to your personal style. Whether you prefer the structure of a belt, the coziness of a cropped sweater, or the ease of a tied layer, there's a waist-defining trick perfect for you.
With these styling strategies in your arsenal, you'll transform your oversized blazer from shapeless to figure-flattering in no time. Defining your waist is the secret to making an oversized blazer work for your body and your style.
Sleeve Secrets and Layering Hacks
Long sleeves? Just roll or scrunch them up to the length you want. Instagram/@blaireadiebee
We've handled fit and proportion, but don't underestimate the power of clever detailing to take your oversized blazer to the next level. Sleeves and layering provide the perfect opportunity to play with styling while adding or subtracting visual volume as needed.
For long sleeves that overwhelm, try scrunching them up to elbow length and securing the folds in place with a few hidden elastic hair ties. This styling trick works especially well when layering your blazer over a slim turtleneck with the sleeves extending past your blazer's.
In this Vogue Türkiye photoshoot, Emily Ratajkowski is wearing three oversized pieces at once: a blazer, pants and a shirt. But as far as we can see at least some flesh (wrists) and a hint for a waist definition (her pants are high-waisted and belted), she's good. Instagram/@emrata
When the weather cools, an oversized blazer makes an ideal layering piece over slip dresses and under wool coats. The juxtaposition of lengths and textures looks at once effortless and unexpected.
In warmer temps, push sleeves up to bracelet length and let a pretty lace camisole peek out from beneath your blazer's hem.
Elongating Shoes and Accessories
Wearing an oversized blazer? Consider pointed-toe shoes. Instagram/@camilacoelho
You've perfected your outfit, but there's one oft-overlooked step to ensuring your oversized blazer look lengthens rather than shortens you: your shoes and accessories. Strategic choices here will create an uninterrupted vertical line that draws the eye up and down.
When choosing footwear, think elongating and leg-lengthening. Heels with a low vamp show more of the top of your foot, making legs look a mile long. Pointed toe flats have a similar effect while still being walkable. Ankle straps, by contrast, can visually cut you off — avoid these unless your blazer hemline falls well below the widest part of your hips.
Shoes and tights in the same hue make the legs a mile long, while V-neck draws people's eyes to your face. Instagram/@carodaur
In the accessories department, choose pieces that pull the gaze up towards your face. Delicate layered necklaces or shoulder-dusting earrings peeking out from beneath your blazer create an elegant 'V' effect that makes your neck look swanlike. Top the look off with a baseball cap, bucket hat, or beanie to add a casual, sporty touch to your oversized blazer ensemble. The added height from the hat will also help to visually elongate your frame.
With these tips in mind, you're ready to tackle the oversized blazer trend with confidence and make it entirely your own. Whether you go classically tailored or artfully undone, an oversized blazer is a worthy wardrobe hero that can take you from boardroom to bar and beyond.
Don't be afraid of oversized clothes: any trend can be adapted for real life and real bodies. Instagram/@hoslelsa
The key is to have fun and experiment within these guidelines to find silhouettes and combinations that make you look and feel your most beautiful. As with any fashion choice, the ultimate accessory isn't a belt or necklace — it's the confidence you exude when you know you're rocking a look that flatters you perfectly. So go forth and embrace the oversized aesthetic! With a little know-how, this is one fashion trend you might want to live in all season long.
