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It's more versatile than you might think.
In cold or transitional weather, a sweater is an easy way to layer up while still feeling chic and put-together. That’s doubly true of the oversized sweater—has there ever been a better item to wear to a casual dinner for feeling cozy (and eating as much as you want)? With that said, though, it’s easy for a bigger, looser top to make you feel swamped: It takes some work to get the proportions right if you don’t want to feel like you’re wearing a poncho. The perfect oversized sweater outfit pulls off that perfect balance of relaxed and polished, cozy and put-together. Believe it or not, the oversized sweater, knit, tunic, or cardigan is surprisingly versatile. You’re probably not thinking of all the ways you could possibly style it, from layering it over one of your go-to work outfits to going all in and styling it as a dress.
If you're still feeling stumped, or you want new ways to style your classic oversized sweater, keep scrolling. We've got some fun ideas to take your hero wardrobe piece and give it a twist.
As a Simple Base Layer
This cable Ralph Lauren sweater could go with a lot in your wardrobe. In this iteration, it's worn long past the hips over a plain black skirt and black accessories; It's deceptively simple, a dose of slouchiness without being overwhelming. You could just as easily add a long coat or blazer over this, too.
Tonal and Tucked In
Tucking in an oversized sweater still allows for a voluminous shape but also gives better definition at the hips; Everything is still oversized, but we can still see proportions. Take your widest pair of jeans or trousers and replace your regular top with an oversized option for a low-lift way to try the trend.
As an Outer Layer
You might not necessarily think to throw on a big sweater over a statement dress, but it's actually a cool way to turn your favorite dress into a skirt. Just make sure the knit is chunky enough that you can't see the fabric underneath. Pro tip: If you wear a sports bra over your dress, you can tuck the sweater into the bra. The bra's elastic will keep the sweater from budging!
Over Your Shoulders
Seen on fashion it-girls everywhere, the "using a sweater as a scarf" trend isn't going anywhere. You literally style it by folding the collar under and throwing the piece over your shoulders; You can tie the arms in front of you (if you want it to stay in place) or leave it open, as seen here (a safety pin at the collar can secure it if you're worried about it falling off).
As a Layering Piece
This oversized cardigan is both an over-layer and an under-layer. It pairs with an oversized Oxford shirt beautifully so that the layer underneath doesn’t look huge, and then the leather bomber on top adds some structure back into the look. Feel free to play around with an oversized sweater or cardigan over an existing look that you love.
Tied around Your Waist
The thing to do as a teen in the '90s was casually tie a sweater or shirt around your waist—but the trend doesn't have to look as juvenile. Select pieces in a complementary color and choose your nicest oversized knit; The sweater will look surprising instead of sloppy.
As a Dress
Case in point that the oversized sweater is way more versatile than you thought: This long sweater that hits below hip length (it basically becomes a sweater dress) is then layered on top of a longer asymmetric slip dress. The coat on top makes the look more cohesive.
All-Over Baggy
Contrary to popular belief, a baggy top doesn't have to go with a fitted bottom (or vice versa). You can really lean in on a slouchy piece by matching it with an equally slouchy trouser. Note the strap on the crossbody and the pointed-toe shoe bring back a little structure.
In a Neutral Color
If you want to branch out from black, navy, or gray, how about camel or olive? These are more colorful hues that still pair beautifully with similar colors (the yellow of the bag) as well as darker neutrals (the black in the dress and shoes). It’s a bridge between neutrals and colors, in other words.
With Stripes
If you've hesitated to get an oversized sweater in a cool Breton stripe (the thinking being that horizontal stripes will make an already wide piece look wider), fear not. A v-neck and shorter length will help the sweater from feeling too bulky, and a matching mini will add some length and cohesion.
As a Graphic Piece
An oversized sweater may already feel like a statement piece to you, but a maximalist pattern takes it a notch or two above. The more neutral maxi dress (that still complements the pattern) helps elongate the look so that the focus isn’t solely on the center design.
With Long, Long Layers
If you're going to go for it, really go for it—you know? A long sweater over a long dress can look incredibly chic, thanks to the belt at the waist to give structure and the rectangular bag to give contrast. Keep each piece the same color so that the whole thing feels like one, flowy garment.