Defining What ‘Oversized’ Really Means – And How To Pull It Off

By Brian Maynor

 

The trend away from skinny everything has been going on for several seasons, but there seems to still be some mystery around how to pull off the oversized look.

For some people they think it’s as simple as going up a size or two in everything you buy, but that isn’t the best strategy because it could just make you look frumpy and odd. This trend has so many different facets and interpretations the confusion is understandable, so here are a few tips to clarify it:

1.    Understanding the trend. Oversized does not mean simply going bigger with everything you buy.   It’s not a one-step trend. You have options and therefore choices you need to make. You can go longer, wider or play around with proportions in a mix-and-match game, but never forget the goal is still to look polished and pulled-together.

2.    Wide pants and shorts. If you’re working with wider proportions on the bottom, while you can play around with the length and width of the legs, the key to remember is that they need to fit at the waist and rise.  If you want an oversized waist or drop-crotched then you need tailored legs to compensate. Both options together are just a mess.

3.    Longer shirts and blazers. For these two pieces there is one cardinal rule, and that is to make sure the shoulders fit perfectly. With blazers you want to look for longer sleeves, body or wider lapels. All of those extended proportions work well as long as the shoulders fit like a normal blazer.

Options with oversized shirts are endless from collars, necklines and sleeves to general details, but the same rule of the shoulders applies. Since they frame your upper body, an oversized shoulder added to other oversized proportions will quickly turn this look from trendy to sloppy. That’s why you don’t want to simply invest in pieces that are two sizes larger than what you normally wear.

4.    Oversized sweaters. Key layering pieces as we move into spring, when looking for an oversized sweater it’s okay to have them longer, wider or even an exaggerated neckline as long as the sleeves are a standard or tailored width. They will offset the body and prevent you from looking like you’re wearing a sack. The offset sleeves also make the play on the proportions look intentional.

5.    Dresses. To avoid the tent reference, pulling off an oversized dress, no matter what your size, is all about keeping the neckline and shoulders impeccably fitted. Think about the framing again, if you’re going to have a lot of flowing fabric covering your body you provide the structure at the top. This outlines exactly where you end and the excess fabric begins.

Balance for this trend isn’t just about wearing one oversized piece at a time. You can definitely mix and match them in the same outfit, as long as you stay within the rules for each item. It’s easy to try to make this trend work with simply buying a bigger size, but that’s not going to give you the look you want. You’re just going to look like you’re wearing clothes that are too big. If you want to pull this off, you need to look for the right pieces that fit in the right places.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

 

 

I am always curious to hear some of your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and challenges. Please send your comments and questions to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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