How Not To Look Humongous In an Oversized Coat

For fall and winter, designers from Céline to Burberry sent their models down the runway in cozy cocoon coats and billowy trenches. This season’s look concerns oversized outerwear with voluminous shapes and exaggerated silhouettes.

While it’s great to stay on top of the hot new trends (especially one that keeps you toasty warm in the cold winter), it can not be to rationalize adding extra volume to your frame. Isn’t that the opposite of what we’re trying to do?

So how do you master the volume, so the coat doesn’t wear you? Here are a few tricks: 

1. Keep Everything Else Skinny 

The oversized look can be pretty elegant if styled the right way. The key here is balance and proportion. Play up the great shape by contrasting it with narrow pieces. For example:

• Opt for slim-fitting pants. A cigarette or skinny style pants will balance out the heavy look of the coat.
• A fitted sheath dress or pencil skirt also balances out your look.
• Keep the hemline on the shorter side to help elongate your legs. If you still find the silhouette too overwhelming, try popping a wide belt over your coat and fixing it at your waist. This will break up the massive look of the skin at the smallest part of your upper body.

2. Define Your Waist

To take control of a generous cut, you must define your waist with a belt. Suddenly everything up top looks more balanced.

3. Pair with a Sleek Shoe and Bag

Finish off your look with feminine footwear like a chic ankle boot or a classic heel with a pointed toe. Be sure to stay away from anything too chunky or embellished. The idea behind the oversized look is minimalism: It’s all about clean lines and simple shapes.

The same rule will apply to your bag. Try a structured bag or an oversized clutch with minimal detail. Avoid soft, shapeless bags or a bag with a cross-body strap that can cut up the clean silhouette of the coat.

4. Choose a Length that Suits Your Body

Be careful to select a length that works with your figure type. A long, calf-length coat may look great on a 6-foot model, but it can have a dwarfing effect for a woman of more average height. Look for a length to complement your size. For instance, a coat that stops at or above the knee works better on a shorter woman.

Chic and fashion-forward, an oversized coat also lends itself to another efficient use in the winter: you’ve got extra room underneath that coat, so use it to your advantage – layer! Though oversized outerwear may seem intimidating initially, playing with volume and shape is a great way to experiment and have fun with your Fall/Winter wardrobe.

5. Enjoy the Drama

These are wow coats meant to make a statement. This style of skin has a presence, so have fun with it. Attitude is everything!

*This article by Guest Contributor Chantelle Collier.