[Style Essentials]
How to Rock an Oversized Top:
4 Simple Rules for Petite Girls

Oversized tops are big this Fall/Winter, and no wonder, with the weather cooling down who doesn’t want to throw on a slouchy sweater or a wide-but-tailored tunic? Oversized tops are the perfect solution for days when you just want to be comfortable and relax without sacrificing an ounce of style.

Keeping proportion and balance in mind is always key when shopping for oversized clothes especially if you are petite like I am. At 5’2″, while I never feel small, which is a big feat of (over?)confidence when you’re married to someone who is 6’7″ and when your 4-year-old is almost half your height, well, it really comes into play where clothes are concerned. Simply put, there are some trends that are just never going to work for me. I’ve accepted that palazzo pants will always make me look like I’m playing dress up sailor, and voluminous sleeves will drown me out, and let’s face it, I couldn’t really pull off a ball gown ever (there go my Cinderella dreams (lucky I don’t have any haha)).

Having said that, the oversized shirt, sweater or sweatshirt is a silhouette that us petite girls can pull off really well with the help of these four style guides. These have served me well in the past so I thought I would share them with you too! Without further ado, here are my four rules on how to rock an oversized top if you are petite!

1. Pick one: either an oversized top like a generously cut tunic or an oversized bottom like a pair of wide leg pants. If your top is oversized, your bottoms must be skinny to create a balance. Conversely, if you are wearing wide leg pants, make sure your top is fitted and preferably tucked in. Personally, I tend to veer away from flared or wide-legged anything because I’m also generously endowed up top (hello, nursing!) and a high-waisted pant is very unflattering on me.

2. Add height to your silhouette with a pair of high-heeled shoes. Stilettos, block heels or a wedge will all work wonders for a petite gal with any oversized outfit (but are especially a must with a wide leg or flared pant.)

3. Go easy on the accessories. An oversized, slouchy sweater plus a giant bag plus chunky jewellery will drown you out visually. Remember, you should be wearing the clothes, not the other way around, so pick two oversized items at most.

4. Let’s talk crop tops. I didn’t really think I could pull off a shorter voluminous top, until I tried one on, and it quickly became my go-to favourite all summer long with a pair of skinny jeans. If the weather ever cools down here, I can easily version it into Fall with a high-waisted pencil skirt, a pair of tights and knee-high boots. So, my fourth rule, and this is for all my readers not just the petite ones, is to be adventurous and try a new style. You might be pleasantly surprised!

So what do you think? Do any of these rules resonate with you and are you tempted to try out oversized fashion this Fall?

Tell me all!