Quarantine life is, by far, the biggest force affecting fashion in 2021 and has impacted the personal style of women around the world forever. Give a mouse sweats for a year, and she will definitely not return to skinny jeans and four-inch heels! Instead, the natural evolution of quarantine comfort has been baggy, relaxed silhouettes that are actually made to wear outside.
When it comes to styling loose or oversize clothing, there is a fine line between Mary-Kate Olsen circa 2005 and Mary-Kate Olsen circa 2019—if you know what I mean. As a rule of thumb, I usually try to contain the volume to one part of the outfit. This directs attention to the contrast between the proportions and avoids the various elements of your outfit having to compete for attention.
From overalls to relaxed-fit pants, oversize blazers, and more, keep scrolling to see the five oversize items you'll need in your closet to get the look along with tips on how to style them this summer.
Flowy Dress
A flowy dress is the ideal summer dress—that airflow is unmatched. Tiered dresses and skirts are appearing everywhere, so I decided to try on the look myself. Sometimes, this style can look tent-like, so look for flowy dresses that either show leg or have some shape. I decided to go with a black, crinkled-satin number and paired it with my favorite lace-up flatforms to add even more drama to the look.
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This is summer 2021's little black dress.
I've been wearing these with everything! They are so comfortable and make me look six feet tall. I'm truly obsessed.
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Don't know what you're going to wear to brunch/meet the parents/that birthday picnic? She's your gal.
Autumn Adeigbo's African wax-print dresses lept onto my wish list the minute I saw them. The timeless silhouettes and delightful prints represent, to me, the burgeoning creative renaissance within the African diaspora.
I've had my eye on all of Sleeper's dresses for a minute. The stretchy waistband gives you shape without compromising comfort. Especially recommended for the pregnant mamas out there!
Getting married soon? Wear this gorgeous number to your rehearsal dinner or welcome drinks. You're welcome.
Baggy Overalls
Baggy overalls are the uniform of free spirits, which is why you see art teachers, camp counselors, and kindergarteners reaching for them time and again—and for good reason. You've never met an outfit so low-maintenance. Whenever I wear mine, I have the joy of foregoing a purse for the day and just living life.
Pair your baggy overalls with tube tops, crop tops, and even your bikini tops for an Aaliyah-inspired, '90s look.
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Shopping in the men's section is an easy way to get the oversize look. See how the waistline hits above his hip? On me, it sits way lower. Just cut the bottom hem to match your height so the bagginess looks intentional.
You'll need a bunch of these for the summer.
This is my favorite hat! It goes with everything, and the shape is more elevated than your regular bucket.
Skepta snapped on these.
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I love wearing overalls as a bikini cover-up. This pair will be ideal for a poolside BBQ situation.
Bob the Builder is shaking.
They say florists are among the happiest people, and I think it's partly due to this being their uniform.
Still not sold? I present the painters' uniform—who we all know have the best style ever.
Oversize Button-Down
The oversize button-down is practically made for those days when a shirt feels too informal but a blouse feels way too formal. I kept it casual and wore my white button-down with pink capris, my go-to flatforms, and some statement earrings for spice. By pairing the oversize shirt with tights and accessories, I've managed to create an outfit that looks put-together yet is still as comfortable as wearing sweats. Cha-ching.
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Light, airy, and fire all wrapped into one.
I'm elated to see capris are back, and this pink immediately spoke to me. FYI, they're slightly see-through.
Don't these look like cowrie shells?
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This is not just a shirt—it's art.
The dolphin hem on the sides makes this shirt stand above the rest out there.
Definitely peruse the men's section of your fave stores, especially for their button-downs. Most feature drop shoulders, which are my favorite part of the oversize look.
Look for details like a low-cut V-neckline and wide cuffs, which add elegance to an otherwise relaxed shape.
The light leak on this fabric is spectacular.
Relaxed-Fit Pants
Relaxed-fit pants are making their way into everyone's closet and replacing the tight, leg-hugging skinnies we fought our way into pre-pandemic. They can be worn with blouses, crop tops, button-downs—you name it. The bandwagon awaits. I went with a monochrome look and paired pleated relaxed-fit pants with a satin cheetah-print button-down and snakeskin-print kitten heels. I felt chic in the most low-key way possible.
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The pleats and slight balloon shape on these provide additional space and add so much movement. Why walk when you can *chassé*?
One of those staples that just gets better with time.
If I announce that I'm wearing heels to dinner, they're these kitten heels.
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C'mon, son! These transport me to the sun-drenched coast of Italy à la The Talented Mr. Ripley—vino in my hand, no worries in my heart.
Just baggy enough without compromising shape, this pair is a winner. Plus, the navy color gives menswear vibes, which I love.
Cargo pants are a must this season. Wear them dressed down with high-top sneakers or dressed up with kitten heels.
The "freshest at the cookout" award goes to these. I would also wear them to the beach with a bikini and matching button-down.
Oversize Blazer
Oversize blazers have the ability to add structure and dress up pretty much any outfit, even your regular jean shorts and white top. For the summer, I'm choosing oversize blazers in lightweight fabrics and muted colors and pairing them with short dresses, skirts, and shorts. I love when my blazer is longer than the rest of my outfit for the same reason I love wearing Uggs with miniskirts. Why not?
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Sometimes, brands use the term oversize to describe the general relaxed shape of a garment, so order a size up from your usual to make sure it's actually oversize. I'm wearing a size large above.
It's officially summer when I'm wearing these every. single. day.
A reminder that my presence is a present.
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This double-breasted blazer is yacht ready. Tie a silk scarf around your neck for additional vibes.
This is the only blazer you'll need to pack in your carryon.
Don't be afraid to get playful with traditional pieces. We are all living on a floating rock, after all.
Throw on this khaki cape and you're in business.
Next up, If You're Obsessed With Streetwear Like Me, Run and Cop These Under-$100 Pieces