New York Street Style: Oversized Blazers

Oversized White Blazer
I gave a speech Thursday night at a Chicago Women in Publishing networking event using street-style photos to illustrate how to be fashionable at the office. Proportion play was one of the ideas I pounded into the audience’s head (and am trying to pound into all of yours as well). Men’s jackets might be getting smaller but for women, the trend is running in the opposite direction. Although I initially chose not to publish this photo because its composition really kind of sucks, I love what this woman is wearing.

Playing with different sizes of clothing in the same look, say by mixing an oversized shirt with tight pants, is one of the least utilized styling techniques in the average American woman’s wardrobe. Not only does it instantly create an aura of chicness, it’s one of the easiest and cheapest trends to pull off. Head to your local thrift or vintage store to find an ovesized blazer, and pair it with a closely-fitted pair of slacks or a pencil skirt for a great, work-appropriate yet totally street-style look. The one caveat is that the oversized piece can’t just be one size too big, otherwise it’ll just look poorly-fitting. You have to go all the way, two or three sizes too big, so that people know you want it to look that way as opposed to just not knowing how clothes should fit.

The golden rule of fashion should be, “Go Big or Go Home.”


4 Comments


  1. girl in the poodle shoes

    love! need to find me one
    Girl in the Poodle Shoes

  2. Love, love, love this classy look!

  3. Ooh, I love me some oversized blazers! This is a great shot, and I'm a big fan of all the sleek neutral going on here.

  4. I'm just impressed with wearing white, you'd be surprised how people are still old school with not wearing white after Labor day (so sad because white is fresh all year long especially with a nude or taupe underneath. Love the pop of nail & lip color along with that awesome clutch!

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