Oversized Trend

[itsnotmeitsu]

We seem to have moved away from 'boyfriend' and now it's called 'oversized'. But it's obviously still a trend in coats, jackets, etc.

My question; 'Can you get away with this trend if you're short(ish) and getting on a bit?'

I've replaced my raincoat with a John Lewis one, which is described as 'oversized' online. It arrived today and I love the colours (seaside-ish) and design, but will I just look like a gnome going fishing to everybody else? I'm 5'3". It wasn't cheap, but if my past history is anything to go on I'll own it for years and years. Can't post a photo because my phone died from lack of software updates. Can I make this work? It's only a mac after all, but it definately dwarfs me.

I’m petite and I agree with the pp who say the key to avoiding looking swamped if you’re short is the contrast with something fitted/skinny (which is why oversized coats often look better open) and that some part of it (shoulders, arm length etc) has to fit right. Otherwise it just looks too big rather than stylishly slouchy and oversized.

I'll wear it with skinny jeans or wombats

Now that I must see.

Wombats are what used to be called fatigues when I first wore them.
Army trousers. I look a wombat in them.

@OhRosalind

I’m petite and I agree with the pp who say the key to avoiding looking swamped if you’re short is the contrast with something fitted/skinny (which is why oversized coats often look better open) and that some part of it (shoulders, arm length etc) has to fit right. Otherwise it just looks too big rather than stylishly slouchy and oversized.

Yep was about to say exactly the same.

@JaneJeffer

The sooner these oversized waste of material garments go out of fashion the better as far as I'm concerned. I don't think they look good on anyone.

You don’t need to like the look of them on others

You want people to dispose of them? But don’t want waste?

You don’t need to like the look of them on others
I know that.

You want people to dispose of them? But don’t want waste?
I never said people should dispose of them.

@Craftycorvid

Well, this is an observation from a short woman who owns a harlequin patterned velvet coat and wears it with pride. If you feel great and something makes you feel happy inside when you wear it, chances are that will show on your face and you will look great. Also, go colourful! November can be monochrome once the leaves drop. Be a vivid autumn leaf in the rain, OP!

love the sound of your coat!

@Pheasantlysurprised. It is quite a statement piece! . There used to be a company called ‘Swag Rags’ that made duffle-style coats out of recycled velvet scraps. Sadly the company is long gone now.

Something like this?

@ILoveShula Ooh yes! That’s the one. Where did you spot it?

Can't say as I might buy it

How big is it @crafty

That one is a Large and I'm about 5'4" and about a size 10/12 in a coat

Vintage might be smaller than current sizes

Do you feel fabulous in it, OP? If you do, keep it and follow all the advice about having one more fitted part of the outfit/body. If you don’t feel fab in it, don’t keep it and keep looking.

[quote Craftycorvid]@Pheasantlysurprised. It is quite a statement piece! . There used to be a company called ‘Swag Rags’ that made duffle-style coats out of recycled velvet scraps. Sadly the company is long gone now.[/quote]
Have you been on the 'bohemian' thread? If not you might like it, although I'm sure I've seen you there!

tbh I lucked out a bit on this as I lost a lot of weight a couple of years ago and still kept a couple of old blazers because I liked them and they're now oversize :)

@ILoveShula I should say those coats are very generous. I’m about an 8-10 and the one I have is really over-sized on me, the look is a bit kimono with the wide sleeves. Good luck with the purchase!

I'll leave it I think. It said about 50" chest. I do like it though.

You've had some great advice on here OP, I especially like what @chocolatecoveredkettle said about wearing oversized but exposing your more slender areas such as wrists, that's a great tip.
I am a firm believer in wearing what makes you happy/feel good and I choose to prioritise that while also dressing to flatter the way I actually look.
It's the reason that I am giving the current very 90's and (shockingly, the still very ugly) 00's trends a wide birth. I did all that the first time round when I was considerably skinnier and had no concern for keeping my kidneys warm!
But, despite some crossovers, I consider the oversized look as separate from the retro 1990's/2000's thing.Considering it has been around for several seasons I think people are still enjoying it and there's lots of options and different ways to incorporate it into your wardrobe.
Maeve Riley, the American stylist is a huge fan of the oversized look and I think she's either 5ft or 5ft1. She does that thing @chocolate was talking about - albeit usually her midriff but she never looks swamped. A good way to do it if you're petite could be to still look at petite/ teen ranges (girl and boy) but go 2,3 or even 4 sizes up. Alternatively, buy oversized pieces and get them tailored.
Two other women, off the top of my head, on social media who I consider to be genius level oversized proponents are: @filspenna and @isthistooyoungforme oh and the gloriously stylish @vennswifestyle - all to be found on Instagram, also I use Pinterest a lot for inspiration and for collecting ideas.
Massive way to say, yes get the Mac, it sounds fab.
You have worried me though, I am constantly ignoring the messages about downloading the latest updates for my phone, because it seems to take about 5 hours!
Please, go oversized to your heart's content and come back and show us! 🙌🥳😁

@Chocolatecoatedkettlebell > It's this one www.johnlewis.com/search?search-term=white%20stuff%20coat

@dudsville

I love the look. I'm pondering getting a new coat because the duvet coat just looks so damn cosy. I don't need strangers to know I have a waist.

I've spent so long without one, I'm more than happy for all and sundry to know I've found it again!

Whilst yes, of course, people can wear whatever they like, I'm not absolutely convinced that displaying narrow wrists, ankles or wearing narrow shoes really does anything to counteract the impression that they're a size 24 with thin ankles or small hands. The people I know who have adopted the trend look obese when they really, really aren't; if that's their choice, great, but if they believe that they are perceived as being slim and making a fashion statement, I don't think this is coming off as regularly as intended.

@IAmTheLovechildOfYvesAndIsobel > Thanks for your very informative answer, and the same to everybody else on here. Re the phone - it turns out that phone companies stop sending software updates to your phone when they bring a new one out, as they want you to buy that. The phone I'm talking about isn't a smart phone and will now only enable texts and phoning, and taking photos. I can't send or receive MSM(?) on it. So no sent photos or videos anymore. I have a new phone but, as always, technology moved on and I haven't yet given the new number out, so stick to my old one.

Thanks for all the great answers on here. All really helpful. It's made me decide I'm keeping the mac. I did go down a size and it fits absolutely fine on the shoulders and the sleeves, which people have mentioned is a problem for them if not. It does look better undone, but I can fit a few layers underneath when it's cold. It is literally only for wet weather. I have a Monsoon winter coat which is about three years old which I absolutely love and always wear in the cold weather if it's not raining. I was just worried about the garden gnome fisherman thing with the mac. What I really need to be able to do is holiday in Cornwall in cold, wet weather and swan about on the sea front in my oversized seaside coloured mac .

Don't think the link's directing straight to the mac > It's the White Stuff Stacey Oversized Colourblock Trench in navy/multi.

I'm not petite but not much taller, am towards the lower end of the BMI normal range and have big hands and feet. I hate bracelet length sleeves and cropped trousers. The skinny ankles and wrists doesn't work for me.

That coat doesn't look oversized. go for it