How to style an oversized sweater - 30+ outfits ideas

Is it too soon to start sharing tips on how to style an oversized sweater? It might be. For God’s sake I just realized it’s the middle of July! But whatever, I already put this post together LOL, so I hope you appreciate the fact that I’m ahead of schedule here. Besides, there are parts of the world in the middle of Winter right now, so just bare with me and learn how to style an oversized sweater today. Hopefully you’ll enjoy these outfit ideas and styling tips and save this post to recreate these oversized sweater outfits later in the year.

*This post contains affiliate links. Which means I receive a small commission if you shop for anything through my website. Thanks in advance for supporting Ways of Style and for helping me keep this blog free of sponsored content!*

Ready to learn how to style an oversized sweater? Let’s get to it!

In a hurry? Go straight to what you are looking for:

3 styling tips to nail with with your oversized sweater outfits
Types of oversized sweaters
How many do you need?
How many do I have?
Care instructions for oversized sweaters
Cute oversized sweater options for every budget
30+ oversized sweater outfits – Plus styling tips
Final thoughts
Related style posts you may also like

Estimated reading time: 16 minutes

3 Styling tips to nail it with your oversized sweater outfits

Compensate the heaviness by keeping it minimal from the waist down. Try pairing your oversized sweaters with skinny jeans/pants, pencil skirts, mini skirts, Spanx leggings, tights or bare legs with heels.
Try doing a French tuck! Which basically means tucking in the front part of the sweater.
Create a monochromatic outfit. Whether it is an all black look, neutral or different shades of the same color, this styling tip never fails!

Types of oversized sweaters

There are many types of oversized sweaters; cardigans, crewnecks, cowl necks, turtle necks, boyfriend, with statement sleeves, etc… Ok maybe 6 is not exactly MANY, but these are all I can think of. If you take into consideration the fabric, prints, colors, etc. then there are many more.

I personally prefer oversized cardigans or long cardigans, but I can’t resist a good cowl neck oversized piece and if it’s beige or black, even better! Up to you which type of oversized sweater you’ll include as a part of your minimalist wardrobe.

How many do you need in your closet?

Since I would include different types of oversized sweaters as a part of my Fall, Winter and Spring capsule wardrobes, I would recommend having at least 4 or even 5. Make sure they are different from each other in terms or shape, fabric and color though. This way you will be able to create a bunch of looks that will look different from each other.

This recommendation of course only applies if you live somewhere that has 4 seasons and if you are trying to build a capsule wardrobe.

PS: Oversized sweaters can also be a part of your capsule wardrobe for Fall.

This is hands down the best brand where you can get sustainable nigh quality sweaters that will last you forever!!

How many oversized sweaters do I currently have?

Right now, I’m a full time traveler and we chase Summers, so I really don’t need many. I think I currently have 4 including long cardigans and crewnecks, but I’m not sure. I know for sure I have a couple in my suitcase right now and then maybe 2 more in Florida? Like I said, not 100% sure.

The point is, you don’t need more than 5. I’ll show you below everything you can do with them!

Care instructions for oversized sweaters

Unless we are talking cahsmere, you can wash them on delicate cycle, cold water and let them air dry. That’s what I do with all my sweaters.

Cute oversized sweater options for every budget

Before shopping for any of these, go look in your closet and count how many oversized sweaters you have, that are in good shape. Then, check out the outfit ideas below and see if you can recreate any of the looks without shopping for anything.

*If you are not on a budget, this is hands down the best brand where you can get sustainable nigh quality sweaters that will last you forever!!*

Oversized, chunky cardigans: (Under $100)

Turtle necks and cowl necks: (Under $100)

Oversized Crewneck sweaters: (Under $100)

30+ oversized sweater outfits – Plus styling tips

How to wear an oversized sweater with dresses

I usually style my oversized cardigans with dresses. However if you don’t have a cardigan, try throwing your oversized sweater over a pencil dress and add a thick belt so you can tuck it in if you want to. Here are some outfit ideas:

Also read: how to wear a long cardigan

How to style an oversized sweater with a dress

Exact link to my favorite long cardigan here.

Styling an oversized sweater with a skirt

I love mixing these 2 pieces together. Whether it is an oversized crewneck or cardigan, you can pair any of them with a lot of different skirts. Also notice that I’m applying the styling tips I shared at the beginning of the post. Check out these oversized sweater outfits and see if you can recreate any of them:

how to style an oversized sweater with a skirt

How to create neutral outfits

One of my favorite ways on how to style an oversized sweater is creating neutral looks! You can wear head to toe monochromatic outfits or combine different shades of the same color. Get creative with what you have:

How to wear oversized sweaters with jeans

Don’t know how to style an oversized sweater? Pair it with skinny jeans! Whether you choose boots or heels, this styling tip never fails. Oversized sweaters are great because you can wear them to run errands, to be cozy at home but also to go out on date nights. I love a good versatile piece like that!

Ways to layer an oversized sweater

Layering this closet staple is a great way to create even more outfits with oversized sweaters! Here are some ideas to inspire you to try the same:

#1 – With a puffer vest

#2 – With a long vest

#3 – With a belt over a dress

#4 – With a button down shirt

How to style an oversized sweater for Summer

Even during Summer you can create outfits with oversized sweaters! Of course, depending on where you live, but I always like to include a lightweight one, so I can wear it on cold Summer nights. That’s why at the beginning of this post I advised you to include a lightweight version of an oversized sweater. They look super cute for Summer!

How to style an oversized cardigan sweater

I mentioned at the beginning of the post that these were my favorite! They are so cozy and it’s almost like they hug you while you wear them. What’s not to like? Also, they cover your butt! I think that’s why I love them so much!

PS: I wrote a post called ‘How to wear a long cardigan‘ where I share more outfit ideas with this closet staple.

Can you wear oversized sweaters with leggings?

Oversized sweaters and leggings are a match made in heaven. Especially long cardigans! All you have to do is pair them with a T-shirt and any type of shoe; booties, sneakers, combat boots, etc.

If you are interested in more looks with Spanx Leggings check out these posts: Spanx Leggings Review and What to Wear with Leather Leggings. There are even more oversized sweater outfits in those posts!

Styling an oversized sweater to go out

You can even wear them to go out! I always like being cozy, so it’s not rare that I wear oversized sweaters on date nights too. My recommendation is to pair them with skinny jeans or bare legs and high heels. What do you think about this oversized sweater outfit?

More date night looks? Check out this post: ‘What to wear on a first date – 70+ date night outfit ideas for every season‘

Office looks with an oversized sweater

Last but not least, I wanted to include how to style an oversized sweater for the office. Simply pair them with nice pants and pumps. Of course this depends on your office’s wardrobe policies. You may also style with flats or even sneakers.

Check out this post for more outfit ideas for the office :)

Final thoughts on oversized sweaters

How are we feeling about oversized sweaters? How many do you have in your closet? Be honest!

I hope these looks inspired you to think outside the box, get creative and create your own looks. I hope you learned how to style an oversized sweater today, but if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments or DM me on Instagram. I’m always here to help.

My intention is always to show you that you can 100% be happy with less things. There’s no need to go shopping every month. Last October, me and my husband sold everything we owned and started living in Airbnb’s full time and it’s the best decision we’ve ever made! Now that we are both vaccinated and the world is reopening, we are getting ready to go international. I don’t miss having many things at all. It’s so easy to get dressed everyday and now I spend my money in experiences and not things (and of course save some too!).

Give a try to living with less. Learn to maximize your closet. I promise you won’t regret it!

Thanks so much for stopping by and hope you have a great weekend ahead.

XO,

Aimara

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how to style an oversized sweater - 3 looks

Comments

jisora says

July 26, 2022 at 8:10 am

Such a great post! Thanks for sharing

Tex Hooper says

August 5, 2021 at 6:23 pm

You make a great point about how wearing oversized sweaters and wear pumps. I need to get a sweater that can keep me warm in the winter. I’ll have to consider getting a sweater made out of wool.

How to style an oversized sweater – 30+ outfits ideas