While I genuinely believe that anyone can wear absolutely anything so long as they feel comfortable doing so, being petite does present its own unique set of dressing challenges. That doesn’t mean anything is off-limits. Still, as a 5’3″ fashion editor who has also helped countless other petite women hone their aesthetics, I know that it’s not quite as easy for us to copy and paste every trend onto our frames—at least, not without a bit of extra consideration. Often, I’ll reach out to my petite followers on Instagram and ask them which trend or piece they could use some styling pointers on. Their latest request? Oversized blazers.
Oversized blazers are one of my favourite items to wear—at least, they are now. When they first started trending, I was admittedly stumped. I’m also pretty curvy with an hourglass silhouette, so I’d spent the best part of my adult life dressing in more tailored or nipped-in silhouettes under the pretence they balanced out my frame better. Still, I wanted nothing more than to add an oversized blazer to my wardrobe. So I ordered one, and I started assembling outfits around it as soon as it arrived. Some worked, some didn’t, but what quickly became evident was that petites could wear oversized blazers just as well as anyone else. And you know what? I have proof.
Below, I’ve assembled an edit of eight chic (and easy!) oversized-blazer outfits anyone can wear, be they 4’11” or 6’6″. Scroll on to see them. Soon, you’ll want to supersize all of your clothing.
Style Notes: Balance out the oversized silhouette of your blazer with a pair of classic, straight-leg jeans.
You’ll find this blazer in many of our editor’s wardrobes.
A classic white shirt has endless styling possibilities.
Agolde denim comes highly rated.
Style Notes: Elongate with a column-shape dress is a dark block colour to draw the eye up and down the entirety of your look.
Camel always feels so elevated.
This is sure to be a best seller.
An elegant style you’ll rely on for years to come.
Style Notes: Mirror the oversized silhouette up top with a pair of chunky trainers on your feet. This look works particularly well with miniskirts and dresses.
& Other Stories has such a strong tailoring selection right now.
A playful style you can dress up or down.
White trainers will always come in handy.
Style Notes: Blazers and leggings have become a favourite fallback outfit for many a fashion person over the last few months. Add in sporty touches and then balance things out with a slick shoulder bag.
The oversized cut of this is so good.
These come in three lengths to find your perfect fit.
Prime example of a fancy bag.
Style Notes: Over time, I’ve come to love the combination of a crop top and high-waist jeans. Throw in an oversized leather blazer and you’ve got the perfect “fashion person” uniform.
High quality is a key feature for Hush.
The smocked detail adds a nice contrast.
Abercrombie’s curve love range hugs in all the right places.
Style Notes: It completely depends on my budget, but I always buy matching pieces in any set if I can afford to do so. Not only does a two- or three-piece suit look sleek, but much like the white ensemble above, it can help to balance out your entire look, allowing it to work as one instead of having single pieces fighting for attention.
Wear as the full suit, or separate to recreate other looks.
By this point, waistcoats are a modern staple.
The Frankie Shop’s tailoring is truly exquisite.
Style Notes: Adding in different textures is a subtle way to break up an outfit. I love the way knitted skirts and dresses sit on my frame, and they make for a slinky addition layered under an oversized blazer.
If Aligne isn’t already on your radar, it should be.
A pre-made co-ord.
Next Up: The We Try Before You Buy: The Best Winter Coats of the Season.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
