Nothing is cozier in the fall and winter than a big oversized cozy sweater. They’re comfortable, cozy and they’re easy to just throw on and go with. Pairing an oversized sweater with anything but leggings can be a bit more tricky. I find it’s all about balance and keeping proportions in mind.
Since it’s cozy sweater season, today I’m sharing a few tips on how to wear and level up your oversized sweater and jeans outfits so you aren’t rolling out of the house in leggings!
Or my usual, faux leather leggings paired with a big sweater. I can get into my own style habits too so here’s to trying out more chunky oversized sweaters with different denim the right way!
How to Wear An Oversized Sweater With Jeans
Maintain Proportions
The most important thing with wearing your oversized sweaters with jeans is to maintain your proportions. When we add a big oversized sweater to jeans it should be balanced. Big and blousy on top, should mean more tailored and fitted on the bottom. And vice versa!
If I’m wearing big wide leg pants, I try to add a more fitted top on top. Or at least tuck things in to keep things looking polished and creating shape. This is why big oversized and chunky sweaters pair perfectly with skinny jeans, faux leather leggings and the like.
And when thinking of shoes to pair with this, same rules apply. Avoid the big slouchy knee high boots with all the fabric. Instead, opt for a sleek knee high boot or ankle booties.
Don’t Fully Tuck Your Sweater In – Partial Tuck Or No Tuck
Now if you want to wear oversized sweaters with wide-leg jeans, I have a few tips, but just one major rule. And that’s to do a solid front tuck or even a side tuck! It helps to create a waist and contain the sweater a bit. And my next tip is to choose a less chunky sweater so it doesn’t overwhelm your body.
I love this oversized yet not super chunky Pistola sweater below paired with my black high-rise wide-leg jeans. It’s perfectly balanced with the front tuck and with it not being super heavy and thick, it doesn’t feel like a ton of fabric all over the place.
PS here are some more tips for styling wide leg or bell bottom jeans (my personal favorite).
Show Off Your Neck And Wrists
A great way to make sure your oversized sweater and jeans doesn’t swallow you up is to show off that neck and your wrists. This may mean rolling up your sleeves a bit, or choosing sweaters with crew or v-necks to help make sure you don’t feel all consumed by fabric.
If you are wearing a higher nec line or crew neck, adding a necklace can help to add some length to the neck area and make your sweater not feel so heavy on your top half.
Wide Leg Jeans With an Oversized Sweater
The perfect front tuck and a not super thick or heavy sweater is the perfect combination for maintaining the right proportions. Both sweater and jeans are from Pistola which has quickly become a brand I’m loving lately.
A Good Front Tuck
The front tuck in all its glory. If you’re wearing anything but skinny jeans, I think a front tuck is required. You can 100% wear a front tuck with skinnies too, but less required if you ask me. But with straight-leg jeans, mom jeans or anything else really, do a solid front tuck to reign in your sweater a bit!
Elongate Your Legs With Heels
Adding a bit of height to your body can help to elongate your legs and allow your oversized sweater to not feel like it’s taking over your body. When styling with jeans, try a sleek ankle bootie or even a high-heel pump.
And if you’re wearing skinny jeans, add knee high boots to elongate even more. Bonus points for dark jeans with a dark boot. Legs for days!
Black Heels and Dark Wash Jeans
This combo is the way to go to keep your legs looking long and balance out your oversized sweater. This is such an old outfit, but I still love it so much. This chunky oversized sweater is a winter holiday favorite.
Add in dark wash jeans and simple black pumps and you’ve got the perfect look for business casual, a casual holiday party or dinner with friends.
Add A Tailored Layer
If you’re adding a jacket over your oversized knit sweater, try making this a more tailored piece. Like a good trench or peacoat that has a shape to it. Or even a great blazer.
This allows you to add some shape even if you leave it open. This is when I’d leave my leather jacket or shacket in the closet because these don’t add much shape or length to your body. The key is to balance things out!
A Long Line Trench With An Oversized Sweater
This sweater feels more put together and tailored when a trench is added on top. It adds shape, and elongates your body with the long line of the trench and the heels. The perfect combination for any oversized or slouchy sweater for fall and winter.
If you’re choosing an oversized sweater, it’s just key to try to implement a few of these style tips to feel like you aren’t being overtaken by fabric. Keep your jeans more streamlined and slim if you can, add a long jacket and elongate your legs with a pointed toe shoe.
Sometimes wearing all oversized pieces can look great, you just have to make sure they are hitting the body in the right areas, and that you are showing off your wrists, neckline and putting effort into your hair, makeup and accessories.
