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 to say that anything is off-limits. Still, as a 5′ 3″ fashion editor, who has also helped countless other petite women to 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? Oversize 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.
Fashion Editor Tip: Balance out the oversized silhouette of your blazer with a pair of classic, straight-leg jeans.
Fashion Editor Tip: Elongate your frame with a column-shape dress is a dark block colour to draw the eye up and down the entirety of your look.
Fashion Editor Tip: Mirror the oversize silhouette up top with a pair of chunky trainers on your feet. This look works particularly well with mini skirts and dresses.
Fashion Editor Tip: Fashion people love monochrome dressing; that’s when you wear the same colour top-to-toe. Although she’s opted for black accessories, by selecting s jean that matches her blazer in tone, Francesca instantly pulls her look together.
Fashion Editor Tip: Over time, I’ve come to love how the combination of a crop top and high-waist jeans, which work together to give the illusion of an elongated physique. Throw in an oversized leather blazer and you’ve got the perfect “fashion person” uniform.
Style Notes: I know we’re edging closer to autumn but you needn’t forget about your shorts until next summer. Tailored styles look incredibly chic with oversized blazers, and pair just as well with knee boots as they do with sandals.
Fashion Editor Tip: 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 sent entire look, allowing it to work as one instead of having single pieces fighting for attention.
Fashion Insider Tip: Adding in different textures is a subtle way to break up an outfit—personally, I love the way knitted skirts and dresses sit on my frame, and they make for a slinky addition layered under an oversized blazer.
