Oversized sweaters are a classic wardrobe staple that you can use to create stylish and cozy looks. They are versatile enough to be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion.
The key to pulling off a chunky sweater outfit is keeping the rest of your outfit balanced. This helps you to avoid looking sloppy. Here are some tips on how to style an oversized sweater:
Try Flattering Necklines
When choosing an oversized sweater, selecting a neckline that flatters your body type is vital. For a rounder face, choose a V-neck or scoop-neck sweater to elongate your facial features. If you have a longer face, go for a high neck or chunky turtleneck sweater to add volume to your facial proportions.
Slaying an oversized sweater with a flattering neckline starts with finding the right fit and silhouette. The goal is to create a look that’s both relaxed and structured, with a slight overhang at the bottom. So, the neckline should be wide and scooped, creating a structure that flatters your collarbone.
I recommend a cowl neckline for added drama or a turtleneck for a more understated look.
Prioritize Balance
Baggy sweaters can often look overwhelming, but balancing out the volume is essential. Choose slim-fitting bottoms such as skinny jeans or slim-fitting trousers. This will create a nice contrast and make your outfit look more put together.
Play With Accessories

Accessorizing with a chunky sweater is a great way to add personality to your look. Adding a statement necklace or a pair of earrings dresses up the look. You can also cinch your waist and add definition to your silhouette with a cute belt.
Wear High-Heeled Shoes
Heeled shoes help elevate the oversized sweater look. Pair with comfortable but still dressy heels, and you will slay the look. Heeled ankle boots are marvelous for winter and will look great with skinny jeans. For spring and summer, wear a pair of heeled sandals or mules.
Play Around With Layers
Layering adds dimension to this outfit. A lightweight jacket or an oversized black blazer gives an oversized sweater a chic look.
You can also layer a collared shirt or t-shirt underneath the large cardigan for a more casual look.
Wear Fitted Bottoms
Go for slim bottoms when styling an oversized sweater. Avoid anything too baggy or voluminous because it only adds to the bulkiness of the outfit. Instead, choose skinny jeans or leggings to help balance out the volume of the sweater.
By following my tips on how to style an oversized sweater, you can create a stylish chunky sweater outfit. Remember to choose a flattering neckline, balance out the volume, add accessories, wear heeled shoes, and layer to create a sophisticated outfit.
How to Style an Oversized Sweater with the Right Footwear
Comfy sweaters are undeniably cozy, comfortable, and stylish. Not only do they keep you warm in the winter months, but they can also be dressed up or down to suit any occasion.
The key to making a chunky cardigan or other oversized clothing looks great is to choose the right shoes to pair with it. So, if you’re looking to style your oversized sweater this season, here are some tips and tricks for finding the chic shoes to complete the look:
High-Heeled Shoes or Ankle Boots
When styling an oversized sweater, the best shoes to pair with it are pumps or heels. They instantly add an element of sophistication and glamour to any outfit and look especially chic when paired with a slouchy, oversized sweater.
Whether you’re choosing block-heeled ankle boots, block-heel combat boots, or a more daring metallic stiletto, heels or pumps can take your outfit from day to night in an instant.
You can also wear a pair of stylish ankle boots for a more casual look. The outfit appears more streamlined when you tuck the sweater’s hem into your pants.
White Sneakers
For a more relaxed, off-duty style, sneakers are the perfect choice to pair with an oversized sweater. Whether you try a pair of classic white sneakers or a bolder, more fashion-forward option, these shoes will add a relaxed, casual vibe to your look.
A pair of chunky dad sneakers give off a sportier look. These shoes balance out the bulkiness of an oversized sweater and make it look more modern and chic.
Flats
Ballet flats are the perfect choice for those looking for a more feminine take on the oversized sweater trend. These shoes look amazing when paired with a sweater dress or long, oversized cardigan.
They bring a touch of elegance to the style and look especially chic and feminine when paired with a delicate, lacy maxi skirt or dress.
Loafers or Oxford Shoes
A pair of low-heeled loafers or oxfords will do for a more subtle touch of femininity. The shoes give you a sophisticated look when paired with a long, baggy sweater. Make sure the bottoms also fit the outfit you want to put together.
No matter what shoe style you choose, the key to styling a big sweater is finding the right balance between comfort and style. An oversized sweater is already pretty cozy, so make sure you don’t go too overboard with the shoes.
Stick to comfortable and casual footwear that will only add a little bulk or height to your appearance. This creates an outfit that is both comfortable and stylish. Oversized sweaters are a great way to stay warm without giving up your style.
Shoes to Avoid When Styling an Oversized Sweater
There’s a critical factor in getting the oversized sweater look just right, and that’s choosing the right footwear. When it comes to creating the perfect baggy sweater outfit, the wrong shoes can easily ruin the whole look.
To stay on trend and make sure your outfit looks its best, here are the shoes to avoid when styling an oversized sweater:
Flip-Flops and Sandals
Flip-flops and sandals don’t pair well with an oversized sweater. Instead, they look too casual and can make your outfit look disheveled.
Overly Sporty Shoes
Athletic shoes are a definite no-no when styling an oversized sweater. They’re too sporty and don’t look stylish when worn with a sweater.
The key to nailing the perfect chunky sweater look is to choose the right shoes. Instead of the above-mentioned styles, try pairing your oversized sweater with a pair of loafers, Oxfords, or mules for a stylish and trendy look. Now you’re ready to take on the season in style!
Fashion Errors to Avoid When Styling An Oversized Sweater

Styling an oversized sweater can be a fashion challenge. It’s easy to look sloppy, and finding the right accessories to bring the outfit together can take time and effort. However, accessories can be the difference between a stylish look and a frumpy one.
To help you get the most out of your oversized sweater, here’s a guide to the accessories to avoid when styling an oversized sweater:
Big Bags
When it comes to accessorizing an oversized sweater, avoid bulky bags. The sweater already adds bulk to your look, so pairing it with a large bag can create an unbalanced, overly bulky silhouette.
If you’re looking for a bag to go with this fit, opt for a small crossbody bag or clutch. These tiny pieces give your outfit the ultimate fitting.
Chunky Necklaces
Chunky gold necklaces can quickly become overwhelming when paired with an oversized sweater. These accessories draw attention away from your face and decrease your height. If you’re petite and want to appear taller, stay away!
You can prevent this by choosing a shorter necklace just above your collarbone. A short, beautiful statement necklace adds a touch of glamor to your look without overwhelming it.
Dramatic Belts
When accessorizing an oversized sweater, avoid belts that are too pronounced. Chunky belts can create an unflattering, bulky look when paired with an oversized sweater. Instead, opt for slimmer, delicate belts that won’t overpower your outfit.
Thin belts define your waist and make you appear more put-together.
Large Hats
Oversized hats add a touch of personality to your look. However, when styling an oversized sweater, avoid large hats.
A baggy cardigan can overpower your look, so pairing it with a dramatic hat will create a bulky silhouette. Instead, go for a smaller hat that will be manageable for your outfit.
Flashy or Bolder Colors
Avoid overly bold colors when accessorizing a chunky sweater. Choosing from a bright color palette can overwhelm your outfit when paired with an oversized sweater because they draw attention away from your face and make you look shorter.
To avoid this, go for muted hues like pastels and neutrals. These colors give the outfit a subtle, chic finish.
Patterned Selections
When styling an oversized sweater, avoid overly busy or bold patterns. Colorful patterns can be overwhelming when paired with an oversized sweater, as they can draw attention away from your face and make you appear shorter.
You can avoid this by choosing simpler patterns like stripes, polka dots, and checks. They add a touch of personality to your look without overwhelming it.
Dangling Earrings
Dramatic earrings can quickly become overwhelming when paired with an oversized sweater. Long earrings can — you guessed it — draw focus away from your face and make you seem shorter.
To avoid this, wear shorter earrings that do not exceed your collarbone. Short earrings will add a touch of sparkle to your look without overwhelming it.
Avoiding the accessories I’ve detailed above will allow you to achieve a stylish and balanced look with your oversized sweater. So the next time you’re styling an oversized sweater, keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be sure to create a look that will turn heads.
Final Note
Did you enjoy learning how to style an oversized sweater in this post? A few simple tips and tricks can make a baggy sweater look stylish and beautiful. However, choosing a high-quality sweater that fits you well is the difference between a tacky oversized sweater style and a chic outfit.
Remember to play with accessories and experiment with different fits and colors until you find the perfect look. But most importantly, remember to stay warm and comfortable!