7 Ways to Wear an Oversize Coat Without Looking Sloppy

Speaking from my personal wardrobe experience, I don't know when the last time I acquired a coat that wasn't nice and loose was. And the more fitted coats I've owned in the past never got much wear, as getting them on over a sweater isn't particularly comfortable. So loose coats it is for me, and luckily, that's the trend when it comes to outerwear—and has been for several seasons. Given the popularity of oversize coats, I think it's worth discussing how to style them.

As with anything oversize, it can have the tendency to look sloppy. If that's not what you're going for but you want to wear a big coat, there are several easy tricks to keep your outfits looking polished, elegant, and sophisticated (the trending aesthetic this season).

Keep reading for all the ways to style your favorite oversize coats, with a little help from some of Instagram's most stylish.

Belt It

Belting your coat to create a cinched-waist silhouette is perhaps the simplest trick of them all, but it's also one of the most effective.

Shop a belted coat:

Wear Pointed-Toe Shoes

Pointed-toe shoes are incredibly sleek and polished, and their sharpness rubs off on the entire outfit. Case in point with this colorful look worn by Emili Sindlev.

Shop pointed-toe shoes:

Keep It Simple

A simple, minimalist outfit that lets the coat take center stage is a timeless, no-fail styling trick. Here, an oversize coat is worn with nothing but jeans, a white T-shirt, and slingback flats, and it's perfect. No notes.

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Make It Monochrome

Wearing a monochromatic outfit is an easy way to look put-together. This allows you to wear whatever coat color (or print) you choose, as the rest of the outfit isn't busy in the least.

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Wear a Belt

If your coat doesn't have a belt (see tip number one), leave it open and wear a belt underneath. Trust me—it's hard to look sloppy with a belt on. 

Shop belts:

Pair Polished Flats With Cropped Pants

Baggy pants paired with an oversize coat is a very cool-girl look, but it's also a bit sloppy. Instead, show a bit of ankle with a pair of slightly cropped pants. 

Shop cropped pants and polished flats:

Wear It With Fitted Pieces

Last but not least, leaving your oversize coat open and wearing a fitted look is a no-brainer way to look chic this winter.

Shop fitted pieces:

Shop Chic Oversize Coats