Styling Baggy Clothes For A Flattering Fit Is Possible. Here's How To Get It Right

Styling baggy clothes can feel intimidating. You might be scared that if you go for the oversized tee, you'll overdo it or risk not looking put together. But baggy garments have stayed relevant for over two decades with good reason: taking up space with voluminous cuts communicates confidence. Celebrity stylist Zadrian Smith tells Vogue, "We're seeing a return of '90s trends in general, and we really love to see the re-emergence of hugely oversized pieces — they can be so fun to play with." And Smith is right, there are truly so many options to experiment with when you finally embrace the baggy.

Whether it's baggy garments mixed with tighter ones or baggy on baggy fits, we've seen fashion influencers make just about every combination work. Boutique owner Pauline Montupet explained to The Zoe Report that "the key is to make sure they look intentionally big. So, pants might be loose in the hip and leg, but make sure the waist fits. Or, an oversized jacket — taking up the sleeve or hem a few inches can make a huge difference in something looking intentionally oversized versus just too big."

We gathered a variety of ways you can get creative with some excess fabric.

Slacks and a blazer are usually categorized as a more stuffy, straight-laced type of vibe. However, when given baggy sizing, the pair can transform into something more laid-back and chic. Try @shaheenchand's look with a big, graphic tee and comfy suede clogs for an effortless and edgy outfit. Neutral blocked colors and sleek lines give the clothing combination an air of business casual. This outfit could double for a casual brunch or a chill day at the office.

In fashion, we usually look for clothes that complement and intensify the silhouette. But rebelling against that can send such a cool, confident message. @monpetitchuchu's loose-fitting sweater and skirt outfit meets the mark. The sweater gathers below the hips, making for a straight-sided waist. This line continues all the way down her skirt to the mid-shin. And while her silhouette is simple, she has blocks of red, grey, and black to keep the onlooker's eye interested and moving.

If you ask us, basketball shorts are underrated in the world of fashion. They've been designated for the court, but they could kill it on the runway. We can't take credit for this idea alone, though. @DivaSmith gave us a major inspiration. Combine baggy shorts with a black crop top and high-top sneakers for a look that epitomizes street style. To add some feminine touches, don't forget to pick out your favorite dainty gold jewelry and a fun handbag.

Once a '70s staple, wide-legged pants have become a classic pant fit over the past half-decade. Whether you are looking for jeans or slacks, corduroys or leather, the stores are filled with these boot-friendly cuts. @musingsofacurvylady showcases her take on the trending look with oversized, silk, wide-leg purple trousers and a white button-down. To give this look more dynamic, you can follow her lead, keeping the top relatively split and tucking a part of it in.

Bomber jackets might have peaked in popularity a few years back, but they certainly have not gone anywhere. This puffy outwear option is a great addition to any outfit, so it's no wonder that it kept up with the ever-changing trend cycle. An oversized bomber jacket adds another texture to your look which helps create dimension and interest. An oversized, bold bomber like @catlpatterson's gives the outfit the perfect pop of color whether you want to style a similar look with something more neutral or bold.

A fitted peacoat can feel very preppy. There is nothing wrong with this, but if this isn't what you're going for, you can still rock a peacoat and project something a little edgier. Like @stxph.h, you can wear an oversized coat alongside billowing cuffed jeans, a loose sweater, and sneakers. Slouchy, roomy clothes always come across as casual street style. When combined with this refined buttoned-up and collared coat, it creates an undeniably cool and irreverent dynamic to the outfit.

Ribbed knit always looks luxurious from the onlooker's perspective. A full outfit made of a soft, thick material like this sounds like a dream. Not only would it feel like a dream, but @simonenoa makes it look like a dream as well. Wear a baggy, thickly knitted matching button-down and skirt made from a multicolored, light magenta yarn. You can pull the outfit together with simple brown leather accents with shoes, bags, and sunglasses to nail the "French girl" look.

At first thought, capris bring nothing but painful flashbacks to our early 2000s outfits. But on second thought, they are being revived in a way that is far cooler than those outdated versions of ourselves. Create a similar look to fashionista @elliee.rob by layering delicate lace tights beneath baggy, dark-wash denim capris and pair this combo with chunky black sneakers, a sweater vest, and a tee. This outfit will be unique and rich with a diverse mix of patterns and textures.

We applaud any frequent flyer who is able to get on an airplane in a pair of real pants, but for many, that is the definition of discomfort. And while jeans and a blazer give you a chic put-together outfit, so too can a good pair of cozy sweats and a sweatshirt. Try copying @meimonstaa's travel day outfit by pairing a monochrome sweatsuit with your most-worn, sneakers giving just the right amount of baggy to feel comfy on a long flight.

We know cargo shorts seem like a tricky garment to make fashionable. They could either give off 2000s boy vibes with no interest in style or come across as an edgy 2023 fashionista. It's a fine line to walk, but model Paloma Elsesser's Instagram shows exactly how to nail the latter. Opt for a similar style by combining baggy shorts with a bikini for contrasting vibes that are sure to keep your vacation style interesting. You could also style the cargo shorts with a fitted t-shirt and some sneakers when you aren't on holiday.