There has been a lot of discussion recently around the generational differences between millennials and Gen Z. In all honestly, I sometimes find the media’s portrayal of this apparent face-off to be a little wearying, and I also wonder whether both groups have become tired of being reduced to caricatures. However, as a fashion editor, I have found it fascinating to watch the trends and silhouettes that, on the whole, teens and younger 20-somethings have been embracing in recent years. After all, the rejection of previous tastes and trends is surely a rite of passage for most teens. One recent example? The obsession with all things oversize.
Billie Eilish has arguably become a bit of a symbol for the oversize-fashion movement, one that purposefully subverts the typical expectations of young women to look “sexy,” in the traditional sense. Eilish’s Chanel tweed suit that she wore to the Oscars was the ultimate example of this new aesthetic, and it couldn’t be further from the sweeping satin gowns that surrounded her on the red carpet. Yet the effect was achingly cool and undeniably fresh. Recent designer collections have also seen a growing preoccupation with XXL silhouettes, be it Celine’s roomy denim, Valentino’s loose shirting or Louis Vuitton’s cocooning trenches.
“I feel like Vetements really paved the way for the oversize look. It was a real moment that has been picked up as a solid trend, and I hope it never goes away,” muses celeb stylist Aimée Croysdill. “Bottega and The Frankie Shop do an effortless oversize aesthetic. It’s chic and timeless, but I also love Cecilie Bahnsen for a more feminine oversize prairie look.
“When it comes to styling, I would say make sure you show some features that are elongating and elegant; for example, your neck or check area. Roll up sleeves for wrists to be shown, or if your thing is your legs, then ankles showing helps show your slimmest parts, making the oversize look balanced.”
But then again, perhaps the beauty of this trend is that it doesn’t need to be typically “flattering,” and I say champion the trend in whatever way makes you feel your best. Personally, I have loved styling my high-waisted, wide-leg jeans with a simple white tee and an oversize blazer, and when the weather is warmer, I’ll style an oversize dress with chunky sandals and equally oversize sunnies. Or you can just stick to one statement item, such as an oversize blazer over a floral summer dress. (See Noni’s fab outfit below.) It’s all about mixing up your references and having fun with it.
So whether you’re a boomer, Gen X, a millennial, Gen Z, or none of the above, feel free to use our oversize shopping edit to inject a little XXL drama into your summer 2021 wardrobe. From shirts to dresses, scroll down to see what we found.
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