How To Style An Oversized Shirt: 6 Outfit Ideas

Hugely popular in the 80s, oversized shirts are rare fashion pieces that combine style and comfort. Apart from being fashionable, they’re hugely versatile - from how to wear oversized shirts to who can wear oversized shirts. Most of us have an oversized shirt hanging in our wardrobe that we bought years ago but weren’t sure how to style. That’s why we’ve curated a list of six different looks you can style with an oversized shirt to make you look polished yet casual. 

Wondering How To Wear An Oversized Shirt? Here Are 6 Unique Ways

1. The Classic Look 

Simple, quick and easy to style, the classic look is the best choice for when you’re wondering how to wear an oversized shirt to look pretty and presentable. This look is also the simplest answer to how to wear an oversized white shirt with jeans. All you need is a good pair of denims, preferably high-waisted, but almost anything looks great. Pair them with an oversized shirt by tucking in one side or both, if you prefer. 

If you are you thinking of how to wear a denim shirt, typically, a denim oversized shirt would look great with this look. Some people even choose to tuck in only at the back and let the shirt flow at the front to give definition to the bottom. Every colour looks great with denim, so no matter what kind of oversized shirt you have, there’s no going wrong with this classic look. Accessorise with boots or sneakers and minimal jewellery.

2. Dress It Up 

Wearing an oversized shirt as a dress is the perfect way to convert an otherwise plain piece of clothing into something that's chic and stylish. You may wonder how to wear an oversized shirt as a dress because this look is not commonly seen. It’s important to play with the length of the shirt to see what you feel the most comfortable in. It’s best if the fabric is a bit stretchy so that it holds onto your shape and gives you a lovely silhouette.

 
You can add definition to your waist by adding a belt to your outfit and pairing it with knee-high boots or strappy heels. A great way to balance the proportions of your oversized shirt dress is to roll up your sleeves if it’s too boxy or even wear it off the shoulder for a more feminine touch. Just remember, confidence is key when it comes to this style. You’ll look your best only when you love what you’re wearing. 

3. The Tucked-In And Formal Look

If you look up how to wear an oversized shirt, you’ll probably find a lot of tips that make your outfit look laid back. However, if you’re wondering how you can wear an oversized shirt but make it look a bit more formal, tucking it in neatly is a great idea. Remember to pick a slightly longer shirt so you have plenty of fabric to work with, even after you tuck it in.

It’s best to choose a pair of trousers that are more fitting to balance out the flow of the oversized shirt. You can choose to either partially or fully tuck it in, depending on how formal you want your look to be. A simple way to achieve this polished look is to pull the shirt out just a little bit. 

4. The Sporty Casual Look

There’s a simple answer to how to wear oversized shirts to make them look comfortable and effortless. It’s choosing an athleisure style. It’s important to pick an oversized shirt that’s made from loose and breathable fabric to achieve this look. Graphic tees or baseball shirts are a great option for such a style as well. Remember to pair it with bottoms that match the vibe, like leggings or sweatpants. Cargo trousers are a great option too. 

Sneakers are the staple footwear for this aesthetic. You can either choose the classic white ones or go for a chunky sneaker with similar or complementary colours to your oversized shirt. To add an extra layer of cosiness, you can layer your outfit with a hoodie. As a rule of thumb, the athleisure style doesn’t have too many accessories, but metal rings and chains suit it quite well. If you’re ever wondering how you can style a baggy shirt, this sporty casual look is the way to go. 

5. The Monochrome Look 

If you’re thinking about how to wear an oversized shirt in a way that catches attention and makes a bold statement, then the monochrome look might be the one for you. Pairing your oversized shirt with trousers of the same colour is a great way to make your outfit look more cohesive. You can choose bright and vibrant colours like hot pink or deep green and pair them with loose-fitting trousers of the same colour. Soft fabrics like satin or velvet will look great for this vibe. 

If you’re wondering about how to style an oversized denim shirt in white, then this style will suit it quite well. You can add a pop of colour with your accessories and footwear or even choose a coloured bra top over which you can wear your oversized shirt for a dual-tone look. 

6. Bring On The Boho Vibe 

Sometimes you feel free-spirited and happy-go-lucky. Then you might be wondering how to wear the oversized shirt in a way that matches your vibe. Styling your outfit in the bohemian aesthetic is a perfect choice. Remember to choose a lightweight and flowy fabric for this look. If you have an oversized linen shirt and are thinking about how you can wear it, this look is also the solution. 

Pair your oversized shirt with a maxi skirt or wide-leg palazzos for the perfect boho silhouette. It’s best if your oversized shirt has motifs like flowers or geometrical shapes that are ethnic-inspired. You can choose a colour palette that embraces earthy tones like green, blue and brown for this outfit. Wearing accessories like fringed scarves, beaded necklaces or bangles, will also bring out the bohemian aesthetic if that’s what you’re looking for when deciding how to wear your oversized shirt. 

Tips You Need To Know About How To Style An Oversized Shirt

If you’re trying to style an oversized shirt for the first time and wondering how to get it right, here are a few unskippable tips that will instantly elevate the way you look in your oversized shirt.

• A great way to style an oversized shirt is to balance your proportions by pairing an oversized shirt with bottoms that are more fitting. A pencil skirt or slimline denim pants look great since they balance out the boxiness of the shirt. But, wearing loose-fit jeans or straight leg jeans with an oversized shirt and keeping the outfit flowy, is also a great look. It all depends on the vibe you want to express.
  
  
• Play around with the way you tuck in your oversized shirt. You can try tucking in only one side of the shirt or just tucking the back in to create a different look every time.
  
  
• Try knotting up your oversized shirt for a playful yet tailored vibe. It can be a great alternative to tucking in your oversized shirt and a simple solution that also adds definition to your waist.
  
  
• Experiment with how you can style the sleeves of your oversized shirts and add visual interest to your outfits. You can roll them up for a more chic look or push them up slightly for a relaxed one.
  
  
• Make sure to choose the right type of fabric for your oversized shirt. It’s best to pick the ones that are lightweight and airy for layering, especially for the warmer months.
  
  
• Accessorise strategically to draw attention to the places you want to show off. Add a belt for more waist definition, or pair boots with shirt-dresses to balance out your outfit. 

Are Oversized Shirts Considered Fashionable?

This year, oversized shirts are an extremely popular trend on the catwalks. They’re versatile not only in their designs but also in how you can style an oversized shirt for women. Oversized shirts provide the perfect balance between comfort and fashion - a rare combination in today’s fashion-forward world. This makes them ideal for everyday wear, whether you’re relaxing at home or planning a night out with friends. 

How Would You Wear An Oversized Shirt? Let Us Know! 

There’s a lot of room for experimentation when it comes to how you can wear an oversized shirt. From wearing it as a dress to making it look a bit more formal by tucking it in, oversized shirts are prized for being so versatile. You can shop the latest collection of trendy oversized shirts at NA-KD. And while here why not check out our suggestions for how to style an oversized sweater and take a peek at the latest blazer trends for 2024?