An oversized sweater is one of those pieces that’s easy to love but sometimes difficult to style. If you’ve ever bought a one that looks chic in the retail photo but can’t manage to wear it without looking frumpy, you know what I mean.

Nonetheless, a chunky sweater remains a must-have in your fall wardrobe, whether you’re going out on the town for a date night or simply headed to lunch with friends. Below, I’m sharing how to wear an oversized sweaters, and I put together a few looks for sweater weather outfit inspiration.

How to Style an Oversized Sweater

A few general tips to keep in mind when styling oversized sweater outfits: 

• Styling a chunky sweater is all about proportions. You want to look chic, not like you’re drowning in a duvet. For example, you can balance out the silhouette of an oversized sweater with a narrow jean.

• Look for fitted, body-framing companion pieces to balance out the oversized silhouette of the sweater. For example, a pencil skirt and knee-high boots.

• Play with color and texture. Bring up the elegance of a cable sweater with a feminine tulle skirt. Pair a red sweater with a color blocked black and red midi skirt or plaid skirt.

• Belt the oversized sweater if it’s still lacking shape once you’ve picked your other pieces.

6 Oversized Sweater Outfit Ideas

I took my cues from street style photos and my own closet and put together ways to pull off an oversized sweater that won’t make you look as though you’re swimming in a sea of wool. Here’s how to wear an oversized sweater:

1. Tucked into Jeans or Leggings 

For the most classic of the oversized sweater looks, tuck a turtleneck sweater or v-neck pullover into cuffed jeans, skinny jeans, or faux leather leggings. Throw on white sneakers or ankle booties as you head out the door. Boom—one and done.

2. With Leggings and Hiking Boots

Keep it casual by layering a big sweater over leggings and hiking boots, then stay extra cozy with a scarf. I love this look for the pumpkin patch, leaf peeping, and ultra laid back outings.

3. With Wide-Leg Trousers

This suggestion might seem contradictory based on what I said about proportions, but volume on volume can work when finessed just right. Pair wide leg cropped pants with a slouchy sweater and add heels or heeled booties for a feminine touch. This is a really pretty, easy look for date night or a special event.

4. Layered Over a Dress

I love the look of layering a cozy sweater over a feminine slip dress or maxi skirt. I pair the dress from my fall capsule wardrobe with a long sleeve fisherman sweater when the weather cools down and it is so cute. I recommend a less baggy oversized sweater for this style so that you don’t lose your waist. Wear pointy toe booties to complete the look.

5. With a Fitted Skirt

For a baggy sweater outfit you can wear to work, throw on a pencil skirt with knee boots. A mini skirt with a cashmere oversized sweater could work for the weekends but wear over-the-knee boots instead to balance out the proportions.

6. In a Monochrome Outfit

I love tone on tone dressing, especially with knitwear. Pair your sweater with the same color pants in a different hue, and keep the monochromatic color palette vibe going with a pair of suede ankle boots. Add a slightly darker toned faux fur trim anorak in the winter.

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Shop Slouchy and Oversized Knit Sweaters

Now that you know how to create the perfect outfit with an oversized sweater, here’s a selection of comfy knits to shop from my favorite budget-friendly retailers, Amazon, and designer websites.

Chunky Knits

Cable Knit and Fisherman Sweaters

Oversized Cardigans

Sweater Dresses

Make sure to come hang out with me on Instagram for more behind the scenes and fall styling inspiration! I also share fall outfits I love regularly on Pinterest, and my fall capsule wardrobe includes my #1 recommended sweater dress for anyone’s wardrobe.