Oversized blazers are no longer just relics of your dad’s closet or ‘80s power suits—they’re officially It-girl certified. Across fashion weeks, Instagram feeds, and TikTok mood boards, these voluminous silhouettes have claimed their spot as the ultimate high-low layering piece. Worn with everything from biker shorts to tailored trousers, oversized blazers bring a balance of structure and ease, elegance and attitude. But their effortless cool doesn’t happen by accident. To style them like an It-girl, you need a blend of intentionality, experimentation, and a fearless embrace of bold proportions.
In this essay, we’ll unpack the evolution of the oversized blazer, why it resonates with modern fashion, and—most importantly—how to wear it in a way that captures the confidence and charisma of today’s trendsetters.
The Rise (and Reinvention) of the Oversized Blazer
Though oversized blazers are experiencing a renaissance, they’re not new to fashion. The silhouette has roots in 1980s power dressing, when women began entering male-dominated workplaces in greater numbers. Designers like Giorgio Armani crafted boxy, shoulder-padded blazers to signal authority, while still allowing space for feminine interpretation through color and styling. In the 1990s, minimalist icons like Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy redefined the blazer as a casual staple—thrown over a white tee or slip dress for understated chic.
Fast forward to today, and the oversized blazer is back in rotation. But this time, it’s infused with street-style sensibility and gender-fluid confidence. It-girls like Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid, and Zendaya have turned it into a wardrobe essential—proof that you can be casual, classic, and commanding all at once.
So what’s the modern appeal? Part of it is versatility. An oversized blazer can morph from boardroom to brunch, from polished to punk. It’s the perfect example of “borrowed from the boys” reimagined with feminine force.
Rule #1: It’s All About Balance
When styling oversized pieces, proportion is key. The It-girl secret? Let the blazer be the hero, and balance it out with streamlined or intentionally clashing pieces. If the blazer is slouchy and long, consider pairing it with slimmer silhouettes underneath to avoid getting lost in the fabric.
Outfit Ideas:
Slim Trousers or Leggings: Pairing your blazer with cigarette pants or leggings creates a clean, lengthening effect. Add a crop top or tucked-in tank for a modern, city-sleek look.
Biker Shorts: A favorite of the off-duty model crowd, biker shorts and an oversized blazer blend casual athleticism with sharp tailoring. Finish with sneakers or chunky boots for edge.
Mini Dresses or Skirts: A blazer worn over a short dress (bodycon or flowy) offers contrast—masculine over feminine, structure over movement.
Wide-Leg Pants (With Intention): If you’re going for full volume, make sure the materials are drapey, and cinch your waist with a belt or wear a cropped inner layer to define your shape.
Rule #2: Tailoring Still Matters
Ironically, the key to making an oversized blazer look good is intentionality. You want it to look purposefully large—not like it just doesn’t fit. Shoulder seams should fall just past your natural shoulder (not halfway down your arm), and sleeves can be slightly long, but not to the point of swallowing your hands.
Some fashion insiders opt for actual men’s blazers or vintage finds, while others choose designer pieces tailored to appear oversized while still flattering the body. The best ones? They drape like a dream but still hint at your shape. If in doubt, a quick visit to a tailor to tweak sleeve length or nip in the back can work wonders.
Rule #3: Play with Layers
Layering is one of the most compelling ways to style oversized blazers. Because they provide room and structure, they allow for creative play underneath and overtop.
Layering Tricks:
Hoodies or Sweatshirts: Wearing a hoodie under a blazer gives you instant street cred. It’s cozy, youthful, and suggests a kind of undone cool.
Turtlenecks: For a polished fall or winter look, wear a slim turtleneck underneath. Go monochrome for elegance, or try contrasting hues for a bolder vibe.
Button-Down Shirts: A crisp shirt peeking out from a blazer hem or sleeve adds depth and dimension. Let the collar sit outside the lapel for a deliberate twist.
Bralettes or Bandeaus: On warmer days (or nights out), throw an oversized blazer over a bralette or corset top with high-waisted jeans. It’s a flirty yet powerful combination.
Rule #4: Accessories Make the Statement
What separates an It-girl blazer look from just an office throw-on? Accessories. The right add-ons elevate the vibe and show that the styling was thought through.
Try These:
Chunky Gold Jewelry: Think thick hoops, layered chains, or bold cuffs. Gold adds warmth and pairs beautifully with structured tailoring.
Belts: Cinch your blazer at the waist with a belt—leather, chain, or fabric—for a peplum effect that transforms the shape.
Baseball Caps or Beanies: The high-low combination of formalwear and casual headgear screams fashion-forward.
Statement Bags: Whether it’s a micro purse, slouchy clutch, or structured mini-tote, the right bag adds polish or playfulness.
Socks and Loafers: Think schoolgirl chic with a twist—knee socks or white athletic socks peeking above loafers or platform brogues give your look editorial edge.
Rule #5: The Color and Print Game
While black, gray, and camel are timeless choices for oversized blazers, don’t be afraid to explore color and pattern. Today’s It-girls are embracing plaid, pinstripes, neon, pastel, and even metallic fabrics for maximum personality.
Neutrals: Always chic. Layer neutrals with other neutrals for a sophisticated, tonal effect.
Bold Colors: A hot pink or lime green blazer over a monochrome base adds energy and modernity.
Check and Houndstooth: These classic prints are having a moment. Pair with jeans or basics to let the pattern stand out.
Leopard or Leather: For the truly daring, animal print or faux leather adds drama and texture that takes the blazer beyond basic.
The It-Girl Mindset: Confidence as the Best Accessory
Above all, styling an oversized blazer like an It-girl comes down to how you wear it—not just what you wear. There’s a certain nonchalance, a sense that the look is put together but not trying too hard. It’s the undone tuck, the half-rolled sleeve, the “I just threw this on” energy that sells the outfit.
Confidence is built over time, but fashion can help unlock it. Start with what feels good. Don’t force a trend that doesn’t suit your body or vibe. The oversized blazer works precisely because it’s adaptable—tough when you want it to be, soft when styled gently, rebellious when paired with unexpected pieces.
Final Thoughts: Your Uniform, Your Playground
The oversized blazer is more than a fashion piece—it’s a chameleon. It can be your daily uniform or your night-out statement. It works across seasons, trends, and moods. Whether you’re headed to brunch, a business pitch, or just dressing to feel like the boss you are, it’s a piece that says: “I’ve got this.”
