How to Rock Oversized Sweaters Without Looking Frumpy

The golden rule to wearing oversized sweaters without drowning in fabric is simple physics. When your top half is voluminous, your bottom half needs to be more fitted. Pair a chunky knit with skinny jeans, leggings or fitted trousers. This isn't the 80s, where everyone looked like they were wearing shoulder pads stuffed with pillows and paired them with equally massive pants.

Taking the front portion of your oversized sweater and loosely tucking it into your jeans or skirt can completely transform your look by adding structure without sacrificing the relaxed vibe you're going for. You get to show off your waistline while still maintaining that cozy, wrapped-in-a-cloud feeling. Plus, it looks like you tried without trying too hard, which is basically the holy grail of fashion.

This might sound counterintuitive, but showing a little skin prevents your oversized sweater from completely swallowing you whole. Try the off-shoulder look, push up your sleeves to reveal your forearms or opt for a sweater with a slightly lower neckline. These small adjustments break up all that fabric, making the jump from frumpy to fabulous.

Layering is where oversized sweaters really shine, but it requires some strategic thinking. Try wearing your chunky knit over a collared shirt with the collar peeking out, or throw on a long coat or blazer over your oversized sweater for a look that's both practical and stylish. Just remember that you're creating layers, not insulation for an Arctic expedition.

Wearing your oversized sweater in the same color family as your bottoms creates a long, lean line that's incredibly flattering. This monochromatic approach tricks the eye into seeing one continuous silhouette rather than distinct sections. Black on black, cream on beige, grey on charcoal are all winners in the non-frumpy sweater game.

Go for a wide belt for maximum impact, or try a sleek leather one for a more subtle approach. This trick works especially well with sweater dresses or extra-long pullovers; just make sure the belt sits at your natural waist, not somewhere around your ribcage where it might restrict your breathing during lunch.

Think of accessories as the exclamation point at the end of your outfit sentence. A statement necklace, bold earrings or a silk scarf pulls the eye up and instantly sharpens the look, and a structured handbag with sleek boots or heels carries that polish all the way through the outfit. If you’re leaning more laid-back, swap in white sneakers and a crossbody bag to keep the whole vibe relaxed but still intentional, never drifting into schlubby territory.