Larger than Life: Wearing Oversized Jackets

The oversized trend is clearly here to stay. It's been seen on all the world's premier fashionistas: Kim Kardashian, Justin, and Hayley Bieber, Rihanna. They all pull off those oversized layers so flawlessly, mixing Ted Baker jackets with slim-fit trousers and high heels with slouchy boyfriend jeans. The options are endless, and there are so many exciting, contemporary combinations to be created. The best part of this trend, in our opinion, is the oversized coat or jacket. There are so many options to choose from; denim, classic trench, puffer, coach, parka, or bomber, just to name a few.

Getting your hands on the perfect piece is only half the battle: the rest of the battle is figuring out how to style it properly so that you don't end up looking like the bag down the street. The perfect oversized look walks a thin line and has to be styled just so as to be eye-catching and well put together. We’ve got a few tips on how to find and style the perfect oversized coat for you.



Choosing Your Oversized Jacket

The oversized look started out as a trend, but we believe it is going to stay around instead of disappearing, which means that you can incorporate it into your permanent style. We advise that outerwear is in a shade that is neutral to your wardrobe: in other words, something that will go with about 80% of the other garments that you own. If your style is super bright and loud, a brightly coloured or printed jacket will still work with most of what you have. Stay away from trending fabrics and prints unless this trend is something that works into your existing style.

Styling

Now that you’ve chosen the perfect oversized jacket. You need to think of a few key ways to style it.

Solo

If you’ve selected a blazer-style jacket that falls to around your mid-thigh, why not wear it alone? Wearing a coat or jacket so that it looks like a dress is a cool and edgy look to try out. This look works really well with either a really feminine kitten heel, a super chunky boot, or even a pair of trainers (think Princess Diana for inspiration). You can dress it all the way up, clubbing casual or brunch casual.



Layered

A more traditional way to wear your oversized coat is to layer it with much tighter pieces underneath. Layering with tight garments underneath the oversized coat creates a streamlined look with minimal effort. Some people like to layer oversized with oversized.

Belted

While an oversized coat usually hides more form than it shows, you can change that in an instant and give yourself a completely cinched waist by adding the perfect belt. Remember, if you’re shopping for the belt without the coat on, you need to buy a belt that fits about 2 sizes bigger than your actual waist because you have to get all the coat in there. If the coat is simple, you can go for a more eye-catching belt. If the coat is already eye-catching on its own, go for something a little more classic: less is more!

Matching Set

There's nothing cuter than a matching set. The only way to get a matching set with a pair of pants that fit properly and a coat that's oversized is if that's how the set was made: usually, these sets aren’t available as separate pieces. The great thing about buying a matching set is that you’re getting a huge range of outfits for the price of one. You can style the coat and bottoms together or separately.



Classic

If you’re looking for a more subdued but still super stylish and current way to style your oversized coat or jacket, we suggest that you go “pro”; a classic look featuring your oversized coat, a pair of pleated trousers, a button-down shirt and a nice pair of loafers or heels; a la the 90s. You can wear a look like this wherever you want: to return library books, out to dinner on a date, or to grab some groceries at the shops. You can substitute sneakers for a more casual look or heels for a dressier one.

Wrap Up

These are just some examples of different ways that you can choose and style an oversized coat. Remember that in fashion, the only real rule is that you’re happy and comfortable with the outfit that you’ve put together.

With winter well and truly on its way, you’ve no doubt begun to reach for your big winter coat as the finishing touch to any outfit. If you’re hoping to update your outerwear collection before the big freeze arrives, there is a huge choice of men’s winter coats for you to check out.

Buying a new winter coat can be a big decision; will it look good, and will it keep you warm? With that in mind, we take a look at the top 5 winter coat styles that you should consider ahead of your seasonal shopping trip this year.

Wool overcoat 

Here are some of my favourite coats and jackets for this season. Featuring a mix of trench coats, jackets and warm coats there is something for just about everyone here.

Trench Coats
1. This trench coat by Morgan has cuff tabs, a button back flap, and contrasting leather look piping. With a little bit of an edge this trench coat is a great classic every woman should have in her wardrobe. Also available in navy and black as well as beige it is easy to keep clean being machine washable too.

2. This Michael Kors trench has big bold silver looking buttons, a shirt style collar and a wide belt to nip in your waist. Also available in Khaki as well, this coat is super smart and great for work or evening wear.

3. If you love bold colours this Yumi double breasted coat is in a royal blue with contrasting piping. Perfect for wearing over jeans on a shopping trip, this coat is machine washable too for ease of wear.

Jackets

1. I really need this Barbour Viper International jacket in my life. Perfect for Winter strolls on the beach, this jacket has a red fleece lining, funnel neck and zip and popper fastening.

2. This Phase Eight Reagan puffer jacket will keep you warm all Winter. With stretchy cuff guards and zip up diagonal pockets, puffer jackets have never looked so cool.

3. This Superdry riding jacket is in a longer length and made of a wool rich material. With a full inner lining, reversible shoulder epaulettes and a turn up collar with denim panel, it's all in the detail with this stylish riding coat. 

Warm Coats
1. This vintage inspired wool coat by Kaliko in black has a contrast faux fur collar and double breasted design.  A little bit of old school glamour to keep you warm.

2. This funnel neck design of this Pied A Terre wool mix coat will keep out the cold. I love the simple tie waist, vibrant cobalt blue and elegant design. I think I have found a new favourite brand.

3. How gorgeous is this Ted Baker wool blend skirt coat with wide lapels, and a wide belt? The colour is different too, I would describe it as a moss green.

Let me know what you think of my choices dear readers. 

From a selection of Trench Coats, jackets and warm coats from House Of Fraser.

* In conjunction with House Of Fraser 

Daxon the fashion company have some great outfits for the Autumn/Winter season.

Part of the third largest home shopping network in the world their tagline is "The secret to flattering style" and you can see that in their clothes.

As a VIP Daxon blogger, I was asked to pick an item to review for my blog. I like the padded jackets that are so popular at the moment so I picked this navy jacket available in standard and petite length.




When I first got the jacket out of the packaging I was impressed with the softness of the fabric and the style of the coat. Being lightly padded but still warm for an autumn's day it looked like it would be a great staple to my wardrobe. So often coats are not cut flatteringly but this jacket with the belt gives you the illusion of a waist and nips you in, even if you are an apple shape like me. I like the gold coloured buttons and the pockets whilst not large are a very useful addition. The press stud storm flaps and the metallic looking zip all add to the detail.