I usually don’t need to look much further than the latest photos of style from the streets of Paris to get inspired about fashion. From daytime full length skirts to mixes of cool graphics and florals, perusing through photography of French street style always helps me get a new perspective on getting dressed each day.
I have become completely smitten with the oversized blazers and jackets shown with the spring looks on the streets and seen on the runway for fall. And Caroline Issa, executive fashion director of Tank Magazine, is my inspiration for how to wear this trend best. Undeterred by the possibility of being overwhelmed by these larger-than-life pieces, she instead shows how owning it is a matter of style, proportion and attitude.
I chose the Armani Collezoni Snap-Front Cocoon Jacket as a perfect example of how to wear this trend piece because of its great details. Its raglan three-quarter sleeve, topstitching, double-breasted front and jersey material make it a great summer piece and the gray will transition well into early fall.
I like to punch the look up a bit with J Brand Super Skinny Leather Pant in Cement, an Alice + Olivia Rolled Sleeve Silk Tunic Top in the most gorgeous blue, and a pair of gray suede pumps, like these fab Barney’s NY CO-OP Harper heels. The grey of both the pants and heels will elongate your legs and balance out the square cut of the jacket. I would carry my large envelope clutch for a night out, like this Tarnish Lizard Chain Clutch.
Floral denim can kind of scare people, but don’t let it scare you. It can be the perfect mate to the oversized jacket, and these 7 For All Mankind Floral Print Skinny Jeans rock my world. I would pair it with a gray and white striped tee. This LA’t by L’AGENCE one has a mint detail on the neckline which calls back to the floral pattern in the jean in a subtle way. We all know the French girls love their espadrilles, so add a little “style francais” with the Kate Spade Lucie.
Finally, if you are the “go big or go home” kind of girl, good for you. Start with a white trouser and roll the bottom up three small turns. You can keep your jacket open for this look, the A.L.C. Blyth Pants are perfectly slouchy not fitted—a key element of this third look. Wear the J Crew Collection Beaded Shirt in oxford blue (tucked in on one side of course) and this Burberry Classic Leather Sandal to make it effortlessly chic. Pile a collection of silver bracelets up one arm to give a nod to your embellished shirt and you will be perfect.
Embrace this oversized trend by playing up the proportions of the piece and have it be the star of the show, letting your other components complement it. Remember, sometimes size really does matter.