Images: Imaxtree
Baggy doesn’t automatically equal sloppy. Just consider how sophisticated a slouchy suit can look. But oversized styling can quickly go from “just running to the store to get almond milk” comfortable to “I don’t care” dressing in a flash. That’s probably why most of us steer clear of anything loose in favor of formfitting styles in an effort to appear put-together.
With baggy pants giving skinny jeans a run for their money, the time is right to experiment with oversized silhouettes. But figuring out what works with roomy pants can feel like uncharted territory. Sometimes it can be hard to get an objective opinion because everything feels so different with outsize pants. So we put together some visual clues.
Click ahead to see street style outfit ideas that’ll make wearing baggy pants a cinch.
How to Wear Baggy Pants and Jeans Without Looking Sloppy
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Show Some Shoulder
Give them the cold shoulder by sporting a classic white button-down off one shoulder. Tuck the hem into outsize faded jeans and finish with heels.
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Cinch It
Make sure you're wearing the trousers and they aren't wearing you. Keep baggy bottoms in check with a thick leather belt and a knit tank. Strappy sandals dress things up.
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Sizable Suiting
A roomy blazer with matching baggy trousers isn't sloppy, just coordinated. Avoid the impulse to add in tall shoes to balance the slouchy proportions and slip on flat sandals. The white top and necklace provide a pop of freshness.
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Effortless Mix
Go fitted up top when wearing roomy bottoms. (An oversized bag can be added without tipping the scales.) Try a monochromatic color palette for a luxe yet minimalist outfit.
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New Coordinates
Yes, you can wear printed baggy pants without coming off as clownish. A fine-knit cream sweater with open neckline imbues sexiness and counteracts the trousers. Match your bag to your pants to keep up appearances.
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Baggy and Belted
No one would ever call this ensemble messy, even with those extra-long jeans. The leopard trench is seriously chic, while the cropped white tank balances the roomy pants. Feel free to hem your baggy pants so they don't brush sidewalks.
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Up Your Accessory Game
These soft, casually styled layers still ooze chicness thanks to the accessories. A metallic bag and heels instantly dress up any outfit. The cuffed pants and unbuttoned shirt keep the roomy proportions from becoming overwhelming.
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Plain White Tee
After eons of wearing skinny jeans, it's hard to know how to style their baggier cousins. Meet the solution. Give your go-to white T-shirt a fashion upgrade with a printed cardigan, a belt bag, fresh white sneakers and an oversized logo bag.
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Boy Meets Girl
High contrast looks are always striking. Try juxtaposing boyish wide-leg jeans and skater sneakers with a girly lace top.
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Balancing Act
Wondering how to wear a sports bra as a top IRL? Pair the piece with outsize pants for an interesting yet balanced study in contrasts. Work in a statement bag and jacket for a strong finish.
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Rewrite the Rules
It is possible to go oversized on the top and bottom without looking like you just crawled out of bed. The secret is to choose polished fabrics (like satin and crisp white cotton) and silhouettes that still show your shape, like high-waisted pants. And don't underestimate the power of a tucked-in shirt.
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Roll Up
Concerned that you'll be overwhelmed by baggy pants? Cuff them. Then tuck in a classic white tank top and cinch it with a belt. Almost any topper lends a sharp finish, from a blazer to a cardigan, but the open printed blouse is unexpected.
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Artful Draping
Draping a jacket over your shoulders is a tried-and-true street style hack. And it takes roomy pleated trousers and a satin top up a notch.
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Make Room
A thick wool sweater plus baggy pants can work in winter, but you can risk looking frumpy if it's not bitterly cold. A lightweight knit makes all the difference. The spliced detail on the pants shows off your shoes and breaks up the ensemble.
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Slice of Skin
Who would have thought that a cropped racerback tank top would balance baggy trousers? Topped with a mannish blazer, the outfit nails both the utilitarian and athleisure trends.
