If your jacket isn’t taking up the majority of your wardrobe, is it even the right jacket?
Several designers, experts, street fashion aficionados and their mothers have debated the staying power of oversized jackets. Once touted as a comfort option, many wondered when this particular phenomenon would be overshadowed by the next.
Well, 2023 is well underway, and all the spring/summer catalogues, shop windows, and celebrity snaps serve as testimony to the timeless glory of a classic oversized jacket. Initially thought to be restricted to thick fabrics and cold climates, these androgynous pieces have evolved over time to truly encapsulate the essence of versatility.
From boxy blazers to dress up an office fit, to stonewash denim offerings that give you the effortlessly chic look or even a puffer jacket for some actual warmth, there is a jacket out there for everyone.
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In keeping with the cyclic nature of the industry, these oversized coats were all the rage way back in the ‘60s and ‘70s, now pairing well with everything from a cocktail dress to a crop top and jeans. If anything, this is the perfect time to raid your parents’ closets for that coveted authentic vintage look.
Having dominated the ramps and streets for decades, what exactly makes this look tick?
For starters, the dynamic use. An array of colour and length options coupled with the ability to elevate a basic look is a gift we can only be grateful for. For those living in chillier places (or struggling with office temperatures), it also serves as a great means to layer and add that extra bit of panache.
And finally, it provides (literal!) room for physical liberation. With the return of the skinny body and most labels veering towards garments that flatter just one body type, the genderless, free-flowing nature of oversized jackets stands as a big win for the body positivity movement.
Available everywhere from high-end boutiques to thrift stores, there is no excuse to not have
one of these perennially stylish pieces. Trust us, even if it disappears for a minute, your future generations will thank you!
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