These Summer Style Tips and Trends Were Made for Oversize Sweaters

Who says oversize sweaters can’t be fun summer staples? As the weather heats up, keeping your summer looks cool and comfy is key. As you transition your wardrobe for the warm and bright days ahead, don’t forget to include oversize sweaters in your lineup. Oversize sweaters work for every season, including summertime, helping transition lighter pieces with the added comfort and coziness that sweaters bring to any outfit.

With a few inspiring styling ideas, you can take oversize sweaters from your favorite womens dress boutiques and add versatility to your summer wardrobe. Adding an oversized sweater to your summer look is an easy way to elevate any outfit or create a more laid-back, relaxed vibe. Before you store your cold-weather staples for hibernation, here are a few styling tips to help you and your oversize sweaters shine this summer.

Tips for Styling Oversize Sweaters

Whether you’re seeking an office-approved outfit or planning your looks for busy weekend plans, adding an oversized sweater to your wardrobe works for any event on your summer schedule. From sunset strolls to dinners after dark to beach days under the sun, oversize sweaters are the effortless option to throw on and go. Here are six tips to finding the perfect oversized sweater to complement your summer ensemble.

1. Choose the Right Sweater

Not every oversized sweater is created equal. Your favorite merino wool turtleneck will come in clutch once the summer sun sets, but for mid-summer weather, choosing the right material and texture is key to staying cool. (Not to mention adding a layer of sun protection!) Opt for a lightweight knit fabric or a button-front cardigan made with breathable cotton for an airy feel that provides all-day comfort and protection. Plus, summer is the perfect time to experiment with bold new textures that add interest to an outfit, from crochet to eyelet details on oversize sweaters.

2. Balance Your Proportions

Pairing an oversized sweater with your summer outfits is about balancing your proportions from top to bottom. For a balanced silhouette, simply match your favorite oversized sweater with a more fitted bottom for a flattering look. Avoid doubling up on an oversized top and bottom that can leave you feeling like you’re drowning in your clothes. This simple approach helps balance the volume of the oversized sweater with a tapered or tailored bottom that creates a contrasting silhouette.

3. From Top to Bottom

Speaking of balancing bottoms, choosing the right bottom for your oversized sweater look is an easy way to add warmer weather elements to your outfit. Luckily, oversize sweaters pair well with just about any bottom, from denim to shorts, skorts, skirts, and flowy summer dresses! Whether you wear dress slacks with a cream knit sweater for office days or style your favorite crochet knit sweater with high-waisted distressed denim shorts for poolside relaxing, your summer outfit will keep you cool and confident.

4. Add a Tuck

There’s nothing quite as chic as a classic French tuck! And oversized silhouettes are perfect for this easy styling hack. Lightly tucking your oversized sweater into your bottom emphasizes a relaxed silhouette while defining your natural waistline and balancing your outfit’s proportions. Try this styling trick with almost any bottom, from denim to mini and midi skirts, for an effortlessly chic look. Bonus: It also helps visually elongate the legs, especially paired with high-waisted bottoms.

5. Layer Your Look

Layering an oversized sweater is a simple styling trick to combine transitional and summer-ready pieces into one cohesive look. For an office-appropriate outfit, choose a cozy oversized sweater layered over a classic white or striped button-up (don’t forget your French tuck!). You can even add a longline trench coat over the top to make breezy morning commutes that much more stylish and effortless. For sunny walks downtown, you can drape a cardigan over your favorite cute womens dresses or opt for a summer-friendly, on-the-go bodysuit and shorts combo with a layered cardigan.

6. Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize!

No summer-ready look is complete without the right accessories! Whether you’re heading to the beach or the office, how you accessorize can perfectly enhance your summer style. For a fun-filled day at the beach, embrace sunny days with oversized sunglasses, strappy sandals, and a straw tote bag. For a more refined look, choose a delicate gold chain necklace and matching earrings that balance your sweater’s volume, paired with slightly heeled sandals and a natural straw clutch.

Looks of the Summer: How to Style Summer Trends with Oversize Sweaters

Now that you know how to choose the right oversize sweaters for your sunshine-inspired look, here are four summer trends to try. From standout summer styles to those inspired by upcoming seasons, find your favorite trend and mix and match an oversized sweater with any outfit.

Coastal Chic

This summer trend is defined by equal parts nautical charm and effortlessly cool East Coast vibes. Think quiet sophistication with elegant, preppy touches. Sail away with summer stripes, seashell-inspired hues, and breezy, relaxed silhouettes. Make waves with lightweight, high-rise trousers or wide-leg jeans paired with a striped button-up shirt whose collar peeks out from an oversized cream sweater for a look that radiates minimalist elegance. Add a chunky brown belt, pearl jewelry, and cat-eye sunglasses for the perfect finishing touches.

Crochet Cowgirl

This summer trend, ready for the pool, combines the best of the carefree season with a country-chic vibe. Embrace your inner cowgirl with fringed vests, statement cowboy boots, and fun crochet patterns that double as festival-ready outfits. For sunny days at the beach, layer an oversized open-knit crochet tunic over your swimsuit for a boho-inspired look. Don’t forget to complete your rodeo-ready style with a wide-brimmed western hat and a braided belt to cinch your waist.

Sporty Prep

Defined by polo shirts, pleated skirts, and relaxed silhouettes, this summer trend blurs the lines between athletic and collegiate styles. This classically preppy look combines timeless pieces with sporty touches perfect for summer outings like brunch with friends or farmers market strolls. Embrace this preppy vibe with a golf skort paired with a butter-yellow oversized sweater, knee-high socks, and tennis shoes. For an all-in-one outfit, you can even wear athletic-inspired romper dresses with various necklines and drape lightweight sweaters over your shoulders. Don’t forget a cute yet functional headband!

Summer Does Fall

Inspired by idyllic, sun-drenched days with a romantic getaway vibe, this trend revisits the ‘Euro Summer’ style with a refined twist. Imagine soft color palettes, dreamy puff sleeve dresses, and tiered maxi skirts, all made for frolicking on sandy beaches or strolling through botanical gardens. Pair your favorite lace or eyelet-detailed halter maxi dress with an oversized button-front cardigan, ideal for daytime outings that shift to cooler weather. Don’t forget to complement this look with a chunky straw platform sandal and a taupe-colored handbag.

About Dress Up

If you’re chasing the sun this summer, make sure your style keeps up with you. With Dress Up’s curated collections of stylish, summer-ready tops, bottoms, dresses, rompers, jumpsuits, and more, you can create your favorite summer OOTD. Explore weekly arrivals from sun-kissed maxi dresses to paradise-print coordinated sets at one of their 17 brick-and-mortar locations in the Southeast, or shop online and have it shipped directly to your door. Find summer-ready oversize sweaters from Dress Up at shopdressup.com.