Wear an Oversized T-Shirt as a Dress | 3 Cute Style Ideas To Try
As with anything oversized (see my tips for styling an oversized blazer), petite women can often shy away from these bigger-sized trends for fear of them overpowering their smaller frame.
This style, however, is even easier for petites to pull off because what might be a normally fitting t-shirt for someone else, actually fits more like a dress on smaller women. And look no further than your boyfriend’s closet or the men’s section of your local thrift shop to master the oversized-tee-shirt-as-a-dress trend.
Below I’ve taken three oversized shirts (tees and a polo) and styled each of them in a different trendy way. Whether you like the clean girl look (also check out my clean girl aesthetic blog), grunge style (other idea here), or girly vibes (here’s another outfit option), you’ll find style ideas for each type below.
Clean Girl Aesthetic With A Men’s Polo + White Tennis Sneakers
One of my favorite thrifting hacks (be sure to check out all my other thrifting tips) is to always scourer the men’s department for hidden gems. I’ve found so many great oversized pieces within this section and it was in that very department where I scored this polo shirt.
To keep the clean girl aesthetic, style an oversized polo in a neutral shade (think white, khaki, black, etc.) with gold jewelry, slicked hair, and white tennis shoes (check out these Nike alternatives).
You can wear your polo loose for a super comfortable and chic look, or if the polo is simply too shapeless for your style (or you find it too dominant for your petite size), throw on a belt to add definition to your waist.
– OUTFIT DETAILS –
WHITE SNEAKERS | Beflamboyant use code HARMFREEFASHION for 10% off
PURSE | Sans Beast (current styles by Sans Beast)
SUNGLASSES | Ray-Bay Aviators
Grunge Style with a Campus Tee + Combat Boots
Do campus tees even come in petite sizes? I feel like I’ve only ever seen them in men’s large or x-large, so what better way to turn those lemons into lemonade than wearing your boyfriend’s oversized college t-shirt as a dress.
If it’s necessary to counter the not-quite-long-enough-to-be-a-dress effect (unless of course you’re channeling Miu Miu micro-mini vibes), simply pair with bike shorts.
Add a bit of grunge with combat boots, or go Lady Di effortlessly cool by pairing it with sneakers and white tube socks or cowboy boots.
– OUTFIT DETAILS –
COMBAT BOOTS | Virón
PURSE | Stella McCartney (current styles by Stella McCartney)
Girly Vibes with a Disney Tee + Sickly Sweet Pastel Purse
Dress up an oversized graphic tee by styling it with a blazer and sock boots. This concert-ready outfit is my version of the mini skirt and oversized blazer look and it’s arguably even more wearable.
The varying lengths of the tee and blazer (plus the sock boots) add length to shorter legs. To achieve the desired effect, just make sure your blazer is longer than your t-shirt.
Appease your inner child by opting for a girly tee (such as a Disney or boy band one) and selecting a bag in a schoolgirl shade such as lilac or bubblegum pink.
Sock boots, heels (with or without socks, depending on which team you’re on), or strappy sandals all work equally well here.
– OUTFIT DETAILS –
SOCK BOOTS | Matt & Nat (current styles by Matt & Nat)
PURSE | Sans Beast (current styles by Sans Beast)
SUNGLASSES | Emporio Armani (current styles by Emporio Armani)
Final Thoughts
Don’t let the baggy fit of a men’s t-shirt or polo persuade you from giving this look a go.
Apply the tips I offered above to rock this trend no matter how small your frame is.
For more styling hacks for petites check out my other posts for short girls on:
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As always, happy styling!
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Michelle Rothenburger
Michelle Rothenburger is a vegan fashion blogger whose work has been featured in such publications as Marie Claire, InStyle, Woman & Home, and Vilda. Find out more by reading Michelle’s full story (from bullied to fashion influencer) and feel free to send her a personal message.
FAQs
Can you wear an oversized t-shirt as a dress?
Absolutely! Style it with combat boots for a grungy look, white sneakers for clean girl vibes, or sock boots for a girly/dressy feel. If your oversized tee isn’t quite long enough to pass for a dress, simply wear it over bike shorts.
How do you style a baggy t-shirt dress?
You can either embrace the oversized vibes and style with sneakers, sandals, or sock boots; or belt it to give your waist more definition. If it’s not quite long enough to pass for a dress, style it over bike shorts.
Can you wear an oversized polo shirt as a dress?
Most definitely! Pick up a larger-sized polo from the men’s section at your local thrift store or borrow one from your boyfriend’s closet. Style a neutral-color one with white sneakers for a clean girl look.
Related Posts:
- How to Wear a Bra as a Top | New Trend Your Grandma Surely Won’t Approve
- Skinny Jeans Are Out | 3 Other Flattering Styles for Petite Women
- How to Wear Colored Jeans & Pants | The Only Guide You’ll Need
- 5 Bike Shorts Styling Ideas for Petite Women to Look Taller & Slimmer
- 3 Summer Shorts Outfits That Elongate Petite Women’s Legs
- 3 Summer Dress Styles for Petites | Work, Wedding & Weekend
- I’m 5’ 3”, Here’s How I Style Dad Shirts | Tips for Petites
- Oversized Blazer Tips for Petite Women | How to Style Guide
Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to leave a kind comment! 💛