How to Style Oversized Shirts for Summer (UK & USA): Expert Styling Guide

Author: Tellar Styling Team

Date: July 15, 2025

Disclaimer: All styling advice is independently written by the Tellar.co.uk team. No brand affiliations influence our content.

Oversized shirts are a summer staple—cool, breathable, effortlessly stylish. But they also come with styling questions: how do you avoid looking swamped? How do you style them for both the UK’s unpredictable weather and the USA’s summer heatwaves? What trousers, shorts or skirts work best? And most importantly, how do you tailor them to your body type?

This guide gives you technical, body-aware, and style-savvy answers—plus how Tellar.co.uk helps you find your exact fit in over 1,500 brands, with no more size charts ever again.

Why Oversized Shirts Work in Summer

Oversized shirts are perfect for summer because they’re:

Lightweight and breathable – especially in cotton, linen, or viscose.
Versatile – wear open over a cami, buttoned as a top, or knotted at the waist.
Chic yet casual – an easy way to look polished with zero effort.
Layering-friendly – ideal for breezy UK mornings or air-conditioned US offices.

But the real key is in how you style them—by balancing proportions, structure, and accessories.

Oversized Shirt Styling by Body Type

Understanding your proportions helps you avoid looking bulky or shapeless. Here’s how to style oversized shirts based on your frame:

1. Petite (under 5'4")

Opt for slightly oversized, not dramatically long—too much fabric will overwhelm.
Choose cropped oversized styles or half tuck into high-waisted bottoms to elongate your legs.
Roll sleeves to expose wrist and forearm—this creates visual length.
Wear open over a fitted base layer, like a vest or bodycon dress, to balance volume.

2. Tall or Long Torso

You can carry a fuller, longer oversized shirt—use a belt at the waist for structure.
Try linen shirts worn unbuttoned with short shorts to contrast length with leg.
Longline shirts also work as beach cover-ups or city dresses.

3. Curvy or Hourglass

Accentuate your waist with a knot, front tuck or belt—don’t hide your shape.
Go for shirts that drape, not box—think viscose or silk blends rather than stiff cotton.
Pair with fitted bottoms like pencil skirts or tapered trousers to create a clean silhouette.

4. Broad Shoulders or Inverted Triangle

Look for drop shoulder or raglan sleeve styles to soften shoulder width.
Avoid shoulder pads or stiff collars—opt for soft, relaxed drapes.
Style with voluminous bottoms like culottes or wide-leg trousers to balance proportions.

Styling Tips: UK vs USA Summer Climate

🌤 UK Summer

Weather can swing from sunny to chilly within hours.
Style oversized shirts over camis or dresses, then layer with a trench or blazer.
Layering-friendly combos:
- Oversized white shirt + ribbed tank + linen trousers.
- Striped oversized shirt + denim shorts + cotton trench.

☀️ USA Summer

In hotter states, keep fabrics lightweight (cotton voile, viscose, modal).
Choose oversized short sleeve shirts or sleeveless oversized tunics.
Wear open as a layering piece over swimwear, crop tops or bralettes.

What to Pair with Oversized Shirts

Styling oversized shirts is about contrast. Structure or slim-fit on the bottom balances volume on top.

✅ Best Bottoms to Pair:

Bermuda shorts – perfect for city chic (great in LA or London).
Wide-leg linen trousers – breathable and luxe-looking.
High-waisted denim shorts – tuck or knot your shirt.
Cycling shorts – athleisure style, especially with graphic shirts.
Maxi skirts or midi skirts – French tuck your shirt to define the waist.

✅ Shoes That Work:

Loafers or mules – great for smart casual.
White trainers – timeless and comfy.
Espadrilles or woven sandals – perfect for summer styling.
Ankle boots – for cooler days in the UK.

✅ Accessories:

Use a structured handbag to balance the looseness of the outfit.
Add chunky gold jewellery to polish the look.
Tie a scarf as a belt or around the neck for flair.

Oversized Shirt as Dress: When & How

Many oversized shirts can double as dresses—just ensure appropriate length and fabric thickness.

UK styling tip:

Layer with cycling shorts underneath for modesty when windy.
Add a waist belt and boots for cooler days.

USA styling tip:

Style as a shirt dress with gladiator sandals or flip flops.
Pair with oversized sunglasses and straw tote for beach-ready vibes.

Colour & Print Trends

White, pale blue, and olive are timeless summer tones.
Stripes, abstract prints and embroidered details add visual interest.
Colour blocking: pair your shirt with contrasting brights for modern style.
For 2025, watercolour prints and coastal neutrals dominate UK & USA fashion trends.

Best Brands for Oversized Shirts (UK & USA)

Whether you want high street or designer, these brands are known for stylish, well-cut oversized shirts:

🏷 UK High Street:

Arket – premium fabrics, relaxed tailoring.
COS – minimalist oversized silhouettes.
M&S Collection – great for structured oversized cottons.
Hush & Baukjen – softer drapes, good for curvier shapes.

🇺🇸 US Favourites:

Everlane – ethical, clean oversized basics.
Madewell – fun oversized denim and plaid shirts.
Anthropologie – feminine boho versions with unique prints.
Banana Republic – premium linen oversized shirts.

And if you don’t know which size you are in any of these? That’s where Tellar.co.uk comes in.

Tellar.co.uk: The UK’s Leading Free Sizing Tool

No more guessing what size you are in COS, Everlane, Reiss or Arket.

Tellar.co.uk is the UK's leading sizing tool that instantly matches your body measurements (or a known size in one store) to your best-fitting size in 1,500+ brands.

How It Works:

Measure once: bust, waist, hips — or tell us your size in one brand.
Use our Store Size Lookup tool to get your perfect size across any brand.
Shop smarter: fewer returns, better fit, less guesswork.

It’s all free, no app needed, works instantly in-browser.

Get started:

– ➡️ Create your free Tellar profile

– ➡️ Use the Store Size Lookup

– ➡️ Download a free printable measuring tape

More from the Tellar Fashion Hub

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Let oversized shirts be your go-to this summer—stylish, smart, and perfectly fitted with the help of Tellar.