"Jellyfishing" Continues to Be Winter's Favorite Easy Outfit Idea

If you've got a big coat or a chunky sweater, you're halfway there.

Jellyfishing
& Other Stories Coat, Aritzia Leggings, M. Gemi Sneakers. Photo:

Louisa Wells

Plenty of fashion lovers live by one rule once the cold weather rolls around: warmth comes first — end of story. It's why sweater dresses have become a seasonal staple and we've experimented with ways to tie a scarf. It's also why 'jellyfishing' continues to be one of winter's biggest fashion trends.

Similar to lampshading, which involves pairing an oversized sweater or dress with over-the-knee boots, jellyfishing is styling your chunkiest puffer coat or bulkiest sweater with slim-fitting bottoms, creating a look similar to a bell-shaped jellyfish body and its tentacles. While the top part is meant to keep you nice and toasty, the form-fitting bottom adds the perfect amount of contrast and plays around with proportion.

How to Wear the Jellyfishing Fashion Trend

Jellyfishing
& Other Stories Coat, The Mayfair Group Sweatshirt, Aritzia Leggings, M. Gemi Sneakers.

Louisa Wells

"In general, when one wears a bigger, blousier, more voluminous top, I suggest a slimmer bottom to help balance proportion overall and allow us to see the person under the look, not just the clothing itself," LA-based personal stylist Stephanie Gisondi-Little tells InStyle. "The same goes for voluminous bottoms, like palazzo pants — wearing them with a more fitted silhouette on top creates balance and allows us to see the body beneath the clothing."

Jellyfishing
Mango Button-Down Top, Farm Rio Sweater Vest, Levi's Jeans, Arch Heels.

Louisa Wells

Celebrity stylist and Affirm partner Tara Swennen agrees with this tip, adding that the goal with jellyfishing should be to "achieve a proportional split."

"The key to this trend is maintaining balance," says the pro, who dresses A-list stars like Kristen Stewart and Allison Janney. "Opt for a structured jacket or coat, but not one that is so oversized or boxy that it envelops your frame."

What Shoes to Wear With Oversized Pieces

Jellyfishing
& Other Stories Blazer, Aritzia Tights, Mango Boots.

Louisa Wells

Of course, the last step for nailing this winter outfit idea is finding the perfect pair of shoes to complete the look. There's really no wrong answer here, but more form-fitting footwear, such as sneakers or ballet flats, will help create that full jellyfishing contrast and feel more casual. A platform or thicker shoe styles, such as boots, are also extremely flattering choices, according to Maria Juvakka, the blogger and creator of Chic Pursuit.

"Wearing an oversized coat with a lug-sole boot or mule can be a great way to balance out the look," she says. "If you're petite, you want to add a bit of height on your feet so you don't look drowned out by the big jacket."

Photographer: Louisa Wells, assisted by Ariana Rodriguez. Styling: Amanda Lauro. Hair: Madison Sullivan. Makeup: Hiro Yonemoto. Fashion Direction: Samantha Sutton. Retouching: Kevin Lee. Production: Kelly Chiello.

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