This Autumn Winter 2012 will see the fashion world embrace the ‘bigger is better’ motif as trends make a swift move towards oversized styling that envelops the frame in stiff, yet supple billows of luxurious fabric to create that chic and decadent winter look we all crave once that chill hits the air.

Far from being just an eighties sci-fi movie, ‘cocoon’ is the new style of dressing that sees coats, outerwear and separates drape elegantly over the shoulders and swathe the body. Big is most definitely beautiful for this season and you can create this haute couture catwalk look for yourself at home by adding volume to your outfit.

Choose cocoon shaped coats and oversized knits that hang elegantly from the frame and remember the success of this look lies in the overall balance. You want to look chic and stylish and not like a baggy mess. Keep all accessories to the absolute minimum and rely on the tailoring, cuts and fabrics of your chosen pieces to do the talking. If you’re too nervous to embrace this look head on, then a good way to ease oneself into the oversized styling frenzy is to pair dark skinny tailored trousers with a slim knit jumper in a neutral shade. The dark tailoring on the bottom of the body sharpens the look while remaining flattering and adding a heel will serve to streamline the look and narrow the appearance of the body.

Waisted belts are another trend that will be stomping their way into every fashion magazine this season and is the perfect accompaniment to the oversized trend. These versatile little accessories can be popped on over practically any item of clothing to cinch in the waist and add definition to your draped look. Place over an oversized cocoon coat or loose fit jumper to help define the waist as a focal point of your look. Combining these two trends is a great way to tentatively introduce all you timid fashionistas to the oversized trend without diving in head first to all those lovely layers of fabric.