Different style for most recent article

check the built in counter $wp_query->current_post within the loop:

<?php
while( have_posts() ) :
    the_post();

    if( 0 == $wp_query->current_post ):
        // this is the first post in the loop, output larger size, full content, etc.
    else:
        // output regular size, the_excerpt, etc.
    endif;

endwhile;
?>

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