Which coat to choose for your body shape?

My name is Sara, and I’m addicted to coats. It all began some years ago when I figured out that a good coat could cover up a multitude of outfit mishaps. From then on my beady eyes would set to seek out coats every season regardless of whether my closet called for one or not. But initially my shopping choices were not based on body shape or indeed my Style ID, so you can imagine the pile of flotsam and jetsam which accrued.

Fast forward to today and I’ve got a little more savvy about which coat actually suits my body shape. That’s not to say a few bad choices still don’t sneak in…Yes – you – gorgeous pink cocoon coat by Raey which I fell for last year for the colour; not even considering the body shape. And thanks to the onset of mid-life waist thickening I find myself looking more like a glorified bag lady rather than the insouciant fashion slayer image I had going on in my head.

So this season which coats are out there which might be just perfect for your body shape and which should you steer clear of?

First up head to our ‘Start Here’ page to figure out where you are on the body shape spectrum, then rejoin us back here for the run down.

 

 

 

 

This body shape is dominated by a larger lower half than upper half – that’s not to say you don’t have a waistline, so the joy of belted coats is still within your grasp. Look for pieces with accents on the shoulders – think this season’s military with epaulettes, trench coats with extra shoulder swag to counterbalance your proportions. Steer clear of capes as they will accentuate the width of your lower half. While tailored coats might be hard to fit on the shoulder if you’re sizing to fit your hips.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’re a flute shape, you can take advantage of the curve making capabilities of a belted coat. Think trench, classic camel or blanket. Double breasted items can add width and shape to your slim frame, and you are lucky enough to be able to pull off anything oversized or chunky faux fur.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’re an inverted triangle, you’re best tactic in the well-fitting-winter-coat department is to look for items with details or wider shaping on the lower half of the garment. Capes are perfect for balancing out your body shape Otherwise embellishment on the hem, being clever with stripes and pattern. Straight up and down tailored coats with monochrome outfits underneath can hide all sorts of dodgy shape images too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’re an hourglass shape you’ve lucked out and can wear all sorts of different coats. Be mindful of your size and proportion to really get it right. The more statuesque you are, the bolder the statement or pattern you can get away with. If you’re more on the diminutive side, avoid double breasting and oversized numbers unless you’re buying in the petite range.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For other body issues, a few golden rules should come into play.

 

 

For broad shoulder see the inverted triangle rules above.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For narrow shoulder look to the buying tips above for a pear shaped body.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Large busted gals should step away from double breasted items and opt for tailored pieces.

 

 

 

 

 

While small chested ladies might want to seek out coats with pockets on the chest or military detailing to accentuate the upper half.