From trenches to jackets, outerwear is one of the most important investments you make each year, and also one of the most worn. Both practical and stylish, the right coat or jacket is often the first thing others will see of you each day – and, when the weather is particularly chilly, you might not even get around to taking it off.
As winter slowly begins to turn into spring, it’s time to shed your beloved designer winter coat and swap it for a lighter spring alternative instead – but just as much care should be taken when making your choice, as it will fast become a wardrobe staple for the months ahead.
With a variety of colours and styles to choose from as new season collections enter the stores, it can be tempting to go a little wild in the aisles and clear entire rails in your go-to designer boutiques. After all, a girl can never have too many coats – and one for every occasion is even better.
Even so, it pays to take your time and opt for quality over quantity. Choosing a jacket or coat that will accentuate your curves in all the right places will make for a figure-flattering piece you’ll look forward to wearing, so it’s important to take your build into consideration when shopping.
If you’re not sure what shape or style to go for, then there is a great guide here – but to help you get off on the right foot, we’ve rounded up exactly what you should be looking for, according to body type, for your best ever fit.
Short
Finding the right coat for a shorter figure can be tricky, so be sure to check out petite sections at your favourite stores and boutiques to guarantee a more flattering fit.
Cropped styles that finish around the hips will make your legs look longer and add height – take care not to go for jackets that finish around the knees or calves, as these can swamp you and make you look even shorter. Look for a well-cut, fitted jacket to best flatter your shape.
Tall
Tall women can wear a variety of styles, but if you’re slim and would like to add a little extra shape, then a trench coat, with its belted waist, could be just the ticket. Its button details will draw the eye upwards and create interest, and don’t be afraid of pockets and other embellishments, which will add volume where you want it.
Shorter, cropped styles are easily slung on in winter, but if you have a particularly long torso or legs, then you may find that it draws more attention to this. Colours and patterns can help to create a shapelier feel, too.
Pear
A pear-shape is characterised by wider hips and a broader lower body, compared with narrow shoulders and a smaller bust. To balance your body out a little more, add volume on top. Padded jackets and puffers are still very much on trend or spring, and could make for the perfect choice. A brightly coloured version will draw attention away from your bottom half – and, by opting for a jacket that is cropped at the hips, you’ll avoid adding any unnecessary volume on your lower half.
Stay away from peplum styles that fasten over the hips and flare, as these will only make your bottom half look bigger. However, an A-line coat is flattering for any figure, with a high, cinched in waist and a flare that drops straight down.
Hourglass
V-neck coats and wrap styles are hugely flattering for an hourglass figure, and will accentuate and flatter the bust without creating a ‘shelf’! Belted styles will cinch you in at the waist and accentuate your enviable curves, but avoid excessive embellishments, buttons and other fastenings, as these can add unwelcome volume.
Shorter jackets are likely to be unflattering, hiding your narrow waste and making you look more voluminous all over. Avoid pockets, too, as these can look bulky and ruin an otherwise streamlined style.
Apple
To flatter an apple shape, there is nothing better than a wrap-style coat or jacket. Again, the belted style will create the illusion of a cinched in waist. Choose lightweight materials and shorter jackets that skim over your widest part, and don’t be afraid to try out bright colours – though avoid garish patterns, which can add volume where it’s not wanted.
Still a little unsure about your own body type? Well head over to Tryinteract.com now and take their simple quiz to find out more.
