Unless you live in the tropics, you most likely want to build a wardrobe for coats that meet your needs for different occasions and purposes. A great coat is both practical and flattering. It serves its purpose of keeping you warm while accentuating your best assets.
In choosing the right coat, you can have both comfort and perfection if you know your body type and what to look for in a coat.
Petite. If you are less than 5’5’’ tall, you belong in this group. Your coat needs to be of knee-length. Long coats will not work for you because they emphasize the length of your legs. Create an illusion of a taller frame by opting for Empire waists, belts or styles with fitted bodies. Make things interesting by going for details around the necklines. This will draw eyes up and away from your height. But make sure not to overdo. Overwhelming details at necklines will create volume which defeats the purpose.
Curvy. If you have a curvy figure, you should look for coats with straight or belted styles like wraps, with simple lines that hit near the knee. To emphasize your curves, go for natural-looking shoulder padding. You will never go wrong with simple, single-breasted coats, they give a streamlined look.
Boyish.If you have an athletic, boyish figure, you should opt for princess-shaped silhouettes or coats with a defined waistline in order to look feminine. If you’re slim but short, a coat with hemlines above the knee will create elongate your legs. To give your body shape, go for coats with seamed bodice.
Narrow Shoulder. If you have narrow shoulders, avoid unstructured styles that fall and drape at your natural shoulder line. Instead, go for coats with defined shoulders: slight padding and perhaps some details. To flatter your figure, choose coats with wide neckline. Wear belts to bring attention to your waist and away from your top.
Broad Shoulders. If you have broad shoulders, unstructured coats are your style. Double breasted styles, high or closed necks, and top details such as pockets and shoulder pads are a big no-no. These will emphasize your shoulders. Instead, use deep armholes and raglan sleeves to soften shoulders. Go for V-necks with small lapels or narrow collars.
Small Bust.If you have small busts, you need to create illusions of bust by opting for faltering details on top such as pockets, wide lapels and seams and draping at the shoulders and down the front. Go for styles with a nipped waist or a belt and tailored cuts.
Full Bust.If you have full bust, your style is semi fitted, single breasted styles with deep V-necks and narrow lapels that taper to the waist. Avoid high necklines and full sleeves. These will only add pounds on your figure.
Big Belly.If you have big belly, your aim is to hide it with straight-cut, single breasted, tailored styles or a subtle A-line shape. You can also try high armholes and a natural shoulder to create a slimmer silhouette.
