I’ve been like the girl who hesitates to jump in the double dutch rope when it came to writing this post. The crazy weather we’ve been having (70 degrees one day, 30 degrees the next) made it difficult to decipher whether or not we were having an early winter or a late summer! I finally jumped in the rope (20 points to whoever can name some of the different “jumps” involved in double dutch) and here I am breaking down winter coats to check out for your body type. A coat is definitely the winter item you want to splurge on since you can make quite a fashion statement with one (yet be totally dressed like a bum underneath it). But if you don’t choose the right coat, you’ll be giving off the statement of ‘I don’t care how I look’.

Let’s dig in….

Petite:
Please note that Petite is a special size not a body type so you will still need to pay attention to the other tips for your body type and then scale them down for your frame. The ideal coat length is anything above the knee. You want to show as much “leg” as possible to appear long and lean (you can also achieve this by wearing shoes and pants in the same color). Go for bold colored solids and avoid very large prints that will swallow your frame.

George Simonton Studio Convertible Stand Collar Jacket

Big Breasts:
Wrap coats work best on a large chest. The diagonal line created by the wrap helps to minimize the bust. Avoid jackets with big buttons or prints on the bust line.

Andrew Marc ‘Kelsey’ Double Breasted Cape Coat

Plus-Size:
Always remember plus-size is not a one size fits all category (i.e. you can be plus size and petite, plus size and have a boyish frame, etc). Follow the tips for the other body types, but since you’re plus-size, be sure to go for coats that hug your frame as opposed to trying to hide your body in an oversized coat. Be bold with color and make sure any details are to scale (i.e. small prints on a plus-size frame will make the body seem larger).

Gallery ‘Tapestry’ Walking Coat (Plus)

Long Torso:
If your torso is noticeably longer than your legs, you’ll need a coat with an empire waist to help visually shorten your torso and lengthen your gams. Wearing bottoms and shoes that are the same color will further help to elongate your legs.

Jessica Simpson Double Flap Pocket Coat

Short Torso:
If your torso is noticeably shorter than your legs, grab a coat that has detailing that sits lower on the waist to help balance out your frame.

Calvin Klein Double Breasted Walking Coat

Boyish Frame:
To visually add curves to a boyish frame, go for a form-fitting coat with extra detailing. Excess material and details like pockets on the hip area will help give the appearance of curves.

Mackage Stand Collar Jacquard Walking Coat

Maternity:
A-line and wrap coats are ideal to keep your baby bump warm and chic.

Kristen Blake A-Line Topper