Coats and Jackets for Your Body Shape
Flattering Coats for Boyish, Pear-shaped and Big-Busted Women
Nov 3, 2009
A stylish statement coat or jacket is an absolutte must-have to keep out those winter chills. No matter what a woman's shape, whether it’s tall, curvy, petite, pear-shaped, big-bottomed, big busted or boyish, there is a great coat to flatter every figure.
Coats for Pear-shaped Women
According to stylist Gok Wan in his book How to Look Good Naked (Harper Collins, 2007), around 60% of British women are pear-shaped. When it comes to coats a secret style weapon is to define shoulders, (to draw attention to the upper body,) or to go for detailing around the neckline. An interesting collar (such as fur, funnel shaped or scarf-type) will balance out a bottom-heavy figure. Go for belted styles to draw attention to the waist and away from the bottom and hips. Straight cuts will balance out a figure, making it appear the same size top and bottom. Hemlines should finish on or just above-the-knee, as this is the narrowest part of the leg.
A structured jacked is the best way to balance out hips. Stiff fabrics such as leather, will give a sharper shape. Jackets should end at the top of the hip. Loose jackets such as a boxy boyfriend style or double-breasted will only serve to make hips look wider.
The pear-shaped woman should also be wary of pockets. Flap over pockets positioned on the hips will accentuate the bottom area, but angled hip pockets will provide a slimmer silhouette.
Coats for Big-Busted Women
Cuts which elongate the top half of the body will serve to minimize a big bust. High collars with deep necklines will lengthen the torso, as will wide open necks. Belted styles will add that hour glass shape, but keep away from severely cinched, as this will exaggerate breast size. Boxy style coats which do up directly under the neckline will only serve to exaggerate the bust still further, giving a uni-boob look. Avoid too much heavy detailing on the upper part of the coat as this will only add bulk. Thick heavy fabrics like fur or bouclè (or furry collars) can add extra inches across the bust. Double breasted styles that do up at the neck are the enemy of the big-busted woman.
Jackets should lengthen the torso, serving to slenderize the bust. Avoid tightly tailored jackets in favor of softer shapes, which will not over-exaggerate curves. Low-cut single-breasted jackets which fit under the bustline will elongate the body. Detailing and subtle volume at the hips such as pockets or embellishments will give the impression of a tiny waist and balance out the size of the chest. Narrow lapels will give the illusion of slimmer breasts and strong, structured shoulders can draw attention away from the chest.
Coats for Boyish-shaped Women
Straight up and down figures need shapely, structured styles. Boyish, athletic body shapes benefit from a coat or jacket which can add curves. Sharp tailored coats with strong shoulders will create a waist. So will belted styles, particularly with a wide waistband. Pockets will add volume and tailored jackets with seaming at waist; hips or chest will serve to add some curves.
Avoid boxy coats and jackets which do no favors when it comes to adding a feminine shape. Go for a single- breasted curvy-cut jacket, which buttons under the bustline, to give the appearance of a waist.
Take time to find a coat with the most flattering of fits. The right coat makes everything look better. Think cut, hemline, collar and color. Choose a style which plays down any body flaws rather than highlights them.
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