So Autumn is finally here and although it’s still quite warm some days, now is the time to start thinking about coats and jackets for the months ahead. When you’re investing in a winter coat, there are a few things you need to consider to ensure you get maximum cost per wear and you look your very best.

Body shape

Are you curvy with a defined waist? Or do you have a straighter body shape without much waist definition? If you are curvier and have a waist, make sure it’s not hidden. Ensure there is some shaping to your coats and jackets; that they’re not a boxy shape. Straighter body shapes can opt for straighter styles.

Consider the fabric too. Curvier body shapes need softer fabrics that drape well over curves. If a fabric is too stiff it will again hide your shape. Anything hiding the fact you have a waist will only make you look bigger than you are. If a coat has some sort of belt or tie at the waist, use it to define your waist. If you don’t have a waist or feel self-conscious with it fastened, try tying it at the back.

Scale

This is a combination of your height and the size of your bone structure. If you’re quite petite, don’t go for fabrics that are too heavy or bulky and avoid too much volume as this could swamp you. Any details such as buttons, lapels, patterns etc should be kept smaller and more delicate. Conversely, if you’re larger in scale and height, heavier, bulkier fabrics will work better on you. Go for larger, bolder patterns, and bigger lapels and buttons.

Style Personality

This will dictate the style of coat you choose without you even really thinking about it. For example, Creatives will love this embroidered coat from Boden …

Dramatics will go for something more like this leopard print faux fur coat from Sosander…

or perhaps a bolder colour…

And Classics will much prefer a more understated single-breasted coat in a neutral colour.

Colour

If you love a neutral like the Classics / City Chics, you will love a coat in a beautifully understated neutral that goes with many items in your wardrobe. Just try to avoid black, it can be very draining for many colouring types and there so many other great neutrals, (such as taupe, chocolate brown, camel, many different greys, olive, rust, pewter), that it’s worth trying something new.

However, if you prefer more colour you might like something bolder like red, purple, or even yellow, just be sure that whatever colour you choose is in your most flattering shade.

Length

If you plan to wear your coat over a skirt or dress, think about whether or not you’re happy for the skirt or dress to be longer than your coat. If you plan to wear it over anything that shows the shape of your legs (e.g. shorter skirts or skinny jeans/leggings), ensure the coat hem doesn’t finish at an unflattering part of your leg, e.g. the widest point on your calves.

So follow these tips when you decide it’s time to shop for your winter coat, and if you would like more help in choosing a coat or any style of clothing to flatter you, please get in touch.