COATS THAT FLATTER YOUR FIGURE

IF YOUR SHAPE IS:

CURVY

LOOK FOR:

• Straight or belted styles

• Simple styles that hit the knees

• Natural-looking shoulder padding

• Narrow lapels tapered to the waist

• Simple single-breasted coats

AVOID:

• Flap or patch pockets

• High necklines and styles that are too full or fitted

SHORT

LOOK FOR:

•  A style that hangs just at the knee

•  Empire waists, belts or styles with fitted bodices (lengthens frame)

•  Keep the lines simple

•  Draw the eye up with detailed, but not overdone, necklines

AVOID:

• Long coats, bulky, loose-fitting or double-breasted styles

• Wide lapels and excess detail

BOYISH

LOOK FOR:

•  Princess-shaped coats or coats with a definite waistline

•  Keep the hemlines above the knees, if you are short and slim

•  Coats with seams in the bodice will give you shape

AVOID:

•  Overstated details on the shoulders

•  Styles that are too full

NARROW SHOULDERS

LOOK FOR:

•  Defined shoulders with minimal padding

•  Wide necklines and lapels

•  A slim bottom half of the coat

•  Belts (brings focus to waist and draws attention away from top)

•  Double-breasted coats

AVOID:

•  Unstructured styles

•  Dropped or raglan sleeves

BROAD SHOULDERS

LOOK FOR:

•  Loose unstructured jackets; mid-hip or longer lengths

•  Raglan sleeves and deep armholes (to soften shoulders)

•  Narrow collars and v-necks with small lapels

•  Detailed hems give balance

AVOID:

•  Stiff fabrics

•  Double-breasted styles

•  High or closed necks

•  Upper body details: breast pockets, trimming, epaulets, shoulder pads

FULL BUST

LOOK FOR:

•  Semi-fitted, single-breasted styles with deep v-neck

•  Narrow lapels that taper to the waist

•  High armholes and a natural shoulder

AVOID:

•  High waists and cuts that are too tight

•  High necklines, patch pockets

•  Double-breasted styles that draw the eye up

•  Full sleeves

SMALL BUST

LOOK FOR:

•  Styles with a narrow waist or belt; tailored cuts

•  Flattering details on top: pockets, wide lapels, and seams

•  Draping at the shoulders and down the front

•  High armholes

AVOID:

•  Anything too square or boxy

TUMMY

LOOK FOR:

•  Straight-cut, single-breasted, tailored styles

•  A subtle A-line shape

•  High armholes and a natural shoulder

•  Mid-hip length or longer

•  Choose coats with simple closures

AVOID:

•  Double-breasted styles

•  Fitted at the waist

•  Pocket details near the waist

•  Oversize buttons

•  Toggles that pull