Posted by babu 6:36pm GMT
Gone are the days of braving the cold weather sans coat in the name of fashion. With tailored hemlines, rich hues and details to die for, you'll not only have no problem covering up with this season's coats, you won't want to take them off.
"Coats have become such a big focal point of fashion. It's not just about throwing a coat on and going out the door. It's really asking yourself, 'What is my body shape and how can I best amplify my style?'" says InStyle Senior Editor Isabel Gonzalez Whitaker, who adds that opting for bright, bold colors is the perfect way to bring together a wardrobe and add an instant pick-me-up.
Because choosing a flattering coat isn't always an easy task, I've asked Whitaker to offer some quick tips for getting it right:
If You're Curvy
Look For: Straight, belted styles and wraps, but nothing with too many embellishments, especially in the bust or hip area. Something that hits just at the knee is most flattering.
Avoid: Anything with too much dimension or volume, especially around the bust.
If You're Petite
Look For: Cuts that fall right above the knee. Elongate your frame with Empire waists or belts, and opt for detailing along the neckline or shoulders.
Avoid: Long, voluminous or double-breasted coats that will weigh you down.
If You Have a Boyish Frame
Look For: Coats that have embellishments, princess-shaped silhouettes with bold details along the bust and shapes that add dimension and volume. This would also be a good opportunity to look for pockets.
Avoid: Full and exaggerated shoulder details.
If You're Narrow-Shouldered
Look For: Coats with defined shoulders, including puffed sleeves and military-style epaulets.
Avoid: Unstructured styles.
If You're Wide-Shouldered
Look For: Styles that are loose or less constructed and a length mid-hip or longer.
Avoid: Double-breasted styles and high or closed necks, as well as details up top.
If You Have a Tummy
Look For: Straight cuts, tailored styles and A-line shapes.
Avoid: Double-breasted styles, pocket detailing and either embellishments or something too fitted in the mid-section.
If You're Full-Busted
Look For: Deep V-necks and narrow lapels. They create a vertical line from top to bottom.
Avoid: High necklines, patch pockets and double-breasted styles.
If You're Small-Busted
Look For: Styles nipped at the waist with flattering details on top, creating an "S" silhouette.
Avoid: Anything too square or boxy.
If all else fails, Whitaker says, remember this: "Getting a coat tailored is a very wise investment. It won't necessarily be cost-prohibitive and will, if anything, add longer wear to the coat."
Check out more celebrity coat styles on All the Looks, and find more tips for choosing the right coat for your shape, along with hundreds of other figure-flattering style tips, in InStyle's latest book "The New Secrets of Style."
Photos (left to right): Ray Tamarra/Getty Images; Soul Brother/FilmMagic; Evan Agostini/Getty Images
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