A winter coat is one of the hardest-working pieces in your wardrobe. For several months of the year, it may be the first thing anyone sees of your outfit, so finding one you love can make getting dressed on cold mornings considerably easier.
But with so many shapes to choose from, where do you start? Long or short? Belted or straight? Single or double-breasted? Structured or oversized? We help your choose the perfect winter coat for your body type.
When choosing your winter coat, your body type can be a useful starting point. The right coat can highlight the proportions you love, create the silhouette you prefer, and pair beautifully with what you wear underneath. But these aren’t rules. If you love an oversized coat, dramatic shoulders or a voluminous puffer, wear it. Think of the suggestions below as a guide to help you understand what different coat shapes can do.
First, think about the silhouette you want to create
Before considering individual body types, think about how you want your coat to fit.
A belted coat emphasizes the waist. A straight coat creates a long, uninterrupted line. A cropped jacket can make your legs appear longer, while a long coat creates drama and elongates the overall silhouette.
Details matter too. Wide lapels, large pockets, statement collars, belts, and double-breasted buttons draw the eye, while simpler coats create a cleaner line.
And remember that your winter coat has to fit over your clothes. Always consider what you’ll wear underneath when choosing size and shape.
If you have an hourglass figure
If your shoulders and hips are relatively balanced and you have a defined waist, you may want a coat that follows those proportions rather than concealing them.
Belted coats are an obvious choice because they allow you to emphasize your waist. Wrap coats can work particularly well, as can tailored coats with shaping through the middle.
Look for:
- Belted wool coats
- Wrap coats
- Tailored single-breasted styles
- Coats with subtle waist shaping
- Fit-and-flare silhouettes
If you love oversized coats, you can absolutely wear them. Try leaving the coat open so the outfit underneath adds definition, or choose a style with a belt so you can change the silhouette.
COS Belted Double-Faced Wool-Blend Long Coat – CeCe Double Breasted Coat – Favorite Daughter The Metropolitan Wool-Blend Coat – Via Spiga Faux Fur Trim Belted Coat
Via Spiga Faux Fur Trim Belted Coat – MANGO Wrap-Front Lyocell Cardigan – Wrangler Bespoke Curvy High Waist Flare Jeans – MANGO Suede Block-Heel Boots – Donna Karan New York Glenwood Shoulder Bag – Ettika Molten Glow Crystal Stud Earrings
CeCe Double Breasted Coat – Nordstrom Long Sleeve Drape Knit Top – Boden Aya Jacquard Skirt – Johnston & Murphy Whitney Pump – JW PEI Celeste Woven Faux Leather Envelope Top Handle Bag – Oradina 14K Gold Forget Me Knot Stud Earrings – Nordstrom Striped Silk & Cashmere Scarf
If you have a rectangle figure
If your shoulders, waist, and hips are relatively similar in width, you have plenty of options depending on the effect you want to create.
Embrace your naturally streamlined proportions with a long, straight coat, or add more shape with a belt.
Double-breasted styles, statement collars, large lapels, and interesting pockets can also add dimension.
Look for:
- Long straight coats
- Double-breasted coats
- Belted styles
- Oversized coats
- Statement collars
- Cocoon shapes
You can also experiment with texture and pattern. Checks, bouclé, faux fur, and interesting wool finishes can bring depth to a simple silhouette.
Tahari ASL Military Double Breasted Coat – Boden Funnel Neck Wool Coat – J.Crew Chiara Plaid Double Faced Coat – Karen Millen Textured Faux Fur Belted Collarless Long Coat
Boden Funnel Neck Wool Coat – Massimo Dutti Oversize Short Sleeve Knit Sweater – MANGO Catherin Culotte High-Rise Jeans – MANGO Suede Block-Heel Boots – Donna Karan New York Glenwood Shoulder Bag – Ettika Molten Glow Crystal Stud Earrings
Karen Millen Textured Faux Fur Belted Collarless Long Coat – Lauren Ralph Lauren Shawl Collar Cable Knit Sweater – FRAME Modern Pocket High Waist Wide Leg Jeans – MANGO Suede Block-Heel Boots – Donna Karan New York Glenwood Shoulder Bag – Ettika Molten Glow Crystal Stud Earrings
If you have a pear-shaped figure
If your hips are wider than your shoulders, add a little more visual interest to the upper half of your coat.
Statement collars, wider lapels and structured shoulders can help create balance, while coats that skim rather than cling through the hips can give you a smooth silhouette.
Look for:
- Coats with interesting collars
- Structured shoulders
- Wider lapels
- A-line coats
- Single-breasted styles
- Coats that finish above or below the widest part of your hips
An A-line coat can be particularly useful because it follows your body’s natural line without feeling restrictive.
If you choose a shorter jacket, pay attention to where the hem finishes. A jacket that ends at your waist can emphasize your waist and create a clean line through your hips.
MANGO Wool Blend Coat with Detachable Fur Lining – CeCe Bow Scarf Collar Cape – Via Spiga Hooded Wool Blend Belted Coat – Massimo Dutti Long Wool Blend Trench Coat
MANGO Wool Blend Coat with Detachable Fur Lining – Lauren Ralph Lauren Shawl Collar Cable Knit Sweater – MANGO Catherin Culotte High-Rise Jeans – MANGO Suede Block-Heel Boots – Donna Karan New York Glenwood Shoulder Bag – Ettika Molten Glow Crystal Stud Earrings
CeCe Bow Scarf Collar Cape – MANGO Wrap-Front Lyocell Cardigan – MANGO Catherin Culotte High-Rise Jeans – Johnston & Murphy Whitney Pump – JW PEI Celeste Woven Faux Leather Envelope Top Handle Bag – Petit Moments Rita Tassel Earrings
If you have an inverted triangle figure
If your shoulders are broader than your hips, you may prefer coats that keep the shoulder area relatively streamlined while introducing interest lower down.
Single-breasted coats create a clean vertical line, while A-line shapes and coats with lower pockets distribute visual interest through the silhouette.
Look for:
- Single-breasted coats
- Clean, simple shoulders
- A-line shapes
- Coats with hip-level pockets
- Longer, fluid styles
- Belted coats with softer construction
You may want to be more selective with very exaggerated shoulder pads, epaulettes or extremely wide collars if your aim is to create a more balanced silhouette. But if you love strong shoulders, embrace them and make them an intentional part of the look.
Eileen Fisher Eggshell Recycled Nylon Stand Collar Coat – Sam Edelman Inset Waist Bouclé Coat – Sam Edelman Crested Button Coat – Karen Millen Forever Wool Blend Tailored Fitted Maxi Coat
Sam Edelman Inset Waist Bouclé Coat – Massimo Dutti Wool Blend Knit V-Neck Sweater – FRAME Modern Pocket High Waist Wide Leg Jeans – adidas Barreda Decode Sneaker – OLD TREND Wisteria Small Handwoven Leather Tote – Oradina 14K Gold Forget Me Knot Stud Earrings
If you have an apple or round figure
If you carry more of your shape through the middle, coats that create strong vertical lines can work beautifully.
Single-breasted styles work especially well, as do coats that fall relatively straight from the shoulder. An open coat also creates two vertical lines through the front of your outfit.
Look for:
- Single-breasted coats
- Straight silhouettes
- Longline coats
- Softly structured styles
- Open-front coats
- V-shaped necklines and lapels
Avoid assuming you have to wear something shapeless. A softly belted coat can also work beautifully if you enjoy defining your waist.
Where the buttons sit can make a surprising difference too. A simple, uncluttered front tends to create a cleaner overall line.
COS Tailored Wool-twill Long Coat – Boden Cotswold Wool Coat – Reiss Max Wrapover Wool Blend Coat – MANGO Belted Knit Coat
MANGO Belted Knit Coat – MANGO Asymmetric Hem Sweater – MANGO Catherin Culotte High-Rise Jeans – Journee Collection Carrie Flat – OLD TREND Wisteria Small Handwoven Leather Tote – Ettika Molten Glow Crystal Stud Earrings – Nordstrom Striped Silk & Cashmere Scarf
COS Tailored Wool-twill Long Coat – Boden Crew Midi Jacquard Dress – Boden Flat Stretch Boots – JW PEI Celeste Woven Faux Leather Envelope Top Handle Bag – Oradina 14K Gold Forget Me Knot Stud Earrings
Best winter coats for your body type
Below, we’ve put together a selection of winter outfits featuring different coat shapes, lengths and styles. From belted and tailored to relaxed and oversized, see how to style each coat with the rest of your wardrobe for flattering, polished looks that suit your body type and personal style.
Continue reading:
- Athleisure outfits for everyday wear
- Scandinavian style: how to get the effortlessly chic nordic look
- Matching sets and co-ords: the effortless way to look put together
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