InStyle magazine’s “The New Secrets of Style” features a primer on coat styles. Pick a coat that’s right for your body shape and your lifestyle from some of these coats currently available.
— Jane Hudson
Peacoat:
Derived from a style worn by sailors, the peacoat typically hits below the hip and is double-breasted.
Military:
A reinterpretation of traditional military coats, it is usually long (from below the knee to the ankle) and double-breasted, most often with brass-button details.
Car:
This above-the-knee coat has a classic appeal. It typically features buttons running down the front but can also have a double-breasted closure.
Wrap:
This style of coat has extra material that allows it to overlap in the front. It is cinched by a belt.
Cape:
A sleeveless style that can have armholes, it can be belted or have a hood.
Topcoat:
This traditional button-front cut hangs from the shoulders and features a fold-over collar and side pockets.
Parka:
A puffy, often down-filled jacket, this casual style ranges from cropped to below midcalf.
Trenchcoat:
This classic double-breasted raincoat has become a fashion staple.
Cocoon:
This roomy coat is often cut above the knee and has sleeves that aren’t full length.
Toggle:
Usually cut from wool, this coat has front toggle closures and often a hood.
Fit tips
• If you’re curvy, pick straight or belted styles, like wraps, with simple lines that hit near the knee. Avoid flap or patch pockets and high necklines.
• If you have broad shoulders, opt for loose, unstructured jackets. Go with a length that is mid-hip or longer. Steer clear of still fabrics, and choose a detailed hem for balance.
• If you have a small bust, look for tailored cuts or styles with a nipped waist or belt. Anything too square or boxy will leave you with a nondescript silhouette.
• If you’re short, look for a coat that hovers just at the knee. Avoid long coats, double-breasted styles or excess flourishes or details.
• If you have a full bust, choose single-breasted styles with deep V-necks and narrow lapels that taper to the waist. Full sleeves only add pounds.
• If you have narrow shoulders, look for coats with defined shoulders, slight padding and perhaps some details. Keep the bottom half of the coat slim. Double-breasted versions work for you.
How to buy a winter coat
• Go with the classics. A knee-length wool topper with a tailored fit is a true classic that will not quickly (if ever) go out of style. The specific shape is up to you: double-breasted, belted or robe styles are all enduring picks.
• Think investment. It’s likely your biggest purchase of the season, so budget accordingly. And be willing to go on a few shopping trips to find the perfect one — a coat is the rare garment from which you can demand perfection.
• Make it a close fit. You want the closest fit possible, but one that gives you absolutely no difficulty in getting the coat on and off or buttoning it.
• Look behind. Don’t forget the rear view. Some shape to a coat is good, but you should never see an outline of any proverbial junk in the trunk — the coat should glide over any problem areas and have movement in the back.
• Watch for drape. A coat should not only button easily across your chest; it should also fall in a straight line from the lowest button to the bottom hem, a sign that it’s well cut and has ample fabric to suit your hips.
• Check the hem. Do you wear skirts or dresses a lot? Take into account not only how they will look with the length of the coat you’re buying, but also how the proportion and shape of the coat will work with them.
• Factor in layers. Also consider the clothes you’ll typically wear underneath. If you need the coat to cover a suit jacket, bring one with you when you shop.
• Take a seat. Finally, your coat should “sit” well. So button it up and park yourself in the dressing room. Do you have two laps? Do the closures pull? They shouldn’t.
— “Style 101: What Every Stylish Woman Should Know” by InStyle
Accessorize it!
• Women's wool knit tasseled hat in bright blue, $25, www.llbean.com
• Women's cable knit pom-pom scarf in gray, on sale for $15, www.oldnavy.com
• Lauren by Ralph Lauren side button gloves in heather/snuff, $52, www.macys.com
• Trail model fleece cloche in French blue, $14.95, www.llbean.com
• Women's cable knit scarf in warm floral, $14.94, www.oldnavy.com
• Merona cashmere cable gloves in bright coral, $19.99, www.target.com
• American Rag flower ear muffs in grey combo, on sale for $16.99, www.macys.com
• Knit opera gloves, $29.50, www.loft.com
• Faux fur neckwarmer, $39.50, www.loft.com
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