Today’s article comes to us from Megan LaRussa, a Southern fashion stylist specializing in helping women look and feel their best through their wardrobes.
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I love digging into a style client’s overpacked coat closet to determine which coats are go-to’s and which ones need to move on. Often, the oversized, too-long, or boxy coats aren’t flattering and need to be cleared out. However, when getting rid of a garment, I always promise clients that we will replace it with something even better. Read on for tips to help you purge your coat closet and find more modern, complimentary replacements. I’m also including some of my current favorite coat and jacket selections for each body type!
How to Choose a Coat for Your Body Type
INVERTED TRIANGLE SHAPE
If your body shape is like an inverted triangle, where your shoulders are broader than your hips, the goal is to select garments that don’t add bulk to your shoulders and do add interest to your bottom half. By focusing on silhouettes that move away from the body, such as an A-line skirt or wide-leg ankle jeans, you will balance your broader shoulders and create a flattering look.
This body type is particularly complimented by princess seams and fit-and-flare styles. If you have a defined waist (I have some clients with this body type who have a less-defined waist, while others have a more-defined waist), coats with a lovely belt or sash at the waist will work well. You can also watch this video for a simple way to tie a square knot, which can help you look effortlessly polished.
If you fall into the inverted triangle category, the only type of coat to avoid is anything boxy with a voluminous, undefined sleeve. You want a coat with a proper shoulder seam versus a drop or dolman sleeve.
Down coat, $390, at Bloomingdale’s | Image: Bloomingdale’s
Midi wool wrap coat, on sale for $367 (reg. $525), at Bloomingdale’s | Image: Bloomingdale’s
Faux leather blazer, $495, at Nordstrom | Image: Nordstrom
Sweater blazer, $149, at Ann Taylor | Image: Ann Taylor
TRIANGLE SHAPE
The triangle body type is the opposite of the inverted triangle body type, with a curvier bottom half and (most often) a more slim, narrow top half. The goal for this body type is to create more interest for your top half in order to balance out your curvier bottom half. Coats with a defined waist are a must! To achieve that balancing effect, you can also select coats with interesting sleeves and collars, like a puffed shoulder or a statement collar.
You might want to avoid anything that doesn’t define your waist and anything that is too fitted through the hips — you don’t want the fabric to cling in an unflattering way.
Long puffer coat, $104.95, at Nordstrom | Image: Nordstrom
Double-faced belt wrap coat, on sale for $131.99 (reg. $330.00), at Macy’s | Image: Macy’s
Faux leather moto jacket, $98, at Anthropologie | Image: Anthropologie
Denim jacket, $118, at Dillard’s | Image: Dillard’s
RECTANGLE SHAPE
My “rectangle” body type clients have a straighter silhouette and often feel like they don’t have a defined waist. For a flattering fit, they want to find pieces that create the illusion of a waist, rather than opting for boxy pieces.
When selecting a coat or jacket, you want to focus on details that mimic a shape with a more defined waist. Princess seams instantly create more shape and are must-haves on your coat. Also, a fit-and-flare-style coat is very flattering and classic! This means the coat is tailored to your waist (under your rib cage) and then A-lines away from the body.
If you have a rectangular shape, peacoats or double-breasted blazers will emphasize your straight silhouette.
Zip-front puffer coat, $225, at Nordstrom | Image: Nordstrom
Wool blend single-breasted coat, $280, at Dillard’s | Image: Dillard’s
Faux suede moto jacket, $114, at Nordstrom | Image: Nordstrom
Hutton blazer, $198, at Ann Taylor | Image: Ann Taylor
HOURGLASS SHAPE
My hourglass-shaped clients have a very balanced silhouette — their hips and shoulders are roughly the same measurements. They have a very defined waist, which needs to be emphasized in their clothing selections to avoid creating a wide, boxy silhouette.
Like the rectangle shape, hourglass figures look best in coats with a defined waist that utilizes princess seams, a sash, a belted waist, or a built-in waistband. If you identify with this body type, you should avoid any material that adds bulk to your frame — this helps to prevent the illusion of appearing top- or bottom-heavy.
You’ll want to avoid anything boxy, shapeless, or double-breasted. Those styles will hide your smallest area, which is your waist.
Down puffer jacket, $590, at Bloomingdale’s | Image: Bloomingdale’s
Faux fur sherpa jacket, $398, at Dillard’s | Image: Dillard’s
Cropped blazer, $179, at Ann Taylor | Image: Ann Taylor
Faux leather jacket, $395, at Neiman Marcus | Image: Neiman Marcus
Now that you know more about the coats and jackets that flatter your body type, you can shop for a new favorite this season. You might even be surprised that your body type isn’t quite what you thought! If you’re curious about your body type or looking for more tips for dressing your beautiful silhouette, feel free to check out my online style course.
For more style tips and inspiration, visit Megan’s website, or follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
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