The Pin Cushion: The right jacket, the right fit

January 26, 2012 by Caleb Kelly 

Selecting the perfect cold weather coat for your body type

Winter is a season where your coat is your primitive element of style.

“The right piece of outerwear is the best way to make a fashion statement in the colder months,” Andrew Taylor, style director at Ann Taylor, said. “Shopping for your shape is important to enhance your natural figure.”

Katrina Szish of InStyle magazine says this it is important to “discover the right style for your body type.”

There are plenty of guides to help you find that style, like www.dressyourbodytype.com. It gives you celebrity examples and different styling options.

Another helpful site is Joy Wilson’s www.bodyshapefashionadvice.com. This one breaks body types down to comparable shapes such as pear, apple or hourglass.

Knowing your shape is an important step to give you a set of guidelines in order to purchase the best coat possible for you.

While you build your coat collection, bear in mind that pieces which are versatile and of quality will follow you for years, so shop wisely.

Remember that you should have a coat that stylistically and proportionately makes sense. You may find a great pea coat, but if you are always wearing dresses, you might want a coat that hits close to, or exactly at, the usual hem length of your dresses.

Color is also imperative. A fantastic red frock might catch your eye but ask yourself: Will it be versatile among your other pieces?

Make sure your coat accentuates your shape first, then be certain it compliments your wardrobe.