Ok; it's been a while since the last of my 'dressing for your body shape' posts. To be honest, if that post were a leaf, it would have fallen off the tree and decomposed by now. Anyway, coming directly to you from me in bed with the flu (I'm a poet and I didn't know it) is the latest of my body shape dressing guides.
With most of my Northern-Hemisphere readers well and truly stuck into Autumn/Fall, I thought it would be fitting to do a guide to finding your perfect coat.
Aussie readers: Don't worry, I'll have a swimwear 'dressing for your body shape' piece up before you can say hakuenamatata.
So if you want to find the perfect new season jacket to flaunt that bod, keep scrolling scrolling scrolling.... **Insert Limp Biscuit tune here**
Before I get into the nitty gritty, here's a quick reminder of the different body shapes and their incredibly fruity names. For a more in-depth guide to finding your body shape, I suggest you check out my piece 'How To Dress For Your Body Shape.'
From left to right....
Apple: Larger waist, smaller hips and booty. Large bust (jealous)
Pear: Small waist and small bust. Larger hips and thighs.
Hourglass: Equal size bust and hips. Cinched in at the waist.
Rectangle: Equal weight distribution. Equal size bust, waist and hips.
Found your fruity femme fatale? Awesome! Now let's find you the coat that will rock your best assets...
Apple
Girrrlll... you have the slim legs and hips we all aim for, so keep your outerwear short and show off those pins! Also aim for a loose A-line shape that skims flatteringly over your tummy.
YES!!
Shorter shapes.
Looser shapes that skim over your curves
A-line shapes
Swing jackets
Large collar detailing.
Cropped capes
No
Belted coats
Coats that skim straight over the hips.
Tight-fitting numbers
Coats and jackets with zips. #BigBoobProblems
I recommend a stunningly retro swing coat to show off your curves!
Pair this lush leopard 'Free People' swing coat with your fave slim-leg leather pants and chunky heeled boots for a saucy rocker look that shows off those pins.
Not a wild child? This 'River Island' swing coat will match absolutely everything, due to it's classic cream colour. How cute would this look over this seasons 70s, bohemian maxi dresses?
Aussie apples: why not try a sleeveless cape? This 'Romwe' sleeveless cape is also uber-flattering. Plus: is that seriously the price? Practically free! Layer over this seasons must have: the denim shirt and your wobbly bits remain our little secret.
Pear
You have that booty that makes the boys (and well anyone else for that matter- who doesn't love a good butt) stop and stare, but some shorter coat lengths may attract attention to your wider hips. Keep it long, cinched in at the waist and skimming over the hips.
YES!!
Longer coat shapes
Double breasted coats
Princess coats
Flared trench coats
Belted designs
Pea coats
Wrap coats
Waterfall coats
Oversized collars
No
Crop coats
Swing coats
Long and narrow coats that are tight around the hips
Smock shapes
Let me introduce you to your new best friend: the Princess coat. A longer length garment, this baby cinches in at the waist and flares out at the hips. It's like your fave flattering skater dress, but in a coat!
This Choies double breasted coat will cinch you in at all the right places. The oversized collar will also add volume to the bust. Plus, with the versatile beige colour, it makes a perfect every-outfit coat. Add some pointed lace-up heels over thick tights to lengthen those legs!
Or if you are loving this seasons khaki tones, this OASAP coat will rock your world, your bod and your bank balance!
And here's one for my lovely Southern hemisphere dwellers! A sleeveless waterfall jacket, like this white Dorothy Perkins number, will balance out your figure by adding some volume to the bust area. Wear over a tight-fitting turtleneck jumper to give those babies some real va-va-voom!
Hourglass
With your perfect proportions, you simply need to choose a coat that will show this off. Like your pear-shaped sisters, it's all about cinching in at the waist. Feel free to simply belt a straight up and down coat. Or go all-out sexy in a princess or frock coat.
YES!!
Wrap coats
Waist belts
Cinched in coats
Longer-length coats
Flared coats
Trench coats
Capes
No
Zipped coats
Crop coats or jackets
Waterfall coats
Oversized collars
Smock and swing shapes
The wrap coat may look slightly like a dressing gown, but rest assured it is the hottest coat trend this year! This cute plaid piece from Guess ticks two trend boxes in one. Plus: It's on sale.
For the perfect A/W work wear look, opt for a longline blazer that fastens at the smallest point of the waist. This Le Chateau Jacket would be equally stunning for the office or for date night. Wear with a bralette a sexy date look that really shows off your best assets.
Entering the summer season? This Topshop sleeveless jacket really highlights that teeny waist.
Rectangle
With your supermodel proportions, it should come as no surprise that you can rock any coat shape! Go for the quirkiest style you can find to win in the style stakes, or add curves with embellishments. The choice is yours!
YES
Straight coats
Swing coats
Princess coats
Wrap coats
Trench coats
Crop coats
Capes
Parka's
Waterfall coats
ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING
No
Nothing- the sky is the limit
Looking to add some curves? Go for a belted number with pocket detailing to add volume to the bust, whilst subtracting it from the waistline. This Topshop duster coat will do both beautifully.
Winter dressing doesn't have to be boring! Add volume, colour and texture all in one with this River Island faux fur jacket. Team with ripped boyfriend jeans for an everyday look or layer over a flared midi skirt and tights if you're feeling brave.
Aussies: This 'Missguided' sleeveless fringe jacket will see you nailing the 70s boho trend! It will look equally stunning with a printed mini dress or over your trusty denim shorts.
Over to my lovely readers: Would you like to see more 'Dressing for your body shape' posts on 'The Daily Luxe'?
Rachel
xoxo
