The right outerwear can make a huge difference in the way your outfit looks, no matter the season. Finding a jacket with the right fit can give the illusion of a slimmer silhouette and accentuate the parts of your body that you’re most comfortable with. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you’re selecting jackets and coats.
1. Cropped Jackets
If you have an athletic figure, a cropped jacket that comes just above your hips is best. Short blazers and coats can make you appear curvier and make your hips look a little more defined. If you have a particularly daring sense of style, try jackets with glitter or sequined embellishments. These elements add character to the jacket and make your torso appear a little longer. When you’re shopping for jackets you wear for virtually every type of outing, choose coats that have a belt to cinch your waist. The belt instantly adds elegance, whether you’re wearing a cocktail dress or jeans and a t-shirt.
2. Sporty Jackets
Spring forward, fall back and find a jacket for all occasions. The best way to do this is with a sporty jacket if you have a petite frame. Spring and summer jackets should be in a lighter material to allow a breeze while shielding the skin from the wind. Fall and winter coats should be made of heavier fabric for insulation and texture. A jacket that features the color-block design makes the body appear slightly taller and adds character to your outfit. Coats in a solid bright color like cobalt blue or cherry red stand out on petite figures, but a busy pattern could make you look a little shorter. Materials like cashmere or velvet are suitable if the clothing in your closet is dressy. Cotton and wool blends are best if you wear casual and professional clothing most of the time. Choose jackets that fall right at the hip or slightly below to elongate the torso.
3. Loose-Fitting Trench Coats
In the autumn and winter, choose stylish attire that will keep you warm with a coat that is loose fitting but not too long. Full sleeves and a defined collar make the chest and shoulders look smaller, and a jacket that is slightly longer in the back can slim the hips and thighs. Dark hues like black, navy blue and deep gray help slim the figure and will likely go with most clothing pieces in your closet.
4. Short Jackets
If you’re naturally skinny, short jackets are best, whether you’re short or tall. The shorter the jacket, the brighter the color can be. Huge collars embellished with materials like leather or faux furs is also ideal for narrow body types and keep the neck and upper body from appearing too long.
Before you decide on the perfect jacket or coat for you, try the outerwear on in the department store so you can see how the jacket looks from every angle. It’s also a good idea to try on the coat while wearing both flat and heeled shoes, as the height of the shoes will change the look of your silhouette slightly.
