Masculine tailoring
Not much hanger appeal, but trust me – if you have curves, (and who doesn’t) you need to wear angles, so the structured shoulders and sharper lines of the androgynous coat trend will work wonders for balancing out fuller busts and larger tummies.
Avoid other sharp lines with this look, instead pairing it with unstructured athleisure wear or floaty and feminine dress for a surprising and fabulous contrast. Choose one in your favourite neutral and you have an instant wardrobe workhorse.
The Statement Maxi
Bigger is most definitely better, with the maxi coat trend hot on the coattails of last season’s oversized blazers.
Don’t be afraid of these jumbo beauties, they can be remarkably flattering and elongating, particularly when worn open, forming a long column down your front – they are almost a whole outfit by themselves.
Go for the best quality you can afford (a coat is for life…) either keeping the rest of your look super simple, letting your outerwear shine, or channel your inner maximalist and clash colour, print and accessories to your heart’s content. The lower the hemline, the better.
The Bomber
This cheeky number, not quite as versatile as the ubiquitous blazer, has made a comeback, providing you with an instant stylish update if you follow these guidelines.
Don’t buy it too big or you will look like a lollipop, and wear it open, with the sleeves pushed up, so you can still see some shape.
It’s best over a streamlined, unfussy silhouette (think slip dress or tailored high-waisted wide leg trouser) for balance, and beware of too many outfit breaks (i.e. hemlines) which can look messy.
Ensure the jacket falls just below your waistband but doesn’t cut you off at your widest point, or you will look larger.
Black
More of a colour than a style, chic black is back and a great quality coat in this shade can be a savvy wardrobe investment but beware – inferior fabrics will quickly grow tired and look cheap, so buy 100 percent wool.
Despite being slimming, the shade is also a devil for sucking the life out of many complexions, so max out your makeup – an extra slick of lippy or daub of bronzer – or simply pair with a scarf in a flattering colour worn close to your face.
Contrary to popular opinion, black doesn’t actually go with everything, but looks luxurious when paired with other neutrals such as brown navy or grey – just keep the lint roller to hand.
