Plus Size Coats and Jackets

Now that autumn is almost here you will be thinking about that article of clothing that you will be wearing the most often for the next 6 months, your winter coat or jacket.

Don't forget, no matter how well put together you are, no matter your shoes and bag are gorgeous, no matter that your clothes have a perfect fit; as soon as you throw an old, icky jacket or coat overtop of that gorgeous outfit, all anyone is going to see is...you guessed it: old, icky coat.

Take a few minutes to think about what you need a coat for. Does it have to go over a blazer for work (you may need a size bigger), are you planning on doing your errands and running around in it (it should be light and easy to wear). Do you mostly wear jeans and sweaters? If so, you don't need a long wool plus size coat. Do you mostly wear skirts, even in winter? Maybe you should think about a long coat. Mostly active, or mostly elegant?

You will probably come to the conclusion that you need more than one coat or jacket. At least one for dress up and one for casual. Since you will be wearing these items almost half a year more or less non-stop you will want to buy the best quality you can afford. A coat is an investment in your wardrobe. Look for a more traditional, non-trendy (but stylish) coat that you will enjoy wearing for a few years to come. That will keep your cost per wear (CPW) down. The Plus Size Fashion Diva has gone through 1000s of plus size coats and plus size jackets and shows you the best of the best here.

Another important thing to consider is your body type.

Apples will be looking to disguise their wider middles without adding bulk to their upper body. Capes are a great idea for apples this winter, as are the great darker colors like forest green, which is a nice break from the ever-present black, but with the same slimming properties.

Pears should be looking for widening their upper body to balance out their hips and bum. Military inspired plus size coats and jackets were made for pears, with all their upper detailing (think epaulettes!). Just make sure to keep the coat on the longer side (covering the bum) and the detailing minimal around the hip area.

Straight up and down ladies should be considering coats that add the illusion of a waist without destroying your inherent balance. Anything that takes they eye away from the waist and shows your balanced shoulders and hips will make you look curvier. Military inspired coats with those bars increasing in length towards the shoulders paired with a fuller skirt will get you some serious curves.

Inverted rectangles are focused on taking attention away from their wide shoulders and onto their narrow hips. Coats with flared hems add curves to your figure at the right spot, as well as detailing around the hips (big pockets) and fuller skirts on longer coats.

Hourglasses can wear just about anything as long as you keep balanced proportions in mind. Avoid anything that places emphasis on just your upper body or just your lower body. i.e. Bloussons or short bomber jackets may not work on you as they can make you look top heavy. Emphasize your small waist and keep detailing equal both above and below the waist. Belted styles, even a belted cape, look fantastic on you.