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As the UK welcomes the unpredictable beauty of spring weather, the quest for the perfect coat that offers both style and is fit for transitional weather becomes all-important.
This guide, using the expertise of a London based Personal Stylist, Keren Beaumont offers actionable steps to find that perfect coat, especially if you're just starting to navigate the vast universe of personal style!
Understanding Your Body Shape:
The journey to finding your perfect coat begins with understanding your body shape. Generally, we identify five main types: pear, apple, hourglass, rectangle, and inverted triangle. Identifying your body shape is the first step towards making informed style choices that enhance your natural silhouette. Here's a brief overview to help you identify yours:
Pear: Your hips are wider than your shoulders, suggesting coats should draw attention upwards.
Apple: With a waist wider than your hips and shoulders, opt for coats that elongate your silhouette.
Hourglass: Defined waist with shoulders and hips roughly the same width, you'll look stunning in coats that accentuate your waist.
Rectangle: Shoulders, waist, and hips are about the same width, so choose coats that create curves or structured shapes.
Inverted Triangle: Shoulders wider than your hips mean coats that balance your lower half are ideal.
Choosing the Right Coat:
Finding the right coat for your body shape is all about balance and highlighting your strengths. Here are some recommendations from a seasoned personal stylist in London:
For the Pear Shape
A-line coats that flare from the waist or hip are perfect, as they skim over wider hips and thighs, drawing attention upwards. Coats with eye-catching details on the top half, like wide lapels, structured or embellished shoulders, help to balance your proportions beautifully.
For the Apple Shape
Seek out straight-lined or slightly flared coats that don’t cinch at the waist. A mid-thigh length trench coat or A-shape coat can skim over the middle area whilst making the most of your legs. Stick to single rather than double breasted.
For the Hourglass Shape
Your ideal coats cinch at the waist, celebrating your curves. Belted coats and wrap styles are especially flattering, highlighting your waist without adding unnecessary bulk at your hips and shoulders.
For the Rectangle Shape
The perfect shapes for you will be those with either a straight shape, a swing/cape style or, to add the illusion of more shape at the torso, a fit and flare shape with a fuller skirt. A little padding on the shoulder can help to create a tapered shape from shoulder to waist but be aware not to go too oversized or you could risk looking top heavy
For the Inverted Triangle Shape
If you're aiming to balance broader shoulders, respectively, the selection of your coat should add volume where needed and streamline where it's not. Peplum coats, A-line styles, and coats with volume at the bottom are fantastic choices to enhance your shape. Single rather than double breasted style are best and a wide deep lapel works best. Avoid drop shoulder seams and padded shoulders.
Fabric and Functionality for Spring
Spring's unpredictable weather demands functional yet fashionable outerwear. Lightweight wool, cotton blends, and water-resistant fabrics are ideal for navigating those sudden spring showers while keeping you comfortably stylish.
Final Thoughts from Your Personal Stylist in London
Choosing the right coat for your body shape amidst the unpredictable UK spring doesn't have to be a challenge. With these tips, you're well on your way to finding a coat that not only protects you from the elements but also elevates your personal style. Remember, fashion is about expressing your unique self confidently. So, embrace these recommendations and step into spring with a coat that makes you feel as radiant as the season itself. Be playful in your choice of colour and print to make the selection truly yours. Just be sure to choose a colour that sits well with your colour season and hence with the rest of your wardrobe.
Next steps:
If you would like more guidance on how to choose coats or indeed any other aspect of your core wardrobe, you are invited to book a Free Style Consultation with me to see how I can help.
Enjoy your Spring shopping!
Keren
XOXO