How to Buy a Winter Coat

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Length - For the most flattering length, find a coat that hits you at the middle of your thigh or at the knee. Long coats on petite women tend to overwhelm the frame and are best left on the rack. If you find a coat that you love but it hits below the knee but above the ankle, take it to a tailor and ask them to take it up to mid-knee for the most flattering look. For women who want the extra warmth of a long coat, go all the way and purchase a coat that nearly kisses the ground and pair it with boots that have a bit of a heel.

Pay close attention to this detail when purchasing a coat online! Check the measurements and use a fabric tape measure to see where a coat will fall on you before you buy.

Body shape - To minimize a large chest, choose a single-breasted coat and test that the coat doesn't pull at the buttons when you move your arms around (if it does, go up one size and have the rest of the coat altered to fit you). Women with a more ample bottom can balance out their frames with a double-breasted coat or something with a lot of detailing around the collar.

Size - While your coat should accommodate your bulkiest winter clothes, you shouldn't be swimming in it! One of the best ways to determine the right fit in a winter coat is to measure the shoulder seams against your own shoulders; the two should match up. This is especially useful if you are buying online. Adding a belt to your winter coat can also work to nip in at the waist and give a flattering fit.