The great winter cover up is upon us finally.  We have been inspired by the catwalk offerings of Balenciaga and Victoria Beckham .

If you are still wondering about which coat to invest in to take you through winter the good news is lots of different styles this year making it easy to find one which suits your shape.  As an added bonus some of the retailers also have some great discounts at the moment – Phase Eight is offering £50 off all coats and Planet currently have 20% of all items. H&M is also offering some great discounts on coats.

Kicking off with  an all rounder which suits most shapes – one of the most popular coats of A/W 14 The Cape/Blanket

If you have an athletic slim build then it creates curves and accentuates your legs.  It works equally well  on Strawberry shapes (larger bust narrower waist and hips) because it plays up the contrast between the wide and narrow silhouette.   ticks the boxes.

Hourglass and pear shapes can also work this trend by choosing a piece that can be gathered at the waist but most importantly taking care that the hem does not fall across the hips.    delivers on this front.  Pear shapes can adopt detailing around the lapels/bust area whereas hourglasses should focus on fluid simple lines.

Not sure about full on cape/blanket coat? Try  take on it which nods at the look but retains more structure, would suit those who are petite or who would prefer to keep the emphasis on the waist.

Next up the hardworking Parka

SYW is of  an age which remembers this coat as being attached around heads as capes in the playground but it’s moved on to become a style staple that the high street has very much embraced this winter.  It’s versatility is key, practical for bracing Autumn walks and bonfire parties whilst still remaining suitable for out and about around town.   Our favourite is  look.  A definite friend of the athletic build, but pick the right one and it can work for all shapes with the exception of the Strawberry (sorry it creates a little too much bulk in the wrong places).  Use the same tips as for the blanket/cape,  works well with its drawstring waist. 

For a smarter look try the Duster Coat

Works as well with jeans as it does with office attire.  What is great about this shape is that the high street has adopted it in a wide range of pattern and colour.  SYW always thinks there is something a little subversive about throwing on a bright coat in the face of stormy grey weather conditions. The  is SYW’s top option.  If colour on the outside is a bit much for you, opt for a bright lining instead.

This shape works particularly well on pear shapes and strawberry shapes because it creates a balance between the two halves of the body.

Pears should look to double breasted with detailing such as a leather lapel one is a great example 

Strawberries should do the opposite and seek single breasted with clean lines. See this . For best results wear with fitted clothing such as a pencil skirt.

Just a few suggestions for the essential winter staple for more inspiration follow our Pinterest Board – Got It Covered.

Follow Shape Your Wardrobe's board Got it Covered on Pinterest.

Still  not sure? Get in touch to organise an SYW consultation.   Better yet get a friend to head over to Royal Priors Shopping Centre FB Page and nominate you as a winner in its fab competition –  the prize is a shopping experience with us.

 

 

 

Tags: A/W 14, blanket coats, capes, Coats, duster coats, parka coat, style tips, winter coat