“Baby it’s cold outside!” croons Frank Sinatra as he tries to persuade his beloved to spend the night with him at the end of a date.  Like any dainty lady, she demurs, gives him hope, but still hints strongly at her impending departure.  While it doesn’t specify in the song, I’m guessing she leaves him wanting more and makes him think about her all night by ensuring his last look is of her strolling down his walk, wrapped up against the cold in a fabulous coat.  Make no mistake about it, ladies!  It may be cold, but you can still look hot.  All you have to do is choose a coat that suits your figure.

Curvy girls like, Janet Jackson and Beyoncé, with larger busts and defined waists should choose a form-fitting belted coat that falls just above or below the knee.  When you have curves, a short, puffy, or heavy jacket could easily distort your proportions.  Your coat needs to skim over the bust and nip in at the waist to avoid making your derriere look larger than it is and your bust and waist look like one unsightly lump.  Look for warm, but thin materials like leather (pleather for those so inclined). 

Heavier women with undefined waists like Camryn Manheim should also look for thinner materials to avoid adding unnecessary bulk to their frame.  A jacket that hits mid-thigh makes you look leggy as opposed to stumpy.  Choose a double lapel front closure to give the illusion of a longer neck and proportionate bust.  If it is very cold, you can always add a scarf to keep your neck warm (besides, scarfs make wonderful winter accessories!) 

Tall, thin gamine women like Nicole Kidman can wear shorter waist-length coats and opt for puffy, down filled jackets.  If you are tall/gamine and like bulky coats, make sure they are on the shorter side.  A big, poofy coat that sweeps the ankles does not flatter anyone!  If a longer coat is your preference, take a good look in the mirror to ensure you are not distorting your proportions.  With significant height you can wear a coat that graces the floor; however, with a gamine frame, make sure you add a scarf or a belt or that your coat has some interesting details over the bust to create balance. 

Pear–shaped ladies, like Jennifer Lopez, have flat tummies and a curvy behind. Look for a coat that shows off your tiny waist, but flares out (particularly at the back) and drapes your lower body.  A heavy mid-thigh jacket will make your body look unnecessarily round and your legs too thin. 

Buying a winter coat is very similar to buying a dress.  Your goal is to balance your proportions or highlight your curves while also making your legs look as long and graceful as possible. Three feet of snow on the ground never discourages the true fashionista from looking her best!