One of the biggest banes of my life during the winters is picking a coat which complements me. I am a petite, full-figured woman, so finding a coat is quite a task. Don't get me wrong -- I love being petite (almost 5 ft tall!) and having curves! But, sometimes, when I am all bundled up for winter, I do resemble an Eskimo or more like a Teletubby! I could almost roll down the streets! Sadly, that isn't a joke!
I know, bundling up and staying warm is imperative in the winters. But, that does not mean that you need to look fuddy-duddy or like a petite marshmallow when you do. Unless, obviously that's the route you're taking. If so, more power to you! For myself, finding a good jacket had lots of misses more than successes for a long while. So much so, whenever I took a picture during the winters in New York, I'd choose to take off my jacket right before the picture! A tad extreme, but I didn't want to look like a blob in the picture. I desperately needed to find a way that didn't involve freezing myself!
Over the past couple winters, I think I have figured it out. I always did think that puffer jackets would make someone with a figure look dumpy. Which is sometimes true, trust me. But, I think it depends on the fit and length of the jacket too. So, this time I found one which ended halfway on my thighs. I think this was the perfect length one for me -- because I am usually wearing a skirt/dress somewhere along this length. This particular jacket is very comfortable. The insides are insulated with fleece, so it's extremely warm! Also there's an interior pocket -- a feature I highly recommend! The entirety of the jacket is quilted and has stretch. Always opt for jackets with a stretchy fabric, mainly if you are full-figured. That way it fits better throughout the body of the coat or jacket.
Leather jackets are something I like to collect. I have two for now. They're both quite alike except for the colors. I have two racer jackets but I'd really love to have a motorbike leather jacket or two! They're the bad boys of the leather jacket so naturally they're attractive. But back to the ones that I have, they're faux leather because I really try not getting leather products. If I do buckle under, I purchase them second-hand or pre-loved. These jackets have stretch in them too which really is the best feature of them! They have deep pockets which do fit my cards wallet when I'm on a night out.
Finally, the one jacket I really need when I am going in for a meeting -- not an easy find. I always wanted the wide-lapel coats which belted at the waist. Turns out they didn't work on me. My one advice for a coat you wear to work is being very conscious of what would actually accentuate your body. Wide lapels would make your top seem heavier than it actually is! A streamlined coat almost always works well. And belts are a great feature to work with your proportions. But more often than not, the coats on the market may not belt where you want them to. That has caused me a lot of grief over the past! So, go for a streamlined, straight fit which doesn't belt. Simple? Pretty much.
There are some other factors to look at when you decide to buy a jacket. A winter coat is an investment. So, think of the price range you'd be comfortable with. Because if you do it right, you wouldn't need to by another coat for a long while! Look for quality fabric, irrespective of the price range. Lots of my outerwear are actually from the high street, but I pay heed to the labels inside as well as the tactile touch of the fabric itself. I still believe in the process of going into a store and trying on my coats, mainly due to the fact that I have had so many returns, exchanges and alterations in the past!
Let me know what are your recommendations for someone who is curvy and petite! I am always open to having more jackets :)
Cheers!
Madhu x
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