Choosing The Perfect Coat: A Guide For Petite Women (2024)

Finding the right coat as a small woman can be challenging, but understanding your body type and the different coat styles can help you choose the most flattering option. The key to dressing as a petite woman is to create a long, straight line with your silhouette, and this applies to coats as well. A slim-cut H-shaped coat or an A-line coat with an empire waist can help achieve this, giving the illusion of height. Wrap coats are also versatile and suitable for various body types, as they can be adjusted with a belt to define the waist. When it comes to sleeves, 3/4 length or ruched sleeves are ideal for petite women, as they provide flexibility without being too long. The length of the coat is critical, with knee-length or slightly above or below the hip being the most leg-elongating and versatile options. As for colours, neutrals like camel, beige and brown are classic choices, while brighter colours like wine, pink or baby blue can complement a petite frame.

Petite coat sizing

Petite coats are designed for women who are 5'4" and under. It can be challenging to find the right winter coat in petite sizing, but many brands offer a range of styles in these sizes.

Department Stores

Department stores are a great place to start when looking for petite coats. Macy's, for example, offers a range of petite coats from popular brands like Lands' End, MICHAEL Michael Kors, and Calvin Klein. Their petite clothing is designed to flatter shorter frames, so you don't have to worry about dragging hems or sleeves that are too long.

Online Shopping

Shopping online is another convenient option for finding petite coats. ASOS, for instance, offers petite sizing designed for women 5'3" and under, with proportionally shorter cuts than their standard sizes. Their website provides detailed size guides and product measurements to help you choose the right fit.

Brands

There are also dedicated petite clothing lines, such as Petite Dressing, which caters specifically to women 5'4" and under. Their founder, Chi Li, is 5'2" herself and understands the challenges of finding well-fitting coats.

Other recommended brands for petite coats include J.Crew, Talbots, Lands' End, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Brooks Brothers, ASOS, and Topshop.

Considerations

When shopping for petite coats, it's important to consider the silhouette, length, and fabric. Aim for a slim cut or an A-line coat with an empire waist to flatter your body type and create the illusion of height. The right length is critical, and you may want to opt for a shorter peacoat or a maxi coat that hits at the right points.

In terms of fabric, choose heavyweight natural fabrics like wool or cashmere for formal wear, especially during the winter. These classic styles are worth investing in, as they will last for years and give your outfit a polished look.

Additionally, consider neutral colours like camel, beige, and brown, which are timeless and easy to style.

Styling Tips

When styling your petite coat, ensure that the clothing underneath doesn't break the continuous vertical line created by the coat. If wearing a skirt, make sure it's not longer than the coat. Similarly, when wearing pants, avoid wide-leg pants that are shorter than your ankle, as they can make your legs look shorter.

To complete your look, pair your petite coat with tall boots, either knee-high or over-the-knee, as they improve your proportion and make you look taller. Ankle booties also go well with dress coats.

Budget

Petite coats can range in price, with some costing anywhere from $200 to $600 or more, depending on the designer and type of coat. It's worth treating your petite coat purchase as an investment, especially if you live in a cold area and will be wearing it frequently.

Look out for sales and promotions to score a good deal, especially during January, when many retailers have their largest sale event of the year for winter clothing.

Coat silhouettes for short women

When it comes to coat silhouettes for short women, the fundamental concept is to create a long, straight line through the coat. A slim-cut, H-shaped coat is a good option for short women as it creates a vertical line and makes the wearer appear taller. An A-line coat with an empire waist (also known as a princess cut) is another silhouette that flatters shorter women as it elevates the waistline and creates the illusion of height. Wrap coats are another good option for short women as they can be adjusted to suit the wearer and help create a defined waistline.

For short women who want to look taller, it is best to avoid cocoon-shaped coats as they have no shoulder definition and are wider at the top, which can make the wearer appear shorter. It is also important to avoid coats with bulky materials, padded shoulders, and large fur collars, as these can add unnecessary volume and make the wearer appear wider.

When it comes to the length of coats for short women, it is best to avoid anything too long, as this can overwhelm the body frame. Coats that hit mid-thigh are a good option for shorter women as they keep the body warm without being too overwhelming.

In terms of specific coat styles for short women, a parka with a cinched waist can help break up the bulk of the coat and define the figure. A classic trench coat is another good option, as long as the sleeves are an appropriate length. Puffer coats are always a safe option for cold weather, but it is important to choose one with a narrowed waist and not too much down fill to avoid looking bulky.

Coat colours for small women

When it comes to choosing a coat colour that suits you, it is important to consider your body type and height. Neutral colours like camel, beige and brown are classic choices for winter coats that never go out of style. These colours are versatile and can be paired with various outfits. They give an elegant and sophisticated look to any woman, especially those with a petite frame.

However, if you want to add a pop of colour to your wardrobe, brighter shades like wine, pink or baby blue can be flattering on a petite frame. These colours can complement your skin tone and hair colour. For instance, women with dark hair and complexions can confidently rock bright colours, while fair-skinned women may be more flattered by pastels and light shades.

The key to styling a petite figure is to create a continuous vertical line with your coat. Make sure it is not too long, as it may overwhelm your body frame. Additionally, the length of your coat should be considered in relation to your footwear. While heeled tall boots, ankle booties, or heeled pumps can elongate your silhouette, flats or sneakers may not be the best choice as they can make you look shorter.

When it comes to the type of coat, a slim-cut H-shaped coat or an A-line coat with an empire waist can create the illusion of height. Wrap coats are another versatile option that suits almost any body type, as the belt can be adjusted to highlight the waistline. For apple-shaped petite women, cocoon coats offer a comfortable fit, while hourglass-shaped petites may prefer an open-front coat for more space in the chest area.

In terms of fabric, heavy-weight natural fabrics like wool or cashmere are ideal for formal wear and can make your outfit look more expensive. They are a worthwhile investment, especially if you live in a cold climate and will be wearing your coat frequently.

Coat sleeve length

The ideal sleeve length for a coat will vary depending on the type of coat, the wearer's preferences, and their body proportions. Here are some guidelines and tips for achieving the perfect sleeve length for small women:

Sleeve Length for Different Coat Styles

The sleeve length that is considered flattering and functional will differ depending on the style of the coat. For winter coats, trench coats, and overcoats, the sleeves should be long enough to reach just beyond the wrist, creeping slightly onto the back of the hand. This ensures adequate coverage and allows for wearing gloves comfortably.

For casual coats, 3/4 sleeve lengths are a popular choice, offering the warmth of long sleeves without the bulk. Ruched sleeves are another option for petite women, providing the option of full-length coverage without the sleeves being too long.

Body Proportions Matter

When determining the ideal sleeve length, it's important to consider the wearer's body proportions. If a woman has long arms, showing less cuff can help visually balance them with the rest of the body. Conversely, if she has short arms, showing a bit more cuff can create the illusion of longer arms.

Achieving the Perfect Fit

A well-fitted coat sleeve should end just below the wrist. If the sleeve is too long, it can engulf the hand and make the coat appear too big. On the other hand, if the sleeve is too short, it will look like the wearer has outgrown the coat. In this case, pushing or rolling up the sleeves can be a temporary solution.

It's worth noting that sleeve length can vary between different clothing retailers, so trying on coats and paying attention to sleeve length is crucial. Alterations by a tailor can also be an option to achieve the perfect fit if the sleeves are just a bit too long or short.

Cuff Considerations

When pairing a coat with a shirt or jacket, the amount of cuff shown can impact the overall aesthetic. Showing a small amount of cuff, typically between 1/2" to 1" (1.25 cm to 2.5 cm), is generally recommended. However, this can be adjusted based on personal preference and the current trends.

In conclusion, achieving the perfect coat sleeve length for small women involves considering the coat style, body proportions, fit, and cuff length. By paying attention to these factors, small women can find coats with sleeves that flatter their frame and keep them warm and stylish during the colder months.

Coat and shoe pairing

When it comes to coat and shoe pairings, the right combination can elevate your entire outfit. Here are some ideas and tips to help you create stylish and flattering looks:

Consider the Occasion and Dress Code:

• For formal events, classic colours like black or brown shoes are a safe choice. You can also opt for a flashier option with intricate designs or a patent finish.
• In a business professional environment, leather wingtips or monk strap shoes in dark neutrals like brown, black, or dark burgundy are versatile and elegant.
• For business casual, tan or brown dress boots, or suede loafers are appropriate. Tasseled loafers add a touch of fun to your look.
• When wearing casual outfits, feel free to experiment with different shoe styles and colours to create a unique and relaxed ensemble.

Play with Colours and Patterns:

• When wearing bold and patterned clothing, pair it with neutral shoes like beige or cream to balance the look.
• If you're wearing a denim dress or jeans with a shirt, deep purple, bold orange, or metallic blue shoes can add a pop of colour.
• To avoid a clash, choose shoes that are one shade darker than your outfit. This will create a subtle difference that is barely noticeable but prevents colours from clashing.
• You can also create a modern look by choosing a single colour and pairing it with pieces in slightly different shades.
• Avoid matching the colour and material of your shoes to your outfit. Instead, opt for footwear in the same colour but a different material, like velvet or metallic, to add texture.
• Don't be afraid to mix and match patterns. Combining accessories and outfits in the same pattern can make a bold statement.

Create Visual Balance:

• When wearing short dresses, pair them with high heels to elongate your legs.
• For mid-calf dresses, wedges are a good choice.
• Maxi or knee-length dresses are best paired with flats for an elegant and comfortable look.
• If you're wearing a short skirt or tight jeans, heels or pumps are a great choice for formal events.
• For casual occasions, a maxi or co*cktail dress can be paired with flats or wedges.

Boots and Booties:

• Tall boots, whether knee-high or over-the-knee, are versatile and can be paired with almost any style of coat. They can make a bulky coat less overwhelming and add polish to a tailored coat.
• Ankle booties are perfect for creating a chic outfit when paired with dress coats.
• If you're wearing a skirt or dress under your coat, ensure it's not longer than the coat to maintain a continuous vertical line.
• When wearing pants, avoid wide-leg pants that are shorter than your ankle, as they can make your legs look shorter.

Proportional Styling for Petites:

• For petite women, the right length is critical. A coat that hits just above the knee is the most leg-elongating length and can be paired with any pants or jeans.
• A shorter peacoat that hits above or just under the hips can be styled with skinny jeans or pants and high heels or tall boots in a matching colour to create a lengthening effect.
• Maxi coats are ideal for very cold weather and can be paired with flat boots for warmth and comfort.
• Avoid pairing long coats with flats or sneakers, as this can make petite women appear shorter. Instead, opt for heeled tall boots, ankle booties, or heeled pumps.

Frequently asked questions